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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-08-29387 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 pm August 29, 1990 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (4) Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Cox OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani O Acting Asst. Superintendent of Public Works - Carpenter O City Engineer - Gray Asst. City Attorney - Kennedy Q Council Liaison - Blanchard Deputy City Controller - Thayer (n Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Q EXCUSED: Commissioner Berg APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of the August 15 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That approval of minutes of the August 15, 1990 Board of Public Works meeting be postponed until September 12, 1990. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Buildings, Properties and Transit Items Commissioner Cannon requested the addition of Item A - Award of Contract for Single Membrane Roofing - Resolution. No Board member objected. Water and Sewer Items Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item C - Request for Funds for Industrial Pretreatment Items. No Board member objected. New Business Commissioner Connor requested the addition of Item A - Request from Fourth Ward Democratic Committee to use public space for voter registration - Resolution. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR: Mayor Nichols read a petition that he received regarding the removal of the Monroe /Marshall Street bridge. "The bridge at Monroe /Marshall Street is an important and desired feature of our neighborhood. Many of us used it on a regular basis to get to the stores on North Cayuga Street and to walk to the Commons. We are concerned about the possibility that the bridge may be removed before a plan for either its rehabilitation or reconstruction has been developed and adopted as a Capital Improvement project "by the Common Council. We urge the Board and Department'of Public Works not to take any action regarding the f � 2 BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 removal of the existing bridge until such a Capital Project has been approved." The petition was signed by 34 people. Further discussion on this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. COMMUNICATIONS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Betsy Darlington, Chair of the Conservation Advisory Council addressed the Board regarding the CNG Transmissions Easement. Mrs. Darlington clarified her role in this project. She stated that when she learned CNG Transmissions wanted to run a pipeline across City property she made various comments and recommendations regarding the project. She stated that she attended a public hearing on the project in Albany and at that time felt that her concerns had been addressed and signed a stipulation which stated what DEC would require of the project. Mrs. Darlington stated that she signed off on the project on her own behalf, and not on the behalf of the City or the Conservation Advisory Council. Jean Demming, Commons Coordinator asked the Board for permission to hang a piece of Centennial art work in the second floor conference room on the blank wall that is currently being used to show films and slides on. The Board agreed that the art work should be hung on the blank wall in the conference room and a standing screen will be used to show films and slides on until the permanent screen can be purchased. REPORT OF -CITY ATTORNEY: Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that several tanks of unknown content were found on City property abutting WVBR's property on Linden Avenue. She stated that the tanks are on City property and have to be removed as well as the contaminated material surrounding them. The approximate cost for this project is between $10,000 and $25,000. Tests are being run on the material inside the tanks. Attorney Kennedy suggested that the tank removal work be done now and legal actions can be brought against the responsible parties in the future. Commissioners Cox and Cannon and City Engineer Gray felt that the City should speak with WVBR now regarding their responsibility in this matter. Superintendent Thadani stated that the DPW crews can not complete this project as it deals with hazardous waste and they do not have the necessary training to handle hazardous materials. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Council Liaison Blanchard read a letter to the Board from Alderperson Romanowski: "Please include on your agenda a request to designate a short section of the street(s) at the southwest intersection of Farm and N. Aurora Streets immediately bordering 450 N. Aurora Street as a 2 -hour limit (public parking) between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm daily, Monday through Friday. The property at 450 N. Aurora Street is currently owned by Dr. Richard Gardner and houses his "dental practice. This practice treats a large number of elderly patients. With our parking fees being as high as they presently are, those areas, such as this area adjacent to paid parking, tend to be filled early in the day with long -term parkers. Such a time limit designation for this area would go a long way to make parking more available to local renters /homeowners as well as those who need dental services. It would especially relieve our 389 3 BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 elderly citizens from some of the burden of finding more convenient parking to avail themselves of needed dental services, especially in bad weather. I've discussed this request with the Alderpersons representing this area, Carolyn Peterson and Dan Hoffman, as well as Frank Gombas, our Traffic Engineer and they all concur that this change would be worthwhile for the reasons outlined above. Thank you for your consideration." Discussion followed on the floor. Further discussion was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Council Liaison Blanchard requested that the issue of re- activating the heating devices in the Ithaca Transit bus shelters O be referred to the transit sub - committee of the Downtown Vision O Task Force in addition to the BPW Committee of the Whole. U0 Alderperson Blanchard also reported that the committee working on the Capital Projects procedures is working on a draft report that m should be completed by mid October. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported that he has made the following appointments and promotions: Brian Conover, to the position of Parking Lot Attendant, at an hourly rate of $5.49, effective August 27, 1990. James Schneider, to the position of Custodial Worker, at an hourly rate of $5.49, effective August 27, 1990. Chirstopher Parrish, to the position of Wastewater Treatment Operator Trainee, at an annual salary of $13,9311 effective August 20, 1990. Clifford Murphy, promoted to the position of Maintenance Equipment Operator, at an hourly rate of $8.42, effective August 27, 1990. Gary Ervay, promoted to the position of Maintainer, at an hourly rate of $8.13, effective August 27, 1990. David Livingstone, promoted to the position of Maintainer, at an hourly rate of $9.30. Superintendent Thadani also reported on the following: Solid Waste The County has offered to reimburse the recycling center supervisors $6.00 an hour retroactive to August 15, 1990. They also requested the center be manned six days a week from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Superintendent Thadani stated that he will be protesting the retroactive date and the $6.00 an hour figure as the City had the center manned prior to August 15, 1990 and we are paying our personnel more than $6.00 an hour because we have to pay time and a half on Saturdays. Superintendent Thadani stated that there is a $1,500 - $2,000 differential between what the County has offered to pay and what the City is asking for. Superintendent Thadani mentioned that he will also be discussing the possibility of reimbursement for the curb side recycling program and sludge composting with Bill Mobbs. The County Board of Representatives has established the solid waste disposal fees for 1991 as $62.00 per tcn for garbage and . 4 BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 $65.00 per ton for construction materials. Discussion followed on the reasons for the increases in tipping fees. Further discussion on this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Capital Projects Review Committee The Capital Projects Review Committee has met several times and has prioritized 26 projects. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Board after the next meeting. GIAC Renovations A request for qualifications has been sent out and 25 different qualification statements have been received. After screening these statements, a short list will be comprised and contractors will be invited to submit proposals. Youth Bureau Acoustical Remediation Studv The consultants measured the high noise rates at the Youth Bureau building with their meters and found that the noise levels in the building were ranging 75 -80 decibels, where a normal office has a noise level of approximately 25 decibels. They will continue taking noise measurements and will prepare recommendations and suggestions. REPORT OF ACTING ASST. SUPERINTENDENT: Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter reported that the following projects are proceeding: Storm Sewer Cleaning Catch Basin Repairs Man -hole ring raising and curb work Southside Center maintenance Crosswalk striping Sign replacements Storm clean up Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter is also preparing the 1991 Federal operating assistance grant for the transit system. REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER• City Engineer Gray reported on the following projects: Haller Boulevard Water Tank - piping changes to prepare for new tank Cornell Street Water Tank — paint is curing, will start water tests Thurston Avenue Bridge - utility work being completed Fire Stations - will be open by mid September Hudson Street - will be completed by lst week of November Sidewalk Contract -'is underway Budget preparations - actual review of water & sewer budgets will be September 5, 1990 BUILDINGS PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: Award of Contract for Single Membrane Roofing Bids were received on August 22, 1990 for furnishing Single Membrane Roofing for the Streets and Facilities Office. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the bids received included bids for "ballasted system" roofing which meets the specifications but does not meet Department staff's qualifications, as a "mechanically attached design" will reduce maintenance costs and remove load weight roofing problems, and WHEREAS, the cost difference between the two different types of roofing is minimal; now, therefore, be it 391 5 BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 RESOLVED, That all bids for a "ballasted system" be rejected, and be it further RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing Single Membrane Roofing for the Streets and - Facilities Office be awarded to Excelsior Systems, Inc. for their low bid of $16,730 for their "mechanically attached design" roofing. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAY ITEMS: Encroachment Request at 405 East Marshall Street Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, a request was received from Attorney James A. Salk regarding property known as 405 East Marshall Street, and WHEREAS, Mark D. Crimmins is the current owner of said premises, 0 and WHEREAS, as shown on a survey map prepared by George Schlecht dated August 7, 1987, all of the improvements on the above- CC described premises are located within the bounds of the property Q except that a portion of the brick stoop and a portion of the front fence encroaches onto the public street known as East Marshall Street, and WHEREAS, it appears that the continued existence of this encroachment will not interfere with the use by the public of East Marshall:'Street; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment for the said brick stoop and fence according to the usual terms, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute said Encroachment Agreement on behalf of the City. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Formation of Subcommittee to Discuss Possible Restoration of Possible First Hour Free Parking in Parking Garages Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, several merchants in the downtown business area have approached the Board of Public Works requesting the restoration of first hour free parking in the City -owned parking ramps as they are concerned about the negative impact the current parking situation is having on their businesses, and WHEREAS, by Resolution dated recommended that the Board existing 'first hour park pressures on the City's real City revenues from other sou revenues", and December 6, 1989, Common Council of Public Works "eliminate all free' provisions" to "alleviate property tax base... by utilizing rces and by expanding those other WHEREAS, while the Board of Public Works is sensitive to the merchants' concerns, a more thorough review of the first hour p�,,: king revenues should be done by a subcommittee to consist of the City staff directly involved in the operations of the garages and overseeing City revenue, before restoring the first hour free parking; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby establishes a subcommittee to consist of one member of the Board of Public Works, one member from Common Council, the Building Systems Supervisor and the City Controller, to review options for restoration of first hour free parking in the City -owned parking garages. r 392 G BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Reeves stated that Alderperson Joseph Daley has offered to Chair this committee and Commissioner Berg will also be serving on it. The committee will report its findings to the Board. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS• Stewart Park Entranceway Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works reviewed plans prepared by the City Forester and Parks and Forestry Supervisor, in conjunction with the Shade Tree Advisory Commission and the Interim Parks Commission, to modify the entranceway to Stewart Park, and WHEREAS, this project will be funded from the Centennial Commission account, and WHEREAS, the plans as proposed include a conceptual, painted bicycle path which shall be further developed with input from the City Engineer, the Traffic Engineer and the Ithaca Bicycle Commission; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the plans as submitted, excluding the painted bicycle path, for the entranceway to Stewart Park, pending further review and approval of the City Engineer. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the bicycle path which will be put back into the design after the Ithaca Bicycle Commission's input and approval of the City Engineer. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously CNG Transmissions Easement - Discussion Asst. City Attorney Kennedy reported that CNG Transmissions' Attorney requested that the City provide the easement that they sought in return for $4,200. CNG does not seem to be following up on all of the provisions they promised the City. City Attorney Kennedy will be filing a notice of claim against CNG Transmissions for additional damages. WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Commissioner Cox reported that Stearns & Wheler made a presentation to the Special Joint Subcommittee regarding the costs involved in expanding the Wastewater Treatment Plant to accommodate the Town and Village of Lansing and the Town of Dryden. This group would like to meet again for further discussions. Commissioner Cox requested that Common Council be informed of these transactions. A subcommittee has been formed to begin discussions with Noel Desch who is representing the three communities. Appointment of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Resolution , By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, a vacancy for an Operator Trainee exists at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, and WHEREAS, the Chief Operator and Assistant Chief Operator have done a competitive search and have canvassed the eligible list for this position and have interviewed several applicants for this position and have selected Derek Overstrom, who is currently employed at the Wastewater Plant as a Maintainer, and 39:3 7 BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 WHEREAS, since Mr. Overstrom has already worked at the Plant for over two years and during this time has gained considerable experience and "hands -on" knowledge of all the equipment used for daily operation of the Plant, and WHEREAS, to hire Mr. Overstrom as an Operator Trainee would entail his changeover from the DPW Laborers Unit to the City of Ithaca Administrative Unit, and the Department is requesting to hire Mr. Overstrom at Step 4 of the Administrative Contract to compensate him fairly in'relation to his current salary, and WHEREAS, the Union President of the Administrative Unit is aware of the Department's intent to hire Mr. Overstrom at Step 4; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Derek Overstrom be appointed Operator Trainee at co the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility at an annual salary of $15,671, contingent upon further approval of Common Council. Carried Unanimously Recruest for Enuncrement of Late Penalty on Water and Sewer Bill m a request was received from Mary Yaple, owner of the property at Q 211 Williams Street, for expungement of the late penalty on her water and sewer bill. Ms. Yaple states that her bill was due on August 15, 1990, but that she did not receive this bill until August 16, 1990. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, The City Chamberlain has verified that this bill was sent out on the last business day of July 1990, and WHEREAS, the delay in receiving this bill is most likely the fault of the Postal Service and not City staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request for expungement of the late penalty on the water and sewer bill at 211 Williams Street. Carried Unanimously Request for Funds for Industrial Pretreatment Items Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, the Chief Operator of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility has outlined a need to update the Industrial Pretreatment Regulations of the Joint Owners and presented a proposal for this work to the Special Joint Subcommittee, and WHEREAS, the Chief Operator has requested that funds be available for testing and enforcement matters related to Industrial Pretreatment, and WHEREAS.. the Special Joint Subcommittee has reviewed and recommends this action to the Board of Public Works; now therefore, be it , RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends to the Budget and Administration Committee that $10,000 be reserved for pretreatment enforcement and that $9,500 be reserved for review and updating the pretreatment regulations and that an amount not - to- exceed $19,500 be derived from Joint Activities Restricted Contingency Fund J1990 to cover these items. Carried Unanimously Mayor Nichols stated that he is preparing a press release regarding the state of the water facilities and what is being done to correct the problems that have been incurred. 394 s BPW Minutes August 29, 1990 REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That the bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #16 GeneralFund .. ..............................$ 87,146.03 Water and Sewer Fund ........................ 681942.23 Joint Activity Fund ......................... 5,193.26 Capital Projects ............................ 135,989.97 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously. NEW BUSINESS• Request of Fourth Ward Democratic Committee to Use Public Space for Voter Registration Commissioner Connor reported that the Fourth Ward Democratic Committee has requested permission to set up a table on Oak Avenue on the traffic island to hand out voter registration cards and literature on weekdays from 12:OOn to 2:00 pm from September 9, 1990 to October 9, 1990. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the Fourth Ward Democratic Committee permission to set up a table on the traffic island on Oak Avenue to hand out voter registration cards and literature on weekdays from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm from September 9, 1990 to October 9, 1990. Carried Unanimously Executive Session On a motion by Commissioner Connor and Seconded by Commissioner Cox the Board adjourned into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm. Julie Conley B yle Deputy City Clerk 6'vu'� t�� - Benjam n Nichols Mayor