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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-01-15135 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. January 15, 1992 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp, ,Reeves, Gerard, Cox, Brand£ord OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant superintendent - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent for Water & Sewer - Shimer Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy Common Council Liaison - Berg Deputy City Controller - Thayer Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Alderperson Schroeder Ln Alderperson Efroymson CD Fire Chief - Olmstead 3 M PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 7 The Mayor led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Cn American Flag. By commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 11, 1991 Board of Public works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: New Business Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item A - DPW 1992 Work Plan - Discussion. No Board member objected. Parking and Traffic Items Commissioner Reeves noted Items A and B which will replace the original Item A in the agenda. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Election of Vice Chair for 1992 Commissioner Cox nominated Commissioner Reeves to continue the position of Vice Chair for the Board of Public Works for 1992, which was Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff. No other nominations were made. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That Commissioner Carol Reeves will serve as Vice Chair to the Board of Public Works for 1992. Carried Unanimously 1 136 BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Fire Chief Olmstead addressed the Board to discuss water pressure problems in the northside of the City which contributed to the devastating fire on North Cayuga and Farm Streets last week. The Insurance Services office, is an organization which circulates through New York State and evaluates the fire protection of a community in terms of the fire department and water supply. One of their duties is to define how much water pressure is needed to fight a fire at specific building locations. Based on the Insurance Services Office calculations, 5,500 gallons of water per minute was needed to effectively fight that fire. Approximately 3,000+ gallons of water per minute was available through seven hydrants. The Fire Department and Department of Public Works have been working cooperatively on several projects such as flow testing hydrants and color coding hydrants. The color coding project defines how much water is available from each hydrant. Red = less than 500 gallons per minute Orange = 500 - 1,000 gallons per minute Green = 1,000 - 1,500 gallons per minute Blue = 1,500 + gallons per minute Mayor Nichols suggested that discussions be held regarding the water pressure deficiencies in the north end and the options available to the City. John Schroeder, 4th Ward Alderperson, addressed the Board regarding the gravel mix that is spread on the streets during snowfalls. He commented that he has seen small stones in the mix and believes _ that there is too much dirt in the compound. He further stated r- that the dirt turns to mud when the snow melts and makes the roads extremely slippery and dangerous. When the dirt dries it becomes - -- dust which covers houses and windows and creates a further nuisance. Alderperson Schroeder requested that the department examine the quality of the mixture to confirm that it is gravel and sand, and not stones and dirt. Jerry Munchel and Holly VanSciver of 130 Cascadilla Park Road addressed the Board regarding the gravel mix problems as well as the Department's snow removal program. Mr. Munchel stated that the crews sand Cascadilla Park Road even after it has stopped snowing. He believes that the top and the bottom of the road need to be sanded because of its steepness, but the middle of the road does not require ass much sand. Ms. VanSciver concurred with Mr. Munchel and Alderperson Schroeder and further stated that the gravel accumulates on Cascadilla Park Road because of the light traffic patterns creating safety hazards. Superintendent Gray responded to Mr. Munchel's and Ms. VanSciver's concerns. He stated that the sand trucks are calibrated to drop sand at the speed at which the truck is operating. He further stated that the mix purchased is not supposed to produce a lot of dust, but if it stays in the road a long time, it will break down and create dust. Superintendent Gray explained that the snow crews may sand streets before it snows if a storm is expected, to prevent roads from getting hazardous. John Efroymson, 2nd Ward Alderperson addressed the Board regarding the Stop sign at Giles /Columbia Streets Resolution on the agenda. He stated that he received six phone calls on this issue and urged the Board to install the stop sign at that location as a means to slow down traffic and make that area safer for pedestrians. In CD 7 m a BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that the City has collected $600. restitution for a broken fire hydrant. REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER: Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that the City is revising its purchasing policies, and the BPW audits will be changed slightly. The Water & Sewer line will now be combined with the General Fund line. . REPORT OF THE COUNCIL LIAISON: Common Council Liaison Berg reported that the Resolution which laid -off DPW employees, per the 1992 budget, was passed with reluctance, by Common Council at its January 1, 1992 meeting. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following projects: Green Street Parking Garage, New Court Facility, Parking Garage Equipment projects are ongoing. Cayuga Street bridge over Cascadilla Creek project will be out to bid shortly. Recycling Contract negotiations with County Water & Sewer contract with Town of Ithaca REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER: Asst. Superintendent for Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the following projects: Lead & Copper Regulations survey is being finalized and testing will begin in July. Lab proficiency test results for bacteriological analysis showed the City to be in non - compliance and may result in the loss of certification. A letter has been written to attempt to clarify the situation. Water Treatment Plant boiler has been repaired. Filter 7 is out of service and repairs will be made shortly, weather permitting. New cleaner /vac truck has been received. Department of Labor excavation training course has been completed which brought the City into compliance from the worksite violation received at the Clinton Street site in December. REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND FACILITIES: Asst. Superintendent Ferrel reported on the following projects: Illegal dumping at City parks and dumpsters 50/50 mix of salt and sand was spread on the streets last night due to icy conditions. Christmas tree pick -up and chipping for compost Street Sweepers have been out during the mild weather Driveway culvert replacements - Hector Street 3 137 I ;t `i BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 Storm Sewer replacement - South Plain Street Man holes are being raised Sidewalk shoveling crews are out Sign replacements - Central School area, No Right on Red sign will be installed shortly Major repairs will have to be made to the Cass Park ice rink in the near future, due to leaky pipes under the concrete floor. Trash Taos Approximately $1,500. in fines for non - compliance to the trash tag program have been written for 1992. People have been stating that they were not aware of the change in trash tags. Jim Kelly is notifying landlords to remind their tenants and returning students of the change in the program. Commissioner Reeves responded, for the record, that 17 notices to local media were mailed explaining the changes to the trash tag program. Commissioner Tripp suggested that a press release be sent to the Cornell Daily Sun to remind the returning students. Jerry Langdon has written the Board requesting that the City pay for the sidewalk repairs at 405 Mitchell Street which were contracted for by his deceased father -in -law, W. Robert Farnsworth. These repairs included the replacement of a section of walk in which a disconnected water service curb box was set. The City had not condemned the sidewalk, nor was staff called upon to inspect the site until after the sidewalk had been removed. The original bill was for $200. Resolution By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, the Board has received a request from Jerry Langdon that the City pay the cost of sidewalk repairs at 405 Mitchell Street, and WHEREAS, the City neither received any complaint about the sidewalk prior to its rremoval, nor did the City condemn the sidewalk, and WHEREAS, the owner of the property contracted for the work and the contractor obtained a sidewalk work permit for the owner; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works refuses the request to pay the cost of sidewalk repairs at 405 Mitchell Street. Carried Unanimously By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded.by Commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from the residents of Giles, Columbia, and Hudson Streets requesting the installation of a stop sign on Giles Street at the intersection of Giles and Columbia, and 4 139 BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 WHEREAS, the staff has completed its study of the traffic and pedestrian warrants and has recommended that an all -way stop sign not be installed at that corner, and WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed staff's recommendation and weighed it, but feels because of the pres -Znce of a pedestrian bridge and other considerations a stop sign is advisable; now, therefore, be it - RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Traffic Engineer to install an all -way stop configuration at the intersection of Giles and Columbia Streets. Extensive discussion followed on the floor. Superintendent Gray stated that he has spoken with Police Chief McEwen who agreed with the staff's recommendation of not installing the stop sign. Chief McEwen would be willing to write the Board a general overview of how traffic control issues relate to these types of items. co Commissioner Tripp stated for the record, that she is familiar with this area and will vote for the Resolution because of Lhe presence of the pedestrian bridge and the neighborhood's perception of [n traffic which moves too fast with no other means to slow it down. Q Commissioner Rusoff stated that she will vote for this Resolution because she feels that this is a special situation due to the pedestrian bridge which is heavily used. Commissioner Gerard stated that he believes in urban management, not just traffic management, and would like to see more protection for pedestrians. He further called attention to the fact that 23 area residents requested this stop sign. Mayor Nichols stated that in the case of a tie on this Resolution, he will vote no. Mayor Nichols stated that this is one of 8 -10 similar requests throughout the City, and would like the Board to establish a list of general principals that will be followed on these types of requests. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (3) Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard Nays (3) Reeves, Cox, Brandford Mayor Nichols voted Nay breaking the tie. Motion Fails Foliage and Hedges on Giles and Columbia Streets Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a petition from the residents of Giles, Columbia, and Hudson Streets complaining of visibility at the intersection of Giles and Columbia Streets, and WHEREAS, the Traffic Engineer has reported that there are overhanging branches and foliage growing close to and overhanging Giles Street as it approaches Columbia Street, and furthermore that there is a hedge on the southwest corner of Giles and Columbia Streets which contributes to poor visibility, and WHEREAS, the Traffic Engineer has recommended removing or transplanting part of the hedges near the corner, and trimming the foliage along the street; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to replace missing signs and trim the branches and foliage, in the right of way on Giles Street southwest of the intersection, and, be it further 140 BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to contact the Building Department about compliance of the hedges on the southwest corner of Giles and Columbia Streets with the City's Zoning Ordinance, Section 30.34 (B) Visibility at Intersections. Superintendent Gray and Assistant City Attorney Kennedy explained enforcement procedures and clarified the definitions of selective enforcement and permanent obstructions. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously A� request was made by Mary Louise Battisti, Executive Director of the Ithaca Housing Authority, for expungement of part of the sewer portion of the water and sewer bill for 230 Fourth Street. There was a leak in the water service line, resulting in an unusually high water and sewer bill. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the Senior Water Meter Servicer investigated this matter and concluded that 89,600 cubic feet of water did not enter the City sewer system, and WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, Water and Sewer, has recommended an expungement of the charge for that part of the water which did not enter the sewer system; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works agrees to expunge $1120. from the sewer portion of this bill. Carried Unanimously Expuncement of Bill for Replacement of Water and Sewer Service at 316 North Titus Avenue A Resolution was not presented at this time and the Board referred the issue to the next Committee of the Whole meeting. POWER TO ACT Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works reserves the Power to Act at the January 22, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting on the issue of the Water and Sewer bill at 316 North Titus Avenue. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract $1 General Fund .....................: .'...............$ 52,541.56 Water and Sewer Fund ............................. 6,534.83 Joint Activity Fund .............................. 9,820.79 Capital Projects .. ............................... 318.95, Solid Waste Fund .. ............................... 251.85 rl 141 BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Thanks to Richard Bern Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: teconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, Richie Berg was appointed as Commissioner to the Board of Public Works in 1990, and WHEREAS, Richie has served diligently and faithfully on the Parking and Traffic Committee of the BPW, as Liaison to the Planning and Development Board, and as Chairman of the Committee for the Hudson Street Traffic Control Plan,..and M WHEREAS, in 1991 Richie was elected to the 5th Ward seat on Common Council, replacing Alderperson Carolyn Peterson effective January 1, 1992; now, therefore, be it s (n RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works thanks Richie for all his Q efforts on behalf of Public Works and the City of Ithaca, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works extends to Richie best wishes for a successful and rewarding term on Common Council, and looks forward to his work as liaison to the Board. Carried Unanimously Thanks to Barbara Blanchard Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, Alderperson Barbara Blanchard was appointed Liaison from Common Council to the Board of Public Works for 1991, and WHEREAS, during her tenure as Liaison she was dedicated to assisting the BPW with various tasks such as her excellent communication with common Council and other Council committees to express concerns of the Board, her moral support through difficult issues such as Hudson Street and the budget process, the establishment of Public Participation guidelines for use by the Department of Public Works and the Board in working with neighborhood groups on capital improvement projects, and, generally seeing that Public Works matters be directed to the Board; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That on behalf of the Department of Public Works staff, the Board of Public Works hereby commends and thanks Barbara for her invaluable service to the BPW and the City of Ithaca, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works extends best wishes to Barbara for success in her future endeavors on Common Council and service to the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Court Facility Commissioner Rusoff reported that the plans for the new Court Facility and renovations to the Hall of Justice are on schedule and should be presented to Common Council in March. t'l BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 Charter and Ordinance committee Commissioner Reeves reported that she met with the Charter and ordinance Committee to review the snow removal procedures for sidewalks and curbcuts. commissioner Reeves stated that the continues to monitor their progress and repolegislation t a back oto and Conservation Advisory Council Commissioner Gerard reported that the Conservation Advisory Council is interested in finding an organization that will purchase City trash tags and resell them to low income residents in smaller quantities (ex. one at a time). Mayor Nichols asked Deputy city Controller to research the possibility of the City selling trash tags in smaller quantities also. Six Mile Creek Commissioner Gerard stated that Chuck Baker reported the following to the Six Mile Creek Committee: 1. The silt dam will be cleaned. 2. The 60ft dam has been deemed unsafe and will require re- anchoring. 3. A new service road needs to be built because of the zebra mussel threat. Commissioner Rusoff requested that staff address the Board regarding the necessity of the new service road, and the specific .r plans being discussed. Superintendent Gray explained that .the new service road is needed to provide daily access to the 60ft dam in the event of zebra mussel contamination and the current service road cannot provide this. NEW BUSINESS• 1992 Work Plan Mayor Nichols stated that. he feels that the Board is losing sight of bigger projects in an attempt to keep up with the day to day problems and requests. Mayor Nichols identified areas that need special consyeration: DPW reorganization DPW physical consolidation Parking System Management Traffic Control Water System Needs Transit System Mayor Nichols suggested that small temporary committees be formed to address the following issues, and prepare recommendations to the Board: 1. Budget /Staffing 2. Physical Consolidation /Future Planning 3. Traffic Control 4. Parking System Management Commissioner Reeves requested suggestions from Board members to improve the efficiency of the Board. Commissioner Tripp offered to prepare some of her ideas for streamlining Board meetings for the next Committee of the Whole I CD M 7 m a BPW Minutes January 15, 1992 meeting. Further discussion was deferred to the next Committee of the Whole meeting which will be dedicated to this topic. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 P.M. Julie Conley Boy e Deputy City Clerk 9 J. 1,(-� Benjamin Nichols Mayor 143