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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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J. 1,(-�
Benjamin Nichols
Mayor
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