HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-02-26Ln
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. February 26, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Cox
OTHERS PRESENT: '
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Asst. Supt. of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
EXCUSED•
Commissioner Brandford
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the January 29, 1992 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings Properties and Transit Items
Commissioner Rusoff requested the addition of Item B - Outdoor
Dining Permit - Simeon's Restaurant - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Parking and Traffic Items
Canmissioner Tripp requested the addition of Item A - Amendment to
Agreement - Green Street Parking Garage - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Water,...Sewer and Solid Waste Items
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item D - Amendment to
Engineering Agreement - Malcolm Pirnie for Improvements at Water
Treatment Plant - Resolution.
No Board member objected
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Sarah Adams of 112 West Marshall Street addressed the Board
regarding the Monroe /Marshall Street Bridge Resolution. Ms. Adams
urged the Board to make a commitment, with a time table, to replace
the bridge. The Cornell University Civil Engineering Department
has expressed interest in making this a student project, but they
would need a budget for materials.
Ms. Adams also asked that the handrails on the bridge be taken
apart carefully so they could be used on the new bridge as they are
one of the few examples left in the County of the work of the
Groton Bridge Company, that no longer exists.
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February 26, 1992
REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that there are 29
perspective bidders for the Commons rehabilitation work. Bids will
be opened tomorrow February 27, 1992.
There are 39 potential bidders to date for the Municipal pool
project, and bids will be opened March 5, 1992.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Common Council Liaison Berg reported on the following:
Common Council approved the expenditure of $15,000. to prepare an
environmental review of the Strand Theater.
Some of the topics on the March Common Council Agenda include:
Appropriation of $6,200. for an environmental assessment for the BT
Glass Building to clarify the issue of whether fuel tanks were
stored there or not.
Commitment from City for money or labor as part of an application
for an EQBA matching grant to stabilize the Cascadilla Boat House.
Approval of Snow Removal Ordinance, which will also require
abutting property owners to clear ramps of snow and ice.
west Hill Master Plan approval
West State Street re- zoning negative declaration.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public works Gray reported on the following
projects:
County Solid Waste /Recycling Contract - the County has offered the
City a chance to have a last "clean -up" day. Superintendent Gray
has asked the County for more information as to what kind of
materials can be set out.
Storm Sewer work - will meet with Shade Tree Committee to create a
policy that will help reduce the amount of damage to trees and
still, repair storm sewers economically.
Review of Sfiow Removal, Fill, and Site Plan Review Ordinance
amendments
West Inlet project
Water & Sewer agreements with the Town of Ithaca
Affirmative Action & outreach program discussions
Department policy discussions regarding the rabies problem
Solid Waste violations
Lead & Copper survey and testing program
Commons rehabilitation work bids
Municipal pool bid
North Cayuga Street Bridge - will go out %to bid in mid March
Farm, Cayuga and Cascadilla Streets realignment
Green Street Garage work
Court Facility - will go out to bid in March
Dam rehabilitation work `
Hector Street design
Mitchell Street survey work
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February 26, 1992
REPORT OF ASST. SUPT. FOR WATER & SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent for Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following projects:
Monitoring Stations repairs , I
Sewer Use Ordinance questionnaire-preparation
Filtg.rs 7 & 9 are out of service for repairs
Lab certification still pending
Annual Watershed inspection - completed
Roof specifications - complete
Dump truck specifications - complete
Mr. Deschere of 202 South Hill Terrace is challenging the City's
ruling on his property in Small Claims Court.
REPORT. OF ASST. SUPT. FOR STREETS & FACILITIES:
In Assistant Superintendent for Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported
CD on the following projects:
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-� Street Sweepers - working, weather permitted
CO Pot hole crews, Catch basin crew, Guard rail crew - working
Q Crews have picked up 3 tons of illegally dumped trash in 1992
Staff will attend a Train the Trainer program - for DPW safety
program
Bids are out on one ton dump trucks, air compressor, trees, and the
Commons sweeper
An employee training session has been held on handling rabid
raccoons
A new building is needed for golf course maintenance
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Se,
RESOLVED, That the Removal
Reduction in License Fee -
January 29, 1992 meeting be
onded by Commissioner Tripp
of License Fee - 334 Elmira Road /
322 Elmira Road Resolution from the
removed from the table.
Carried Unanimously
The following Resolution was substituted in place of the original
Resolution from the January 29, 1992 meeting.
Substitute Resolution
Rubin Weiner has requested removal of the license fee for 334
Elmira Road (lamp posts) and a reduction in the license fee for 322
Elmira Road (mini -golf and parking) because of changes he has made
to the properties.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the request to remove the license fee
for 334 Elmira Road and to reduce the license fee at 322 Elmira
Road, and has investigated the current state of the sites, and
WHEREAS, the lamp posts previously placed on City property at 334
Elmira Road have been removed, and
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February 26, 1992
WHEREAS, the portion of the mini -golf course which was previously
situated on City property at 322 Elmira Road has been removed, but
a 12' by 15' building still remains on City property at that
address, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works wishes to license the whole of
the portion of the right of way at 322 Elmira Road, without
dividing it; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the license fee for 334 Elmira Road be dropped as
long as the unlicensed property is not used, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the license fee for 322 Elmira Road be retained in
full.
Discussion followed on the floor. Common Council Liaison Berg
asked that staff monitor the situation throughout the year. A vote
on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Outdoor Dining Permit
The owners of Simeon's Restaurant on the Commons have requested
that they be permitted to operate an outdoor cafe on the east and
south sides of their building.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the owners of Simeon's Restaurant be granted a
license to use approximately 60 square feet on the Aurora Street
right- of way for the period of May 1, 1992 through September 30,
1992, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a revocable license
agreement with the owners of Simeon's Restaurant.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS. STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
Ouitclaim to Therm Drive
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca apparently deeded Therm Drive /Hudson
Street Extension to both the City of Ithaca and to Therm Inc., and
WHEREAS, both the City of Ithaca and Therm Inc. are satisfied that
Therm Drive phould be a private drive; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the City
of Ithaca quits claim Therm Drive /Hudson Street Extension to Therm
Inc., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the City
Clerk for action by Common Council and the City Attorney.
Carried Unanimously
Elmira Road Sidewalks
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commlissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the resylts. of
Peter Weed's feasibility study and schematic design for an Elmira
Road sidewalk, and
WHEREAS, the Board has held a public information meeting to receive
input from property owners on the Elmira Road and the general
public regarding the proposed sidewalk installation, and
WHEREAS, the property owners on the Elmira Road have strongly
voiced their opposition and concerns to this proposed project, and
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February 26, 1992
WHEREAS, others in the community have expressed support for the
installation of sidewalks on the Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS, the Disability Advisory Council has unanimously passed a
Resolution endorsing, in concept „ the construction of sidewalks
along the Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board has unanimously passed
a Resolution supporting the eventual provision of sidewalks on both
sides of Elmira Road, through site plan review as sites are
redeveloped; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the Planning
Board's current approach and reserves the right to monitor progress
and community needs in the future. Carried Unanimously
(D PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Qj Amendment to Agreement - Green Street Parking Garage_
7 Resolution
mBy Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
a WHEREAS, the City is committed to repairing the Green Street
Parking Garage in a timely manner, and
WHEREAS, demands upon engineering staff preclude contract
administration and inspection, and
WHEREAS, Novelli & Co. has provided design services through
bidding; now, therefore, be it .
RESOLVED, That the agreement with Novelli & Co. for engineering
services be amended to include contract administration and
inspection as enumerated in the Amendment to Agreement dated
January 30, 1992 for an additional amount not to exceed $65,000.,
and the source of funds will be Capital Project #224.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Award of Contract for Golf Course Greens Mower
Bids were received on January 30, 1992 for a greens mower for use
on the City golf course.
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the contract for a greens mower be awarded to S.V.
Moffett Company, Inc., West Henrietta, NY for their sole bid of
$7,900., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
(Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contract.
Carried Unanimously
Cayuga Nature Center Request to Use DeWitt Park
The Cayuga Nature Center has asked to use DeWitt Park on Saturday,
April 25, 1992 for an Earth Day celebration (co- sponsored by the
Nature Center and the Eco- Justice Network) featuring displays and
activities about environmental issues.
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Nature Center has requested the use of DeWitt
Park on April 25, 1992 for an Earth Day celebration, and
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February 26, 1992
WHEREAS, the planned activities are educational, and will not
disrupt the normal peace of the Park on a Saturday; now, therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission to the
Cayuga Nature Center to use DeWitt Park for the planned activities,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That no amplified sound or commercial activity associated
with this celebration be permitted, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Cayuga Nature Center must obtain all required
permits from the Ithaca Police.Department for this gathering.
Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Tripp stated that
in the absence of a Board policy on the use of DeWitt Park, she
will vote for these types of activities, with the conditions
mentioned above, on Saturdays, but not on other days of the week.
Commissioner Berg urged the Board to adopt a policy in the near
future that will permit the reasonable use of DeWitt Park for a
variety of community activities and make it as accessible to the
public as possible.
commissioner Reeves stated that this subject has been placed on the
Committee of the Whole agenda for discussion and the Board will
address this matter as soon as possible.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Marshall /Monroe Street Bridge
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Marshall /Monroe Street bridge has been found unsafe
for use, and has been closed to both pedestrian and vehicular
traffic, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is concerned that the bridge,
currently blocked off, may become an eyesore and an attractive
nuisance, and
WHEREAS, the Board has considered staff's statement that the bridge
superstructure would have to be removed in all options including
repair, repl9cement, or simple removal, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has not yet funded a capital project to
replace or restore the bridge; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board set a public hearing at 4:00 p.m. March
11, 1992 to receive public input prior to directing staff to remove
the existing superstructure.
Commissioner Gerard offered the following Substitute Resolution:
Substitute Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Marshall /Monroe Street Bridge, in 1990 was deemed
unsafe for, and closed to, pedestrian traffic, and
WHEREAS, an informal survey and a` signed petition to this Board by
the residents of the surrounding community overwhelmingly
maintained the importance of pedestrian access through this
location and furthermore urged the Board not to take action until
such restoration has been approved and funded, and
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WHEREAS, after meetings between City and residents, the Board
presented to the Capital Projects Review Committee a capital
project request of $50,000, for the 1991 budget and such project
was deemed high priority by the Committee, although defeated by
budgetary constraints; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Board reaffirms its commitment to address the
community concern and to maintain a capital project request until
such time when financiafty acceptable to the City, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That based upon this understanding, the Board directs
staff to proceed, at their discretion, with the removal of the
Marshall /Monroe Street Bridge with the provision to salvage
desirable and reusable parts in future action on this matter, and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board expeditiously take all reasonable steps to
communicate to the residents of the area their plans and decisions
regarding this work. s
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Commissioner Gerard
providing the Board with a history of the Marshall /Monroe Street
bridge and surrounding area.
Amendina Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the following Resolved clause be inserted as the 2nd
Resolved in the Substitute Resolution:
RESOLVED, That staff is hereby directed to present to the Board, in
a timely fashion, several alternatives for pedestrian bridges to
replace the current bridge, and, be it further...
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (3) Gerard, Rusoff, Tripp
Nays (2) Reeves, Cox
Carried
Substitute Resolution
A vote on the Substitute Resolution as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request to Use Large Pavilion at Stewart Park
Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club has asked for permission to use
the large pavilion at Stewart Park and the areas of the park
adjacent to the pavilion May 31, 1992, starting at 10:00 A.M. for
a corporate volleyball tournament, associated fitness and blood
pressure testing, as well as consultation, as a fundraiser for the
Special Olympics.
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club has made reservations
for the use of the large pavilion at Stewart Park on May 31, 1992
for a fundraising event for the Special Olympics, and
WHEREAS, Courtside has shown proof of liability insurance provided
by the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association for this event; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants permission for
Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club to use the large pavilion and
the requested areas of the park adjacent to the pavilion for this
event.
Carried Unanimously
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February 26, 1992
BUDGET ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
Revised Meeting Procedures
Commissioner Tripp presented a revised proposal for organization of
Board of Public meetings, and extensive discussion followed. This
matter will be brought up for further discussion at a future
meeting.
Approval of New Members of the Energy Commission
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the
following people be appointed to the Energy Commission for a two
year term:
Lew Durland Kathleen Ryan
Troy Thorbahn Jeanne Fudala
zoe Neaderland Bruce John
Robert Romanowski James Miller
Council Liaison DPW Liaison
Carried Unanimously
WATER SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Award of Contract for Recycling Truck
Bids were received on January 31, 1992 for the purchase of one
recycling truck.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the contract be awarded to Stadium International for
their bid of $53,015., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to
sign the said contract.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Engineering Services
Proposals were received for consulting services to complete the
Phase II Inspection Report on the City dams and follow up
engineering as needed.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed proposals for this work and recommended
that the contract be awarded to Stearns and Whaler; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the contract be awarded to Stearns and Whaler for
their proposal of $86,000., with funds�to be derived from Capital
Project #502 for Water Supply Improvements, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and the Superintendent of Public Works be
authorized to sign the said contract.
Carried Unanimously
By- Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard '
WHEREAS, Sibley Real Estate Service, the managers of Gun Hill
Residences, paid the October 19g1-water and sewer bill for that
property on December 9, 1991, and incurred a hate fee of $418.80,
and
WHEREAS, Sibley Real Estate Services has previously paid the water
and sewer bills for the Gun Hill Residences property on time, and
paid the October bill late because of non - receipt, and
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BPW Minutes
February 26, 1992
WHEREAS, the Ithaca City Code states that "failure to receive a
bill shall be no reason for an extension of the period" (348- 49.C),
and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes that the normal
method of calculating a late charge for bills owed to the City
represents a very large penalty to a large water user who has an
excellent history of paying bills in a timely manner, and who
sought to pay this bill once they realized it was not paid; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That in this case, the Board of Public Works reduces the
penalty to $150.00, which, is the approximate cost to the City due
to the late payment and administrative costs necessary to handle
that payment.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor. Commissioners Tripp
Ln and Reeves stated that they will not support this Resolution
co because they do not believe this case is any different than other
M expungement requests the Board receives.
7 Commissioner Gerard spoke in favor of the Resolution because he
M felt that Gun Hill is a well established business, that is aware of
.Q the large penalties assessed to late payments, and made an honest
mistake. He also felt that this may set a precedent for others,
and that the City could be a little more flexible in payment
schedules.
Common Council Liaison Berg urged the Board not to pass this
Resolution because he feels it may set a precedent, and that would
be a mistake.
Superintendent Gray explained the billing process and the costs of
related administrative fees for late payments.
Commissioner Rusoff stated that she will support this Resolution
and commented that she would like the Board to amend their policy
and set a cap on late fees so that they will equal the related
administrative costs.
Commissioner Cox stated that the City should not be inflexible in
the service we show our customers simply because we are the only
utility in the area. He stated that Gun Hill is a good customer
and they have gone out of their way to discover what was wrong. He
feels that the $150. late fee covers the administrative costs and
he does not feel that this case will set a precedent.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Cox, Rusoff, Gerard, Nichols
Nays (2) Reeves, Tripp
Carried
By- commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is committed to completing
interim improvements at the Water Treatment Plant, and
WHEREAS, the City would like to complete design and proceed with
engineering and construction phases, and
WHEREAS, staff has recommended the approval of several additional
design tasks covering instrumentation, process piping and related
system improvements as well as construction phase services; now,
therefore, be it
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BPW Minutes
February 26, 1992
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Mayor and
Superintendent to amend the existing contract with Malcolm Pirnie
for basic services not to exceed $75,950. and total construction -
related services not to exceed $80,000. Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract A4
General Fund ................................... $36,360.55
Water 5 Sewer Fund ............................. 6,814.36
Joint Activity Fund ............................ 12,329.79
Capital Projects ............................... 5,228.96
Solid Waste Fund ............................... 264.33
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
SJS
Commissioner Cox reported that the SJS is still waiting for the
Sewer Use Ordinance to be approved by the respective legal offices.
Commissioner Cox also asked the Mayor to make an appointment to the
SJS as the committee is short one City representative because
Alderperson Blanchard has not been replaced.
Inlet Island Land Use Committee
Commissioner Cox reported that the Inlet Island Land Use Committee
met for the final time. Commissioner Cox commended Alderperson
John Schroeder for his hard work on this project. The plan has
been presented to the Planning Board.
Parks Commission
Commissioner Gerard reported that the Parks Commission is
discussing the issue of widening the pedestrian path at Cass Park.
Information is being collected on the impact that widening the path
would have on the surrounding trees. One option being discussed is
constructingra type 2 bicycle path which would run adjacent to the
pedestrian path. commissioner Tripp asked that the Commission also
review the additional signage issue.
UNFINISHED BUSZNES6 Brandford, Rusoff
:
Commissioner Tripp reported that Commissioners
and herself met to discuss the traffic management issues, and would
like to report to the Board at the next Committee of the Whole
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the Board adjourned at 6:12 B.M.
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C,�il'1i��L'.
Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
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