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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-02-26Ln CD M 7 M a 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. 1 15 1. 152 BPW Minutes 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 2 X 15;1 BPW Minutes 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: M i -� 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 3 151 BPW Minutes 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 4 155 BPW Minutes 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 156 BPW Minutes 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 3 Ln CD M CD 7 Q BPW Minutes February 26, 1992 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 157 15 BPW Minutes 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 159 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 16O 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. I C,�il'1i��L'. Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor 10