HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-03-25169
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. March 25, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp,-Reeves, Gerard, Cox, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Asst. City Attorney-- Kennedy
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Assistant Civil Engineer - West
Community Development Coordinator - Norton
M PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Co Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
M American Flag.
s
7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
M Approval of the Minutes of the February 26 1992 Board of Public
Q Works Meeting
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 26, 1992 Board of Public
Works Meeting be approved with a correction to page 2 under the
Report of the City Controller, the word "prospective" be
substituted for the word "perspective ".
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That approval of the Minutes of the March 11, 1992 Board
of Public Works Meeting be deferred until the April 8, 1992
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Highways, Streets & Sidewalks
Commissioner Brandford requested the addition of Item B - Award of
Contract for Trees - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business
Commissioner rerard requested the addition of Item A - Six Mile
Creek - Resolution.
No Board member objected
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols reported that the Planning & Development Board gave
its preliminary approval to the Weisburd Project at the March 24,
1992 meeting. Final approval of the project is scheduled for April
or May. He stated that one item that will require discussion is
the portion of the land which runs along the road, it has been
suggested that the City take this as part of their right -of -way.
Mayor Nichols requested that Assistant Civil Engineer West address
the Board.
Mr. West reminded the members of the Board that they had received
a packet of information regarding the project and pointed out the
areas in question to the Board. He stated that it would make
sense to use all of that property as the right -of -way. He further
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
stated that there are also a number of other parts of the property
that the developer would like the City to accept.
Ms. Norton addressed the Board in response to a question from
Commissioner Gerard regarding the amount of open space required
under the cluster zoning provisions. She explained the various
alternatives available to the City. She also addressed the concern
of the preservation of certain tree species in this area.
Council Liaison Berg reported that the Planning Board is not
requiring the installation of sidewalks on this project.
Commissioner Reeves requested that this issue be discussed further.
Community Development Coordinator Norton suggested that Mr.
Weisburd attend the next Regular meeting on April 8, 1992 to
address these issues.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
Deputy City Clerk Boyle advised the Board that the Clerk's Office
is without one staff person for approximately four to six weeks.
The Clerk's Office is hoping for temporary help with minutes and
typing.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that the Deschere case was
dismissed last week by Judge Olds in City Court. Judge Olds stated
that Mr. Deschere would have to bring an Article 78 proceeding
because he brought his matter to the Board, who ruled on it. He
had his opportunity to have a hearing on the issue and now if he
doesn't like that determination, he will have to go to Supreme
Court. Mr. Deschere has approximately two months to decide whether
or not to proceed in this manner.
Assistant City Attorney Kennedy advised the Board that they would
be receiving a memo from her office on the Americans with
Disabilities Act. It will be the first phase of memos coming out
of the Attorney's Office regarding the responsibility of public
entities such as the City, and in particular, the Board, for making
sure that accessibility is available for people who have different
kinds of disabling conditions. She further stated that the City
needs to take affirmative steps toward making sure we can
communicate with those who may have speech or hearing impairments.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Council Liai §on Berg reported that the second round of bids for the
Municipal Pool have come in and are approximately $1001000 over the
budgeted amount. Council will be discussing this at the Committee
of the Whole Meeting tonight and voting on April 1, 1992.
REPORT OF ASST. SUPT. STREETS & FACILITIES•
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on
the following projects:
Ithaca Transit will be providing service to the Farmers' Market.
There will be a four week trial period beginning June 6, 1992. The
Market will be charged $34.00 per hour fm the service, minus any
fare back revenues. After the trial period, the service wilL be
evaluated to see if it should be continued. The Market will
promote this bus line extension i ,their printed advertising.
The Green Street garage rehabilitation has begun.
The North Cayuga Street bridge bids have been received. The
funding must be updated before the award is made.
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
The City Court facility bid documents were released today. The bid
opening is scheduled for the end of April. Construction will begin
in early June.
The Commons' preconstruction meeting has been completed. Work
should start soon.
Commons Brick Design
Assistant Civil Engineer West discussed the Commons renovation and
brick design project. He explained that the renovation bids were
under budget, so there is an opportunity to create a geometric
brick design for the circle, in front of Center Ithaca
(intersection of Tioga and State Streets). There is a short time
period in which to complete the work, so if possible, staff would
like the Board to review the design soon so it can be delivered to
the architect by April 1, 1992. Staff will present the design to
the Commons Advisory Board on April 3, 1992, and formal proposals
L(") will be delivered to the contractors in the first week in April.
iD Construction should begin in mid - April. The project should cost
M approximately $5,000. - $10,000., if no delays are involved.
7 The Board will host a public comment period regarding this project
M at the April 1, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting. A short
Q discussion followed regarding this project and possible reactions.
Clean -up Week will take at least two weeks due to the snow storm on
Sunday. All trucks are being weighed as they go into the landfill
so accurate tonnage will be recorded, and a cost for this project
can be formulated. The first two days of collection generated 30
tons of material, approximately 70 tons of trash is collected on a
normal week. Commissioner Cox stated for the record that he wished
to thank the County and the City for this opportunity.
The night crew finished work last week, so if there are future snow
storms, overtime will be required for evening work.
Stewart Park - boathouse is being upgraded, the shore line has
been cleaned up with debris going to Southwest Park to be
composted, and the fencing around the tennis courts is being
replaced.
Cass Park - the ice has been removed from the rink.
The Vacancy Review Board approved filling the golf course working
supervisor position from within existing staff.
The paperwork for the environmental review of the golf course
maintenance building site has been started.
Repair appraisals are forthcoming for the damaged Ithaca Transit
bus. Receiving estimates from local companies has been difficult,
so this matter may be taken out of state.
There was a recruiting outreach meeting held at Southside Community
Center. This meeting was attended by Rick Ferrel and Jim Miller in
compliance with Affirmative Action Advisory Committee's request
regarding seasonal employees.
Softball contracts are being drawn up pending review of the costs
of maintaining the ball fields last year, and the projected costs
for this year. The Softball Association is funding approximately
one -third of the cost for maintenance of the fields. Last year's
cost to the City was $23,000. Discussion was held regarding
lighting complaints, and parking on the grass at the fields.
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
REPORT OF ASST. SUPT. FOR WATER & SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent for Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following projects:
The capacity issue and the Kline Road issue have been discussed
with the SJS.
Water and sewer agreements have been completed and sent to the Town
for their review.
Proposals to videotape 25,000 to 50,000 feet of sewer pipe will go
out next week.
Roof bids will be opened on Friday for the water Treatment Plant.
The interim improvement designs for the Water Treatment Plant will
be completed by April 8, 1992. Construction should begin on
schedule.
The Hillview Place survey has been completed.
Installation of a water main and hydrant is complete on Woodcrest
Avenue.
Sewer main and laterals are being replaced in the 100 block of
North Quarry Street. This is to correct a realignment problem
caused several years ago by a small mud slide.
The return rate for the lead & copper surveys has been good. A
total of 4,000 questionnaires will be mailed.
The Learning Web students have completed the interior painting of
the Water Treatment Plant and are interested in returning to paint
the exterior this summer.
Last. year's Gorge Ranger will be returning and is tentatively
scheduled to begin work on May 23, 1992.
Repairs to filters 7 and 9 are ongoing. If the weather cooperates,
number 9 should be back on line within one week.
Painting and repairs are ongoing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Work is continuing on the upgrading of the monitoring stations.
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
Award of Contract for Dump Trucks
Bids were received on March 13, 1992 for three dump trucks.
Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the contract for a rear wheel drive, one -ton dump
truck with snow plow be awarded to Maguire Ford, Ithaca, NY, for
their low bid of $16,763., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for a dual rear wheel drive crew cab,
one -ton dump truck be awarded to Spencer Ford Sales, Inc., of
Spencer, NY, for their low bid of $15,644., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for a four -wheel drive, one -ton dump
truck with snow plow be awarded- Co Harris Pontiac Oldsmobile of
Fulton, NY, for their low bid of $18,806.92, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
(Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contracts.
Carried Unanimously
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
Award "of Contract for Trees
Bids were received on March 13, 1992 for various trees to be
planted along the streets this spring.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for 5 Aesculus carnea "Briotti" will
not be awarded, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
(Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contracts.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Reeves
WHEREAS, the Tompkins /Cortland Labor Coalition has requested the
use of the DeWitt Park on April 25, 1992 for a Workers Memorial Day
service, and
WHEREAS, the planned activities are peaceful and of a memorial
nature, and
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Nature Center, which has previously been
granted the use of the park, has agreed that the memorial service
may be held concurrently with their Earth Day celebration; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission to the
Tompkins /Cortland Labor Coalition to use DeWitt Park for the
planned activities, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That no amplified sound or commercial activity associated
with this service be permitted, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins /Cortland Labor Coalition must obtain
all required permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this
gathering, and, be it further
5
Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded
by Cox
RESOLVED, That the contract for the following trees be awarded to
Schichtel's Nursery, Inc.,;of Orchard
Park,
NY, for their low bids
as follows:
10 Crataegus "Winter King"
@
$ 860.00
3 Malus "Madona"
@
$ 168.00
10 Acer freemani "Celebration"
@
$ 700.00
10 Zelkova serrate "HOlka"
@
$ 870.00
10 Tilia tomentosa
@
$ 820.00
5 Liquidamber styraciflua
@
$ 545.00
5 Sorbus intermedia -
@
$ 385.00
10 Sophora japonica "Regent"
@
$1095.00
LO
plus shipping costs,
CD
0)
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for the following
trees be awarded to
_Q
Edgewood Nursery, Inc., of Macedon,
NY,
for their low bids as
follows:
-
10 Acer planitoides
@
$1000.00
10 Amelanchier "Tradition"
@
$1000.00
2 Koelreutenia paniculata
@
$ 290.00
plus shipping costs,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for 5 Aesculus carnea "Briotti" will
not be awarded, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
(Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contracts.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Reeves
WHEREAS, the Tompkins /Cortland Labor Coalition has requested the
use of the DeWitt Park on April 25, 1992 for a Workers Memorial Day
service, and
WHEREAS, the planned activities are peaceful and of a memorial
nature, and
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Nature Center, which has previously been
granted the use of the park, has agreed that the memorial service
may be held concurrently with their Earth Day celebration; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission to the
Tompkins /Cortland Labor Coalition to use DeWitt Park for the
planned activities, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That no amplified sound or commercial activity associated
with this service be permitted, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins /Cortland Labor Coalition must obtain
all required permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this
gathering, and, be it further
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
RESOLVED, That the park will be left in a clean and orderly
condition upon departure.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation has asked to reserve
the parking loop near the Southern lagoon in Stewart Park from 1:30
p.m. until 4:30 p.m: on Monday, August 17, 1992, and
WHEREAS, the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation agrees to name the
City of Ithaca as co- insured in an insurance policy covering this
gathering; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission for the
Women's Motorcyclist Foundation to use the parking loop, and
instructs staff to post the loop 24 hours in advance and to provide
barriers as necessary to reserve the use of the loop, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation will contact the
Ithaca Police Department to determine whether normal staffing will
provide them with the police assistance they require, and must
contract with the IPD for assistance if overtime will have to be
paid, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That staff will assist the Foundation in investigating
the possibility of using tokens or some other system to permit the
Women's Motorcyclist Foundation to pay for concessions and /or _
merry -go -round rides for its members, and, be it further •-
RESOLVED, That the reserved area will be left in a clean and
orderly condition upon departure.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for the Reconstruction of the
North Cayuga Street Bridge over Cascadilla Creek
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Reeves
WHEREAS, bids were received and opened on March 17, 1992 for the
reconstruction of the North Cayuga Street Bridge over Cascadilla
Creek, and
r
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and the bidders'
qualifications, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the 1989 budget (for 1990 construction)
and updated it with the 1992 bid, increasing the project budget
from $525,000. to $575,000.; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That staff is directed to review funding sources (Bridge
Reserve and CHIPS) with the City Controller and the Chair of the
Budget and Administration Committee, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for reconstruction of the North Cayuga
Street Bridge be awarded to G. DeVincentis and Son of Binghamton,
New York, for their low bid of $392,824.10 contingent upon funding
of the Post Bid Budget, and, be 'it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign said contract.
Carried Unanimously
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
Amendment to Contract with John S. MacNeill, Jr P.C. Consulting
Engineers for Additional Design and Contract Administration
Services
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: 'Seconded by Cox
WHEREAS, the City is committed to the reconstruction of the North
Cayuga Street Bridge over Cascadilla Creek during 1992, and
WHEREAS, demands upon 'engineering staff preclude contract
administration and inspection, and
WHEREAS, John S. MacNeill, Jr., P.C. Consulting Engineers has
provided design services through bidding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City Engineer be authorized to amend the
agreement with John S. MacNeill, Jr., P.C. Consulting Engineers for
engineering services for an additional amount not to exceed
In $44,500.
co
(T) Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Rusoff stated that
—� she will not support this Resolution because she objects to the
m City contracting with John S. MacNeill, Jr. P.C. Consulting
Engineers, due to a letter Mr. MacNeill wrote to Hudson Street
residents regarding the Hudson Street reconstruction project.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Gerard, Reeves, Cox, Brandford
Nays (2) Tripp, Rusoff
Carried
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Michelle Ferlo, of 610 North Cayuga Street, has informed
the Board that she received a bill for a special service charge for
picking up incorrectly tagged garbage the day following normal
collection, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferlo has told the Board that she did put her garbage
out incorrectly tagged because she was not aware that the new
trashtag regulations were in effect, and that she did leave her
garbage out until the day following collection because she was not
aware that there was a twenty -four hour limit, and
WHEREAS, the City Municipal Code, Chapter 69, Section 5, dictates
the actions followed by staff where waste materials were not placed
or prepared in accord with the provisions of the Article, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works made reasonable efforts to
inform the public about the new trashtag regulations for 1992,
through various methods, including news releases and legal notices;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board denies Ms. Ferlo's request for an
expungement of the service charge for the trash violation.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the unreadability of the
tag placed on Ms. Ferlo's garbage by City crews.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Tripp
RESOLVED, That the following Whereas and Resolved clauses be added
after the fourth Whereas clause, and that the existing Resolved
clause be deleted:
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferlo asserted that she was unable to read the warning
tag placed on her trash can because of the method by which it was
placed on the trash; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board agrees to expunge Ms. Ferlo's service
charge for the trash violation.
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Cox
Nays (2) Reeves, Brandford
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (3) Cox, Gerard, Rusoff
Nays (3) Reeves, Tripp, Brandford
Mayor Nichols voted Aye breaking the tie
Carried
Carried
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Cox
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract $6
General Fund .......... .....................$31,762.99
Water & Sewer Fund ......................... 13,319.77 _
Joint Activity Fund ........................ 24,699.95
Capital Projects ........................... 32,916.13
Solid Waste Fund ........................... 12,869.50
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Carried Unanimously
Bicycle Advisory Council
Commissioner Tripp reported that the BAC will be requesting a
budget for bikeway planning and construction during the coming
year. The Board will be presented with a proposal regarding what
that budget should consist of, and what parts of projects will need
funding. Th6y would like their budget to consist of a percentage
of the current budget which is dedicated to car travel in the City.
The BAC would also like to have an update in the fall regarding
what hazards on bike paths have been cprrected.
Disability Advisory Commission
Commissioner Tripp related a conversation she had with a resident
of the south Hill area regarding the person's handicapped son and
the family's attempts to have some rules waived at Cass Park to
enable the child to use a personal floatation device in the pool.
This type of rule is routinely waived at the State parks.
Commissioner Tripp will take this 'matter pup with the Youth Bureau
as they set the rules and regulations for the pool..
SJS
Commissioner Cox reported that tlfere is a sub - subcommittee dealing
with the question of capacity of the plant in an attempt to respond
to the Town of Dryden's request to buy additional capacity.
The SJS did approve a pre- treatment sewer use ordinance which will
be distributed to the three participating municipalities for
adoption.
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BPW Minutes
March 25, 1992
NEW BUSINESS•
Six Mile Creek
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Tripp
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is fortunate to be the largest
landowner in the Six Mile Creek area which 1) serves as the crucial
matrix for its water supply system; and 2) is widely and
historically recognized as a unique ecological and recreational
value; and '
WHEREAS, these two functions are, and should be held as, mutually
beneficial and compatible; and
WHEREAS, consistent with its charge, the Board of Public Works is
considering maintenance and upgrading projects for its water supply
system; and
WHEREAS, consistent with its charge, the Conservation Advisory
Council has expressed its concern of potential environmental
CD impacts and its willingness to offer constructive input to the
M Board relevant to these projects; now, therefore, be it
D
RESOLVED, That this Board reaffirms its sensitivity to the
environmental value of the Six Mile Creek area, and in its aim to
Q protect all the City's assets, will actively consider the CAC's
input while maintaining sound engineering standards; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That this Board welcomes an open and constructive
dialogue with the CAC and /or its spokesperson on this and future
issues relevant to both.
Commissioner Gerard offered an explanation of the intent of the
resolution.
Commissioner Reeves suggested that this resolution should not be
limited to Six Mile Creek because there are other areas that
involve the CAC. She also stated for the record that she is
distressed that she hasn't seen the CAC willing to give
constructive input to the Board relevant to the projects.
Commissioner Brandford stated he will vote against this resolution
because he feels it is unnecessary and inappropriate. He further
stated that the CAC has made no attempts to discuss this issue with
the Board, only DPW staff, the Six Mile Creek Committee, and Common
Council.
Mayor Nichols stated that he thought the Resolution should address
the issues of the Board setting policy for the protection of the
Six Mile Creek area, and the Board making a commitment to complete
environmental studies before it undertakes any projects.
Commissioner Tripp offered to write an alternate resolution for the
April 8, 1992 meeting.
On a motion by Commissioner Cox and Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
this matter was tabled until the April 8, 1992 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 P./MM..
Ju ie Conley Boy a Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor