HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-04-22
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. April 22, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Cox, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Asst. Supt. of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller- Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Fire Chief - Olmstead
City Forester - Schmohe
Transit Consultant - Carpenter
Chief Operator (Water Plant) - Baker
EXCUSED:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the March 25, 1992 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 25, 1992 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy City Controller Thayer reminded the Board that Council
directed them to look into the parking rates and adjust them
accordingly as the City received $70,000. less then projected in
parking revenue last year, and parking revenues are currently
under budget for 1992, which will be compounded by the loss of
parking during the construction period for the new Court Facility
and Green Street parking garage.
Mayor Nichols reported that Commissioner Brandford attended the
Planning & Development Committee meeting on April 21, 1992 and
outlined the principal behind the designation of streets and
neighborhoods which will be designed so that there will be less
traffic and more pedestrians and bicycles, and which streets will
pick up the extra traffic. He received a positive response.
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Asst. Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported on
the following projects:
Clean-up Week - final figures regarding staff and vehicle hours
for special collection have been tabulated: S&F - $55,030. (2,354
staff hours), $10,560. for rental trucks; $5,635. was donated by
Town of Ithaca in staff hours and trucks = total of $71,225. The
City incurred no tipping charges for over 400 tons of material
that went to the landfill.
Sign Shop - the Shop is down to a crew of two and are working on
detour signs for the Cayuga Street bridge project and for the
Court Facility construction (Hall of Justice parking)
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April 22, 1992
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Rabies - A dead raccoon was removed from a trail near Van Natta's
Dam, which tested positive for rabies. Another raccoon was killed
near Fall Creek and is being tested.
Arbor Day - Festivities are planned for Friday, April 24, 1992 on
the Commons. The DEC will present the "Tree City USA" award and
American Community Cablevision will be recognized for their
donation of $565. which was used for the purchase and planting of
trees in the City.
Stewart Park - The fence work has been completed around the duck
pond. Shrubs will be planted around the fence during the next two
weeks by a Boy Scout troop under the City Forester's supervision.
Trees for spring planting will arrive on April 23, 1992. The City
Forester's crews will begin planting immediately. Fifty Black
Locust trees were planted in the Watershed area last week by a
Cornell group, under the direction of the City Forester.
Sidewalk Assessments - certified letters are being prepared
GIAC Renovations - budget preparation
Spring Clean-up - public notice sent out, will continue for 1
month Community Service Workers - will be raking tree lawns in
lieu of
seasonal help
Lawn damage repair from snow plows is in progress
Pot hole crews are out
Parking ramps are being washed except for the Green Street ramp
Commons will be hosed down next week
Mowing crews working in parks and other green areas
Commissioner Gerard questioned the City's crosswalk striping
policy and requested a report on this matter. This matter will be
referred to the Traffic Engineer.
REPORT OF ASST. SUPT. FOR WATER & SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following projects:
The Wastewater Treatment Plant received a Municipal Achievement
Award and the plaque has been posted on the building. The DEC
will inspect the industrial pre-treatment program on Thursday.
The WWTP annual report will be submitted at the next SJS meeting.
Lead & Copper questionnaire results are still being compiled.
Data should be formulated within the next few weeks.
The Operations crew has been replacing sewer laterals and
repairing manholes.
Vandals damaged the old Dryer Building and some of the bicycles
and parts being stored there by Recycle Ithaca's Bicycles. The
Police will be patrolling the area more extensively.
Flow testing is being done with the Fire Department on West Hill
and in the High School area.
Staff has been attending training seminars on cutting torch safety
and traffic work zone safety.
Quotes are being sought for replacement of the sewer main on Tioga
Street near the Post Office which is a frequent problem. This
work could affect the parking ramp.
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April 22, 1992
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Lead and copper regulations preparation.
REPORT FROM SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE, CIRCLE GREENWAY AND
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL:
City Forester Schmohe showed photographs of tree damage in the
watershed area caused by beavers. An Inspector from the
Department of Environmental Conservation has examined the area and
determined that the City should wait on any action until Fall when
a beaver count can be taken.
Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory Council Chair, added that
the DEC inspector advised her that the damage at Six Mile Creek is
not sufficient to warrant a trapping permit at this time. She
also explained that trees falling into a stream is a natural part
of a stream's ecology. Fencing will be installed around some
trees, especially those recently planted.
Chuck Baker, Chief Operator - Water Plant, stated that the added
material falling into the stream could cause blockage in the
City's emergency water supply. He further stated that the beaver
dens that are built into the banks could cause erosion on the
banks along the stream.
Beth Mulholland, Circle Greenway Chair, expressed her concern over
the destruction of the native plants.
Alderperson John Johnson, Six Mile Creek Committee Chair,
suggested that the beaver situation be monitored at this point
rather than removing the animals.
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer Shimer expressed his concern over the
possibility of beavers contaminating the water supply with Giardia
Cyst.
Commissioner Gerard advised the Board that he had accompanied the
DEC Investigator on the tour, and that the Investigator had stated
that the Six Mile Creek area did not appear to be in danger of
beaver destruction, and that he would deny the City's permit
application. The Inspector suggested installing fences around
trees, and procuring the services of a reputable trapper during
the proper season.
Beth Mulholland, Chuck Baker, and Dan Schmohe agreed to work out a
monitoring system and report back to the Board in the future.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Free Transit Bus Service for Earth Day
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Transit Consultant has requested that the Ithaca
Transit System offer free bus service on Saturday, April 25, 1992
in celebration of Earth Day and as part of the Transit System's
May "Try Transit" promotion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the proposal for
free transit bus service on that day.
Carried Unanimously
Ithaca Farmers' Market Shuttle
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
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April 22, 1992
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WHEREAS, the Ithaca Farmers' Market has requested Saturday bus
service to their market at Steamboat Landing on a trial basis, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Farmers' Market has agreed to pay the net
operating deficit (cost $34.00 per hour, less farebox revenue) for
this service, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Transit System is able to provide this
service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Transit System will operate a route, on
a trial basis, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:
June 6, 13, 20, 27, 1992, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Transit System will make available to
the Ithaca Farmers' Market a weekly operations report to allow
them to determine the feasibility of requesting an extension of
this service beyond the trial period.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
Request for Street Closings - Ithaca Festival
Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Festival has requested permission to close
Cayuga Street between Seneca and Green Streets and West State
Street between Cayuga and Geneva Streets from 10:00 a.m. until
midnight on Friday, June 5, 1992 and from 6:00 a.m. until midnight
on Saturday, June 6, 1992, and
WHEREAS, the Festival plans to use that section of Cayuga Street
for a craft fair and that section of State Street for a stage and
food vendors, and
WHEREAS, the Board has considered the input of affected City
services, including the Ithaca Fire Department, the Ithaca Police
Department, and the Ithaca Transit System; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board permits the closing of those streets as
requested for both days, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Festival must obtain all required
permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this gathering,
including a noise permit if amplified sound is to be used, and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Festival will name the City of Ithaca as co-
insured in an insurance policy covering this gathering, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the streets will be left in a clean and orderly
condition upon departure, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Festival must maintain all closed
streets such that the Ithaca Fire Department and other emergency
service agencies will be able to access the streets throughout
their full length and width of driving lanes, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to provide the barricades
necessary for blocking off these streets at a time to be agreed
upon with the Ithaca Festival and further directs staff to post
"No Parking" signs as necessary to clear cars from this area in
time for the Festival's use.
Fire Chief Olmstead addressed the Board regarding his concern over
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April 22, 1992
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closing the streets during peak rush hour periods on a Friday
during the Festival. He requested reassurance that traffic flow
would be maintained in the downtown area during the Police
Department's defined peak traffic flow times.
Commissioner Reeves reported on her conversation with Chief McEwen
who advised her that Captain Barnes had attended a meeting with
the Ithaca Festival representatives and expressed his opposition
to the closing of the street because of the rush hour traffic and
other traffic concerns. There is also concern because the Cayuga
Street bridge will be closed at that time. She further stated
that the Board had been given a preliminary report from the City
Attorney's Office on a agreement that would be entered into
between the City and the Ithaca Festival representatives and
requested an update on the situation.
Ted Crane, Festival Director, explained what activities are
planned for the Festival and why certain streets need to be
closed.
Further discussion followed regarding fire safety problems, street
closings, cost, and the placement of the food vendors during the
Festival.
Carol Reeves advised the Board that she will abstain from voting
on this matter as she belongs to a group that is involved in the
Festival.
Commissioner Berg stated for the record that the daily revenue for
the 40 parking meters on Cayuga Street is approximately $160.
Mayor Nichols suggested that in the future, the City and the
Festival reach an agreement earlier in the year as to what is
expected from each party regarding funding and other commitments.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) - Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Brandford
Nays (1) - Cox
Abstention - (1) - Reeves
Carried
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Request to Use Stewart Park - American Cancer Society
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Unit of the American Cancer Society
has asked to use the paths in Stewart Park from 9:00 a.m. until
8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 1992 for a walkathon, and
WHEREAS, the ACS has already reserved the small pavilion for that
day, and
WHEREAS, this activity does not represent an exclusive use of the
Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works gives permission for the
American Cancer Society to use the paths in Stewart Park for the
walkathon, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the ACS will obtain all required permits from the
Ithaca Police Department, including a noise permit for the use of
amplified sound, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the American Cancer Society will name the City of
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April 22, 1992
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Ithaca as co-insured in an insurance policy covering this
gathering, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the area which is used will be left in a clean and
orderly condition upon departure.
Carried Unanimously
Request to Use DeWitt Park - Ithaca Festival
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Festival has requested the use of DeWitt Park
on Saturday, June 6, 1992 between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for
quiet family entertainment, a writing contest awards presentation
ceremony, and an art display, and
WHEREAS, the planned activities are of a quiet and peaceful
nature; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission to the
Ithaca Festival to use DeWitt Park for the planned activities,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That no commercial activity associated with this event
be permitted, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Festival must obtain all required
permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this gathering,
including a noise permit if amplified sound is to be used, and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Festival will name the City of Ithaca as co-
insured in an insurance policy covering this gathering, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the park will be left in a clean and orderly
condition upon departure.
Ayes (4) - Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Cox
Nays (1) - Brandford
Abstention (1) - Reeves
Carried
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #8
General Fund..........................$ 43,998.23
Water & Sewer Fund....................$ 13,611.37
Joint Activity Fund...................$ 6,856.74
Capital Projects......................$ 21,022.85
Solid Waste Fund......................$ 28,518.45
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
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April 22, 1992
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Reeves reported that Deputy Planning & Development
Director Sieverding will be making a presentation on the parking
plan for the downtown reconstruction period at the April 29, 1992
Committee of the Whole meeting. He will also have a
recommendation on the number of parking permits that should be
sold for the summer months. City Chamberlain Parsons will also be
present at this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Reeves read a letter from a Hudson Street resident
thanking the Department of Public Works, Streets & Facilities for
their "..continued good services regarding problems with recycling
and/or trash collection and trash tags..."
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported that he
will be at the Budget and Administration Committee meeting to
execute a contract with a consulting firm to review the Sewer Use
Ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor