HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-05-13
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. May 13, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Planning & Development Director - VanCort
Alderperson - Golder
Alderperson - Blanchard
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Cox
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 April 8, 1992 Board of Public Works
Meeting
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 8, 1992 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Items
Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item A - Declaration of an
Emergency and Award of Contract for the Replacement of Sewer Main
and Lateral Replacement - 200 Block of North Tioga Street -
Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - GIAC Mini-
Pool Repairs - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols stated that he, as Chair of the Board of Public
Works, has received letters from Alderperson Efroymson regarding
the North Cayuga Street bridge detour route, and Alderpersons
Romanowski and Blanchard regarding the Spencer Road traffic
situation. Copies of these letters have been distributed to the
Board members.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Public Library Parking Request
Enid Ruoff, Trustee, of the Tompkins County Public Library asked
the Board about three parking spaces that were to be established
on the south side of Court Street near the Cayuga Street
intersection.
Superintendent Gray explained that the south side of Court Street
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May 13, 1992
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underwent sidewalk construction, and during that time the curb
line was realigned. The additional parking spaces will not be
available, however, until the curb line on north side of Court
Street is realigned, and the street becomes wide enough to allow
parking in that area. He further stated that the project is not
budgeted for this year.
West Inlet Project
Betsy Darlington, Chair of the Conservation Advisory Council,
addressed the Board regarding the West Inlet Project. She urged
the Board to recommend City ownership of two parcels of land for
public access, and passive or active recreation. She also
suggested that all appropriate parcels have conservation
easements.
Cobb Street Traffic Concerns
Bonnie Rabin, 107 Cobb Street addressed the Board regarding
traffic concerns in her neighborhood. She stated that there is
excessive traffic and speeding on her street due a driveway
entrance to the Fairview Heights Apartment Complex. She explained
that there are 13 families and 13 children (many of whom are under
5 years old) living on the block, and she would like to have a
"Children at Play" sign posted at both entrances of the street and
an "All Way Stop" sign placed at the intersection of Cobb and
Worth Streets.
Commissioners Gerard and Brandford explained the Board's schedule
of traffic concerns, and stated that Ms. Rabin's request will be
placed on the Committee of the Whole agenda for discussion in
regard to priority.
North Cayuga Street Bridge Detour
Robin Whittlesey, Laura Kreidler, and Anne Peters addressed the
Board regarding the proposed detour of traffic for the North
Cayuga Street bridge construction which will begin on June 1,
1992. They expressed the following concerns:
1. Residents were unaware that this detour route was being
considered, and had no opportunity to provide input.
2. First Street is a narrow road and cars have to stop to let
oncoming vehicles pass. The detour would not only increase
traffic, but also increase the number of larger vehicles.
3. First Street is heavily populated with children and senior
citizens. Over half of the houses on this street have no
back yards or off street parking. There is also fairly heavy
bicycle traffic and increased vehicular traffic would
represent a serious safety hazard.
4. Already a large number of cars travel on First Street, with
the detour, noise, dust, and vehicular exhaust pollution will
also increase considerably, with greater ramifications,
because of the narrowness of the street.
5. There have been a number of accidents and near misses at the
First/Hancock Street intersection, what will happen with
increased traffic?
6. The jog at First/Cascadilla/Geneva is also extremely
dangerous
because it is a jog and because visibility from Geneva Street
is poor.
7. There are presently no stop signs along the whole of First
Street between Cascadilla and Hancock, therefore allowing
drivers to build up speed in either direction.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor. Ms. Whittlesey
suggested that the City use an alternate route such as Tioga or
Aurora Streets which are much wider, and already used for thru
traffic. She also suggested that if the First Street detour is to
be used, temporary stop signs should be erected at First/Madison,
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May 13, 1992
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First/Monroe and First/Hancock Streets to slow traffic down and
keep the neighborhood safer.
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will have Power to Act at
the May 20, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the
North Cayuga Street Bridge Project traffic detour.
Carried Unanimously
Spencer Road Traffic Control
Elizabeth Smith, Bob Stutner, Lynn Gerstein, John Humphries,
Raymond Francis, Heather Camacho, John Katz, David Nutter, and
Alderperson Neil Golder addressed the Board, and submitted a
petition signed by 50 people, regarding Spencer Road traffic
issues (the petition is on file in the City Clerk's office).
Merwin Blodgett Gallahan, an 11 year old Spencer Road resident was
hit by a car in front of his house, and is in critical condition.
Spencer Road residents expressed the following concerns:
1. All the Spencer Road intersections are unsafe
2. People drive down Spencer Road to avoid traffic on Route 13
resulting in excessive traffic and speeds
3. Police patrols have decreased
4. The road is narrow, and has no curbs, sidewalks or shoulders,
causing pedestrians and bicyclists to jump into the ditches
when two cars are passing at the same time, or cars come too
close
5. A new 14 unit housing project planned for Spencer Road will
increase traffic even more
6. The 30mph speed limit is not safe on this narrow road
Extensive discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Tripp
gave a brief description of the Spencer St/Spencer Rd/S. Albany St
intersection realignment project that was proposed in 1986. She
suggested that the Spencer Road residents review this proposal and
submit comments to the Board in the near future.
Commissioner Reeves explained that she was on the Capital
Improvements Review Committee when the proposal was submitted in
1986. The Board, at that time, was anxious to implement the
project to divert the traffic from Spencer Road. There was
opposition to that plan in City Hall, however, and the plan was
never started, but the "No Thru Traffic" signs were installed at
that time.
Mr. Humphries suggested that the City install a radio control
traffic barrier on Spencer Road that would not allow thru traffic
to pass except for City services and buses. Mr. Humphries also
suggested that the speed limit be reduced.
Commissioners Tripp and Brandford suggested that the Board hold a
Public Information session during the first hour of their Regular
Board of Public Works meeting on May 27, 1992 to further discuss
the Spencer Road traffic problems and possible solutions. The
Board agreed unanimously.
Sanitation Violation
Mrs. Doreen Rudan of 53 Woodcrest Avenue addressed the Board
regarding a sanitation violation one of her tenants received for
using old trash tags. Mrs. Rudan explained that her tenant is a
foreign student, and was not aware of the change in trash tags.
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May 13, 1992
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She suggested that the City improve their notification process by
advertising changes to the program earlier in the year as many of
our residents are Cornell University or Ithaca College students
and are often out of town in December. She also suggested making
the notice of changes clear, with simple instructions to assist
foreign residents.
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL LIAISON:
Common Council Liaison Berg reported that Common Council approved
the allocation of money for the Commons Renovation project, except
for the historical plaques, at their May 6, 1992 meeting.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent Gray reported on the following projects:
City Court Facility - bids have been received and are being
reviewed
Municipal Pool - ground breaking for the project was yesterday
Commons Renovation Project - proceeding
Green Street Parking Garage Project - proceeding
North Cayuga Street Bridge Reconstruction - will begin June 1,
1992
GIAC Renovations - bids have been delayed
County Recycling Contract - under review
MPO/Transit Facility meetings
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER:
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following projects:
Dam Sites - 30ft dam study has begun
Sewer Videotaping - bids came in at $.40 a foot
Town of Ithaca Water & Sewer Agreements - will be finalized
tomorrow
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on
the following projects:
Madison Street - gravel base job
Street Striping - crosswalks are being striped
GIAC Mini-pool Repairs - piping under pool is leaking and needs
repairs
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
West Inlet Subdivision
Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Housecraft Builders has presented the Board with plans
for the subdivision and development of the parcel known as the
West Inlet subdivision, and
WHEREAS, the City Engineer has reviewed the plans for those issues
which must be approved by his office, and
WHEREAS, staff has made certain recommendations to the Board
regarding those issues which are within the Board's control; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the plans submitted by Housecraft Builders for
sanitary sewers be accepted following staff review and approval,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the plan for a six foot wide paved drainage swale
be accepted as an alternative to curbs and gutters, and, be it
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May 13, 1992
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further
RESOLVED, That the requirement for sidewalks be waived at this
time, in consideration of the reasons presented by the developer,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That street lighting be installed at the three
intersections in the proposed plan.
Carried Unanimously
West Inlet Subdivision - Undeveloped Land
Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Housecraft Builders has offered the City three
undeveloped parcels within the area known as the West Inlet
subdivision, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works feels that the long range
public use, budgetary and maintenance impacts of these particular
properties are important concerns; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that the City decline the
offer of those parcels, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that land which is not
incorporated into a coherent right of way be included with the
subdivided parcels offered for sale and be placed under a
conservation easement as an acknowledgement of the ecological and
aesthetic value of the land in its present condition.
Discussion followed on the floor with Assistant City Attorney
Kennedy explaining conservation easements and deed restrictions.
Jerry Weisburd presented the revised map, dated May 13, 1992 and
explained the lot numbering system. He requested that the City
accept parcels 28 and possibly 27B.
Further discussion followed regarding lot 27B with Commissioners
Rusoff and Gerard suggesting that the City accept that lot for
public access, and passive or active recreation.
Alderperson Barbara Blanchard stated that in accordance with the
West Hill Master Plan, a park was not designated for this area
because the land was not useful as park land, and there is a park
planned further up the hill by the West Village Complex which will
be connected to the West Inlet project by a road.
Commissioner Reeves stated that she did not want the City to
accept this parcel due to the decrease in DPW budget funding,
equipment, and manpower.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be Amended to read as
follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that the land which is not
incorporated into a coherent right of way be included with the
subdivided parcels offered for sale with deed restrictions for
lots 9B, 5B, and 1B as shown on the subdivision map dated May 13,
1992, to protect against any action which would affect its
ecological value and subject to authority by the City to enforce
such deed restrictions.
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
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May 13, 1992
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By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the first Resolved clause be Amended to read as
follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that the City decline the
offer of those parcels accept for lots 27B & 28 as shown on the
subdivision map dated May 13, 1992.
Ayes (4) Rusoff, Gerard, Brandford, Nichols
Nays (2) Reeves, Tripp
Carried
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Tripp left the meeting at 6:10 P.M.
Award of Bid for Industrial Riding Broom Sweeper
Bids were received on March 27, 1992 for an industrial riding
broom sweeper to be used on the Ithaca Commons.
Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and specifications; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the low bid of $18,370. be rejected as not meeting
the City's printed specifications, as the machine bid by Cyncon
Equipment, Inc. has less engine horsepower than was specified,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the bid for one industrial riding broom sweeper be
awarded to S.V. Moffett Co. Inc., of West Henrietta, New York for
their bid of $18,945., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
(Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contract.
Carried
(Commissioner Tripp absent at time of vote)
WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Declaration of an Emergency and Award of Contract for the
Replacement of Sewer Main and Lateral Replacement - 200 Block of
North Tioga Street
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the failure of the sewer main on the 200 block of North
Tioga Street during the City's major construction projects could
have a crippling effect on the City's available Downtown parking,
and
WHEREAS, inspection and maintenance of this line has become a
weekly occurrence, and videotape inspection has determined that
this sewer main has severely deteriorated and its collapse or
failure is imminent, and
WHEREAS, staff has received four written quotations for the
emergency replacement of this line; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works declares the replacement
of the sewer main within the 200 block of North Tioga Street an
EMERGENCY action that must take place immediately, and, be it
further
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May 13, 1992
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RESOLVED, That a contract be awarded to G. DeVincentis of
Binghamton, New York for the lump sum amount of $41,780. to be
funded out of Capital Project 603 Sewer System Renovations, and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized to
execute this contract.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the project. A
location check of all utilities resulted in the discovery of New
York Telephone cables laying on top of the sanitary sewer, which
doubled the cost of this project. Work is scheduled to begin next
week.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried
(Commissioner Tripp was absent at the time of the vote)
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #9
General Fund................................$ 35,795.23
Water & Sewer Fund.......................... 19,261.39
Joint Activity Fund......................... 36,447.01
Capital Projects............................ 86,355.19
Solid Waste Fund............................ 39,395.75
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried
(Commissioner Tripp absent at time of vote)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Rusoff reported that Commissioner Tripp requested
that Traffic Engineer Gombas take a traffic count on First Street
before next weeks Committee of the Whole meeting when the Board
will be discussing the North Cayuga Street Bridge detour.
NEW BUSINESS:
GIAC Pool Repairs
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, the new municipal pool will not be in service for the
1992 summer season, and
WHEREAS, repairs to the existing pool will require replacing the
PVC piping in addition to the normal repairs and start-up
procedures, and
WHEREAS, the "construction materials" account was reduced by
$2,000. in anticipation of the opening of the new pool, and
WHEREAS, the labor to effect these repairs will be done in-house;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Budget and Administration Committee be
requested to provide funds to be added to the "Mini-Pool Account",
A7181-483, in the amount of $2,000. (for materials only).
Carried
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May 13, 1992
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(Commissioner Tripp absent at time of vote)
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor