Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-05-13 1 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 BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 2 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, BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 3 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. BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 4 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 BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 5 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 BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 6 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 BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 7 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 BPW Minutes May 13, 1992 8 (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