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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-06-10 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. June 10, 1992 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (5) Tripp, Reeves, Cox, Brandford, Gerard (arrived at 4:55 P.M.) OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray 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 EXCUSED: Commissioner Rusoff PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the May 13, 1992 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 13, 1992 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Approval of the Minutes of the May 27, 1992 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 27, 1992 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Highway, Streets, and Sidewalk Items Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item C - Encroachment Agreement for 227 West Spencer Street - Resolution No Board member objected. New Business Commissioner Tripp requested the addition of Item A - Alternative Fuel Vehicles - Report Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item B - Letter from Deputy Planning Director Sieverding regarding park and ride lots - discussion. No Board member objected. Unfinished Business Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Communications and Hearings of Persons before Council portion of the June 3, 1992 Common Council meeting - Report Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item B - South Albany Street - Report BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 2 No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: The following people addressed the Board regarding the proposed "Street Hierarchy" plan which would control the flow of vehicles throughout the City: Sally Schwartzbach, 107 Park Place Stephanie Vaughn, 113 Park Place Barbara Anger, 109 Park Place Tracy Farrell, 429 W. Buffalo Street Pat Frantz, 403 W. Buffalo Street They cited increased traffic, noise, dirt, and house and property degradation in their neighborhoods, as problems which would occur as a result of the change in traffic patterns. They stressed that speed and traffic control would be a better solution. Jemma Macera, 125 West Green Street, addressed the Board regarding the proposed "Street Hierarchy", and parking problems on Geneva Street. She stated that her driveway is often blocked by cars parked on the south side of Geneva Street, and asked the Board if it would be possible to move the parking sign approximately one foot so that the cars would have more room to park without blocking her driveway. Mayor Nichols said that the Board of Public Works would investigate this matter further. Tia Rudd and Ayana Conway, Co-Presidents of Beverly J. Martin School PTA addressed the Board regarding various traffic concerns around the school including speed enforcement, and cars passing school buses that are picking up/dropping off students. They suggested that the bus drop off be moved from Buffalo Street to Albany Street, blinking yellow lights be installed, and the words "Slow, School Zone, 15 MPH" be painted on the street in front of the school. Commissioner Reeves stated that the Board will be discussing this issue at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Further discussion followed about cars passing school buses, and the Board will investigate how the police currently handle such complaints, and what options may be available. Mary Ann Burgess Puhalka, 505 S. Albany Street, addressed the Board regarding the closing of the Green Street Parking Garage and the alternate methods of parking that the City has implemented, such as the park and ride, and park and walk programs. She suggested that if these alternate methods are successful, they should be continued after the parking garage is re-opened. Owe Happek, 1108 East State Street, addressed the Board regarding the increased speed and traffic, especially trucks, on East State Street. He further noted that East State Street is in poor condition which increases the danger of the road as well as the noise. His suggestions included increased speed enforcement, repaveing East State Street, and investigating the possibility of re-route truck traffic around the City. Common Council Liaison Berg suggested that the Board make another recommendation to Common Council requesting increased speed and traffic enforcement throughout the City. Commissioner Gerard arrived at 4:55 P.M. REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that the Weisburd subdivision was approved by the Planning and Development Board BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 3 last night. The Superintendent of Public Works will be supervising the installation of water and sewer services. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent Gray reported on the following projects: Green Street Parking Garage - closes June 15, 1992, park and ride lots have been established North Cayuga Street Bridge - Work has begun Flood Control Channel - Army Corp. of Engineers inspection Joint Transit Facility meetings Annual Bus Rodeo - (Cornell Transit won) Parking Garage Study - expansion of hours Weisburd Project Giles Street bridge repairs City Court Facility - contracts will be awarded today Municipal Pool - complications with contractor Commons Renovation project - 3 crews have been added Sidewalk Contract - ready to bid GIAC Renovations - bids are being reviewed REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES: Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on the following projects: Ithaca Festival - Festival volunteers did very well, DPW overtime was decreased and labor costs were reduced by more than 50%. Flood Control Channel - the Army Corp of Engineers met with Asst. Superintendent Ferrel and City Forester Schmohe to discuss mowing procedures and bank erosion as well as other topics. Cass Park Ice Rink - there is a leak in the chiller tank of the rink, Davis Mechanical will be down to investigate the problem. If the leak cannot be repaired, a new unit would cost $100,000. Cass Park Pool/GIAC Mini-Pool - will be filled and running by the end of the week. Street Striping - Meadow Street, Elmira Road REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER: Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the following projects: Water Plant - membrane roof installation is complete Gorge Ranger - started 5-23-92, is currently installing signage Zebra Mussels data compilation Jay Street flow monitoring project Water main replacement on Madison Street Raw Water Line Inspection - additional bank erosion discovered Interim Contracts - have been sent to Albany for review Beaver Monitoring at Six Mile Creek DEC Legislative Forum - regulatory agencies are being required to enforce new regulations without necessary funding so the burden will be transferred to the municipalities through fees Gas tank spill on South Hill is entering the sanitary system and is being monitored BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: Award of Contract for Construction - City Court Facility BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 4 By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the City received bids on May 7, 1992 for the construction of a City Court Facility and Police Station Renovations and staff has reviewed bids and the bidders' qualifications, and WHEREAS, Common Council has reviewed the project budget and has voted at its meeting of June 3, 1992 to fund the post bid project budget of $3.1 million; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the contract for General Construction be awarded to Streeter Associates of Elmira, New York for their low base bid of $1,978,000., and, be it further RESOLVED, That the contract for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning be awarded to J&K Plumbing and Heating of Binghamton, New York for their low base bid of $174,800., and, be it further RESOLVED, That the contract for Plumbing be awarded to Louis N. Picciano & Son of Vestal, New York for their low base bid of $98,830., and, be it further RESOLVED, That the contract for Electrical be awarded to Yager Electric, Inc., of Bainbridge, New York for their low base bid of $215,000., and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute these contracts on behalf of the City. Discussion followed on the floor regarding parking alternatives after the court facility is completed. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Reeves, Tripp, Cox, Gerard Nays (1) Brandford Carried Amendment to Agreement for Construction Management Services - City Court Facility By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, Lehrer, McGovern, Bovis, Inc. has provided construction management services during the prebid and bidding phases resulting in a net savings of approximately $88,000. to the City; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Lehrer, McGovern, Bovis, Inc. agreement for Construction Management Services be amended to include services during construction as outlined in the amendment to agreement at a cost not to exceed $20,000. and that the source of funds be Capital Project #242, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, Chair of the Budget & Administration Committee, Superintendent of Public Works, City Attorney, and City Controller be authorized to sign the amendment to agreement. Discussion followed on the court facility project, and various changes made to the original plans. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Cox Nays (0) Abstention (1) Brandford Carried BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 5 Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services for Contract Administration - City Court Facility By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, Perkins, Eastman, and Partners have provided all architectural design services to date; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Perkins, Eastman, and Partners' agreement be amended to include contract administration at a cost not to exceed $45,000. and that the source of funds be Capital Project #242, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, Chair of the Budget & Administration Committee, the Superintendent of Public Works, City Attorney, and City Controller be authorized to sign the amendment to the agreement. Ayes (4) Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Cox Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Brandford Carried HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALK ITEMS: Public Hearing on Sidewalk Evaluations - Set Date By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, notice has been given of the 1992 sidewalk evaluations to the owners of properties where the sidewalks require repair in the survey area, and WHEREAS, the City Charter (5.27.4) requires that the Board hold a public hearing on these evaluations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That a public hearing on the 1992 sidewalk evaluations will be held at the Board of Public Works' Regular meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 1992, starting at 4:00 P.M. in the Common Council Chambers of the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously Request for Outdoor Dining - Oasis Natural Grocery By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, Oasis Natural Grocery has requested approval from the Board for the use of the sidewalk adjacent to their store on Buffalo Street for outdoor dining; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the owners of Oasis Natural Grocery be granted a license to use approximately 80 square feet on the Buffalo Street right of way for the period June 10, 1992 through September 20, 1992, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a 30-day revocable license agreement, based on the usual terms and conditions, with the owners of Oasis Natural Grocery, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the owners of Oasis be obliged to keep the area adjacent to their store clean and free from litter associated with this use. Ayes (4) Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Brandford Nays (1) Cox Carried Encroachment Agreement for 227 West Spencer Street By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Tripp WHEREAS, Terry A. Smith and Betty T. Smith are the owners of a property at 227 West Spencer Street, and BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 6 WHEREAS, a portion of the garage encroaches over the west line of the Spencer Street right of way about 5 feet; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Mayor to enter into an encroachment agreement with Terry A. Smith and Betty T. Smith according to the usual terms. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Request for Parking Changes - Bryant Park Area A request was received for changes in the parking regulations in the Bryant Park area. Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, a request was made for parking to be prohibited from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon on the 200 block of Bryant Avenue Monday through Friday, and on Fairmont Avenue from 12:00 noon until 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, with no change to the current night parking regulations, in order to improve the availability of parking within the neighborhood; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants this request and directs staff to erect appropriate signage by the middle of August. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the night parking regulations and the changes that were suggested at the last Committee of the Whole meeting. Mayor Nichols explained that it was his understanding that the alternate side night parking would be eliminated and night parking would be allowed every night on one side of the street. He stated that the basis for this decision was to discourage all day (24 hour) parking, but not to make parking difficult for the residents of that area. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Whereas Clause be amended by striking the phrase "with no change to the current night parking regulations". Carried Unanimously Council Liaison Berg suggested that another Resolved Clause be added to the Resolution which would direct staff to send out notices to the area residents in August to notify them of the impending parking changes. Motion to Send Back to Committee By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That this Resolution be sent back to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will have Power to Act at the June 17, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding this matter. Carried Unanimously Extending Hours for City Parking Lots Due to an error in the agenda preparation, this Resolution was not included in the agenda packets. Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will have Power to Act at the June 17, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding this BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 7 matter. Carried Unanimously "Summer in the City" Downtown Summer Parking By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the closing of the Green Street Garage and construction of the new Court and Police Facility will result in a loss of about 500 public parking spaces from June 15, 1992 until August 15, 1992, and WHEREAS, the Board would like to maximize participation in the Summer in the City Program designed to promote physical activity and encourage alternate means of commuting to work, including walking, bicycling, park & walk, and park & ride, and WHEREAS, the Board wishes to offer a small gift (such as a ticket for Ben and Jerry's ice cream or a sports squeeze bottle) to each participant at an approximate cost of $2.00/person and approximately 500 participants, with the source of funds being divided between the Ithaca Commons Reconstruction CP #243, the Green Street Parking Ramp Renovations CP #224, and City Court Facility construction CP #242; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City will donate eight prizes for one winning team of eight members; each winner to choose between a full season pass for the Cass Park Rink, Cass Park Pool - 1993, or Willow Ave Golf Course - 1993 at no direct expense to the City, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the City will fund program participation awards, up to $1,500. in cost, from the three related Capital Projects #224, #243, and #242. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the issues of awarding "gifts" and funding these items from Capital Projects. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the last Resolved Clause be amended to read as follows: RESOLVED, That the City will fund program participation awards, up to $1,500. in cost, from the three related Capital Projects #224, #243, and #242, subject to approval by the City Attorney and City Controller. Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS: Request to Use Stewart Park - Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club has asked for permission to use the areas around the barbecue pit and the picnic tables on June 28, 1992, starting at 9:30 A.M., for a corporate volleyball tournament, associated fitness and blood pressure testing, as well as consultation, as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. This use was previously granted for May 31, 1992, but the event was rained out on that day. Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club has requested the use BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 8 of the areas around the barbecue pit at Stewart Park, on June 28, 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 requested areas of the park, subject to availability, on June 28, 1992, from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. for this event, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the area which is used will be left in a clean and orderly condition upon departure. Carried Unanimously Agreement with Ithaca Farmers' Market for Use of DeWitt Park for Tuesday Markets By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed agreement as amended between the City of Ithaca and the Ithaca Farmers Market for the Market's use of DeWitt Park on Tuesdays; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the proposed agreement, which will be effective from May 19, 1992 through October 27, 1992, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to sign this agreement. Commissioner Reeves explained the changes that were made to the agreement. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Approval of Sewer Service Agreement The City and Town have drawn up an interim agreement to consolidate a number of outdated agreements. This agreement will serve to formalize the existing operations of the two systems while a long-term agreement is being negotiated. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed agreement between the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca for the provision of certain sewer services to the Town by the City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the proposed agreement, as modified in Clauses 6 and 9, as outlined in Chapter 5.37 of the City Charter, and the Mayor is authorized to enter into the agreement. Assistant City Attorney Kennedy explained the changes that were made to the agreement. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 9 for payment: Abstract #11 General Fund......................................$ 45,570.07 Water and Sewer Fund.............................. 5,294.96 Joint Activity Fund............................... 10,585.73 Capital Projects.................................. 140,645.45 Solid Waste Fund.................................. 12,592.00 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Conservation Advisory Council Commissioner Gerard reported that the CAC spent their last meeting discussing the Weisburd project. Six Mile Creek Commissioner Gerard reported that the Six Mile Creek Committee has been discussing the beaver issue. He requested that the Committee be notified when the DEC is invited back for an additional inspection. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Report on Public Session of Common Council Meeting Commissioner Reeves reported that in addition to the comments the Board heard at today's meeting, people at the Council meeting also expressed their concerns about blocking streets off. Residents do not want their neighborhoods isolated. Report on South Albany Street Commissioner Reeves reminded the Board of the meeting regarding the Spencer Road traffic situation on Monday, June 15, 1992 at 554 Spencer Road. She further stated that the South Albany Street residents are opposed to any reconfiguration of the South Albany Street/Spencer Road intersection because they do not want the excess traffic on their street, and because they have concerns about their children as well. Commissioner Tripp reported that she and Commissioner Brandford will not be able to attend the Spencer Road meeting as they will be attending the Planning and Development Committee meeting to discuss the "hierarchy of streets" plan. NEW BUSINESS: Alternative Fuel Vehicles Commissioner Tripp reported that she has been reading about alternative fuels and using clean fuels in fleet vehicles. She stated that the Northeast Natural Gas Vehicle conference will be held in Binghamton in August, and suggested that someone from the DPW attend this conference. She further reported that there is going to be a proposal in the State Assembly in the next few months, that will possibly reimburse municipalities that convert to less pollutant fuels. Park and Ride Lots Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that Deputy Planning & Development Director Sieverding has prepared a letter for private land owners who have provided lots for the park and ride program that would indemnify them in the event that a claim was filed against them. The Ithaca Agency, (the City's Insurance Company) has been notified. ADJOURNMENT: BPW Minutes June 10, 1992 10 On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M. Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor