HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-06-10
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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
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June 10, 1992
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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
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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
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June 10, 1992
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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
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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
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June 10, 1992
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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
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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
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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
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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
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On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor