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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-06-24 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. June 24, 1992 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (5) Rusoff, Reeves, Cox, Gerard, Brandford OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Asst. Superintendet 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 Alderperson Efroymson Alderperson Johnson EXCUSED: Commissioner Tripp 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 June 10, 1992 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That Approval of the Minutes of the June 10, 1992 Board of Public Works meeting be deferred until the July 8, 1992 Regular meeting. Carried Unanimously Mayor Nichols noted that he has asked Deputy City Clerk Boyle to include official actions taken at the Committee of the Whole meetings with the Regular Board of Public Works Minutes. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Nichols reported that the Planning and Development Committee is submitting the following Resolution to the Common Council Committee of the Whole tonight: WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has begun discussions of traffic problems in the City of Ithaca and, as a result of these discussions, has suggested an approach to traffic control that has been referred to as the street hierarchy concept, and WHEREAS, the street hierarchy concept has generated a considerable amount of public comment, interest and concern; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council recommends that the Board of Public Works establish a Community Task Force on Traffic Issues to recommend ways to ameliorate the harmful effects of traffic so as to benefit every City neighborhood, such task force to represent a broad cross section of the public, at least one-half of whom live on streets with heavy traffic and also include representation from the Board, from the Board of Police Commissioners, and other appropriate City boards and commissions, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board is requested to delay decision on installation of any new traffic control devices that may have negative impacts on adjacent streets and neighborhoods until such time as the Task Force's recommendations are accepted as official BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 2 City policy by the Board of Public Works and the Common Council. Mayor Nichols suggested that the Board of Public Works review this Resolution and refer any suggestions or recommendations to Council. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Public Hearing on Sidewalk Evaluations By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing on Sidewalk Evaluations be declared open. Carried Unanimously The following people addressed the Board regarding their sidewalk evaluations and requested re-evaluations: Margaret Wood, 121 South Titus Avenue Linda Lerch, 402 North Titus Avenue Vincent Franciamone, 232 South Albany Street (after 3:30 P.M.) Margaret McCasland, 212 Fayette Street The following people cited tree damage as the reason their sidewalks needed to be repaired and requested a re-evaluation with the Engineering Dept. and the City Forester: Thomas Kimble, 801 South Plain Street Luann Elizabeth, 216 Fayette Street Edward Humulock, 308 North Titus Avenue John Leonard, 109 Cleveland Avenue Madeline Newby, 519-521 West Clinton Street, addressed the Board because she received a notice stating that she was required to install a concrete apron to the end of her driveway. Ms. Newby explained that she doesn't own a car and would like to fill driveway in with dirt and plant grass instead of installing the apron. Superintendent Gray had no objections. Mary Ann Burgess Puhalka, 505 South Albany Street, stated that she and her husband would like to repair their sidewalk themselves, and asked what they should do with the old concrete. Superintendent Gray responded that homeowners who repair their own sidewalks would have to make arrangements with the County to dispose of the old concrete. Ms. Burgess Puhalka requested a re- evaluation because she feels that the damage to her sidewalks is only surface deterioration. William Payne, Administrator, Homes Properties, requested a re- evaluation for their property at 523 South Albany Street, because he believes that the old slate sidewalk in front of that property has historical value. O. Carter, 306 South Plain Street addressed the Board to explain that her sidewalk evaluation only showed "U's" which mean that there is sidewalk damage, but it is not bad enough to need replacing at this time. She further explained that she has been notified that because the City has to do work on a portion of the sidewalk, they are required to repair all of the "U's" for liability purposes, and she feels she should not be responsible for paying for the repairs. The Board will review this case and respond to Ms. Carter's complaint. Jean Bruning, 117 Park Street requested that the City be more careful about planting trees so the amount of sidewalk damage created by the trees can be reduced. She suggested that the City consider removing some of the older trees that are deteriorating, and replace them with younger trees. BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 3 Discussion followed regarding sidewalk litigation. The City Attorney's office will prepare a summary of all recent sidewalk related lawsuits. The Board of Public Works will review this summary as well as the current sidewalk regulations. The Board will also discuss the issue of tree damage with the City Forester and establish a policy. Motion to Close Public Hearing By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing on Sidewalk Evaluations be declared closed. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Gerard reported that Alderperson Johnson had asked him to pass out a Resolution that will be presented to Common Council in the future regarding the Six Mile Creek area. This matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion. REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER: Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that there is a $100,000. projected loss of parking revenue, including the future extension of hours of the parking garages. He requested that the Board discuss this matter and make recommendations. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Common Council Liaison Berg reported that Common Council will be discussing the extension of hours in the parking garages tonight. He also reported that Common Council will consider the $91,000. additional funding request for the GIAC Renovations. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: Superintendent Gray reported on the following projects: There will be a five mile "David Malcolm Memorial Run" starting at Stewart Park on Sunday, June 28, 1992 from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. A formal request has been submitted to the Police Department. Park and Ride Summer Service - additional park-n-ride buses were stopped today. Planned Parenthood has planned a demonstration in front of the Post Office on July 7, 1992. They will apply for a permit from the Police Department. Green Street Parking Garage - work is on schedule North Cayuga Street Bridge - work is on schedule City Court Facility - contracts will be signed shortly Municipal Pool - meeting with contractor tomorrow Commons Rehabilitation - work is ongoing 1993 Capital Project List * Mayor Nichols left at 5:30 P.M. and Vice Chair Reeves chaired the rest of the meeting. REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER: Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the following projects: BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 4 Municipal Pool - water & sewer utilities installation complete Intake Inspections - no adult zebra mussels present Interim project - has been reviewed by State, will bid in July Dam Study - is ongoing Ron Denmark at the Wastewater Treatment Plant has received the Euell T. Mann Award for excellence in treatment plant operations from the Water Pollution Control Federation. Plumbing Inspector Dennis Drader will be retiring next week, Bill McGee will work full-time on plumbing inspections until a replacement is hired. Discussion followed regarding the Master Plumber requirement for the position. Asst. Superintendent Shimer will check with Civil Service to see if the specifications can be changed to read "eligible to be licensed as a Master Plumber". REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES: Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on the following projects: Stewart Park - pillar work Third Street Extension - paving and grading Madison Street - paving Giles Street Bridge - bridge abutment repairs, will need to replace deck in the near future Cass Park Pool - inspected and opened today GIAC Mini-Pool - will be inspected and opened tomorrow Ithaca Transit Bus repairs - ongoing Street Striping A request has been made to waive the fees for use of Field #5 for a teenage, girl's fast-pitch, softball league for four home (evening) games. Discussion followed on the floor, this matter will be considered at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS: Award of Contract for Transit Mix Concrete By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, staff has received the bids that were received on May 28, 1992 for Transit Mix Concrete; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the bid be awarded to Saunders Concrete Co., Inc., of Nedrow, New York for their low bid on all items listed for a base bid of $67,200. based on estimated quantities, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contract. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Asphalt Concrete By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids that were received on May 28, 1992 for Asphalt Concrete to be used during the current construction season; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the bid be awarded to General Crushed Stone Co. of Jamesville, New York, for their bid on all items which is the low bid for each item when adjusted for delivery cost in accordance with the bid specifications, and, be it further RESOLVED, That quoted prices are adjusted by 40 cents per ton mile per bid specifications to determine final bid price, and, be it further BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 5 RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (Streets and Facilities) be authorized to sign the contract. Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS: Request for Use of DeWitt Park A request was received from the First Presbyterian Church to use DeWitt Park for marketplace 29 A.D. Marketplace 29 A.D. is a non- profit event sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and First Congregation Church featuring displays and activities. Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, the First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and First Congregation Church have requested the use of DeWitt Park for August 28 through 30, 1992 for Marketplace 29 A.D., and WHEREAS, the planned activities are based on a Judean marketplace around 29 A.D., and will not disrupt the normal peace of the Park on these days; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission to First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and First Congregation Church to use DeWitt Park for the planned activities, and, be it further RESOLVED, That no amplified sound or commercial activity associated with the celebration be permitted, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and First Congregation Church must obtain all required permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this gathering, and be it further RESOLVED, That the area used will be left in a clean and orderly condition upon departure. Carried Unanimously WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Request to Expunge Trash Tag Violation Mrs. John Rudan, landlord of 612 East Buffalo Street, has sent correspondences to the Department of Public Works requesting expungement of a trashtag violation. The violation, received by her tenant, was in the full first week of January. Mrs. Rudan feels that there was not adequate general notice of the change, despite her efforts to notify her tenants, and that her tenants were not given proper notice of their specific violation. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, Mrs. John Rudan, has requested expungement of a $25.00 fee for a trashtag violation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves Mrs. Rudan's request for an expungement of the charge for improper tags, and, be it further RESOLVED, That an additional penalty charge of $6.00 be included in the expungement. BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 6 Ayes (3) Gerard, Rusoff, Cox Nays (2) Brandford, Reeves Motion Fails Commissioner Rusoff requested that this Resolution be resubmitted at the next voting meeting. Master Plumber Requirements By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, the Plumbing Inspector position is open due to a recent retirement, and WHEREAS, the present wording for the qualifications of this position restricts applicants that are not currently licensed as Master Plumbers in the City of Ithaca; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission be requested to expand the qualifications to include those persons qualified to be licensed as Master Plumbers in the City of Ithaca, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the successful candidate for the position shall be licensed as a Master Plumber before the end of their probationary term, and permanent appointment. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford RESOLVED, That the bills listed on the following abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #12 General Fund..................................$ 37,540.84 Water & Sewer Fund............................ 33,882.66 Joint Activity Fund........................... 10,226.18 Capital Projects.............................. 143,613.57 Solid Waste Fund.............................. 38,667.15 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously Approval of New Members of the Energy Commission By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the following people be appointed to the Energy Commission: Karen Schlife Kimball Lewis Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Parking Garage Client Committee Commissioner Brandford reported on the status of the new parking garage. He stated that the Committee asked Common Council to broaden their charge so they could look at other sites as well as a wider range of financing. The current option being discussed is placing all of the parking facilities into one fund, such as the solid waste program is set up, so that they would have their own budget. Currently there is a negative cash flow from the ramps of approximately $360,000. One suggestion has been to create two special benefit districts to finance the ramps and operating costs, one for all City residents and the other one for most of BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 7 the business areas. The Board of Public Works would be responsible for setting up the City assessments. Special Joint Sub-Committee - Sewer Use Ordinance Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that the Town of Ithaca has already completed their environmental assessment, which means the City will have to complete one also unless the City becomes an interested party under the Town of Dryden's environmental assessment. If the City has to complete their own environmental assessment as a Type I action, the Engineering Department would complete it, bring it to the Board of Public Works to recommend that a negative declaration of environmental impact of the Sewer Use Ordinance be approved and to also declare themselves Lead Agency in the City for review of this matter, hold a Public Hearing, and make a recommendation to Common Council to approve the Ordinance. Parks Commission Commissioner Gerard reported that the Parks Commission is presenting a recommendation to the Charter & Ordinance Committee to prohibit duck hunting in the Cass Park area (Hog Hole). Six Mile Creek Committee Commissioner Gerard reported that Karen Limburg of the Bicycle Advisory Council wrote a memo regarding the damage that is being caused by the use of mountain bikes in the Six Mile Creek area. He requested that the Board give guidance to the Six Mile Creek Committee and the Gorge Ranger. Further discussion of this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Fill Ordinance Commissioner Cox stated that he is strongly opposed to the proposed Fill Ordinance because it seriously restricts people's right to use their property. Commissioner Brandford agreed with Commissioner Cox and further stated that he felt the Ordinance was too vague to enforce. Commissioner Reeves stated that the Ordinance is very vague as to how it effects the DPW, it appears that the DPW is expected to follow the objectives and policies behind the Ordinance (producing plans, obtaining permits, etc.). Assistant City Attorney Kennedy explained that this Ordinance is going to the Common Council Committee of the Whole tonight, and to Council next week. She suggested that the Board voice their objections to Council members. Commissioner Cox requested that a note be passed on to Council, tonight, requesting them to pull the Ordinance from the agenda to allow the Board a chance to discuss it further and forward comments to them. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M. BPW Minutes June 24, 1992 8 Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor Carol Reeves Vice Chair