HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-06-24
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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
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June 24, 1992
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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.
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June 24, 1992
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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:
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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
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June 24, 1992
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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 $6.00 be included
in the expungement.
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June 24, 1992
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Ayes (3) Gerard, Rusoff, Cox
Nays (2) Brandford, Reeves
Motion Fails
Commissioner Rusoff requested that this Resolution be resubmitted
at the next voting meeting.
Master Plumber Requirements
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, the Plumbing Inspector position is open due to a recent
retirement, and
WHEREAS, the present wording for the qualifications of this
position restricts applicants that are not currently licensed as
Master Plumbers in the City of Ithaca; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission be requested to expand
the qualifications to include those persons qualified to be
licensed as Master Plumbers in the City of Ithaca, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the successful candidate for the position shall be
licensed as a Master Plumber before the end of their probationary
term, and permanent appointment.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
RESOLVED, That the bills listed on the following abstract be
approved for payment:
Abstract #12
General Fund..................................$ 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
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June 24, 1992
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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.
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June 24, 1992
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Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
Carol Reeves
Vice Chair