HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-07-08
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. July 8, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Cox, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Chief Operator - Baker
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 Minutes of the June 10, 1992 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That approval of the June 10, 1992 Board of Public Works
Minutes be deferred until the July 22, 1992 meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Items
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item D - Kline Road
Sewer Relief - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Buildings, Properties and Transit Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item C - Award of
Contract for GIAC Renovations - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business
Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item A - Naming of the
Municipal Pool - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols reported that he received a letter from Vice
President Wall of Ithaca College regarding their centennial
celebrations. He requested the use of DeWitt Park on Sunday,
September 20, 1992 to hold a Patsy Conway band (wind ensemble)
concert, an ice cream social, and a dedication ceremony. Mayor
Nichols stated that he will make copies of the request for Board
members, and this matter was referred to the Committee of the
Whole for further discussion.
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July 8, 1992
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REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that she has the sidewalk
repair standards and sidewalk litigation information the Board had
requested, but has not had a chance to review it. The Board will
discuss this matter further at a Committee of the Whole meeting.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Common Council Liaison Berg reported that the Resolution extending
the hours of parking garage operations on a trial basis passed 9-1
at the July 1, 1992 Common Council meeting.
He further reported that the Street Hierarchy Concept Resolution
he proposed to Council was passed and then referred back to the
Planning and Development Committee for further discussion
regarding the creation of a Task Force on traffic issues.
Commissioner Berg urged Board members to attend the Planning and
Development Committee meeting to voice their concerns.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following
projects:
Joint Transit Facility - meetings
Metropolitan Planning Organization Comm. - meetings
Parking Operations - possible changes proposed
Court Facility - work has begun
Downtown Summer Parking Program - permits are available for Seneca
Street Garage
Commons Rehabilitation - 3 weeks behind schedule, additional crews
have been added
Municipal Pool - excavator on site
N. Cayuga Street Bridge - work ongoing
Green Street Garage - work on schedule
GIAC Renovations - contract will be awarded today
Sidewalk Contract - bids due next week
Commissioner Tripp requested an update on the bicycle path
maintenance requests.
Mayor Nichols stated that he is working with the City Controller
regarding the possibility of setting up a separate parking budget,
such as the solid waste budget, matching revenues against expenses
(excluding enforcement). This could involve an increase in rates,
and the establishment of a special benefit district for parking in
order to balance the budget. Commissioner Reeves suggested that
the City contact Downtown Ithaca Inc. to get them involved in this
discussion.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported
on the following projects:
National Triple Crown Softball Tournament - (this weekend) will
pay for DPW services
Dump Truck has been delivered - Recycling Truck will be delivered
in 2 weeks
Ithaca Transit Bus repairs - going well
Asphalt Roller - needs repairs (approx. $5,000.)
Madison Street - gravel basing complete
Giles Street Bridge -abutment repairs complete
Cliff Park Road - re-paving
Highland Place - curb crew working
Stewart Park - stone pillars installed at entrance
BPW Minutes
July 8, 1992
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Street Striping
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following projects:
Filter 7 back in service
Final inspection of roof at Water Plant
Lead & Copper sampling
Municipal Pool water work complete
Sewer videotaping will begin next week
Draft Environmental Assessment Form for Sewer Use Ordinance
complete
Town of Dryden - Sewer Contract
N. Cayuga Street Bridge - new design for water main project
complete
Meeting with Town of Ulysses regarding a request for extension of
water lines to Jacksonville
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Award of Contract for GIAC Renovations
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, The City received bids on May 28, 1992 for the
renovations of GIAC 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 July 1, 1992 to increase the project
budget from $565,100. to $656,677.; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for General Construction be awarded to
Iversen Construction Corporation of Gorham, New York for their low
bid of $300,100. for the Base Bid, and Alternates 1 and 2, and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for Heating, Ventilating and Air
Conditioning be awarded to Postler & Jaeckle Southerntier Branch
of Corning, New York for their low bid of $167,870. for the Base
Bid and Alternates H1, H2 and H3, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for Electrical be awarded to M.
Gleason & Sons of Binghamton, New York for their low bid of
$47,400. for the Base Bid and Alternates E1 and E2, 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 with Chris Iversen and Greg Davis
of Iversen Construction present to answer concerns regarding the
delay in the Municipal Pool construction, and how it could relate
to this project.
Mr. Davis explained that the lag time in construction was due to
the fact that many of the materials had to be custom built for
this project. He stated that the pool is slated for delivery on
July 18, 1992, and the completion date of the pool is October 7,
1992.
Mr. Iversen explained that the GIAC renovation project would not
require any special materials so there should not be a delay in
the start of construction.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
BPW Minutes
July 8, 1992
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Carried Unanimously
Inlet Island Report
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, John Schroeder has presented the Board of Public Works
with his report on Inlet Island for their review; now, therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the concept of
this report, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board commends John Schroeder and the Committee
on their efforts.
Commissioner Cox abstained from this vote as he served on the
Inlet Island Committee.
Ayes (4) Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Brandford
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Cox
Carried
Request for Use of City Property for Great American Circus
The Board of Public Works has received a written request from the
Allan C. Hill Entertainment Corp. to hold the Great American
Circus in Ithaca. The request included use of City property for a
three ring circus tent and for parking. This event is scheduled
for Thursday, August 13, 1992. Allan C. Hill Entertainment is a
commercial business which holds circuses for charities.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from
Allan C. Hill Entertainment Corporation for the use of City
property for the Great American Circus; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board approves the use of Carpenter Business
Park for the location of said circus and use of the Farmers Market
site for parking, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Allan C. Hill Entertainment Corp. be charged a
prepaid fee of $500. for the use of City property in addition to
charges incurred by water usage, site preparation and site clean
up, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board will consider a request to waive the fee
(but not expenses) upon proof of involvement of a charity
acceptable to the City.
Mayor Nichols stated for the record that the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency has leased the land to the Board for one day with no
charge. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the
last Resolved clause.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be stricken from the
Resolution.
Ayes (4) Nichols, Reeves, Gerard, Cox
Nays (2) Brandford, Tripp
Carried
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July 8, 1992
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Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Request from Plum's Restaurant to Occupy Parking Space
Plum's Restaurant has requested use of the sidewalk and curbside
parking spaces to be blocked in order to hold an outdoor barbecue
during the week of July 20-26, 1992. Plum's has had
correspondences with the Deputy Fire Chief regarding Fire
Prevention Code issues.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from
Plum's to occupy the sidewalk and parking space directly in front
of their business for an outdoor barbecue for the week of July 20-
26, 1992; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board approves Plum's request providing the
Fire Prevention Code is followed, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City will enter into the usual contract with
Plum's which will cover the fee for occupying the sidewalk and
parking spaces, the allotted time period, and site restoration or
clean-up requirements.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Request for Use of Cass Park Ball Field
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, a request was made from the Ithaca Girls Fast Pitch
League to waive the fee for Cass Park Ball Field number 5; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request due to
its current contract with the Ithaca Amateur Softball Association
which states all other organizations shall pay the $10.00 fee per
game for use of ball fields.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Ithaca Amateur
Softball Association contract. A vote on the Resolution resulted
as follows:
Carried Unanimously
WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Board's Recommendation to Change Job Description of Plumbing
Inspector
The Department of Public Works has recently received notice that
the current Plumbing Inspector intends to retire. The position
was authorized to be filled by the Vacancy Review Committee and a
candidate search has begun. Review of the job description has
determined that there currently exists a City of Ithaca residence
requirement prior to appointment to the position. This
qualification is listed in the code of the City of Ithaca. A
similar requirement exists for all members of the Examining Board
of Plumbers. Current sentiment is that the City residency
requirement is restrictive.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the current job description for the
position of Plumbing Inspector and requirements for a member of
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July 8, 1992
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the Board of Examining Plumbers and has found both positions
require City residency prior to appointment, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works encourages City residency, but
feels this requirement is too restrictive, and severely limits the
pool of prospective candidates for both positions; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works request the Charter and
Ordinance Committee, and ultimately Common Council, to eliminate
the City residency requirement for the position of City Plumbing
Inspector, and for one or more members of the Board of Examining
Plumbers as currently listed in the existing Municipal Code,
Section 26.43 and the proposed Code, Sections 146-24 and 146-23
respectively.
Carried Unanimously
Sewer Use Requirements and Local Pollutant Limitations
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the SJS hired an environmental law expert to assist in
the preparation of the proposed Ordinances entitled "Sewer Use
Requirements" and "Local Pollutant Limitations", which were
required to meet current State and Federal regulations, and
WHEREAS, the SJS has reviewed the proposed ordinances and
recommends approval and adoption by the joint owners, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has also reviewed and approved
the proposed Ordinances, and
WHEREAS, staff has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment Form
as required under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance
(CEQR), declaring a negative impact, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works wishes to thoroughly and
expeditiously complete the environmental review; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Planning and
Development Committee review and recommend that Common Council
declare itself as "Lead Agency" as required under the CEQR
Ordinance, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests Common Council
to take such action at their August 5, 1992 meeting and proceed
with the environmental review and adopt the "Sewer Use
Requirements" and "Local Pollutant Limitations" Ordinances in a
timely manner, thus bringing the City in compliance with current
USEPA and NYDEC regulations.
Carried Unanimously
Interim Water Treatment Plant Improvements
The City's consulting Engineers for the "Interim Water Treatment
Plant Improvements" project have received approval from the New
York State Department of Health Design Review Section. The next
phase of this project is to advertise for bids.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the design for the Interim Water Treatment Plant has been
completed, and approval has been received by the New York State
Department of Health, and
BPW Minutes
July 8, 1992
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WHEREAS, these improvements are mandated by the Tompkins County
Health Department, and in order to proceed with the project in a
timely manner; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Controller's office to advertise for bids on July 13, 1992 with
bids to be received and opened on August 12, 1992.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the scope of the
project. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Kline Road Sewer Relief
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, the SJS has passed a Resolution recommending that the
Board of Public Works proceed with the establishment of a Capital
Project entitled "Kline Road Sewer Relief Project", and
WHEREAS, the Committee has set a goal for the project including
the "design of a by-pass sewer to divert up to 1 MGD of flow from
Kline Road to the existing sewer mains located on Lake Street",
and
WHEREAS, the Capital Project has an initial estimated cost of
$100,000. and a goal to be completed within the current fiscal
year; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends to the Budget
and Administration Committee that a Capital Project be established
as "Kline Road Sewer Relief Project" in the amount not to exceed
$100,000., funds to be derived from a Capital Reserve for Joint
Sewers to be set up within the Joint Activities Fund, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the setting up of the Reserve as well as the
credits and expenses accrued in this account for this project
shall be negotiated by the SJS in accordance with the Joint Owners
Agreement.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #13
General Fund.....................................$ 35,002.98
Water & Sewer Fund............................... 1,309.15
Joint Activity Fund.............................. 14,830.15
Capital Projects................................. 39,884.77
Solid Waste Fund................................. 32,483.95
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Spencer Road Traffic Pattern
Commissioner Reeves reported that Chief McEwen will be reviewing
the data that has been collected on the Spencer Road Traffic
Pattern. She stated that she will schedule this issue for a
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July 8, 1992
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future Committee of the Whole meeting and will invite the Spencer
Road and South Albany Street residents.
Fill Ordinance
Commissioner Reeves reported that she will try to attend the
Charter & Ordinance Committee meeting to express the Board's
concerns regarding the Fill Ordinance.
Discussion followed on the Town of Ithaca's Fill Ordinance and
requirements.
NEW BUSINESS:
Naming of the Municipal Pool
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the new pool being constructed in the area across
from the Greater Ithaca Activity Center be named the Alex Haley
Municipal Pool.
Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Reeves stated that
she would have liked a greater effort made towards having someone
locally recognized.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:50 P.M.
Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor