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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-07-08 1 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. BPW Minutes July 8, 1992 2 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 3 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 4 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 BPW Minutes July 8, 1992 5 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 BPW Minutes July 8, 1992 6 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 7 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 BPW Minutes July 8, 1992 8 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