HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-07-22
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. July 22, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Cox, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
City Attorney - Guttman
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Gerard
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 Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 10, 1992 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Minutes of the June 24, 1992 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 24, 1992 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
New Business
Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item A - Waiver of Fee for
Cass Park - Resolution.
Commissioner Tripp requested the addition of Item B - Request from
Betsy Darlington to Trade City Parking Permit in for Free Bus Pass
- Resolution.
Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item C - Request from IURA
to Waive Fee for Sidewalk Repairs - Discussion.
Mayor Nichols requested the addition of Item D - Request for
Approval of Street Tree Project on Old Elmira Road - Resolution.
No Board members objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols reported on the Solid Waste budget concerns. He
stated that during the first year of the trash tag program people
were not filling their trash bags to capacity. The City expected
that factor to remain true for the second year of the program so
the price of full tags only increased to $3.00 each in spite of
the fact that the cost of the tipping fee alone for a full 35
pound bag is $2.54. Research has found that residents are now
filling their trash bags to capacity however, and some may be
overfilling their bags which has caused the current budget
concerns. Mayor Nichols stated that residents have reduced the
amount of trash they put out by 20% this year. The City will have
to take steps to decrease
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July 22, 1992
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collection costs, but in addition all municipalities in the County
should request that the County lower the $145. per ton tipping fee
as Ithaca is not the only municipality with solid waste concerns.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Nina Bassuk, Chair of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, addressed
the Board regarding the tree planting project on the Old Elmira
Road. She explained that her group has received a $14,800. grant
from the Small Business Administration to plant 21 trees on the
Old Elmira Road. Ms. Bassuk stated that the Shade Tree Advisory
Council has worked closely with DPW personnel and the project is
ready to begin pending Board of Public Works approval.
This item will be discussed further under New Business, Item D.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Report on Hillview Sewer Status
City Attorney Guttman outlined the history of the Hillview sewer
line. He explained that the Vanderburgh's own property up to the
center line of the street. Property was never deeded to the City
and the City has never taken possession of the sewer lateral.
Tree roots are currently clogging the sewer line and there is a
break in the sewer line above the Vanderburgh property causing
sewage to back up into the Vanderburgh's basement. City Attorney
Guttman explained three options that could correct the broken
lateral situation. He further explained that the City has no
legal obligation to fix the sewer lateral, but if the City did
choose to fix the lateral it could pay for all, part, or none of
the work.
Superintendent Gray, Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer
and City Attorney Guttman will make a proposal for the Board to
approve. Mr. Vanderburgh will be notified of this proposal.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that the Budget &
Administration Committee did not take any action on the trash tag
situation at this point, but a proposal may be forthcoming.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following
projects:
Commons Rehabilitation - work back on schedule
N. Cayuga Street Bridge - ahead of schedule, waiting for beams
City Court Facility - electrical service to be changed over next
week
Sidewalk Contract - bids will be awarded today
Municipal Pool - excavation has begun, unsuitable soils found
GIAC Renovations - work will begin next month
Dam Studies - ongoing
Johnson Boatyard - survey work will begin next week
Sewer Ordinance - will go to Common Council in August
Plumbing Inspector - back from retirement to train new Inspector
Kline Road Sewer - funding for project will go to Common Council
Sewer Lines - videotaping has begun
Utica/Jay Streets - search for water leak
Silt Dam Clean-up
Lead & Copper testing has begun
Signage for the Watershed area has been ordered
Budget Preparation
Cascadilla Park Road - pillars being repaired
Commissioner Tripp requested that Superintendent Gray provide an
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update on bicycle safety issues at the next meeting.
HIGHWAY, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
Award of Sidewalk Contract
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed bids received on July 13, 1992 for
work under the City sidewalk contract program; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the contract for the 1992 sidewalk program be
awarded to F & J Masonry, Waverly, NY for their total low bid of
$45,407., and that the funds for this work be derived from Capital
Project 249.
Carried Unanimously
Encroachment Agreement for 1104 East State Street
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, a recent survey has been completed for the property at
1104 East State Street to be bought by Steven and Susan Long.
Said survey shows an outdoor walkway and steps are located
approximately 15 feet in the City's property, and
WHEREAS, an agreement has been drawn up by the Long's attorney and
reviewed by the City Attorney's Office; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Mayor to
enter into an encroachment agreement with the Longs according to
the usual terms.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Request for Installation of Signs in Six Mile Creek
The Board has received a request from the Conservation Advisory
Council to consider installing signage to prohibit bicycles in the
natural areas of the Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is considering the prohibition
of bicycles in the Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve except for
designated trails; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board requests the Six Mile Creek Committee and
the Bicycle Commission work in conjunction with the Board to
identify these designated trails, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board direct staff to install such signage
prohibiting the use of bicycles in the Six Mile Creek area with
direction to designated trails if any are identified, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the funds for the signage be derived from the
budget A7113 for Six Mile Creek.
Carried Unanimously
Request from Ithaca College for Use of DeWitt Park
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request from
Ithaca College to use DeWitt Park as part of their Centennial
Celebration on September 20, 1992 for their recreation of "Patsy
Conway Band Concert in the Park"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves Ithaca College's
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request to use DeWitt Park, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That no commercial activity associated with this event
be permitted, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the College must obtain all required permits from
the Ithaca Police Department and the Mayor, including a noise
permit for amplified sound, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the park will be left in a clean and orderly
condition upon departure.
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
Request to Write Off Uncollectible Bills
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, The Board of Public Works has reviewed a request made by
the City Chamberlain to write off many accumulated uncollectible
bills, after being advised by the City Attorney's Office that they
considered the bills uncollectible; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the City
Chamberlain's request to write off these uncollectible bills to
bad debt, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs the Chamberlain to reinstate
these bills at any time they become collectible.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #14
General Fund..................................... $ 49,094.13
Water & Sewer Fund............................... 14,206.49
Joint Activity Fund.............................. 25,266.52
Capital Projects................................. 207,125.66
Solid Waste Fund................................. 15,325.25
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Set Schedule for Neighborhood Parking & Traffic Concerns
Commissioner Reeves presented a schedule to the Board for
discussions of parking and traffic issues which was amended to
read as follows:
Spencer Road July 29, 1992
Cobb & Worth Sts/GIAC, Beverly J. Martin School Aug. 5, 1992
South Hill/Hillview & Aurora Stop Light Aug. 19, 1992
College Ave & Mitchell St./S. Titus Ave. Sept. 2, 1992
N. Tioga & Farm Streets Sept. 16, 1992
S. Plain & Wood Streets Sept. 30, 1992
Fill Ordinance
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Fill Ordinance has been
amended by including a phrase to clarify the Board's
responsibilities which reads as follows: "The Board of Public
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July 22, 1992
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Works shall not be required to obtain a permit pursuant to this
Ordinance for the deposit or removal of fill, but shall ensure
that in connection with every project of the Department of Public
Works in which more than 50 cubic yards of fill are deposited on
or removed from any parcel, that the project is designed and
carried out in a manner which promotes and protects the objectives
and policies behind this Ordinance."
NEW BUSINESS:
Waiver of Fee at Cass Park
Mayor Nichols reported that Common Council established a Police
Community Relations Task Force which is attempting to create more
interaction between Police Officers and young people in the
community. The Task Force will be hosting a Cops & Kids field day
at Cass Park on August 22, 1992. The Mayor requested that the
Board waive the fee for use of Cass Park on that day as this event
is sponsored by the City.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works waives the fee for use of
Cass Park on August 22, 1992 for a Cops & Kids field day which is
sponsored by the City of Ithaca Police Community Relations Task
Force.
Carried Unanimously
Request to Exchange City Parking Permit for Free Bus Pass
Commissioner Tripp reported that Betsy Darlington, Chair of the
Conservation Advisory Council, has inquired about Chairs of City
Committees who already possess City parking permits being able to
turn in their permits in lieu of obtaining free bus passes.
Discussion followed regarding who has been issued City parking
permits and the procedures for issuing the permits.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will allow anyone who
currently possesses a City parking permit to turn in their permit
for a free bus pass to be used solely for City business.
Carried Unanimously
Request to Waive Fee for Sidewalk Repairs
Mayor Nichols reported that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency owns a
building on West Clinton Street that requires sidewalk repairs.
He requested that the Board waive the repair fees as this is a
City building.
No Board member objected.
Request to Approve Tree Project - Old Elmira Road
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the City has received a grant from the Small Business
Administration for $14,785. to prepare the ground and plant street
trees on the Old Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS, the City Forester, in consultation with the Shade Tree
Advisory Committee, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works-
Streets & Facilities, the Superintendent of Public Works, and the
City Traffic Engineer, has prepared a plan and cost estimate for
materials and labor that will fulfill the proposed grant; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes the
spending of SBA grant monies by the DPW to construct new planting
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July 22, 1992
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beds and curbs, and to plant 21 trees on the Old Elmira Road.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:50 P.M.
Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor