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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-07-22 1 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 BPW Minutes July 22, 1992 2 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 BPW Minutes July 22, 1992 3 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 BPW Minutes July 22, 1992 4 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 BPW Minutes July 22, 1992 5 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 BPW Minutes July 22, 1992 6 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