HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-08-12
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. August 12, 1992
PRESENT:
Commissioners (5) Reeves, Rusoff, Gerard, Cox, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
EXCUSED:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioner Tripp
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Vice Chair Reeves led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the July 8, 1992 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 8, 1992 Board of Public
Works Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings, Properties and Transit Items:
Vice Chair Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Approval of
Contract for Sale of State Street Bricks - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Budget, Administration & Communication Items:
Vice Chair Reeves requested the addition of Item B - Creation of
Position of Transit System Supervisor - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Items:
Commissioner Cox requested the deletion of Item A - Hillview
Sewers - Acceptance of City Attorney's Proposal to Homeowner -
Resolution.
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item B - Disposal of
Asbestos Concrete Pipe - Resolution, and Item C - Award of Bid for
Water Meters - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business:
Vice Chair Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Electrical
Conduit Box in Bank Alley - Discussion.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Denise McGuire, Ayana Conway, Tracey Farrell, and Tia Rudd
addressed the Board regarding the Beverly J. Martin School traffic
requests. They stated that the caution lights should not be
deleted from the request as the school needs them to protect the
children. Beverly J. Martin will have a pre-kindergarten program
starting in the Fall which will add approximately sixty, 3-4 year
olds to the student population. They reiterated the speed and
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August 12, 1992
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traffic problems in that area.
The Board explained the traffic solutions that have been proposed
by the Chief of Police and asked that the Beverly J. Martin School
community allow some time for these changes to take effect. They
further explained that if these changes do not have the desired
effect, Beverly J. Martin School can request the caution lights
again.
Melinda Muller, 207 Cobb Street, addressed the Board regarding the
Cobb/Worth Street Stop Sign Resolution on the agenda. She stated
that it would be better for the children on Cobb street if either
a 4-way stop sign was installed, or to keep the stop sign where it
is.
Susan Blumenthal, Chair of the Downtown Revitalization Leadership
Committee, addressed the Board regarding the electrical conduit
box on bank alley. She stated that she is very concerned about
the location of the box and that Alderperson Schroeder will
express her concerns under the New Business Agenda Item.
Andrew Gillis, Chair of the Commons Advisory Board, and Chair of
the Commons Renovation Project Client Committee addressed the
Board regarding the Commons brick work phase of the project. He
stated that the merchants were promised that all of the work on
the Commons would be completed this year, and he would like to see
that the promise is kept.
Superintendent Gray explained that the brick work has been delayed
because the original bricks were not installed the way the
drawings showed, and this was not known before the renovation
project was started. Several options are being reviewed at this
time regarding how to proceed with the work.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will have Power to Act at
the August 19, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting to act on the
Commons Reconstruction/Brick Work matter.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following
projects:
Green Street Garage - should re-open next week, weather permitting
City Court Facility - work underway
Municipal Pool - ground water problems under control
Commons Rehab - major portion of concrete work complete
Sidewalk Contract - bids have been awarded, work to begin shortly
N. Cayuga Street Bridge - work on schedule
GIAC Renovations - GIAC programs will move to Beverly J. Martin
School and the Youth Bureau
Johnson Boat Yard Survey - field work completed
Spencer Road - traffic counters in place
Engineering Summer Students - finished for the year
MPO, Joint Transit Facility, Solid Waste & Recycling meetings
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported
on the following projects:
Budget Preparation - will be ready for Board's review next week
Odd/Even Signage - being installed
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August 12, 1992
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Extended Parking Lot Hours - begin Monday, signage will be
installed and a press release will be distributed
Highland Place - curb reconstruction/gravel basing
NYSEG hosted a conference in Binghamton on vehicle power from
compressed natural gas. NYSEG is interested in installing a
compressed natural gas fueling station at the City DPW site.
NYSEG has stated that they will fund most of the project, but they
would like the station open to the public.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following projects:
Interim Water Treatment Plant - bid opening today
Kline Road - bypass meetings with the Town of Ithaca
Budget Preparation
Lead & Copper Sampling - no lead violations to date
RFP being processed to increase the maximum flow of discharge
permitted at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Videotaping Inspection Work - to begin shortly
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Approval of Contract for Sale of State Street Bricks
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, The Alex Haley Memorial Fund has requested the use of
historical used bricks belonging to the City to construct a small
plaza at 212 Cascadilla Street; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves an agreement
between the City and The Alex Haley Memorial Fund under the
condition that the City Landmarks Preservation Commission will
issue a certificate of appropriateness, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to sign the agreement.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Extension of Spencer Road Traffic Pattern
On May 21, 1992, the Chief of Police and the Traffic Engineer
implemented a 90 day trial period for a new traffic pattern on
Spencer Road. This trial period is scheduled to end on August 21,
1992, at that time, a decision to implement permanently, extend or
discontinue must be made. Permanent continuation of this
configuration will need approval of Charter and Ordinance
Committee and Common Council.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, The Board of Public Works feels that the 90 day trial
period has not given enough data to show the yearly traffic
variations needed to make a final decision for the Spencer Road
configuration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Chief
of Police and the Traffic Engineer approve an extension of an
additional 75 days for the temporary traffic configuration ending
November 4, 1992; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board direct staff to obtain traffic counts,
said counts to include speed data, in early August and mid
September for review.
BPW Minutes
August 12, 1992
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Carried Unanimously
Parking Regulation Changes in the Area of GIAC and Beverly J.
Martin School
There is concern for the existing traffic patterns around the area
of GIAC and the Beverly J. Martin School. Currently, school buses
load and unload on Buffalo Street creating a vehicular and
pedestrian hazard. The City's Chief of Police has reviewed said
situation with the School's principal.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, The Chief of Police has submitted his recommendations for
the area of GIAC and Beverly J. Martin School to the Board of
Public Works; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That after consideration of these recommendations, which
have been added to the end of this Resolution, the Board directs
staff to execute the changes, including the elimination of the
mid- block crosswalk on Court Street, which the Chief of Police
has recommended in his memo to the Board dated July 24, 1992 and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to make this implementation
a priority so that signage may be in effect by August 28, 1992.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARKING REGULATION CHANGES IN THE
BEVERLY J. MARTIN SCHOOL/GIAC AREA
The recommendations for sign and regulation changes were submitted
by Police Chief Harlin McEwen, and will accomplish the following:
1. School buses that have previously loaded/unloaded on Buffalo
Street will do so on Albany Street starting on September 2,
1992. The school buses do not sit waiting for students at
the Beverly J. Martin School and are in the middle of runs
between other schools. Principal Ed Wright and the School
District Transportation Director report that the children are
immediately discharged or are lined up to be loaded when the
buses arrive and that the only traffic disruption on Albany
Street will be for the short periods of loading or unloading
and during that time all traffic be required to stop. We all
believe this will be a major improvement in the neighborhood
traffic situation and will result in less danger and
confusion
on the Buffalo Street side of the school.
2. A "No Standing Zone" will be designated on Buffalo Street to
replace the school bus loading area and this will be used for
parents and others who must stop and safely pick up or
discharge passengers. Section 1200 of the NYS Vehicle and
Traffic Law sets forth what "STOPPING", "STANDING", and
"PARKING" means, and we intend to send this to all school
parents with an explanation that the "No Standing" area is
being designated for loading/unloading passengers and any
vehicles left parked there will be tagged. The school has
agreed to advise parents and school staff that the 2 hour
parking restriction on Buffalo Street during school days will
also be rigidly enforced and that this is for persons coming
to the school for short periods of time or having to
load/unload articles. Principal Ed Wright has stated that
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August 12, 1992
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he has met with the staff and they will park in other places
than this. (They will make increased use of the property the
school owns off Court Street for staff parking).
3. Parking will be allowed in the places set forth in the
diagram
submitted to the Board on Court Street to help alleviate
parking needs for GIAC staff and visitors. GIAC endorses
this recommendation and in fact, many people are already
parking in this area in violation of the current regulations.
I have not been able to determine the history of the mid-
block
crosswalk/curb cut on Court Street. In general, mid-block
crosswalks are dangerous and I would recommend it be
eliminated. This would require that pedestrians cross at the
corner of Court and Albany Streets where at times there is a
school crossing guard and the intersection is always
regulated
by stop signs. If the BPW does not eliminate the crosswalk,
then the DPW should be directed to clearly stripe the road
for
the crosswalk.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That a Resolved Clause be added after the first Resolved
Clause to read as follows:
RESOLVED, That two (2) sets of yellow flashing lights be installed
at appropriate locations according to the recommendations of the
City Traffic Engineer.
Ayes (2) Rusoff, Gerard
Nays (3) Reeves, Cox, Brandford
Motion Fails
Discussion followed on the floor with Commissioner Reeves reading
Chief McEwen's memo of July 24, 1992 in which he states that he
has a plan to increase parking and traffic enforcement in the area
commencing in September. Commissioner Cox explained that he would
like to see how these changes will affect the area, and if traffic
and speed continue to be a problem, the Board can consider the
option of installing flashing lights at a later date.
Main Motion
A vote on the Main Motion resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Stop Signs at Cobb and Worth Streets
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from the
residents of Cobb Street to deter traffic and excess speed by use
of additional stop signs at the intersection of Cobb and Worth,
and
WHEREAS, the Traffic Engineer has submitted traffic counts and
accident reports to the Board for their review; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to rotate
existing stop signs at the intersection of Cobb and Worth Streets
from Worth Street to Cobb Street.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
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August 12, 1992
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RESOLVED, That the last Resolved Clause be amended to read as
follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install
four-way Stop signs at the intersection of Cobb and Worth Streets.
Ayes (2) Rusoff, Gerard
Nays (3) Reeves, Cox, Brandford
Motion Fails
Main Motion
A vote on the Main Motion resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Rusoff, Gerard, Reeves, Cox
Nays (1) Brandford
Carried
Request for "Children at Play" Sign on Cobb Street
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from
residents of Cobb Street for signage to alert motorists of
children playing in the neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the requirements for the
installation of such signage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the request.
Ayes (2) Rusoff, Gerard
Nays (3) Cox, Brandford, Reeves
Motion Fails
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Request from Morris Dance Performers to Use DeWitt Park
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, the Morris Dance performers has requested permission to
use DeWitt Park on August 2, 1992 for their performance, and
WHEREAS, they have also requested to "pass the hat" following
their presentation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works allows the Morris Dance
Performers to use the park, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board denies the performers to "pass the hat",
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That DeWitt Park be left in a clean and orderly fashion
as the group found it.
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
A Resolution Adopting the Recodification and Revision of Part III
of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Entitled "Board of Public
Works Rules and Regulations"
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held the 5th day of August 1992 by
the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, notice of which was
given as required by the Municipal Home Rule law and the Open
Meetings Law of the State of New York, and
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August 12, 1992
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WHEREAS, at said public hearing the Common Council considered the
enactment of proposed Local Law No. 3, entitled A LOCAL LAW TO
PROVIDE FOR THE RECODIFICATION OF THE LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES AND
CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS OF THE CITY OF ITHACA INTO A MUNICIPAL CODE TO
BE DESIGNATED THE "CODE OF THE CITY OF ITHACA", and
WHEREAS, all interested persons were given an opportunity to be
heard with respect to the enactment of said local laws, and
WHEREAS, Common Council enacted Local Law No. 3 on August 5, 1992;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the recodification
and revision of Part III of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code,
entitled "Board of Public Works Rules and Regulations" as follows:
Chapter 329
GENERAL PROVISIONS, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS LEGISLATION
ARTICLE I
Adoption of Code by Board of Public Works
Section 329-1. Adoption of Code.
The resolutions of the Board of Public Works of a general and
permanent nature, as codified by General Code Publishers Corp. and
consisting of Chapters 329 through 348, are hereby approved and
adopted as Part III of the Code of the City of Ithaca, hereinafter
known and referred to as the "Code".
Section 329-2. Amendments to Code.
Any and all additions, deletions, amendments or supplements
to any of the resolutions know collectively as "Part III of the
Code of the City of Ithaca" or any new resolutions, when enacted
or adopted in such form as to indicate the intention of the Board
of Public Works to be a part thereof, shall be deemed to be
incorporated into such Code so that reference to the Code shall be
understood and intended to include such additions, deletions,
amendments or supplements. Whenever such additions, deletions,
amendments or supplements to the Code shall be enacted or adopted,
they shall thereafter be printed and, as provided hereunder,
inserted in the loose-leaf book containing said Code as amendments
and supplements thereto. Nothing contained in this resolution
shall affect the status of any resolution contained herein, and
such resolutions may be amended, deleted or changed from time to
time as the Board of Public Works deems desirable.
Section 329-3. Changes in previously adopted legislation.
A. In compiling and preparing the resolutions for publication as
Part III of the Code of the City of Ithaca, no changes in the
meaning or intent of such resolutions have been made, except
as provided for in Subsection B hereof. In addition, certain
grammatical changes and other minor nonsubstantive changes
were made in one (1) or more of said pieces of legislation.
It is the intention of the Board of Public Works that all
such changes be adopted as part of the Code as if the resolutions
had been previously formally amended to read as such.
B. In addition, the following changes, amendments or revisions
are made herewith, to become effective upon the effective
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August 12, 1992
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date of this resolution. (Chapter and section number references
are to the resolutions as they have been renumbered and
appear in the Code.)
(1) Chapter 336, Parks and Recreation. [former BPW Ch. 241]
(a) Section 336-4 [former Section 241.4] is amended to
read as follows: "No person shall drive any
motorized vehicle, except wheelchairs, or ride a
horse or other animal on the lawn or grass areas of
any park."
(b) The specific rates are removed from Section 336-6A
[former Section 241.6A], providing that such rates
be determined by resolution of the Board of Public
Works.
(c) Section 336-24 [former Section 241.100] is amended
to read as follows: "Any person who shall violate
any provision of the rules and regulations contained
in this chapter shall be subject to a penalty of not
more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.) or
imprisonment for a term not to exceed fifteen (15)
days, or both."
(2) Chapter 342, Streets and Sidewalks [former BPW Ch. 244],
is hereby amended as follows: Section 342-50 [former
Section 244.100] is amended to read as follows: "Any
person violating any of the rules and regulations shall
be subject to a penalty not exceeding two hundred fifty
dollars ($250.) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding
fifteen (15) days, or both, which may be enforced by
action brought in the name of the City of Ithaca."
Section 329-4. Incorporation of provisions into Code.
The provisions of this resolution are hereby made Article I
of Chapter 329 of the Code of the City of Ithaca, such resolution
to be entitled "General Provisions, Board of Public Works
Legislation, Article I, Adoption of Code, by Board of Public
Works," and the sections of this resolution shall be numbered
Sections 329-1 through 329-6, inclusive.
Section 329-5. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, Article, chapter
or part of this resolution or of any resolution included in Part
III of the Code now or through supplementation shall be adjudged
by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such
judgement shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder
thereof but shall be confined in its operation to the clause,
sentence, paragraph, section, Article, chapter or part thereof
directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall
have been rendered.
Section 329-6. When effective.
This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Carried Unanimously
WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Disposal of Asbestos Concrete Pipe
The Water and Sewer Division has a stock pile of asbestos cement
BPW Minutes
August 12, 1992
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pipe which is no longer used. It is in the best interest of the
City to dispose of the material which is currently occupying
valuable storage space.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, staff has determined that the existing inventory of
asbestos cement pipe is of no value to the City and will no longer
be utilized in new construction or system repairs; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the department
to dispose of said pipe at the County Surplus Auction for the
salvage value offered by the highest bidder.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Bid for Water Meters
Staff has reviewed the bids submitted for the purchase of water
meters. The review included price, availability, quality, and
ease of adaptation to future reading technologies.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids submitted for the purchase of
water meters, and recommends the award to Schlumberger Industries,
Neptune Water Meter Division, and
WHEREAS, Schlumberger Industries meets all specifications and was
the lowest bidder on the aggregate total; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the 1992 contract
for water meters to Schlumberger Industries for amounts specified
in their bid.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the bills listed on the following Abstract be
approved for payment:
Abstract #15
General Fund.....................................$ 51,183.05
Water and Sewer Fund............................. 8,633.01
Joint Activity Fund.............................. 19,841.59
Capital Projects................................. 145,353.43
Solid Waste...................................... 40,947.93
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Commons Electrical Conduit Box
Alderperson Schroeder expressed his concern about the concrete
electrical conduit box that was installed in Bank Alley on the
Commons. He explained that the Bank Alley portion of the Commons
was designed to have low planters that attribute to the visual
openness and character of that area. The electrical box is a
large concrete box that was built on top of one of the low
planters, and will have two metal doors that face towards the
center of the Commons. The cost of either lowering the electrical
box or turning it sideways would be approximately $7,000. -
$10,000. Alderperson Schroeder noted that the Advisory Commission
on Art and Design for Public Space discussed this matter at their
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August 12, 1992
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meeting last night and reviewed several low cost options. One of
the suggestions made was to create a design for the doors that
would make them attractive
and informative, such as a directory of the Commons commemorative
markers, an explanation of the meaning of the brick circle design,
and having the poem about Ithaca (Greece), painted on a door.
Alderperson Schroeder asked that the Board consider allocating
$3,500. to decorate the doors.
The Board decided that they need more information on the Commons
Renovation Project and costs and will discuss this matter further
at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
On a motion by Commissioner Brandford and Seconded by Commissioner
Rusoff the Board adjourned into Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. to
discuss a personnel matter.
REGULAR SESSION:
The Board reconvened into Regular Session at 6:15 P.M. and
considered the following Resolution:
Creation of Position of Transit System Supervisor
Staff has reviewed the current operation of the Ithaca Transit
System and reviewed them with the Personnel Office. The new
position description has been submitted and classified by Civil
Service. This recommendation is based on our current system
operations and some of the management options that may become
available through the operation of the Joint Transit Facility.
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works request the Budget and
Administration Committee amend the Personnel Roster of the
Department of Public Works by adding the position of Transit
System Supervisor, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Transit System Supervisor be
assigned to the City Executive Association at the Grade I salary
range ($29,982. - $36,544.), and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Nancy Oltz be provisionally appointed to the
position of Transit System Supervisor at an annual salary of
$31,631., effective August 6, 1992 and that the funds for this
change and the associated out of title charges be transferred from
A 5630-435 to A 5630-105.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:19 P.M.
Julie Conley Boyle Carol Reeves
Deputy City Clerk Vice Chair,
Board of Public Works