HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-03-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. March 10, 1993
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) - Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Smith, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT: s
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Senior Stenographer - Holcomb
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Shimer
Commons Coordinator - Deming
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
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MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the February 10 1993 Board of Public Works
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Meeting
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By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner
Reeves
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 10,
1993 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Minutes of the February 29 1993 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner
Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 24,
1993 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings, Properties and Transit Items
Commissioner Rusoff requested the addition of
Its B - Street Tree
Bid Award.
No Board member objected.
Creeks, Bridges and Parks Items
Commissioner Gerard requested the addition of
Item B - Bail Field
Charges for 1993 Season.
No Board member objected.
Water. Sewer and Solid Waste Items
Commissioner Brandford requested the addition
of Item A - Transfer
of Funds From Contingency to Contractual
Services for Sewer
Replacements and Item B - Amendment of Water
and Sewer Division
Roster of Employees.
No Board member objected.
Mr. Milo Richmond, Commissioner for the Ithaca Amateur Softball
Association, spoke to the Board regarding the organization. He
explained that there are 28 - 30 teams presently playing ball in
Ithaca, down from 64 - 68 teams that they had in earlier years, so
the financial burden for making use of the facility has fallen on
those fewer teams.
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March 10, 1993
Mr. Richmond expressed appreciation for the City's help in past
years and he urged the Board to continue to support the softball
leagues.
Mr. Richmond answered questions from Board members.
Introduction of City Forester
Superintendent Gray introduced the new City Forester, John
Friedeborn, to Board members.
Truck Traffic Downtown (State and Aurora Streets)
Mr. Alan Cohen, owner of Simeon's Restaurant, spoke to the Board
regarding the issue of truck traffic in the downtown area. He
explained that there is a lot of 18- wheeler traffic that comes to
the intersection of State and Aurora Street and then makes a right
onto Aurora and then a left onto Seneca instead of coming down the
hill and using the one -way Seneca Way. He asked the Board to look
at the signage coming down the hill and to request the State to
place the signs further up the hill so that the tractor trailer
drivers can see that they should go to the right. That might help
the congestion at that intersection.
Recycling Containers on Commons
Mr. Alan Cohen spoke to the Board about the placement of the
recycling containers on the Commons. He stated that he is pleased
to see the containers but asked if they could be placed in a
different location.
Mr. Cohen also spoke regarding commercial recycling. He suggested
that that possibly may be an additional point in the bargaining
between the City and the County regarding the Sales Tax situation.
Discussion followed regarding the issue of commercial recycling.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Parking Lot /Parking Meter Committee
Council Liaison Berg reported that the Committee is meeting
regularly and they will be going out into the field to gather more
information on the parking problems and hopefully soon they will
have something for the Board to look at and review.
Sales Tax Negotiations With the County
Council Liaison Berg spoke to the Board on this matter and
stated that there will be a meeting with the County tonight and a
Special Common Council meeting on Thursday evening regarding the
Sales Tax Issue.
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Mayor Nichols spoke to the Board regarding the negotiations that
are going on with the County concerning the Sales Tax issue.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent Gray spoke to the Board on the following items:
MPO - Supt. Gray stated that there seems to be very different views
about what the MPO is supposed to do. There seems to be quite a
controversy about what DoT thinks it's going to do with us and what
we thought we were going to do and the DoT was going to help. The
matter will be pursued further and he will %bring the information to
the Board.
GIAC Pool Proiect - Supt. Gray etslted that he has spent the last
week trying to get the pool project re- aligned. There are a lot of
problems with this project.
March 10, 1993
1993 Sidewalk Program - Supt. Gray explained that he is getting a
brand new set of specifications for sidewalk ramps which are quite
different from what the City has been building recently and it
looks like they will be substantially more expensive and may result
in a major change in either costs to our program or the number of
ramps that we can build with our program every year. Apparently
these were adopted with the 80A 1e't3ielation. Supt. Gray said he
has had correspondence with a local Attorney about what the
Attorney expects to see with all the City's paving and any
surfacing program. If what the Attorney is telling Supt. Gray is
correct, it will make a major change in the cost of all the City's
resurfacing programs having to do with ramps, etc. Supt. Gray
stated that he has asked the City Attorney's office for
clarification on the matter. Supt. Gray said that he will keep the
Board updated on this situation.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND FACILITIES•
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
r following items:
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N Snow Removal - Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that the crews have
m cleared snow from approximately 40 properties in the City.
z Recycling Containers on Commons and in Collegetown - The recycling
C containers have been placed on the Commons and in Collegetown for
G a trial period. He stated that he will contact Commons Coordinator
Deming to look at moving the ones on the Commons.
Flood Control Project - The DEC permit has been received to work on
the flood control project. However, it has a closed window date of
March 15 for this year but the permit is good until the end of 1994
so we will postpone the work until next winter.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER AND SEWER
Assistant Superintendent Shimer reported to the Board on the
following items:
New Laboratory Director - The new Laboratory Director, Jose Lazano,
is on board.
Water Plant - For the Interim Project the roof is on, the tank
vents are in and the hand rails and grading is being done and the
electrician has begun to install some of his work.
Water Service Switch with Cornell - Asst. Supt. Shimer stated that
staff is working on exchanging water service areas with Cornell
University. There is an area on the City's high- service system
that we currently supply that Cornell is very interested in
supplying. In return they will give us a portion of their system
which would be on our lower pressure system, which would be more
economical for us to operate. Asst. Supt. Shimer stated that he
believes it will improve the hydraulics in both areas. Testing on
this project will start next week.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS•
A. City Hall HVAC Improvements
By Commissioner Rusof£: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is participating in the NYSEG Demand
Side Energy Management Program which provides limited improvements
to City Hall heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems, and
WHEREAS, additional design for renovations to HVAC distribution
systems could be economically provided to the City at an additional
cost by NYSEG's consulting engineer, Gent Engineering; now,
therefore, be it
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March 10, 1993
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Superintendent to accept Gent Engineering's proposal for design of
renovations to HVAC distribution systems in City Hall for an amount
not to exceed $5,000., with funds to be derived from Capital
Project #247.
Carried Unanimously
B. Street Tree Bid Award
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, bids were received on March 2, 1993 for street trees to
be planted in the Spring of 1993, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed bids and recommends that the Board of
Public Works approves the bid from Schichtels Nursery of Orchard
Park, New York for their low bid on five (5) species of trees, 23
in all, and
WHEREAS, that the Board also approves the low bid from Princeton
Nurseries of Princeton, New Jersey for the low bid on sixty (60)
trees; now, therefore, be it 3
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the low bid
from Schichtels Nursery of $1,640.00 for 23 trees, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board approves of the low bid from Princeton
Nurseries for the remaining 60 trees at a price of $5,705.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS•
A. 1992 Sidewalk Assessments
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, notices of defects, public hearings and notices of
assessment were provided to property owners for the installation
and repair of their sidewalk in 1992; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the
finalization of these assessments, and requests Common Council to
direct the City Chamberlain to collect such assessments.
The list of properties
are as follows:
OWNER'S NAME
PROP ADDRESS
AMOUNT
& ADDRESS
- work
site-
OWED
Kathleen Gale Stone
510 S.
Albany
$ 323.44
510 S. Albany St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
James & Louise Rotholz
115 S.
Titus
112.13
& J. Penniman
480 Halseyville Rd.
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Theron Johnson
220 W.
Spencer
534.75
138 Linn St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Victoria Romanoff
112 W.
Marshall St.
1280.81
& Sara Hector
112 W. Marshall St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Charles Pomade
413.5.
Geneva St.
1313.13
& K. Noonan
85 Starks Road
Newfield, NY 14867
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March 10, 1993
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Beatrice Hanrahan
401 S. Cayuga St.
77.63
401 S. Cayuga St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Marc & Virginia Albanese 428 S. Geneva St.
107.81
428 S. Geneva St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
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Steven Centeno
216 W. Spencer St,
560.63
421 N. Albany St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Carl Eichenlaub
217 Wood St.
240.63
217 Wood St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Eileen Sommers
616.5. Plain St.
77.63
616 S. Plain St.
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Ithaca, NY 14850
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Monica Burgess
515 S. Cayuga St.
1690.31 j
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3 Edward St.
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Binghamton, NY 13905
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Robert & Esther Johnson
215 Wood St.
240.63
65 Nates Floral Estates
Ithaca, NY 14850
William Baldini
505 S. Cayuga St.
646.88
& David Buckle
27 Beckett Way
Ithaca, NY 14850
Jeanne Riley
806 S. Plain St.
107.81
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806 S. Plain St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Thomas Kimble
801 S. Plain St.
107.81
801 S. Plain St.
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Ithaca, NY 14850
Florence Smith
423 S. Geneva St.
207.00
423 S. Geneva St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Wayne Wheeler
608 S. Albany St.
564.06
608 S. Albany St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
George & V. Demas
612 E. State St.
1293.75
POB 2144
Telluride, CO 81435
Anna Birmingham
233 Wood St.
481.25
233 Wood St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
John & Marlene Driscoll
113 S. Titus Ave.
422.00
113 S. Titus Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Total
$10390.09
Carried Unanimously
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March 10, 1993
B. Outdoor Dinin Permit for Simeon's Restaurant
The owners of Simeon's Restaurant on the Commons have requested
that they be permitted to operate an outdoor cafe on the east and
south sides of their building.
Resolution
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the owners of Simeon's Restaurant be granted a
license to use approximately 60 square feet on the Aurora Street
right of way for the period of May 1, 1993 through September 30,
1993, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a revocable license
agreement with the owners of Simeon's Restaurant, according to the
usual terms and conditions.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
---- -- -- =vliiic worxs received a letter from Mr. Anthony
Treadwell of Wallace Industries requesting the installation of
signs to prohibit left turns from Brindley Street onto State Street
from 7 am to 6 pm weekdays.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the intersection
of Brindley Street with Seneca and State Streets, and
WHEREAS, the Board has considered the accident history as shown on
the City's accident spot maps as well as the probable effects of
the Route 96 project; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does not recommend any
changes at this time.
Superintendent Gray explained the reason for the recommendation of
denial of signage in the area of the Brindley Street intersection
with State and Seneca Streets.
Ayes (4) - Tripp, Reeves, Rusoff, Gerard
Nays (2� - Brandford, Smith
Carried
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS-
A. Trash Policy in Stewart Park
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works currently picks up trash
generated in City parks, and
WHEREAS, staff and the Board of Public Works have reviewed
disposal costs and possible programs to reduce those costs
including the State Park's program; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts a "Carry in- Carry
out" program on a trial basis (for the 1993 season) in Stewart
Park, and be it further
RESOLVED, That in addition to appropriate signage being placed at
the entrance and in several locations throughout the park, the
public shall be notified of this program through media releases,
and be it further
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March 10, 1993
RESOLVED, That the month of May will be used as an educational
period to develop awareness of the program.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Bell Field Charges for 1993 Season
The Board of Public Workri state prior to the 1992 season that
recreational users of the Cass Park Ball fields should be charged
to cover the Departments costs of providing requested maintenance.
The Board felt that phasing in the increased charges over a multi-
year period would be done until the total maintenance costs were
charged to the users.
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
r WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the costs of ball
Q0 field maintenance from the 1992 season and wishes to proceed with
N phasing increased charges to the ball leagues; now, therefore, be
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Z RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to proceed
.0 negotiating contracts with the field user leagues under the
G following guidelines:
Ithaca Amateur Softball Association
to pay all utility costs for lighting and concession
stand plus 408 of labor for requested services.
Merchants and Over 30 League
$10. per game for same services requested in previous
years.
Central New York Senior League
If requesting services, 408 of field preparation costs
are to be charged.
Ithaca High School Boys Baseball and Girls Softball
The School District will provide some maintenance prior
to their games. City crews will groom the infield at
the rate of $16.00 per game.
Other users reserving fields /requesting services
Grass Fields $10.00 per game
Union Fields $39.00 per game
Light Use Fee $30.00 per game.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That there be a further Resolved clause added to the
resolution to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That it is the intent of the Board to work toward
1008 charges for requested services."
Carried Unanimously
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) - Gerard, Smith, Brandford, Reeves, Rusoff
Nay (1) - Tripp
Carried
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March 10, 1993
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Cornell University is currently renovating drainage and
reconstructing parking lots in the Stewart Avenue /University Avenue
area where a replacement sanitary sewer main has been proposed, and
WHEREAS, the planned replacement of this line will eliminate an
acute problem area and relocate the Cornell flow to a monitoring
manhole to help verify billing, and
WHEREAS, this Cornell project provides an unanticipated
opportunity to complete a portion of the proposed sewer at a
substantial savings; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That $20,000 be transferred from G1990 - Contingent
Account to G 6121 -435 Contractual Services Account to facilitate
this work.
Carried Unanimously
B. Amendment of Water and Sewer Division Roster of Em to ees
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the current Water /Wastewater Plant Mechanic will qualify
for retirement late this year, and
WHEREAS, there currently is no person trained to perform these
duties which are highly technical, and require an extensive
electrical and mechanical background, and
WHEREAS, the City should immediately prepare for the training of
a replacement for this position, and
WHEREAS, staff believes that the additional position will provide
greater productivity, a smoother transition and lower long range
costs to the Water and Sewer Division by allowing an employee to
grow into the position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends increasing the
roster of the Water and Sewer Division to include the creation of
an additional Water /Wastewater Plant Mechanic position, and
requests that the Budget and Administration Committee and Common
Council approve this action.
Superintendent Gray explained the reason for requesting this
position at this time.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the resolution regarding the amendment of Water and
Sewer Division Roster of Employees be tabled until the Board
meeting in April.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL -COMMITTEES:
A. Audit Report
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #5
General Fund ............. ..............................$ 73,064.00
Water and Sewer Fund ...... ..............................$ 19,307.38
Joint Activity Fund..... .. ..............................$ 16,046.65
CapitalProjects ................... ....................$305,599.46
SolidWaste .............. ..............................$ 10,640.27
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March 10, 1993
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourns& at 6:05 p.m.
Connie J. Holcomb Benjathin Nichols
Senior Stenographer Mayor
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