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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 r (fl /(V W Z PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. J MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of the February 10 1993 Board of Public Works G Meeting G 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. 1 ?,q �, 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. r 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: CD 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 �)qx 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 I -'/ 'I March 10, 1993 5 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 ' 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. r Ithaca, NY 14850 (V Monica Burgess 515 S. Cayuga St. 1690.31 j CO 3 Edward St. z Binghamton, NY 13905 G G 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 • 806 S. Plain St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Thomas Kimble 801 S. Plain St. 107.81 801 S. Plain St. ' 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 5 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 3 1. 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 M it 3 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 7 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 'T^ MN W Z 5 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 7 3 -y