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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-04-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE April 21, 1993 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandforti, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shinier. ADDITIONS: Sanitary Sewer Collapse at Adams and First Street Kline Road Sewer Replacement Easement for Westfield Drive Request to Amend Gent Engineering's Contract DELETIONS: Ithaca Festival - Special Request for use of DeWitt Park nk Repairs - Board had Power 12 BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES TRANSIT ITEMS A. Cass Park Ice Rink Repairs by: Commissioner Rusoff, seconded by: Commissioner Tripp The Cass Park Ice Rink has currently operated for twenty successful seasons. Of the many similar designed rinks built in the same era, Ithaca's is the only remaining rink which has not been totally rebuilt. Based on the history of these similar rinks and on our recent maintenance problems, we feel that major system failures could occur at any time. Staff is recommending that scheduled rebuilding of the rink floor and the mechanical systems be done during the non - operating season. To allow the current system to operate until a major failure occurs during the operating season would result in closing the facility for the remainder of that season. The initial estimate to replace the floor and the mechanical equipment is approximately $350,000. The Department has been notified that grant money is not available through the land and Water Conservation Fund for this project during fiscal year 1993. We had applied for this grant which would have funded one half the project costs. At this time, rebuilding of the rink must be totally funded by the City of Ithaca. WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the reported Cass Park Ice Rink conditions and agrees that repairs are needed to continue scheduled operation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends a Capital Project be established to fund replacement of the rink floor and mechanical equipment and passes this recommendation on to the Budget and Administration Committee. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE April 21, 1993 Discussion followed. Sam Cohen, Youth Bureau Director, was present to address the Board on the need of the rink for the various programs. Asst. Supt. Ferrel pointed out that if the equipment is not repaired soon, it may fail during the next season which would result in a complete shut down for the entire season. He pointed out that the equipment maintenance is rising, from about $4,400 in '91-'92 to approximately $12,900 in '92 -'93. With the new mechanical system, this expense would drop considerably. Commissioner Tripp questioned whether skating could be substituted with in -line skating and could it be more practical and popular with the public. Mr. Cohen responded that he felt that the decision to provide programs is up to the Youth Bureau and the maintenance of buildings is the DPW responsibility. He further added that the skating programs are well received by the public and would be a great loss if terminated. Commissioner Smith questioned if mechanical equipment is necessary, could the cold temperatures freeze the rink? Asst. Supt. Ferrel said that it was not dependable enough to have scheduled event, in addition, one end of the rink is usually in the sun light. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes: (4) - Brandford, Reeves, Rusoff and Nichols Nays: (1) - Tripp Abstentions: (2) - Gerard and Smith Carried 2 Renuest to expunge snow removal bill for 123 Columbia brew Neal Howard, Manager for Certified Properties, was present to address the Board. Mr. Howard stated that on February 17, 1993, his contractor cleared snow from 123 Columbia Street and saw no reason for DPW to charge him for clearing of the walk. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that a complaint was received on February 19, 1993 which was investigated. The crews found ice on the walk and proceeded to apply salt material to the walk. The Board's consensus was that staff acted appropriately and that the request should be denied. Mr. Howard recommended that future complaints of bills could be avoided, if the property owners are contacted and warned that the crews -will take action. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that was the old policy and that the process was too slow. He added that C &O and Common Council changed the ordinance last year. A resolution denying the request for expungement will be voted on at the next regular meeting. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE April 21, 1993 3. Recaest from Bradley's to Sign Propgsed Agreement for Carriage Rides. Drew and Candice Bradley were present to discuss the City Attorney's proposed agreement. Mrs. Bradley stated that they would like to amend the agreement to allow their services to be included at the Ithaca Festival, the need for a veterinarian's certificate of health for the horses on a monthly basis is not reasonable, and the exclusivity clause should include the entire city, not just downtown. Commissioner Tripp stated that she was willing to accept the agreement as presented, but was not willing to accept any changes without the City Attorney's advise, the Board agreed. Commissioner Reeves stated that the Board could vote on a resolution if changes to the agreement are received by the next regular meeting. 4. Review of Traffic Engineer Position. Mayor Nichols suggested that the description for Traffic Engineer include the responsibility for on and off street parking issues. Commissioner Tripp recommended that the position also include pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A revised job description will be presented to the Board at a later date. 5. Recommendation for Additional Transit Vehicle. Nancy Oltz was present to discuss the possibility of obtaining a "recycled" police vehicle and entering into a contract with DPW for maintenance on the vehicle. Ms. Oltz explained that the current system used to relieve drivers of their duties calls for staff to use personal vehicles to arrive at relief points. At that point,'the drivers switch resulting in staff using other staff members personal vehicles. This has caused problems in the past from leaving litter in the vehicle to insurance liabilities. Ms. Oltz further explained that there is an old police vehicle which is available that could be used for the purpose of relieving drivers. She presented projected figures for the maintenance of such a vehicle which would be charged against transit budgets. The consensus of the Board was that this recommendation was acceptable and would be voted on at the next regular meeting. Supt. Gray explained to the Board that there is currently one part time driver position which covers time off for other drivers. In addition, the drivers have an average of 43 hours per week, causing increased overtime expenses. There is a great need for an additional half time driver to relieve the drivers of overtime and relieve the city of the costs. The Board agreed that this was an acceptable proposal and that a vote will take place at the next meeting. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS CONMUTTEE OF THE WHOLE April 21, 1993 7. Easement for Westfield Drive. Dennis Wille and Sara Hess were present to discuss the possibility of extending Westfield Drive. The extension would become a driveway crossing parcel number 41 -1 -5 serving the abutting property. It was explained that the city would not maintain it since it would be a driveway; in the future, developers may turn it into a road, then the city will maintain it. Supt. Gray pointed out that services such as trash and recycling pick up will have to be done at the curb. Commissioner Smith questioned why the proposed cul -de -sac isn't being built. Supt. Gray pointed out that if the construction is held off, the cost could be home by the other future homeowners as well. The Board agreed that the proposed agreement was fair and that a resolution should be voted on. 8. Sanitary Sewer Collapse at Adams and First Street. Asst. Supt. Shinier explained that a 93 year old 26 inch trunk sewer has partially collapsed. The trunk sewer serves as a by pass for high flows which we are currently experiencing. He has received estimates from two contractors and expects to receive two more estimates. He foresees the cost ranging between $150,000 to $200,000. He asked that the Board declare the situation a state of emergency in order to proceed with the repairs. The Board agreed that all necessary measures be taken by staff. An official resolution declaring the state of emergency will be voted on at the next meeting. 9. Kline Road Sewer R pla em nt Commissioner Peeves explained to the Board that the SJS voted and approved a resolution accepting R.L. Stever's bid of $147,489.50. Supt. Gray noted that the apparent low bidder, LRS Excavating has withdrawn their bid due to a tabulation error. The consensus was that the project should be awarded to R.L. Stever. 10 Request to Amend Gent Engineering's Contract Supt. Gray reminded the Board of the contract with Gent Engineering, they will be doing the HVAC upgrades in City Hall. He feels that the contract should be amended to include the lighting improvements at Cass Park which was previously approved. No Board member objected, a resolution amending the contract will be presented at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page.- 4