HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-05-12Ln
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. May 12, 1993
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) Rusof£, Tripp,, Reeves, Gerard, Smith, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public °Works
Asst. Superintendent of Streets
Asst. Superintendent of Water &
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Commons Coordinator - Deming
City Chamberlain - Parsons
Alderperson Blanchard
Gray
& Facilities - Ferrel
Sewer - Shimer
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegietnce to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes the April 28, 1993..BOard of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 26, 1993 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved with the correction to page two,
Superintendent of Public Works Report, as noted by Commissioner
Reeves.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS _FROM THE AGENDA:
Water and Sewer Items:
Commissioner Brandford requested the addition of Item A - EPA Audit
of IAWWTP Construction Grant - Resolution, and Item B - NYSEG Peak
Load Management Program - Resolution.
No Board Member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Mr. Lance Barr, 114 Auburn Street, addressed the Board with three
concerns.
Mr. Barr inquired about the status of the 4 -way Stop Sign on
Tompkins, Day & Auburn Streets request he submitted last year.
Commissioner Tripp stated that there has not been any further
discussion on this issue.
Mr. Barr commended the Department of Public Works on their
work on the Cayuga Street bridge. He further stated however,
that there is construction debris that still needs to be
removed.
Mr. Barr inquired about the possibility of establishing a
business that would collect and haul recyclable materials
from small businesses that currently do not have that service
available to them, such as area restaurants and bars.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that the County will be
paying for the collection of commercial recyclables in their
long range plan, and this service would be put out to bid.
Mr. Barr stated that he will address the County Board of
Representatives tomorrow to seek additional information.
Mayor Nichols stated that the City would not have any
objections if private businesses wished to contract with
Mr. Barr for this service.
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BPW Minutes
May 12, 1993
Ms. Jill Canny, 139 Coddington Road, addressed Council regarding
agenda item 14.A. Ms. Canny asked that the Board compromise, and
not delete parking on the north side of Coddington Road. She
suggested that the Board restrict parking from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. on that side of the street, so that parking would still be
available to residents and their guests.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Council Liaison Berg requested a staff report on the service road
construction in the Six Mile Creek area.
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STAFF:
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel and Building Systems Supervisor Jim
Miller reported to the Board regarding the Commons and parking
garages maintenance problems. There are currently two full -time
employees assigned to the Commons, one employee works Tuesday -
Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the other employee works
Sunday - Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Staffing budgets have
not increased, and seasonal help has been reduced to one position
for 19 weeks. In addition to their duties on the Commons, these
employees are also responsible for routine custodial service at the
Police Station on the weekends, the Commons periphial streets,
emptying 42 trash cans, maintaining 7 bus shelters, 2 parking
garages, Lot D, TG Miller, and a portion of the Medical Center
parking lots, trash /litter pick -up in DeWitt Park, mow grass lots
near the Police Station, Seneca, and Aurora Streets, plant & water
the flower beds, clean graffiti, playground maintenance, snow
removal, outdoor dining clean -up (degreaser), etc.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel cited the fast food restaurants as
primary trash generators. Discussion followed on the floor
regarding ways to make the fast food restaurants responsible for
this extra trash generation.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Request for Restricted Parking on Coddington Road
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from
residents of Coddington Road to restrict parking in front of mail
boxes in order to assist the post office, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the situation in which the Post
Office has refused to deliver mail to those boxes which are blocked
by parked cars; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install
signage prohibiting parking on the south side of Coddington Road,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to install signage
restricting parking from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on the north side of
Coddington Road to allow mail delivery, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works encourages Ithaca College
to try to work with students that have lost parking privileges and
accommodate them in their remote lots at NCR.
Commissioner Reeves read the following letter into the record from
Mr. Robert Last, 139 Coddington Road:
"Dear Ms. Reeves,
This letter is in response to the discussion of parking on
Coddington Road in the City of Ithaca at the meeting of the board
of Public Works that was held on May 5, 1993. In recent
discussions with John Efroymson, Guy Gerard, and Denise Rusoff, it
became clear that the major concern was that the mail delivery be
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BPW Minutes
May 12, 1993
unimpeded. Although 8 -4 is preferable to no parking at any time,
it would be much more convenient for us to have the no parking
period begin at 9:00 am. This would facilitate car shuffling and
early morning service calls and deliveries. In a telephone
conversation today, Police Chief, McEwen told me that, although no
parking from 8 -4 is the more common rule, 9 -4 would be quite
acceptable to him. Therefore, I request that the Board consider
voting on a proposal for no parking from 9 -4. Unfortunately, I
will be traveling on bus ?iness next week, and will be unable to
attend the meeting on May 12th. Jill Canny will make every effort
to attend (she is a school teacher, and often must work until after
5:00 pm).
Thank you very much for your consideration."
Discussion followed on the floor regarding changing the parking
restriction time to 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Coddington Road residents
LO Sarah Yengo, and Lou Bonanni spoke against the time change.
(9 Amending Resolution u
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
D RESOLVED, That the 2nd Resolved clause be amended to read as
m follows:
..RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to install signage
Q restricting parking from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the north side of
Coddington Road to allow mail delivery, and, be it further..."
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the student
parking, mail delivery, and child safety problems.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Gerard, Smith, Brandford, Tripp
Nays (2) Reeves, Rusoff
Carried
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Golf Course, 1993 Season
Due to the flooding conditions on the Newman Municipal Golf Course,
we do not expect play to begin until June 1, 1993. Many past
members have requested a reduced season mate if they are to become
members this year.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, staff has calculated that 304 of the greens fees for the
season are generated during April and May of each season; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes reducing
membership fees by 208 for 1993 season passes.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, in January, 1993, the City Chamberlain billed sidewalk
assessments to homeowners for sidewalks repaired in 1987, and
WHEREAS, Anne and Paul Bonaparte - Krough, owners of 413 Mitchell
Street received a bill for work done at that address which they are
appealing because a tax search did not show an outstanding debt for
sidewalk repairs, and
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May 12, 1993
WHEREAS, they feel that they are not responsible for the repairs
done to their property because they were not the owners at the time
of completion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Budget
and Administration Committee expunge the bill for $390.45 for
sidewalk repairs at 413 Mitchell Street.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Exoungement of Sidewalk_ Assessment Bill
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Wayne Wheeler, owner of 608 S. Albany Street, has received
a sidewalk assessment bill. for sidewalk repairs during the 1992
Sidewalk Program, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler is contesting the bill because the sidewalk
was not repaired, and
WHEREAS, staff has investigated Mr. Wheeler's claim and has found
that the sidewalk in question was not repaired; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Budget 6
Administration Committee to expunge the bill to Wayne Wheeler for
$564.06 for sidewalk repairs at 608 S. Albany Street.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Notice of Public Hearing for South Titus Avenue
The time extension for the placement of barricades blocking South
Titus Avenue, between South Street and Fair Street, will expire May
31, 1993. According to the City Charter Article 5, Chapter 71, a
public hearing must be held in order to discontinue a street. The
Board of Public Works wishes to consider the choice of returning
the street to its original state or discontinuing the flow of
traffic.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby declares a public
hearing to be held on Wednesday, May 26, 1993 at 4:00 pm in the
Common Council Chambers to discuss the possibility of abandoning
South Titus Avenue between South and Fair Streets.
Carried Unanimously
WATER, SEWERr AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
EPA Audit of IAWWTP Construction Grant
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca was the grantee and administrator for
the joint owners during the construction grants program for the
IAWWTP, and
WHEREAS, the EPA has issued the final audit determination calling
for reimbursement to EPA of $33,900. of the approximately
$32,000,000. expended for the project, and
WHEREAS, the Controller has reviewed the °audit with the SJS, and
they have accepted it and recommended payment, and -
WHEREAS, the Controller refunded the monies prior to April 30, 1993
to avoid incurring penalties from`funds in the Capital Project, and
WHEREAS, the Controller is in the process of closing the Capital
Projects and preparing the final accounting for the Joint Owners;
now, therefore, be it
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BPW Minutes
May 12, 1993
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works wishes to thank the
Controller's Office and the DPW staff for their work in producing
very favorable terms in the final audit and requests that the
final project close out with its associated charges be forwarded to
the Joint Owners as soon as it is available.
Carried Unanimously
NYSEG Peak Load Management Program
As part of a statewide (and nationwide) program to contain costs,
reduce construction demands and make better use of existing
facilities NYSEG has instituted a number of demand management and
cost rebate programs in its service area. The Joint Owners of the
IAWWTP have reviewed a proposed agreement by Planergy New York to
include the IAWWTP in an electric load management cooperative.
They have discussed the risks and rewards and recommended that the
City enter into the agreement.
Resolution
Ln By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
(9 WHEREAS, the Assistant City Attorney has reviewed and approved the
M Capacity Purchase Agreement between Planergy New YSrk and the
—� IAWWTP to supply 3000 KW of interruptible power and approved it for
m form, and
Q WHEREAS, the SJS and staff have reviewed the agreement for its
operational impact and potential benefits and has recommended the
agreement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the agreement and
authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to sign the agreement
for the City of Ithaca.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract {9
General Fund ........... ..............................$ 43,276.47
Water and Sewer Fund .. ............................... 9,289.13
Joint Activity Fund ... ............................... 18,751.16
Capital Projects ...... ............................... 262,569.33
Solid Waste Fund ...... ............................... 21,001.90
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved'.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Conservation Advisory Council
Commissioner Gerard reported that the Conservation Advisory Council
would like more information on the service road construction in the
Six Mile Creek area.
Parks Commission
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Parks Commission is
researching legislation pertaining to cleaning up after dogs. They
will forward their recommendations on to the Charter and Ordinance
Committee.
The Parks Commission's Annual Report will be distributed in the
near future.
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May 12, 1993
Commissioner Reeves reported that there has been a request to use
Maple Grove Park for a wedding. The people that wish to use the
park, would like to trim some of the trees in the park before they
use it. The City Forester will contact these people to discuss
this matter further.
The Parks Commission will be forwarding a resolution to the Board
regarding events taking place in DeWitt Park, specifically
skateboarding, and daily soccer games.
Energy Commission
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Energy Commission will be
forwarding a resolution to the Board recommending the pursuit of a
natural gas refueling station in the area.
The Commission will be trying to focus on transportation,
buildings, and the weatherization code in 1994.
American Public Works Association Conference
Commissioner Reeves reported that Superintendent Gray, Assistant
City Attorney Kennedy, and herself attended the American Public
Works Association Conference in Buffalo. They received valuable
information on GIS Systems, the American Disabilities Act,
Balancing Budgets in Tough Times, Total Quality Management, the
Clean Air Act, Industrial Pretreatment Regulations, and
Privatization.
Common Advisory Board
Commissioner Smith reported that the Commons Advisory Board is
concerned about the additional garbage dumpsters that have been
placed behind the CVS, and McDonald's buildings. The CAB is also
concerned about the business' that close early on Thursday nights
and place their garbage out for collection, while the City is
trying to encourage people to shop downtown on Thursday nights.
Superintendent Gray will continue to review these matters.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Traffic Engineer Position
The Board reviewed the revised job description for the City Traffic
Engineer position. This job description will be forwarded to the
Civil Service Commission for approval.
The Mayor and Superintendent explained what qualifications they are
looking for from candidates for this position. Commissioner Gerard
expressed hiss desire that this person be concerned with urban
management as well as traffic management.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR WATER AND SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer Shimer reported on the
following:
The City has incurred another major sewer line collapse at
Dey /Franklin Streets. Data collection on the site will begin on
Saturday.
Construction on the service road in the Six Mile Creek area has
begun. Staff will attempt to minimize the width of the road, but
it will have to be accessible for large vehicles.
Superintendent Gray mentioned .t Nat he has spoken with Beth
Mulholland who has been trying to provide handicapped access to the
Wildflower area. She suggested that the Board put down an even
finer gravel so that the service road can also be used, for
wheelchair accessibility. Mayor Nichols stated that Jon Meigs from
the Planning Department is submitting a grant proposal for handicap
accessibilty..
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May 12, 1993
The Gorge Ranger started work on Monday, May 10, 1993.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND FACILITIES:
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported
that a volunteer clean -up day has,,been organized for Stewart Park
on Saturday, May 22, 1993. -
ADJOURNMENT: t
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm.
Julie Conley Eoylb
Deputy City Clerk
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Benjamin Nichole j
Mayor
MID
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