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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-05-12Ln co 7 m 'a 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. 389 390 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 391 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 3 BPW Minutes 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 393 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. 394 BPW Minutes 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.. LO G) 7 m a BPW Minutes 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 7 till-) Benjamin Nichole j Mayor MID MIAL