HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-06-09E
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. June 9, 1993
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols _
Commissioners (5) Rusoff, Tripp,, Reeves, Gerard, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public 4orks - Gray
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Smith
T— PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
LO Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
T American Flag.
CO APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Z Due to short staffing in the Clerk's office the Minutes of the May
G 12, and May 26, 1993 Board of Public Works meetings were not ready
G
for approval.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings Properties and Transit Items
Commissioner Runoff requested the addition of Item A - Award of
Contract for Asbestos Removal for Strand Theater - Resolution.
110 Board member objected.
Highways. Streets end Sidewalk Items:
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item D - Transit Mix
Concrete Bid Award - Resolution, and Item E - Asphalt Concrete Bid
Award - Resolution.
No Board Member objected.
Parking and Traffic Items:
Commissioner Tripp requested the addition of Item B - Request to
Restrict Parking of Valley Road - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR,
Mayor Nichols reported that the City has begun discussions
regarding consolidation of transit systems with the County. The
County will be reimbursing the City $435,000. for the City costs of
operating Ithaca Transit in 1994. The Mayor further explained that
they are attempting to merge Ithaca Transit, Tomtran, Cornell
Transit and possibly Gadabout into one central transit system.
Commissioner Reeves, Alderperson Blanchard and the.Mayor are on the
Negotiating Committee representing the City. The Mayor asked the
Board members to keep these discussions in mind when dealing with
transit issues.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Anne and George Bantuvanis, 203 Ithaca Road addressed the Board in
support of the Request to Restrict Parking on Ithaca Road,agenda
item. Mrs. Bantuvanis noted the all day parking problems, the
heavy traffic flows on Ithaca Road, and the visual difficulties
they experience while backing out of their driveway.
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June 9, 1993
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that the City has purchased
a new computerized cash register for Newman Municipal Golf Course
which will improve the accounting reports and cash flow controls.
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL LIAISON•
Alderperson Berg read the following statement into the record from
Alderpersons Blanchard, Romanowski and Daley:
June 4, 1993
Board of Public Works
City of Ithaca
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
"We are writing as a follow up to the Board's decision of 26 May to
pursue the abandonment of South Titus Avenue with the aarent
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ultimate goal of extending the triangular open apace to the banks
Of Six Mile Creek. While we do not, at this time, intend to
challenge the Board's decision, we do feel that an explanation is
in order. Alderpersons Blanchard and Romanowski would like to
explain
paid no neighborhood
t otheealmosts 2O too l to reactionwof
residents directly abutting the street. Alderman Daley would like
to explain to the Traffic Task Force why its recommendation not to
close the street was ignored.
We note that Commissioner Reeves, in casting an opposing vote, did
explain her position. We are requesting similar courtesy from each
of the other Commissioners; at a minimum, a summation of the
reasons for the vote to abandon in the face of clear opposition
from immediate neighbors and a negative staff recommendation.
Please respond, in writing, at your earliest convenience. We have
explanations to make to constituents and committee members."
Commissioner Berg reported that the City is working with Cornell
University, Ithaca College, Tompkins County to establish a debit
card system for payment of parking garage and transit fees.
Commissioner Berg encouraged the Board to provide input.
Commissioner Berg also reported that he is still continuing to
investigate the possibility of neighborhood participation in the
maintenance of area parks.
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Commissioner Tripp responded, for the record, that she neither has
the time, inclination, or interest in responding in writing to the
letter submitted by Alderpersons Blanchard, Romanowski and Daley,
but is available every Wednesday from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. at the Board
meetings, and should anyone inquire as to the reasons behind her
vote, she would be happy to discuss it with them.
Commissioner Rusoff also stated for the record, that she finds
writing letters very time consuming, but would be happy to talk to
any of the Alderpersons on the phone, or,at the Board meetings.
Commissioner Gerard stated that he would 3be ha p
matter further with any Alderperson either on t s he phone or this
person,.but also does not write letters.
Deputy City Clerk Boyle noted that she is behind on preparing the
Board of Public Works minutes, and that the Alderpersons may not
receive the minutes of this meeting for a few weeks. Alderperson
Berg stated that he would deliver the Board's responses to
Alderpersons Blanchard, Romanowski, and Daley.
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June 9, 1993
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS•
Request to Restrict Parking on Ithaca Road
By commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a petition from the
residents of Ithaca Road requestriug the prohibition of parking on
Ithaca Road between Mitchell Street and Elmwood Avenue; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board Gf Public Works approves the installation
of No Parking signs on Ithaca Road between Mitchell Street and
Elmwood Avenue from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to implement the change
before August 15, 1993 and that necessary steps be taken in order
to notify the public of this change.
T— Commissioner Brandford called the Board's attention to the
rprivate e City
for a"No Parking Area, g ermit. He
m feels that these provisions would better serve the neighborhood
co needs than prohibiting parking on that section of street.
Mayor Nichols and Commissioner Gerard spoke in favor of the
Resolution as they believe most of the parking problems are related
to Cornell University which should provide parking for these
people.
Commissioner Brandford spoke in opposition of the Resolution as he
feels that the parking at Cornell does not satisfy all occassions.
He further stated that City streets belong to all people in the
City not just the abutting property owners, and he does not believe
that the portion of Ithaca Road in question is an extraordinary
situation.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard
Nays (1) Brandford
Carried
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Superintendent o£ Public Works Gray reported on the following
projects:
Interim Water Treatment Plant Project - ongoing
Franklin /Dey St. Emergency Sewer Replacement Project - bids came in
high, project will be reconfigured and rebid
1994 Budget Preparation
City Court Facility - is scheduled for a July 12, 1993 occupancy
Common Brick Work - ongoing
1993 Sidewalk Program - will be bid next week
Strand Theater - asbestos removal will begin next week
Alex Haley Pool - will open after Dept. of Health testing
DPW Consolidation - site plan preparation
NYSEG Energy Contracts
Automated Parking Equipment Program - ongoing
Mitchell Street Curve Design - ongoing
REPORT OF ASST. SVPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on
the following projects:
Pot hole Repairs
Route 89 - base repairs
Eddy Street /College Avenue - micro paving
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June 9, 1993
Mutual Housing Site - utility hook -ups, sewer collapse, street
reconstruction
Meadow Street - curb /catch basin damage
South Plain Street - storm sewer replacement
Stewart'Park - flood damage / clean -up day / handicap accessibility
Cass Park -league delays due to flooded ball fields
Newman Municipal Golf Course - opened May 22, 1993
Street Tree Plantings
Grafitti Removal
Striping Program
County Surcharge for Recyclables Found in Trash
BUILDINGS PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Award of Bid Eor Asbestos AT
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Mayor has been authorized by Common Council to proceed
with the disposition of the Strand Theater, and
WHEREAS, the first step in this process is abatement of asbestos -
containing material in the building, and
WHEREAS, bids have been received for asbestos abatement in the the
Strand Theater; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for asbestos abatement in the Strand
Theater be awarded to Asbestos Removal Services of Grand Island,
NY, for its low bid of $78,918., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the bid and safety
precaution checks of bidders. ..
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
AIGAWAY STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
Recuest "ounce Ice /Snow Removal Bill
Rose Marie Belfort, of 402 Hudson Street, has received a bill for
snow and ice removal from the Blizzard of 1993. Ms. Belfort claims
that she is financially unable to pay bill #92 for $37.49.
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recognizes Ms. Belfort's
financial situation as a hardship case and therefore expunges bill
#92 of $37.49 for snow and ice removal.
Substitute Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the following Resolution be substituted:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does not have a mechanism
to evaluate "hardship" cases, and therefore regretfully denies the
expungement of bill #92 of $37.49 for snow and ice removal.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion ,
A vote on the Main Motion as Substituted resulted as follows: -
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by 'Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, Oasis Natural Grocery has requested a 1993 agreement for
the use of the sidewalk adjacent to their store on Buffalo Street
for outdoor dining; now, therefore, be it
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RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants a 1993 license to
use SO square feet on the Buffalo Street right -of -way for the
period of June 1, 1993 through October 31, 1993, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a 30 -day revocable
license agreement, based on the usual terms and conditions, with
the gwners of Oasis Natural Grocery, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to establish a license fee
for the use of the sidewalk in accordance with the formula used to
calculate all other license fees, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the owners of Oasis be obliged to keep the area
adjacent to their store clean and free from litter associated with
this use, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board urges the owners of Oasis to contact the
Board in a more timely manner in 1994.
Commissioner Gerard made a motion that the owners Of Oasis be
charged a pro -rated fee for the period of time that they were
conducting outdoor dining without a permit, but the motion failed
for lack of a second.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request for Installation of Collegetown Directional Siang
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received requests to install
directional signs for the Collegetown Business District and for
Cornell University, and
WHEREAS, the NYS Department of Transportation has approved such
signs and the placement of these signs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the installation
of these signs after the final wording has been approved by Cornell
and the Collegetown Business Association, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That it is recommended that the funding for these signs
be allocated from the monies set aside by Common Council for
business district signage. -
Discussion followed on the floor regarding an agreement the City
has with Cornell that they would keep all of their directional
signage on State routes.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Transit Mix Concrete Bid Award
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, bids were received on May 27, 1993 for Transit Mix
Concrete to be used during the 1993 construction season; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the low unit price
bid on each product, items 1 - 5 for Transit Mix Concrete to
Saunders Concrete Co., Inc. of Nedrow, NY, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Streets and
Facilities be authorized to sign the contract.
Carried Unanimously
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June 9, 1993
Asphalt Concrete Bid Award
Bids were received on May 27, 1993 for Asphalt Concrete to be used
during the 1993 construction season. Staff has reviewed the bids
and adjusted the item prices for ton mileage to the plant location.
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works splits the award of bid
for asphalt concrete between General Crushed Stone of Jamesville,
New York for their low bid on base and binder course items A, B and
C, Top course items G, hot patch mix item I and cold patch item L;
and to Genesee LeRoy Stone Corp., of Pavilion, New York for their
low bid on top course items D, E, F, and J. and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent of
Streets and Facilities to sign the contracts.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS•
Reguest to Restrict Parking on Valley Road
The manager of transportation for the Ithaca School District has
requested that parking be restricted on the north side of valley
Road at its intersection with Cornell Street. Conflicts arise
between parents who use Valley Road to drop or pick up students if
they park too close to the intersection.
Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the request of the
Ithaca School District for a "NO Stopping' zone on school days 8:00
- 10:00 am and 2:00 - 4:00 pm on the north side of Valley Road for
a distance of approximately 30 feet west of the west curb line of
Cornell Street.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES. AND PARKS ITEMS•
Reguest for Waiver of Fee at Stewart Park Pavilion
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Concert Band, which is funded by the City of
Ithaca, is planning to hold their. annual picnic for band members at
Stewart Park on August 3, 1993, and
WHEREAS, the Band is requesting that the fee for the small pavilion
be waived; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works waives the fee for the use
of the small pavilion on August 3, 1993 for the Ithaca Concert
Band, and authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to issue a
similar waiver in future years upon request.
Carried Unanimously
Wood Street Park Improvements
The City of Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) is applying for a
Community Development Block Grant which would allow for $45,000. of
improvements. to Wood Street Park. The client committee has
developed a preliminary design which includes various improvements.
Resolution b
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the 1993 Community Block Grant assumes a certain level of
City funding in work intended for'improvements in the wood Street
Park, and
WHEREAS, the City funded improvements include construction of
sidewalks, street trees, fill, and labor, and
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WHEREAS, the IURA is requesting the Department of Public Works to
commit funds and manpower to complete these additional items; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the request to
IURA, contingent upon grant approval, and an acceptable final
design that is similar in scope to the program reviewed by the
Board.
Amendinc Resolution
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Resolved Clause be amended to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request to
the IURA, contingent upon grant approval, funding by Common
Council, and an acceptable final design that is similar in scope to
the program reviewed by the Board.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES•
Audit Report
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED,. That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract All
General Fund ........... ..............................$ 73,890.65
Water and Sewer Fund .. ............................... 14,679.17
Joint Activity Fund ... ............................... 4,573.40
Capital Projects ...... ............................... 137,168.40
SolidWaste ........... ............................... 14,887.45
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bill receivable be approved.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS•
Eaerav Commission
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Energy Commission will be
submitting a request for money in the City budget. The committee
is attempting to gather information, brochures, magazine
subscriptions, etc. for use by City departments.
Parks Commission
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Parks Commission is concerned
with lakeshore and flood control channel stablization. The
Commission will be providing recommendations for a Capital Project
to help stablize these areas that have sustained damage due to the
recent flooding.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
�l.VUw�(7�"lY /J /�LI�.0 l �'
Julie Conley Bo le hols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
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