HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-10-1363
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. October 13, 1993
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Smith, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Asst. Superintendent of Streets 5 Facilities - Ferrel
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
City Clerk Staff - Pagliaro
LO
T APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
m Approval of Minutes of the Au us 25 1993 and September 6 1993
Board o£ Public Works Meeting
@Z By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
L RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 25, 1993 and September 8,
1993 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA
Commissioner Gerard requested the addition of Fall Tree Bid Award.
No Board Member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR-
Mayor Nichols received a letter from Elmira College. They are
expanding their Theatre and are interested in the two gargoyles
that were salvaged from the Strand Theatre. They would like to use
the gargoyles as an intricate part of their redesigned theatre if
they are available. This matter will be discussed further at a
future meeting.
Alderperson John Johnson appeared before the Board. He asked the
Board to consider what might be done regarding the traffic flow and
pattern on Mitchell Street, where it meets College Avenue and
Brandon Place. Two residents in that area have been involved in
accidents while attempting to make a left- hand turn into Brandon.
He asked the Board to review the number of accidents that have been
reported. The neighborhood is also concerned about the number of
people who are using Brandon as a short cut from College Avenue,
to Mitchell, over Brandon, down Dunmore to get to State Street,
thus attempting to bypass the intersection of Mitchell and State.
Alderperson Johnson asked that the Board review what might be done
and make some recommendations for the residents living in this
area.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT•
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following:
Traffic Systems Engineer Position - Has gone through Common Council
and Personnel will be preparing the initial advertisement. Feels we
will get a number of candidates that will be very well qualified
New Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - has been offered
to Mr. Lawrence Fabroni, should be on staff by the middle of
November.
Court and Police Bldg. - work is proceeding
Sidewalk Program - complete for'this year
Demand Site Management work - light and heating work is proceeding
Highway Project - Series of projects have been submitted to State
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BPW Minutes
October 13, 1993
Strand - One more asbestos pipe to be taken care of and then can be
wrapped up.
Fire Station Project - Project done, getting the books closed
Hydraulic modeling - information has been transmitted to the
consultant
Youth Bureau - Acoustics design work in progress
State and Mitchell Sts. - Supt. Gray is aware that there are
problems. He is asking that the public get involved to start the
process moving. The Public Works Dept. will then get involved and
this will most likely be a large project.
Mayor Nichols reported the following information: There has been
discussion regarding an offer from RHP Properties to allow the City
to use the vacant Strand lot as a metered parking lot. This lot
would be available for the City to use until RHP needs it. This
could be a metered lot of approximately 30 spaces. More discussion
will be taking place.
Mayor Nichols stated that there is a Project Coordinating Committee
that has been involved in discussions regarding the future of the
State Theatre. There is a group interested in the building for
use as a Performing Arts Center. There are many of aspects
that need to be examined.
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER:
Superintendent Gray reported on the following:
Water Treatment Plant - Getting prepared for Annual Department of
Health Review. A test for nitrates in the water, was done annually,
rather than quarterly. If not done quarterly, a notice
must be sent to all homeowners that a test was done and was
acceptable.
Silt Dam - Gravel is still being hauled to stockpile
Cornell - First portion of water main swap has been done
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on the
following:
Fall is a busy time of the year for the department, finishing up
projects and getting trucks and equipment ready for the first
snowstorm.
Aurora Street - Granite curb has been installed. The street has
been resurfaced. Concrete crew is 'still working on driveway aprons.
First, Franklin and Adams Streets - Site is ready to pave.
Warren Place - overlaying is done
Paver has broken axle and is down for rest of season. Have rented
a paver to finish work.
State Street - Two complaints concerning east State Street, from
Mitchell Street to City line. The callers are asking if the street
can be repaired before this winter. He advised them that this could
not be done. Asst. Supt Ferrel acknowledged that the street needs
reconstruction and this is an item that will need attention in the
near future.
Fund Transfers have been done to provide operating capital for the
snow removal account this fall. Department has started to
haul de -icing sand to rebuild stockpiles.
Parks and Forestry - Fall tree planting schedule is set. Crews
have started covering the bare roots at Stewart Park. A Winter tree
removal list has been prepared for the City.
Golf Course Maintenance Building - Flgor has been poured and
erection of walls has begun.
Cass Park - Handicapped Lift for the pool has been purchased.
Mechanicals are being worked on, so that the ice rink can be
operating by Oct 20th.
Alex Haley - closed for season. There is a problem with leaves and
debris in the pool. Staff has recommended that a pool cover be
purchased. Asst. Supt, Ferrel will be asking for funding for a
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BPW Minutes
October 13, 1993
Building Systems - Crews are busy moving offices for construction,
in City hall and at the Police Department.
DeWitt Park - Crews are working on the monuments to remove
graffiti. The type of ink used will have to be removed by
commercial sand blasters or a commercial firm.
Stewart Park - Problem with graffiti on bathrooms doors
Soutkpide Community Center - current lighting is working, some tree
and bush trim work has been done.
�r ��."lsaroner uerard: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, Saint John's Church reserved the large pavilion in Stewart
Park for June 26, 1993 at a fee of $150, and
WHEREAS, the church felt that the pavilion was not cleaned
Properly, that exclusive use was not provided and they have
T requested that 508 of the fee be refunded; now, therefore, be it
In
r RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request
from Saint John's Church and request the City Chamberlain to issue
M a check for $75.00 for reimbursement, and, be it, further
M
RESOLVED, That the Board apologizes for any inconveniences that may
have occurred.
Carried Unanimously
FALL TREE BID AWARD
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by
WHEREAS, bids
Commissioner
Tripp
were received on October 1, 1993 for trees to be
Planted this fall, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids
appropriate trees for purchase;
and have
selected the
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works
Nursery, P.O. Box 122, Perry,
hereby awards
Lake Country
of Ohio and Schichtels
Chestnut Ridge Road of Orchard Park, New York for
Nursery, 6745
the following:
their
low bids on
Lake Country Nursery
Quantity Type
Unit
Total
Price
Price
10 Acer Comipestre (Hedge Maple)
12 Acer Truncatum (Hybrid Maple)
$85.00
$ 850.00
5 Tilia Tomentosa (Silver Linder)
$96.00
$74.00
$1,152.00
5 Fraxinus Pennsylvania (Patmore Green
6 Malus "Adams"
Ash ) $57.00
$ 370.00
$ 285.00
(Adams Crabapple)
$69.00
$ 414.00
TOTAL
$3,071.00
Schichtels'Nursery
1 Cornus Mae (Cornellian Cherry)
11 "Donald
$70.00
$
Malus Wyman" (Crabapple)
10
$55.00
70.00
$
Tilia Cordata (European Linden)
5
$70.00
605.00
$ 700.00
Gymnocladus Dioicus (Coffee Tree)
6
$70.00
$ 350.00
Platanus Acerifolia (London Plane)
$98.00
$ 588.00
TOTAL
and, be it further
$2,313.00
RESOLVED, That the Board hereby authorizes
Superintendent of Streets
the
Assistant
and Facilities
with these vendors.
to enter into
agreements
Carried
Unanimously
3
GSA
BPW Minutes
October 13, 1993
WATER. SEWER, AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS•
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
Request or County to Waive Local Law #3
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives passed a
local law revising the trash tag system and requires the County's
tipping fee to appear on all tags, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain feels that this will be a duplication
of expenses for the city and a waste of tags since the city
possesses an abundant reserve of current tags, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works feels that there was inadequate
communication during the adoption of local law #3 which requires
additional unbudgeted funds; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives waive the requirement that the
tipping fee appears on all tags in local law #3 until the city
needs to reorder tags.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES'
Audit A, ort
By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #19
General Fund ............. ..............................$ 64,436.37
Water and Sewer Fund..... ... ...........................$ 19.517.31
Joint Activity Fund ...... ..............................$ 23,880.31
CapitalProjecte ,,,,,,, ,,,,,$319,830.31
Solid Waste .............. ..............................$ 14,763.00
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS•
Commissioner Reeves attended the Parks Commission meeting October
12, 1993. Commission members are conducting a survey of the parks,
looking at what is there, condition of signs, equipment, and play
areas. Whenrsurvey is compiled, the Commission will be coming back
with recommendations. The Commission will be meeting with the
Committee of the Whole on November 17, 1993 re: Southwest Park.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS•
Hillview and Aurora Traffic light - Mayor Nichols stated that there
has been much concern regarding length of light cycle, cars
attempting left hand turns, and pedestrian crossing signal.
Supterintendent Gray responded:
Pedestrian Crossing - The State's opinion is that a light only
activated by pedestrians would not recommended it as, motorists
would be use to a flashing light and would not expect it to go to
a red mode. It could be set up with a variable length cycle so that
pedestrians could activate it. Superintendent Grays understanding
was, that the light would work' as it is now, and that at some
Point, if necessary the pedestrian signal "Walk ", "Don't Walk ",
could be added. If crossing
problems continue, walk lights could be looked into.
Light Cycle Len th
BPW Minutes
October 13, 1993
g - is now 60, 20 and two 5 second yellows between
the greens. School crossing guard can override the signal if
necessary. During bad weather the light will stay flashing.
Superintendent Gray will check on changing the cycle to 60, 15,
and a split green. He will also '-heck with crossing guards and
Police Department.
The B.gards recommendation is to shorten the cycle and see if that
works better.
f
Left Hand Turn - Mayor Nichols asked if it would be feasible to
install a "No Left Turn" sign. Asst. Superintendent Ferrel
stated
the ght do sotnots ma eo ar difference for tleftr hand turns.eaHe
further stated that after people become use to the light, they do
have the option to use other streets, before they get to Hillview,
to make a left hand turn. He.does not feel the light is causing a
traffic problem. He feels a "NO Left Turn" sign would move the
r problem to another street.
L
I-- Commissioner Reeves reminded everyone that the Committee of the
IM Whole meeting will be held at the Streets and Facilities Conference
room on October 20, 1993. On the agenda will be a request to use
gZZ State Street bricks.
` Commissioner Reeves made a motion that the Board have the "Power to
Act" at the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 20, 1993 for
a Resolution on the use of State Street bricks. Seconded by
Commissioner Tripp. No board menber objected.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:30p.m.
Carol Pagliaro
City Clerk Staff
L-
�
Benjamin Nichole
Mayor
67