HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-02-09
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. February 9, 1994
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Smith, Brandford
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Johnson
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Conley Holcomb
Alderperson Efroymson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the January 12, and January 26, 1994 Board
of Public Works Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That approval of the Minutes of the January 12, and
January 26, 1994 Board of Public Works meeting be postponed until
February 23, 1994.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Budget, Administration & Communications Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item B - Designation
of Emergency Snow Routes - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols read the following letter dated February 3, 1994, to
Town of Ithaca Supervisor John Whitcomb:
"The City has been very disappointed by the lack of response from
the Town of Ithaca to our numerous requests for information about
the areas in the Town that are currently being served by the
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility. At the regular monthly
meetings of the SJS during the past year we have been told that
the map was "almost finished" and would be provided "next month".
As you know the SJS is presently discussing revisions in the
Intermunicipal Wastewater Agreement as well as requests for
service by other municipalities. It is impossible for us to
proceed in any sensible way with these discussions when we are not
fully aware of the present situation.
We are of course anxious to reach a mutually satisfactory
agreement. As partners in a joint enterprise that serves our
metropolitan area, we want to work together to iron out
difficulties now, and to avoid costly and unnecessary
confrontation.
The first step in working towards that end is an accurate
understanding of where we currently stand. I hope that you can
proceed promptly to give us the information which I believe you
have in hand."
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February 9, 1994
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Mayor Nichols stated that he has spoken to James Shug, Town of
Dryden, who indicated that Mr. Whitcomb has directed the Town
Engineer to proceed with this request.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Snow Removal
John Efroymson, 2nd Ward Alderperson, spoke to the Board regarding
sidewalk and curb cut snow removal procedures. He stated that it
is often difficult for homeowners to keep these areas clear when
plows continue to fill them in with heavy snow and ice. He
further stated that many City sidewalks and curb cuts also have
not been cleared and render blocks impassable.
Mayor Nichols stated that the current goal is to hire temporary
manpower to clear City sidewalks and curb cuts. This will be
funded by the snow removal fees charged to homeowners that do not
clear their sidewalks.
Stewart Park Entrance
Joanne Cornish-Epps, Chair of the Parks Commission, spoke to the
Board regarding the proposed railroad crossing arms at the
entrance of Stewart Park. She stated that the Parks Commission is
concerned about the visual aspect of this project as improvements
have recently been made to that area. She further stated that the
Commission would like to be involved in the planning process of
this project.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that Conrail has jurisdiction
over that area, and the State is aware that several Board members,
as well as the Parks Commission, are not in favor of this project.
He explained that the installation of railroad crossing arms is
part of a federal grant that the State is administering. The
State will reimburse the City if an island, identical to the
existing one, is built on the northwest side of the railroad
tracks. If the City elects not to install an island, the area
will be striped at the City's expense. He further explained that
the State would like a Resolution accepting the proposed project,
and giving approval to proceed.
Upon further discussion the Board referred this matter to the City
Attorney to interpret the City's legal rights.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following:
Snow removal and ice control efforts
Contract items
1994 Work Program
1993 Activities Summary
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER:
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer Fabbroni reported on the
following:
Water hydrants have been shoveled out and marked
There were six major water main breaks so far in February - 200
hours of overtime has been expended
Sewer stoppage at Linden and Delaware Avenues
Three employees off due to work related injuries
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February 9, 1994
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REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on
the following:
Snow Removal/Sidewalk complaints
Snow Removal budget is low - $3,000. out of $50,000. is left in
sand and salt budget. The Board may want to review salt policies.
Monroe Tree Surgeon work - complete
Trash tag violations
Bus purchases will be delayed due to the new design of buses and
gross vehicle weight allowances.
City Hall painting
Water & Sewer detour signs being made for main breaks
Street sign replacements
Equipment repairs
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Request for No Parking at 116 Cleveland Avenue (St. James A.M.E.
Zion Church)
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request for "No
Parking" signs to be installed at 116 Cleveland Avenue for the St.
James A.M.E. Zion Church; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request
for installation of "No Parking" signs to allow the equivalent of
two parking spaces for pick ups and drop offs at 116 Cleveland
Avenue.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Two Hour Parking on Farm Street
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, Dr. Richard Gardner, 450 N. Aurora Street has requested
the installation of "Two Hour Parking" signs, and
WHEREAS, input from the Council representatives and neighboring
residents has been received, and the request was found to be
acceptable, and
WHEREAS, the request has been reviewed by the Planning and
Development Board who suggested limiting the period to weekday
work hours; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the
installation of "Two Hour Parking, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday -
Friday" signs on Farm Street for the distance of the street
frontage of 450 N. Aurora Street, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests staff to schedule this work as
soon as time allows.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS ITEMS:
Stewart Park Railroad Crossing
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation proposes
to improve the rail-highway crossing at the Stewart Park entrance,
and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation proposes
to fully fund the improvements, and
WHEREAS, the proposed improvements necessitate minor alterations
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February 9, 1994
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to the highway on which the crossing is located, and
WHEREAS, the highway on which the crossing is located are under
the jurisdiction of this municipality (except for the Stewart Park
entrance crossing which is under the jurisdiction of Consolidated
Rail Corporation said municipality having requested our assistance
in modifying the crossing); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca, Board of Public Works does
hereby agree to carry out the highway alterations subject to full
reimbursement from the State of New York, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Mr. William J. Gray, P.E., Superintendent of Public
Works, is hereby authorized and directed to enter into an
agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation for
the purposes of carrying out said highway alteration.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the Stewart Park Railroad Crossing Resolution be
tabled until further information is available from the City
Attorney's office.
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION, AND COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
1994 Golf Course Rates
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed
1994 rates presented by Steve Torrant, Golf Course Manager, and
hereby approves of the following rates:
Memberships Daily
Individual $230. Weekday $10.
Sr. Individual 190. Weekend 12.
Dom. Couple 390. Weekday
Sr. & Jr. 7.
Sr. Dom. Couple 310. League or
9 holes 7.
Family 450. Sr. Cit. Special 5.
Junior 120.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That these rates are effective until changed.
Carried Unanimously
Designation of Emergency Snow Routes
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, in accordance with the
Resolution of Common Council adopted February 2, 1994, designates
the following streets as emergency snow routes, and these streets
shall be marked as required for public information and proper
enforcement.
Emergency Snow Routes - 1994
Albany Street - Green Street to Elmira Road
Aurora Street - South City line to Green Street
Cayuga Street - North City line to Green Street
Cliff Street - West City line to Octopus
Court Street - University Avenue to North Cayuga Street
Elmira Road - South City line to Albany Street
Green Street - Meadow Street to East State Street
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February 9, 1994
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Hector Street - West City line to Octopus
Hudson Street - Coddington Road to Aurora Street
Ithaca Road - Mitchell Street to Ithaca Road
Meadow Street - Elmira Road to North City line
Mitchell Street - State Street to Ithaca Road
Seneca Street - East State Street to West State Street
State Street - Octopus to Meadow Street
State Street - Tuning Fork to East City line
University Avenue - Court Street to Lake Avenue
Commissioner Reeves stated that she will not support this
Resolution as the Fire Chief and Police Chief have not reviewed
this list.
Motion to Refer
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Designation of Emergency Snow Routes Resolution
be referred to the February 16, 1994 Committee of the Whole
meeting when the Board will have Power to Act.
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 #3
General Fund...........................................$ 50,703.29
Water and Sewer Fund...................................$ 10,668.66
Joint Activity Fund....................................$ 7,479.73
Capital Projects.......................................$ 70,206.29
Solid Waste............................................$ 27,185.55
Trust and Agency Funds.................................$ 0.00
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved.
Carried Unanimously
Audit Discussion
Deputy City Controller Steven Thayer explained a recent Charter
amendment that changed the way Common Council audits are approved.
He stated that the Board of Fire Commissioners will be adopting
these new procedures and suggested that the Board change their
procedures as well. He explained that the City is legally
obligated to pay bills presented for payment. He would provide a
list of all bills paid by the City to each Board member for
review. If someone should question a payment, adjustments could
be made to future payments.
Discussion followed regarding current audit and budget review
procedures. Deputy City Controller Thayer stated that he will
prepare a Resolution for the Board to consider at the next regular
meeting.
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Disability Advisory Council
Commissioner Gerard reported that he explained the proposed
appearance ticket procedures for snow and ice removal to the
Council, and they were in favor of it.
Elderly Concerns Regarding Snow & Ice Removal
Commissioner Reeves reported that she has a meeting with Linda
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February 9, 1994
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Jain, Building Dept., and Irene Stein, Office of the Aging to
discuss ways for elderly people to have their walks cleared
without being penalized by the City.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor