HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-04-27127
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. April 27, 1994
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols _
Commissioners (5) - Gerard, Tripp, Rusoff, Smith, Reeves
Mayor Nichols announced that Paul Brandford has resigned from the
Board of Public Works. tie asked the Commissioners for their
assistance in finding a person to replace him.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Council Liaison - Johnson
T Senior Stenographer - Holcomb
LO Youth Bureau Director - Cohen
Co i
W PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE•
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
G American flag.
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes - -o£ the March 23, 1994 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Highways, Streets and Sidewalk Items•
Commissioner Smith requested the addition of Item D - Stewart
Avenue Stabilization - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Creeks Bridges and Parks:
Proposed Cass Park Rink Improvements
Commissioner Gerard requested the addition of Item B - Proposed
Cass Park Rink Improvements - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Mr. David Nutter spoke to the Board regarding the enhancement
proposals. The proposal that includes the Elmira Road sidewalk
project is due into the State by June 6, 1994.
Mr. Nutter requested that the Board of Public Works send an
endorsement of the sidewalk proposal to the MPO Planning Committee
to show that the City is behind this proposal. He said that four -
fifths of the costs of the sidewalk would be paid for with federal
money instead of local money, which should be a big consideration.
The Board of Public Works will review this matter at the Committee
of the Whole meeting on May 5, 1994.
Casa Park Rink Improvements
Mr. Joe Cassanitti thanked the Board for consideration of items
concerning the Cass Park improvements that are on today's agenda.
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Atty. Frederick Beck spoke to the Board in support of the proposed
improvements to the Cass Park Rink.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following:
Fiber Optic project is being reviewed;
GIAC basketball court;
Sidewalk contract is being set up;
Parking Lot X;
City Court /Police project;
Parking study of downtown lots complete.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND FACILITIES:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following:
North American Snow Conference in Milwaukee last week;
Bare root tree planting program;
Arbor Day ceremony scheduled at GIAC pool;
Earth Day Clean -up - Stewart Park, City Cemetery and the
Ithaca Falls area;
Cornell area clean -up is scheduled for the coming weekend;
City Golf Course opened for the season last Saturday;
Use of Cass Park ballfields;
Building systems boiler inspection;
Inspection of parking garages scheduled for May 9;
Sign Shop started street striping this week;
Giles Street landslide project;
Yard Waste program;
Seasonal change -over of vehicles now complete.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER AND SEWER
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported tot he Board on the
following:
Hydraulic study of the water system in progress;
Gorge Ranger to begin work for the season;
Sewer line program.
REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Youth Bureau
Director Sam Cohen explained that there is a resolution going to
Common Council transferring two custodial workers and one
maintenance worker from the DPW personnel roster to the Youth
Bureau personnel roster. He explained the reasons for the change.
Mr. Cohen also spoke to the Board in favor of the proposed
improvements to the Cass Park Rink.
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
A. Request for No Smoking at Cass Park
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received requests to
prohibit smoking at the Cass Park Skating Rink, and
WHEREAS, the Board has received a recommendation from the Ithaca
Youth Bureau and a report from the City Attorney's Office; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the City
Attorney's report and the Youth Bureau's resolution, and bE it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board hereby recommends that Common Council
implement a No Smoking Policy during public skating times at Cass
Park Skating Rink.
Discussion followed on the floor.
2
129
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That in the Resolved clause the words "during public
skating times" be deleted.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
S. Proposed Cass Park Rink Improvements
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, Joe Cassaniti and other concerned citizens appeared before
the Board of Public Works on March 9, 1994 requesting support of
the Board for improvements to the Cass Park Skating Rink for winter
ice skating, and
WHEREAS, the specific requests were for wind barriers, bleachers
and signage, said items to be planned, built and funded by citizen
volunteers, and
r
LO WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Board passed a resolution
T— on April 11, 1994 endorsing the proposed improvements tiro the ice
m rink and proposed community participation for the funding of the
Z project, which reads as follows:
"WHEREAS, local citizens have identified a need for protection
from the wind, and the availability of seating for community
members who are spectators at the Cass Park Ice Rink, and
WHEREAS, the IYB Recreation Committee and staff have
considered this request and various options to meet the need;
now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Committee
recommends:
1) that permanent seating be built or purchased for the ice
rink, and
2) temporary screening be purchased for the east and west
sides of the ice rink as wind protection, and
3) that community participation in building and fund raising
for this project should be encouraged."
which is made a part of this resolution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works give preliminary approval
to the concept of wind barriers and bleachers at the Cass Park Rink
for winter ice skating, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the plans for the wind barriers and bleachers
including design, placement, and the materials to be used are
subject to the approval of the Building Commissioner, the Fire
Chief, the City Engineer and the Superintendent of Public Works,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That final plans be submitted to the Board of Public
Works and the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Board for review and
approval.
Carried Unanimously
BUILDINGS. PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
A. Authorization and Aoreement for Ithaca Festival
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and the Ithaca Festival are desirous of
entering into an agreement to cover the events of June 3 through
June 5, 1994, and
130
WHEREAS, the Festival directors have met with City staff, including
the Police Department, Fire Department and Department of Public
Works, to review the details of the events, and
WHEREAS, the directors of the Ithaca Festival have met with the
Board of Public Works to request the use of specific areas and
services for the Ithaca Festival, including the area known as the
Strand Parking Lot, and
WHEREAS, the Board has recommended that the Ithaca Festival
directors coordinate with the Superintendent to contact and receive
permission from RHP Inc. to utilize the Strand Parking Lot for
purposes other than parking; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the agreement
with the Ithaca Festival for the following:
1. The closing of the 100 blocks of South Cayuga Street,
North Cayuga Street, and West State Street all day on
Saturday, June 4, 1994.
2. The use of DeWitt Park on Saturday, June 4, 1994 for an
art exhibit and quiet entertainment.
3. Supplemental volunteer labor to be provided by the Ithaca
Festival for trash collection during all phases of the
Festival.
4. Additional items covered by the Agreement between the
City of Ithaca and the Ithaca Festival for 1994, said
Agreement outlines the details and expectations of both
parties including finances,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign the agreement on
behalf of the City of Ithaca.
Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Reeves expressed
her concerns about what notification will be given to the residents
of the area as well as the property owners and businesses in the
area regarding loud music in that parking lot.
Mayor Nichols stated that it is either in the agreement that is
being written with RHP or a resolution to Council that says that
the use of that lot will require both the permission of RHP and the
City.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried unanimously
Reuben Weiner, owner of 322 Elmira Road, has requested that the
license fee for adjacent city property be expunged since he is not
using it. Supt. Gray explained to Board that Mr. Weiner is using
city property, not just a right -of -way for accessibility to his
property. Other property owners on Elmira Road are generally using
the right -of -way for driveways or paying license fees for the
intervening property.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes the
expungement of the 1994 license fee for'city property adjacent to
322 Elmira Road, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board will 'review city owned property along
Elmira Road, which is currently being leased, for the possibility
of sale, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this expungement is for 1994 and that a 1995 license
fee will be issued unless other actions are taken during the review
process.
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April 27, 1994
BPW Minutes
Discussion followed on the floor. Deputy Controller Thayer stated
that he will research city -owned properties on the Elmira Road for
possible sale.
A vote on the resolution resulted•a's follows:
Ayes (5) - Reeves, Tripp, Gerard, Smith, Rusoff
Nay (1) - Mayor Nichols
t Carried (5 -1)
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to
expunge a sidewalk snow /ice removal bill from Kathi Monroe, owner
of 217 -219 First Street, and
T
Sri WHEREAS, Ms. Monroe's letter stated that under the lease, her
r tenants are responsible and had cleared the walks, and
Z WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed staff's response as well as other
site observations at that address; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board hereby denies Ms. Monroe's request to
expunge the snow /ice removal bill for 217 -219 First Street based on
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel's letter dated March 16, 1994 which
indicated that 90 feet of walk was cleared.
Carried Unanimously
R. Request for Exoungement for Snow /Ice Removal - 419 Wyckoff
Avenue
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to
expunge a sidewalk snow /ice removal bill from Owen O'Neill, owner
of 419 Wyckoff Avenue stating that the property was properly
maintained, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed staff's response to Mr. O'Neill;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the request
based on Assistant Superintendent Ferrel's letter dated March 17,
1994 which indicates that the crew removed a substantial amount of
snow and ice from the walk.
Carried Unanimously
C. 1893 Sidewalk Assessments
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the 1993 Sidewalk Program did not include any work other
than that which was the City's responsibility; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works hereby declares that there
are no Sidewalk Assessments to be collected for the 1993 Sidewalk
Program and forwards this declaration to the City Clerk and the
City Chamberlain for their information, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to work with the City
Chamberlain and City Attorney to develop a billing process under
which future sidewalk work undertaken for private property owners
can be billed directly to them following completion of the work.
Carried Unanimously
132
April 27, 1994
BPW Minutes
D. Stewart Avenue Stabilization
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, a landslide occurred in the 900 block of Stewart Avenue
during April, 1993, which threatens the stability of Stewart
Avenue, and
WHEREAS, the city wishes to undertake a project to preserve Stewart
Avenue and to provide long term stability to this area which is
adjacent to a 1977 landslide repair undertaken by the city, and
WHEREAS, the city submitted this as Project 11 in its application
to the New York State 1993 Disaster Relief Program and received
partial funding for the amount of ($348,000 x 58.2578 =_ $202,734;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works request that the Budget
and Administration Committee create a Capital Project in the amount
of $202,734 and directs staff to proceed with design and bidding of
the work once the Capital Project is established, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff prepare any necessary budget adjustment for
consideration as soon as adequate information is available.
Supt. Gray stated that in the first Resolved Clause he would like
the amount to read the full $348,000, not the portion of it that
was funded, $202,734. This is a correction coming back from the
Budget and Administration Committee.
No Board member objected to the change, therefore the resolution
shall read $348,000.
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
A. Request to Establish Capital Project for Purchase of Parking
Equipment
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has charged the Parking
Committee to research and recommend a new parking equipment system
which will allow the City to have more control over collection of
monies, regulate usage and provide better data collection, and
WHEREAS, the Parking Committee has made its recommendation to
purchase a system to replace the current system which is based on
magnetic stlYipe technology; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Budget
and Administration Committee establish a Capital Project to provide
funding for the purchase of a new* parking system as soon as
possible.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the resolution "Request to;EStablish Capital Project
for Purchase of Parking Equipment" be tabled so that a monetary
amount can be established.
Carried Unanimously
** B. Purchase of New Electronic Parking Meter for Lot X
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has been authorized to operate a
temporary parking lot in the 300 block of East State Street, and
133
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to
expunge a sewer bill for the vacant building at 314 Hook Place, and
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Division was able to determine that
the large April 1, 1994 bill was a result of a ruptured water line
and recommends that the sewer portion of the bill be expunged; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works agrees to expunge a total
of $313.11 from the sewer portion of account #81- 0186951, 314 Hook
Place, along with any late fee that has been incurred.
Supt. Gray stated that this type of matter, as long as it is
technical and doesn't exceed a certain dollar value, Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni and he will handle it internally rather than bringing it
before the Board.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the City sent notice of a past due water and sewer bill in
the amount of $114.84 covering several quarters in 1993, to Allen
Akers for his property at 528 North Albany Street in March 1994,
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Akers has responded that he visited the Chamberlain's
Office in January, 1994 to collect this kind of information in
preparation for a (successful) law suit in February against the
tenant, at which time he was told twice that there were no
outstanding bills, and
WHEREAS, Debbie Parsons has confirmed this, indicating that the
accounts were being transferred to another accounting system for
tracking, and explained that due to limitations in the existing
software the accounts are marked "paid" when transferred to close
them out in the initial system; now, therefore, be it
April 27, 1994
BPW Minutes
WHEREAS, proposals for electronic parking meters have been received
and reviewed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That staff is directed to purchase a
"Dynameter" from CTR
Systems of Rochester, NY at a cost "not to exceed $15,000. {exact
cost will be provided before voting.}
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Resolved Clause be changed
to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That staff is directed to purchase
an electronic meter
system at a cost not to exceed $15,000."
Carried Unanimously
r
Main Motion as Amended
Ln
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted
as follows:
T
Carried Unanimously
m
Z
** Editorial Note: At its meeting of May
4, 1994 the Common
Council voted not to operate the Parking Lot.
C6
WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to
expunge a sewer bill for the vacant building at 314 Hook Place, and
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Division was able to determine that
the large April 1, 1994 bill was a result of a ruptured water line
and recommends that the sewer portion of the bill be expunged; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works agrees to expunge a total
of $313.11 from the sewer portion of account #81- 0186951, 314 Hook
Place, along with any late fee that has been incurred.
Supt. Gray stated that this type of matter, as long as it is
technical and doesn't exceed a certain dollar value, Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni and he will handle it internally rather than bringing it
before the Board.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the City sent notice of a past due water and sewer bill in
the amount of $114.84 covering several quarters in 1993, to Allen
Akers for his property at 528 North Albany Street in March 1994,
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Akers has responded that he visited the Chamberlain's
Office in January, 1994 to collect this kind of information in
preparation for a (successful) law suit in February against the
tenant, at which time he was told twice that there were no
outstanding bills, and
WHEREAS, Debbie Parsons has confirmed this, indicating that the
accounts were being transferred to another accounting system for
tracking, and explained that due to limitations in the existing
software the accounts are marked "paid" when transferred to close
them out in the initial system; now, therefore, be it
134
April 27, 1994
BPW Minutes
RESOLVED, That bill no. 5762 dated March 8, 1994 to Allen Akers in
the amount of $114.84 be expunged and that staff research changes
in the accounting system which will avoid this type of
misinformation in the future.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
l.I"4-11
Connie J. Holcomb
Senior Stenographer
Benjamin Nichols
Mayor