HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-07-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 20, 1994
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Reeves, Seligmann,'Mayor Nichols,
Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Report on Water Treatment Plant
There were no deletions from the agenda.
A second request for the installation of handica a cncer r e .
takers of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, owners of 132 East Spen ea Strreet. The r board had
denied the initial request received by Mr. Barnes in January, 1994. At the time, the
board had stated that installation of a handicap space would not guarantee a space
for the Barnes'. In addition, they discouraged on street residential handicap parking
spaces. A care taker for Mr. and Mrs. Barnes was present at the meeting to address
request. Barnes takes herto appointments, he block c
s traffic to pickup and drop off his wife at
their home. He parks the vehicle in the road, brings her to the car or takes her into
the house and then returns to the vehicle. Supt. Gray stated that he would probably
be contradicting himself from the last meeting, but he felt that the space should be
Installed since there are locations throughout the city with curbside handicap parking.
Mayor Nichols suggested that a system be devised to review curbside handicap
spaces. He they are no longer warranted, they should be removed. The board will
vote on a resolution to install a handicap parking space at 132 E. Spencer Street at
their next meeting.
2. Fiber Optical condult power to Act
Supt. Gray told the board that bids were received for the conduit and that they were
higher than expected. The funding for the capital project is $130,000, while the low
bid came in at $124,000. Acceptance of the low bid would not allow for the fiber optic
cable to be installed. The board would need to request additional funds in order to
complete the project. He noted that the bids were for premium prices since the
construction season is well underway and many contractors do not need the added
work. He further explained that there is a great deal of pressure due to time
constraints. The state will not allow the city to do any work once the pavement on
Green Street is in place. The work will need to be done within the next couple of
weeks. The conduit cannot be Installed under the sidewalk due to various vaults and
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
July 20, 1994
utilities, therefore, the conduit must be under the street. The board decided a vote
must be made in order to proceed with the project. The following resolution was voted
on:
13. HIGHWAYS TR Frc Arlin c Commissioner Smith.
By: Commissioner Reeves, seconded by: Commissioner Gerard
A. Award of Bid for Fiber Optical Condult.
WHEREAS, Capital Project #288, Fiber Optic Communication Network System, was
established in the amount of $130,000 to provide for the installation and connection of
a fiber optic communication network system between and among the Central Fire
Station, City Hall and Police Department, and
WHEREAS, bids were received on July 20, 1994 for the installation of the fiber optic
conduit, and
WHEREAS, bids were received on time and all were over budget; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works is desirous of awarding the bid provided
that Common Council approves the increase in the capital project, and, be It further
RESOLVED, That the bid without alternate #1 be awarded to Adhan Piping for their
bid of $124,9go 80 or the bid with alternate #1 to Economy Paving for their bid of
$129,017.00 and alternate #1, $9,560.00.
Discussion followed concerning the passibility of OPW crews doing the project. Supt.
Gray noted that obtaining the proper materials on short notice may be difficult. Asst.
Supt. Ferrel added that if DPW crews were utilized current scheduled work, such as
Paving, would need to be contracted out.
Carried Unanimously (4 -0)
3. Outdoor Display of Merchandise Oasis
Comm. Reeves noted the information received by Chief McEwen regarding display of
merchandise as it is outlined in the City Code. The board agreed that the code clearly
outlined the procedures of Outdoor display and that the police department should
handle the request.
Jean Deming was present to address the board on a related subject. She
expressed that she feels that fees are too low for various permits and licenses. The
fees do not reflect the staff time involved. After discussion of the issue, the board
decided to vote on a resolution to recommend that B&A review all fees and set a
policy on establishing fees in order to reflect staff time. A resolution will be presented
a the next regular meeting.
Page - 2
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
July 20, 1994
4_ Steamboat Landina Reservation Agreement
Comm. Reeves explained that the board had received a revised edition of the
proposed agreement for use of Steamboat Landing. It was explained that the Ithaca
Farmer's Market has a 20 year lease with the city for use of the property on market
days. The Market owns the pavilion and pays all electric, water and sewer fees. The
proposed agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and found to be
acceptable. It was noted that the renters must carry their own insurance with the
required amount of liability. A resolution will be voted on at the next regular meeting
accepting the reservation agreement.
5. Report on Water Treatment Plant
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that on Saturday, July 16, 1994, there was an
operator error which allowed several hundred gallons of Sodium Hypo Chlorite
(NaOCI) to spill Into a chemical contaminant area. One of the operators attempted to
dilute the chemical and then pump it into the lagoon. This might have been
acceptable, except that the lagoons were full due to the high silt loads from the spring
this case, lethe lagoons were not basins
enoutgh to contain e hie heavily chlorinated a water
so that It could weaken in the sun and air. The water overflowing was essentially,
very strong drinking water which did not present any health threats to human life
although several fish were effected. On Monday morning, Chuck Baker, Chief
Operator, discovered the accident and notified DEC. Steps are being taken to avoid
future problems.
The board adjourned Into executive session at 5:30 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Page - 3
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary