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Home My WebLink AboutMN-BPW-1994-09-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE September 21, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Seligmann, Tripp, Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson (arrived at 5:15), Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. c tign of Insumm-c--e-Matt Chuck LaComb, Kathy Trapani, both from Ithaca Agency, and Lou Pinto from General Accident were present to clarify insurance issues. Supt. Gray noted that in the past the city has had problems because staff feels we are liable for damages and tells the homeowner expenses will be taken care of, only to find that the insurance company denies coverage. Supt. Gray noted that he would like to appropriately direct staff and homeowners when situations occur. The consensus of the insurance reps. was that no advice should be given to homeowner except that they may file a Notice of Claim. If the situation is an emergency, the insurance agent can and should be contacted immediately for their evaluation. Mr. Pinto explained the prior notice law; the city's law states that notice must be received in writing. Once notice is received of a hazardous condition, the city must make arrangements to repair the condition. This includes setting funds aside for a project to restore to appropriate conditions. The prior notice law does not have an effect on damages caused by neglect. This would mean that damage resulting from a crew's work would be covered by insurance. It was noted that if the insurance company does not cover the damages, the city may pay for damages although it would be setting a precedent. Comm. Tripp questioned how much money is spent each year to settle uninsured claims. Deputy Controller Thayer said that the figure is below $10,000. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that he feels the policy does not provide proper coverage, for instance, two recent claims that should have been covered were not. Comm. Tripp noted that this discussion seemed to be that of procedure and that the board does not handle procedures, only policy Issues. Mr. LaComb added that if staff would like to meet with the agency, a meeting could be set up. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING September 21, 1994 2. 1994 Transit Budget - Board had Power to Act. 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS By Commissioner Tripp; seconded by Commissioner Gerard B. Transit System Budget 1994 - Request for Funds Increase. WHEREAS, a review of the Transit System accounts for 1994 has revealed a number of unanticipated and unbudgeted expenses, and WHEREAS, the largest of these are funds to cover Gadabout expenses (43,000), American with Disabilities Act Increased expenses (6,000) and unanticipated engine and transmission repairs (30,000), which are partially offset by decreased expenditures; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the funds be provided for this purpose, and that this request be forwarded to the Budget and Administration Committee. Discussion followed with Nancy Oltz, Transit Systems Manager explaining that Gadabout does not have enough funds for their share of the facility maintenance. The other occupants of the facility felt that they should cover the expenses since they asked Gadabout to join the facility. Carried Unanimously 3. Proposed Capital Prole t for Street Improvements Herman Sieverding, Deputy Director for Planning, was present to address the board regarding a proposal to improve Franklin Street between First and Third Streets. Mr. Sieverding explained that the main objective of the proposed project is to define the roadway. This would require Installation of curbs. Comm. Tripp suggested that the traffic task force's recommendation of gate way streets be used here. Alderperson Johnson asked that input from the Fire and Police Departments be received. Mr. Sieverding will continue to work on the proposal and update the board as needed. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING September 21, 1994 4. Amendment of Architects Agreement for City Court Project - Board had Power to Act. 16. BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS - Commissioner Reeves. By: Commissioner Reeves; seconded by: Commissioner Tripp A. Amendment of Architects Agreement for City Court Project. WHEREAS, The contract for architectural services with Perkins Eastman of New York, NY for construction of the city court requires an amendment to provide for construction phase services and additional design phase reimbursables; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the Superintendent's recommendation to increase the architectural contract by an amount not to exceed $60,000 for construction phase services and an amount not to exceed $13,000 for additional design phase reimbursable. Deputy Controller Thayer noted that the figures are within.the authorized budget. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Carried Unanimously Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3 187 RESOLUTIONS FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING - SEPTEMBER 21, 1994 By Commissioner Reeves: Seconde0-0y Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the contract architectural services with Perkins Eastman of New York, NY for construction of the city court requires an amendment to provide for construction phase services and additional design phase reimbursables; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the Superintendent's recommendation to increase the architectural contract by an amount not to exceed $60,000 for construction phase services and an amount not to exceed $13, 000 for additional design phase reimbursables Carried Unanimously T B. Transit System Budget 1994 - Reguest for Funds Increase L0 By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard T WHEREAS, a review of the Transit System accounts fo'i 1994 has m revealed a number of unanticipated and unbudgeted expenses, and z@ WHEREAS, the largest of these are funds to cover Gadabout expenses L ($43,000), American with Disabilities Act increased expenses ($6,000) and unanticipated engine and transmission repairs ($3,000), which are partially offset by decreased expenditures; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the funds be provided for this purpose, and that this request be forwarded to the Budget and Administration Committee. Carried Unanimously Harlin R. McEwen Chief of Police TO: FROM: UI �1i4 y. 44 ie cOgPdtireo �� CITY OF ITHACA POLICE DEPARTMENT 120 EAST CLIINTON STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14950.5899 Police Dispatcher: (607) 272 -3245 Police Admihistration /Records: (607) 272.9973 M- E- M- O- R- A- N -D -U -M p �odr� SEP 2 I yea David P. Barnes Deputy Chief Carol C. Reeves, Vice Chair, BPW DATE: September 21, 1994 Chief Harlin R. McEwen Tv * RE: Intersection of Cemetery Driveway and Dewitt Place ...................................................................................... ............3.................. In your memo dated August 9th, and the August 26th memo of Alderperson John Schroeder we were requested to look at the above intersection and make a recommendation on what if any improvements might be made to the situation. We have researched the status of the driveway through the cemetery and find it is not a public street and is only a driveway and we recommend that it be marked and referred to that way in the future to distinguish it's status from that of a public roadway. Taking into account the need for residents of Cascadilla Park Road and Dewitt Place to occasionally use the driveway, we believe there should be new signs erected at the intersection of Cemetery Driveway and Dewitt Place and Cemetery Driveway and University Avenue that say "CEMETERY DRIVEWAY - NOT A PUBLIC STREET - NO THRU TRAFFIC - VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED ". This would allow local residents of Cascadilla Park Road and Dewitt Place to occasionally use it although I would discourage it as much as possible. As it relates to the intersection of Cemetery Driveway and Dewitt Place, although we normally take a cautious approach to the erection of new stop signs, we believe two stop signs should be erected, one headed West on Dewitt Place at the intersection of Cemetery Driveway and the other headed East on Cemetery Driveway at the intersection of Dewitt Place. Attachments cc: John Schroeder, Alderperson William J. Gray, Supt. of Public Works Richard L. Ferrel, Assist. Supt. of Public Works Lawrence P. Fabbroni, Assist. Supt. of Public Works Brian H. Wilbur, Fire Chief NO TH RU TRAFFIC CITY CEMETERY DRIVEWAY NOT A PUBLIC STREET VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED �I" H J,,,