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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-11-30 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. November 30, 1994 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Smith, Seligmann OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison - Johnson Deputy City Controller - Thayer Deputy City Clerk - Conley Holcomb Transit Manager - Oltz 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 November 9, 1994 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That approval of the Minutes of the November 9, 1994 Board of Public Works meeting be deferred until the December 14, 1994 meeting. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Items Commissioner Seligmann requested the addition of Item 17.B - Water and Sewer Rates for 1995. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Recycle Ithaca Bicycles (RIBS) Mr. Paul Glover spoke to the Board in support of the RIBs Program. He stated that this program has provided the use of over a thousand bicycles to the children of this community during the past several years of its operation. He urged the Board not to remove RIBs from their present building until there is another place for them to go. Mr. Andy Ruina spoke to the Board regarding the rent-free space the City has been giving to RIBs since June 1991. He acknowledged the 30-day revocable lease agreement, but asked that the City postpone the relocation of the RIBs program until January 31, 1995. Mr. Paul Sayvetz spoke to the Board in support of the RIBs program. He requested that the matter of relocating RIBs be referred to another committee, such as the Bicycle Advisory Council, for review and consideration. Ms. Jacqueline Scott, Director of the Southside Community Center, addressed the Board concerning programs that involve the City's youth. She stated that the Southside Community Center cannot house the RIBs program because there is not enough storage room for all of the bicycle parts in the building. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: DPW Budget Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that the DPW budget was reviewed with minor adjustments. There was $6,000 transferred from the Engineering budget to the Capital Fund budget for BPW Minutes November 30, 1994 2 computer acquisitions, and there was $60,000 removed from the Streets and Road account and transferred to the Capital Project fund. The other reduction was in the Cass Park utilities account. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Alderperson Johnson reported that the Department of Public Works and the Board were requested to make recommendations regarding the Commons fountain, and the Art and Design Committee was requested to look for attractive trash cans and recycling bins. Alderperson Johnson also reported that the Brindley Street, and parking meter projects will be going to Council in December. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following: Budget preparation Transit matters MPO meetings REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER: Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Fabbroni reported on the following: Silt dam work Water in-take cleaning DEC - chlorine spill discussions Water valve replacements Water service requests Route 13 interceptor County grant - would offer $80,000 for landslide repairs Route 96 utilities negotiations BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: Contract with Southside Community Center for RIBs By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works passed a Resolution on November 9, 1994 approving the concept of a proposal from the Sciencenter for use of space in the old vacuum filter building for a community based education program, and WHEREAS, the City entered into a twelve month contract with the Southside Community Center for use of the vacuum filter building in support of its Recycle Ithaca Bicycles (RIBs) program, and WHEREAS, the most recent renewal of that contract runs out December 31, 1994; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to notify the director of the Southside Community Center that arrangements should be made to relocate the RIBs program by December 31, 1994 to return the occupied portion of the building to the City in a neat and clean condition, and to arrange for the return of all keys to the building used by the program, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board wishes the Southside Community Center continued success with its RIBs program. Discussion followed on the floor with Southside Community Center Director Jacqueline Scott, and Andy Ruina. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the date in the first Resolved clause be changed to January 31, 1995. BPW Minutes November 30, 1994 3 Carried Unanimously Main Motion A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Ithaca Transit Policy for Youth, Senior and ADA Fares Nancy Oltz, Transit Manager, has recommended several changes to the City's fares to make them comply with federal law or to parallel practice in other local systems. Resolution By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the following changes in fare policies for Ithaca Transit: Ticket Qualifications Method Existing Program Half Fare Student through high school -tickets @ school Senior 60 years or over -tickets Free Fare Children 12 years or under w/parent New Program Half Fare Student Youth through high school or -tickets @ school 17 years or under ADA ADA law & Fed. Transit -tickets or I.D. Act Senior 60 years or over -tickets or I.D. Free Fare Children 5 years or under w/parent Transit Manager Oltz explained the resolution. She stated that after meeting with CU Transit and Tomtran, they have agreed to accept the following forms of I.D. for half-fare eligibility: Senior Citizen's discount card, Medicare card, ADA Para-transit eligibility card, and disability cards. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously County Request to Place Bus Shelter on Green Street By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the County's Transit Manager requested permission to install a bus shelter on City land located on the south side of Green Street adjacent to the helix entrance to the Green Street garage; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request in concept and directs staff to work with the County to clear any BPW Minutes November 30, 1994 4 underground utilities or other concerns in order to site the shelter. Transit Manager Oltz explained the need for the proposed bus shelter. She further added that the County has agreed to purchase, install and maintain this shelter. Mayor Nichols requested that the following memo from Dwight Mengel be included in the Minutes. "Date: November 22, 1994 To : Nancy Oltz, Transit Manager, Ithaca Transit From: Dwight Mengel, Transit Manager, TOMTRAN Re : Request Permission to install Bus Shelter on E. Green Street As we discussed, I am writing to obtain permission to install a bus shelter on East Green Street, east of the helix ramp of the parking garage. The existing Green Street shelter is too small to serve the que of buses and passengers during peak hours. The proposed site is in dire need of a bus shelter, as passengers waiting for CARO- VAN, and Danby were assigned to wait at that site. The winter time is especially bad without a shelter. The County will purchase and install the shelter. The County would be responsible for its upkeep. If you have any questions, please ask me." A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Request from DII to Provide One Hour Free Parking By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, Downtown Ithaca Inc. has proposed that merchants and service oriented businesses be allowed to provide one hour free parking in the downtown ramps or Lot D (Woolworth lot) to their patrons, and WHEREAS, the Mayor has proposed that the City sell stickers to DII in quantity at a discounted rate of $.25. Each sticker will be good for one hour of parking in the downtown ramps or Lot D (Woolworth lot), and WHEREAS, DII will act as the City's agent by selling such stickers to the downtown businesses and professional offices upon request; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of DII's proposal for 1995, renewable for 1996 upon agreement of both parties. Carried Unanimously Request from DII to Improve Exiting Traffic at Seneca Street Garage By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from DII BPW Minutes November 30, 1994 5 to alleviate traffic flow of motorists exiting the Seneca Street garage during the 1994 holiday season; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to establish a system to allow vehicles to exit the Seneca Street garage in a more timely manner, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to work with the Mayor to adjust budgets to cover overtime for employees to assist in this operation. Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS ITEMS: Request for Outdoor Skating at Conway Park Dominique Bouchard of 212 W. Lincoln Street has requested the use of Conway Park for outdoor skating during the months of January and February, 1995. Mr. Bouchard has explained to the Board that he would like the use of a fire hydrant to flood an area of Conway Park. He would volunteer his time to prepare and maintain the area for skating. Mr. Bouchard is willing to sign a waiver in the event of an injury. Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, Dominique Bouchard has requested the use of Conway Park to prepare and maintain an outdoor skating area; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of Mr. Bouchard's request for an outdoor skating area on a trial basis, contingent upon general approval of the neighborhood residents and, be it further RESOLVED, That Mr. Bouchard must receive proper training from staff on the use of fire hydrants, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests the City Attorney's Office to arrange for the signing of a waiver of liability. Discussion followed on the floor with Mr. Bouchard stating that he has not discussed this project with any of the residents of this area. Motion to Table By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the request for outdoor skating at Conway Park be tabled until the meeting of December 14, 1994 in order for Mr. Bouchard to have time to notify neighbors in the area of the proposal for ice skating and also to get input from the Second Ward Alderpersons. Carried Unanimously WATER, SEWER, AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Award of Chemical Supplies for Treatment Plants By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids for the annual chemical requirements for the Water Filtration Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the contract be awarded as follows: BPW Minutes November 30, 1994 6 Item 1) Primary Coagulant CYTEC Industries $.19 per pound Item 2)Filter Aid O'Brien Industries $1.65 per pound Item 3)Liquid Caustic Soda Jones Chemicals $450.00 per dry ton Item 4)Coagulant Aid CYTEC Industries $.675 per pound Item 5)Potassium Permanganate Textile Chemical Co. $1.3462 per pound Item 6)Liquid Chlorine NYCLOR, Inc. $395.00 per ton Item 7)Pebble Lime Bellefonte Lime CO. $76.97 per ton Item 8)Ferrous Sulfate NO BID *Waste Stream Environmental has agreed to maintain previous bid of $.18 per gallon as per letter dated September 27, 1994. Item 9) Sulfer Dioxide Jones Chemicals $.78 per pound Item 10) Sodium Hypochlorite NYCLOR Inc. $1.30 per gallon Item 11)Sodium Hypochlorite (bulk) Jones Chemicals $.64 per gallon *Jones Chemical has agreed to waive the quarterly review as per letter dated November 17, 1994. Carried Unanimously Water and Sewer Rates for 1995 By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed 1995 water and sewer budgets and the proposed rate increase for support of that budget; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City water and sewer rates, effective with bills rendered and payable January 1, 1995, be established at $1.40 (currently $1.27) per 100 cubic feet of water and $1.62 (currently $1.47) per 100 cubic feet of sewage, and be it further RESOLVED, That outside water rates effective with bills rendered and payable January 1, 1995 be established at $1.75 (rate and a quarter) per 100 cubic feet of water. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Bicycle Advisory Council Commissioner Tripp referred to a letter from David Nutter, Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Council, regarding a request for bicycle racks in the Woolworth Parking Lot. The matter will be reviewed at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Dumpster Problems Commissioner Reeves reported that she had a meeting with Chief McEwen, Assistant City Attorney Kennedy, Commons Coordinator Deming, Deputy Planning and Development Director Sieverding, Building Commissioner Eckstrom regarding the trash and dumpster problem outside City Hall. They also discussed other problems such as grease from McDonald's, trash removal, illegal parking, delivery vehicles blocking the driveway, handicap parking, etc. The Commons Advisory Board will be discussing these matters at BPW Minutes November 30, 1994 7 their next meeting and the Commons Coordinator will report back to the Board. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Julie Conley Holcomb Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. November 16, 1994 The following Resolution was passed by the Board of Public Works at the November 16, 1994 Committee of the Whole meeting when the Board had Power to Act. PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Expansion of Metered Parking project By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, the City has undertaken a Capital Project (CP 285) to install parking meters on Thurston Avenue between Barton Place and the eastern end of Wait Avenue, and WHEREAS, there are several similar areas along Stewart Avenue and Oak Avenue where parking meters can be installed to regulate usage, reduce congestion, encourage off-street parking and reflects their current use as linear parking lot, and WHEREAS, the installed meters are projected to have less than a two year payback period after considering installation, depreciation, collection, enforcement and administration expenses; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the current Capital Project 285 be expanded from $40,000. to $140,000. to cover East Hill parking meters and forwards this Resolution to the Budget and Administration Committee for their review. Carried Unanimously