HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-12-14
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. December 14, 1994
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Smith, Seligmann
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
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Rusoff
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 and November 30, 1994
Board of Public Works Meetings
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Smith
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 9, 1994 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 30, 1994 Board of
Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings, Properties and Transit Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item C - Award of
Bid for Fiber Optic Bid - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols reported that he has received a letter from John
Anderson, Director of the Division of Environmental Health,
regarding the Water Treatment Plant Inspection. Mr. Anderson
commended the dedication of staff, but also noted problems
relating to the condition of the treatment facility and the
Vinegar Hill pump station.
Mayor Nichols also reported that he has received a letter from
Barbara Eckstrom, Tompkins County Solid Waste Manager, regarding
an Illegal Dumping Clean-up Pilot Program. This program would
allow $2,260. to be credited towards the disposal of approximately
38 tons of illegally dumped trash.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Johnson reported on the following:
Common Council approved the sale of the Brindley Street Right-of-
Way with the condition that a public walkway be provided and
maintained.
The request for transfer of funds ($2,600.) for the Fleet
Management computer program was approved.
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Common Council approved the expansion of the parking meter capital
project, and the increase for the computer network capital
project.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following:
Traffic Engineer - reference checks being completed
Golf Course Manager - negotiations are ongoing
Northeast Transit Agreement Extension
Lawsuit grievance preparations
Route 96 negotiations
Mitchell Street design and curve study
Parking lot equipment
Ithaca Falls
Computer network
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the parking
garage policy statement as it relates to permits and long-term
parking. The policy statement is handed out to people who
purchase monthly permits and it clearly states that "The parking
facility is operated as a 24 hour parking zone and cars are
expected to move for maintenance, operational and security
reasons. If you need long term garaging, please make other
arrangements."
This matter will be discussed further before the new parking lot
equipment is installed.
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER:
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer Fabbroni reported on the
following:
Hydraulic modeling - nearly complete
Route 96 - utilities coordination
Day Care Center - building preparation/equipment removal
Silt Dam dredging - postponed until Spring due to weather
Gravel removal
Route 13/First Street - water/sewer work
Giles Street pump station
Valve replacements nearly complete
Videotaping water lines
26 water main breaks in 1994
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on
the following:
Erosion control project (Flood Channel/Seneca St) - completed
Orchard Place/Eddy Street - steps removed/new guardrail installed
(Shade Tree Advisory Comm. to plant perennials in Spring)
Streets & Facilities - grounds clean-up project
Sand & salt stockpiles - in good condition
Salt bid preparation
City Forester position - has been posted
Tree trimming & removal
Equipment maintenance
Yard waste pick-up - December 16, 1994 last day until Spring
Youth Bureau - building maintenance
Sign Shop - reducing sign backlog & making snow emergency signs
W. State St. - Christmas lights installed
Buffalo St - school flashers to be installed within two weeks
All of 1994 equipment has been delivered
Fleet Management computer program is in operation
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding proposed snow
emergency routes and lots. The Superintendent's office will
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contact the Police Department to discuss this matter further and
report back to the Board.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Sale of City Property at Route 13 and Third Street
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, Hoyt Benjamin, owner of B&W Supply, is requesting that
the City allow him to purchase a piece of land adjacent to his
business at the corner of Route 13 and Third Street, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benjamin's initial site plan for B&W was denied and
Mr. Benjamin feels that the addition of the parcel would allow him
to accommodate an acceptable site plan design, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benjamin has offered the use of a path which will
allow public access through his property for the Community
Gardens, and
WHEREAS, staff is concerned with future water or sewer main
installations and that a Right Of Way may be needed on the parcel;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that Common
Council take the necessary steps for the sale of City land located
on the west side of Route 13 at Third Street, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests that a Right Of Way be obtained
within the property for future installation of water or sewer
mains.
Carried Unanimously
Trash Can Improvements on the Commons and Collegetown
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Smith
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has been requested to improve
the appearance of City trash cans, including cans on the Commons
and in Collegetown; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Art and
Design Committee to review and make recommendations on the
appearance of City trash cans, including cans on the Commons and
Collegetown, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests staff to develop guidelines for
the trash cans, including durability, security and cost.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Bid for Fiber Optic Bid
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, staff has received and reviewed bids for the fiber optic
cable and telephone lines to be installed in the existing conduit;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby accepts staff's
recommendation to award the fiber optic bid to Eastcom Utility
Contractors, 6067 Corporate Drive, Syracuse, NY, for their low
combined bid of $29,172.75 covering the base bid and alternate
number one, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to enter into an agreement with Eastcom Utility.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Expansion of Metered Parking
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Parking Sub-committee along with staff recommends
that the Board of Public Works expand metered parking within the
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City; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works approves and directs
staff to expand metered parking approximately as follows:
The addition of 28 metered spaces on the west side of Stewart
Avenue - from a point 400 feet south of the Fall Creek Bridge to
University Avenue
The addition of 60 metered spaces on the east side of Stewart
Avenue - from University Avenue to Campus Road
The addition of 15 metered spaces on the west side of Stewart
Avenue - from Campus Road to Williams Street
The addition of 12 metered spaces on the north side of Edgemoor
Lane - from the intersection of Stewart Avenue est to South Avenue
The addition of 42 metered spaces on the north side of Oak Avenue
-from the end of the existing metered parking (approximately 500
feet east of College Ave. intersection) to the driveway of 414 Oak
Avenue,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That approximately five spaces within the expanded area
will be initially designated as handicap parking, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That overnight parking will be allowed based on the
alternate side parking regulation.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the current
parking regulations in the Collegetown area.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be amended to read as
follows:
RESOLVED, That overnight parking will be allowed at the meters.
Ayes (4) Smith, Gerard, Seligmann, Nichols
Nays (2) Reeves, Tripp
Carried
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Installation of Bike Racks in Lot D
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received a Resolution from the
Bicycle Advisory Council dated November 17, 1994 requesting a bike
rack in Lot D (Woolworth lot); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests staff to install
a bike rack near the Green Street bus shelter in Lot D (Woolworth
lot).
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
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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,
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.
Mr. Bouchard submitted a petition with twenty-two signatures,
including both 2nd Ward Alderpersons, which read as follows:
"YES! I would like to see an outdoor skating area at Conway Park
this winter."
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
WATER, SEWER, AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Request to Expunge Water and Sewer Bill for 317 S. Cayuga Street
In 1990, remote meter reading devices were installed at the
property at 317 South Cayuga Street. The bill for the March -
June quarter of 1994 for apartment 2N showed an unusual amount of
water used. The owner of the building, John Augustine, made
several changes in the apartment and felt that any problem that
existed was repaired. The next quarter billing indicated the
problem still existed. Upon investigation, it was found that the
remote readers were labeled erroneously based on information made
available at the site during the installation. Once this was
discovered, measures were taken to repair leaks found in apartment
1N.
Resolution
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, John Augustine, owner of 317 South Cayuga Street, has
requested that the Board of Public Works expunge the excessive
water and sewer bill of $443.06 (account number 51-0064249) for
apartment 1N; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the
expungement of $443.06 of the water and sewer bill for 317 South
Cayuga Street, apartment 1N.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the history of this
matter.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves:
RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause be Amended to read as follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby agrees to expunge
one half of Mr. Augustine's water and sewer bill ($221.53) for 317
South Cayuga Street, apartment 1N.
Motion Failed for Lack of a Second
Amending Resolution
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By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause be Amended to read as follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the
expungement of $400.00 of the water and sewer bill for 317 South
Cayuga Street, apartment 1N.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Replacement of Water & Sewer Lines Within the Route 96 Project by
NYS DoT
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, City staff has met with the New York State Department of
Transportation regarding replacement of water lines on Fulton
Street in conjunction with the Route 96 project, and
WHEREAS, the State is willing to install a 6" line while the City
is asking for a 12" line, the State is willing to accommodate the
City if the City agrees to pay the difference in the installation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the
installation of new water lines on Fulton Street between South
Meadow and Court Streets and installation of new water lines on
West Buffalo Street from North Meadow Street to Fulton Street,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent be authorized to negotiate final costs and to sign
the necessary agreements to conform to the State's requirements
provided the costs are deemed appropriate and the costs are
covered by Capital Projects 506 and 606 authorized for $500,000.
in the 1995 budget.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Route 96 project as
it relates the City's water and sewer system. Superintendent Gray
noted how quickly the utilities negotiations are proceeding and
requested that additional wording be added to the Resolution to
accommodate these negotiations.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be Amended to read as
follows:
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent be authorized to negotiate final costs and to sign
the necessary agreements to conform to the State's requirements
for this, and any related work, provided the costs are deemed
appropriate and the costs are covered by Capital Projects 506 and
606 authorized for $500,000. in the 1995 budget.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Parks Commission
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Parks Commission has voted
to leave the Stewart Park tennis courts at the present location,
with the recommendation to refinish the courts using a green
surface, and to paint the surrounding fence black.
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Commissioner Reeves also reported that the Parks Commission is
working on an application for a Community Development Block Grant
for the neighborhood park in the Northside.
The Parks Commission approved a Resolution which would combine the
Circle Greenway Committee with the Parks Commission.
Mrs. Beth Mulholland, Chair, of Circle Greenway, and member of the
Parks Commission is retiring at the end of the year.
The Parks Commission also discussed their 1995 work plan. It was
suggested that the Planning Department assist the Art & Design
Commission with the comprehensive signage for all of the parks.
Mayor Nichols noted that discussions have been held regarding
consolidating the following committees to make one Natural Areas
Commission: Circle Greenway, Parks Commission, Six Mile Creek
Advisory Commission, and the Shade Tree Advisory Council.
Shade Tree Advisory Council
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Shade Tree Advisory Council
has applied for a grant which would allow for improvements to the
park by the Dryden Road/Eddy Street parking garage.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
City Hall Parking Lot
Commissioner Reeves reported that Chief McEwen has recommended
that signage be installed stating "Restricted Vehicle Entry -
Service, Delivery, Official, and Handicap Vehicles Only". This
recommendation has been forwarded to Assistant Superintendent
Ferrel.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request for Power to Act for Traffic Engineer Salary
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works have Power to Act at the
December 21, 1994 Committee of the Whole meeting to consider a
salary figure for the Traffic Engineer position.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor