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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-12-14 1 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. 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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. 7 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