HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-02-22
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. February 22, 1995
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) - Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Ehrhardt, Reeves,
Rusoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Senior Stenographer - Holcomb
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Johnson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the January 11, 1995 Board of Public
Works Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the January 11, 1995 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the February 8, 1995 Board of Public
Works Meeting
The approval of the Minutes of the February 8, 1995 Board of
Public Works meeting was postponed until the meeting of March 8,
1995.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Items
Commissioner Seligmann requested the following additions to the
agenda: 17A - SJS Recommendations for Increasing WWTP Capacity;
17B - Resolution Authorizing Agreement Between the City of Ithaca
and the New York State Department of Transportation for Certain
Utility Improvements as Part of the Reconstruction of Route 13
(Contract D256423, F.A. Project 315-0080-302); and 17C - Award of
Bid for Materials for Upcoming 1995 DPW, Water and Sewer Division
projects.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Traffic Task Force Report
Mr. John Beach, 614 S. Albany Street, urged the Board to accept
and act upon the Task force on Traffic Issues Report as requested
in the resolution that is before the Board today.
Suicide Barriers on Bridges
Ms. Myra Kovary, 109 Eastern Heights Road, spoke to the Board
regarding the progress on the suicide barriers for the Stewart
Avenue bridges and the Thurston Avenue bridge.
Superintendent Gray responded that he has a file devoted to it and
he has collected information on it but it is not one the current
projects on his desk. He stated that the matter is on the Board's
agenda to be reviewed and it will be considered.
February 8, 1995
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Dredging of Canal
Mr. Tom Cleveland, Johnson Boat Yards, spoke to the Board
regarding the State's plan to dredge the Inlet possibly this
summer or next. He suggested that perhaps at the time of that
dredging, the City could request that Cascadilla Creek be done at
the same time. Mr. Cleveland stated that he is before the Board
to offer any assistance that they can give, be that to access to
their property to get to the creek or a staging area to pile the
dirt up, a boat to go out to do sounding or any expertise that
they be able to give.
Mr. Cleveland stated that Johnson Boat Yards has always been
interested in having more docks and perhaps there is a possibility
of that across Cascadilla Creek from the boat yards, which is
basically where the sewer plant is. He stated they would be
interested in leasing that land from the city.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
--DPW consolidation and the Transit System consolidations;
--DoT related to Route 96, DoT related to Route 13 South;
--County is bidding some services and we are meeting with them on
cooperative efforts and equipment swaps;
--The Traffic Engineer's work program and orientation;
--Reviewing proposed changes to the Wastewater Treatment Plant
agreement;
--Working with Day Care Center people and providing comments on
their site plan;
--Working on the Internet for City Hall;
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND FACILITIES:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
--Seasonal maintenance ongoing;
--Waiting for easements to do drainage work on South Cayuga
Street, Ithaca Fire Department parking lot and on Highland
Place;
--Highland Place project is an erosion problem which is being
scheduled for as soon as the students leave;
--Guide rail repair ongoing;
--Work is going on on a collapsed storm drain which crosses the
golf course;
--Solid waste operations changing. The County has notified the
City that effective March 6 they will accepting both
recycling and garbage at the Central Processing Facility on
Commercial Avenue;
--The department intends to fully clean Cascadilla Creek from the
Route 13 bridge down close to Johnson Boat Yards;
--Work is ongoing regarding the consolidation project;
--Work is proceeding on consolidation of Cass Park with the Youth
Bureau.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER AND SEWER:
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
--Route 96 bid openings upcoming;
--Betterment projects with DoT;
--County sludge request for qualifications is nearly final in
draft form;
February 22, 1995
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--The City of Ithaca/Cornell University/Bolton Point water trades.
TRAFFIC ITEMS:
A. Approval of Final Report from the Task Force on Traffic Issues
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Mayor appointed a Task Force on Traffic Issues to
report on the City's traffic problems and propose solutions, and
WHEREAS, the Task Force on Traffic Issues submitted a report to
the Board of Public Works and the Planning Board in June of 1994
which identified problems throughout the city and suggested
numerous possible remedies, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works reviewed in detail
recommendations of the Task Force on Traffic Issues in detail with
members of the Task Force at a series of meetings beginning in
June of 1994, and
WHEREAS, the board needs to adopt a consistent policy and
procedure for handling traffic issues which continue to come
before the board, including but not limited to, requests from city
residents for traffic calming measures to be instituted in the
city's residential neighborhoods; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca
thanks the Task Force on Traffic Issues for its careful and
detailed work, and accepts for consideration and action the Final
Report of the Task Force on Traffic Issues dated April 8, 1994.
The board agrees with the Task Force that traffic management on
Ithaca's residential streets is a problem and that virtually all
streets in Ithaca are residential streets and that changes to
traffic patterns on one street may affect residents of nearby
streets. The board also agrees with the Task Force that
residential neighborhoods along the city's more heavily travelled
streets are especially threatened by the negative impacts
associated with a high volume of traffic and that it is in the
city's interest to preserve the residential character of these
streets as well as that of less travelled streets. Therefore, the
board joins the Task Force in recommending that the following
general principles be used to guide the city's policy on traffic
management in residential neighborhoods:
First; that the board will, where possible, take action to
mitigate the negative impacts of existing levels of traffic on the
city's residents, focusing on those streets where the quality of
residential life is most threatened by traffic, particularly, but
not limited to, streets experiencing a heavy volume of traffic:
Second; before granting approval to traffic calming measures
designed to benefit a target area, the board will make an
assessment of the potential negative impacts on residents of
nearby streets that may result from the effects of any such
measures, singly or cumulatively, and will take steps to mitigate
these negative impacts. When feasible, proposed changes to
traffic patterns will be undertaken on a short term trial basis in
order to gather data on the impacts of the proposed changes and
the cost of mitigating such impacts prior to final approval;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Department
of Public Works and the Traffic Systems Engineer, working with the
Commissioner for traffic issues, to present to the Board of Public
February 22, 1995
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Works, August 2, 1995 plans for considering the possible
implementation of the four capital projects listed below, but not
limited to those recommended on page 59 of the Final Report of the
Task Force on Traffic Issues:
1. a modern, synchronized traffic-signal system to permit
a smooth flow of traffic and safe pedestrian travel;
2.a plan to manage traffic flow between the area of the
Commons and the commercial district of Elmira Road by
means of the bridge crossing Six Mile Creek on South
Cayuga Street and a two-way traffic pattern in the 200
block of Spencer Street including redesign of the inter-
sections at Spencer and Prospect Street, Clinton and
Cayuga Street, Elmira Road and Albany Street, and Elmira
Road and Meadow Street;
3.a plan to manage traffic flow between areas north and south
of the Commons by restoring two-way traffic flow along
the full length of Aurora and Cayuga Streets;
4.a plan to incorporate into the existing schedule of
rebuilding projects for "gateway streets" (so designated
in the first paragraph) of section 4 on page 46 of the
Final Report of the Task Force on Traffic Issues)
physical improvements which demarcate the transition to
a residential area and emphasize the residential
character of the these streets;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the board requests that the Mayor appoint a
committee consisting of two members of the board including the
Commissioner for Traffic Issues, the Chairperson of the Task Force
on Traffic Issues, Common Council's Liaison to the Board of Public
Works, and the Traffic Systems Engineer to present to the board,
by April 5, 1995, a draft procedure for the board to follow when
processing requests for changes in traffic patterns in the city's
neighborhoods. The board directs that the procedure provide a
means for obtaining a technical analysis of the impact of proposed
changes on traffic patterns along nearby streets, a means for
notifying and obtaining comment from residents who would be
impacted by proposed changes, and a means for obtaining feedback
from the City's Police and Fire Departments about the effect, if
any, of the proposed change on their operations.
Commissioner Rusoff listed concerns she has with the resolution.
Joe Daley, Chair of the Task Force on Traffic Issues, responded to
Commissioner Rusoff's concerns.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That under the first Resolved clause, the second
paragraph shall read as follows: "Second; (before) in the process
of granting approval to traffic calming measures ..........
Discussion followed on the floor on the amending resolution.
A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) - Rusoff, Tripp, Seligmann, Smith, Reeves
Nay (1) - Ehrhardt
February 22, 1995
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Carried (5-1)
Note: Word in parenthesis deleted, words underlined added.
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) - Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Tripp, Reeves, Smith
Nay (1) - Rusoff
Carried (5-1)
Commissioner Rusoff left the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
A. 1995 Golf Course Rates.
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the 1994
golf course rates and hereby directs staff to maintain the 1994
rates for the 1995 season which are as follows:
Memberships Daily
Individual $230. Weekday $10.
Senior Individual 190. Weekend 12.
Junior Individual 120. Weekday
Domestic Couple 390. Senior 7.
Senior Domestic Couple 310. Junior 7.
Family 450. League or 9 holes 7.
Senior Citizen Special 5.
Carried (5-0-0)
B. Authorization to Participate in Cooperative Purchasing of
Highway Services with Tompkins County.
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the Office of the State Comptroller has ruled that
counties may no longer extend their bids for public work
(services) to political subdivisions, and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law Section 119-0 states that "any
agreement entered into hereunder shall be approved by each
participating municipal corporation or district by a majority vote
of its governing body," and
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Ithaca, Article V, Section C-
61, places responsibility for streets, drains, and property with
the Board of Public Works, including operations, maintenance,
construction and related appropriations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca be hereby authorized to
participate with Tompkins County in the cooperative purchasing of
the following highway services:
· Recycling of Bituminous Materials
· Installation of Perforated Tubing for Subsurface Drainage
· Steel Sheet Piling
· Steel Sheet Piling
· Calcium Chloride Solution
· Traffic Line Painting
· Bridge Repair
· Liquid Bituminous Materials
Carried (5-0-0)
C. Golf Course Reorganization
February 22, 1995
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By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed Superintendent
Gray's correspondence with golf course manager Steve Torrant dated
January 19, 1995 outlining an initial proposed contract for golf
course operations as well as Mr. Torrant's response dated February
1, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the board would like to provide guidance and limits to
both parties currently negotiating the contract for golf course
operations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works' choice not to adopt any
of the proposals for reorganization considered by it during the
fall of 1994 as well as the board's charge to the city's
negotiating party (Attorney's Office, Finance Office and DPW
staff) should be construed as having acted on those proposals,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That both parties are requesting to expedite the
negotiations and to forward a contract for the board's
consideration and, once approved, recommendation to Common Council
for adoption, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, while the salary paid to Mr. Torrant during 1995
represents the good faith of both parties to continue in the
relationship as generally outlined in exchange in letters listed
above, no paychecks dated after February 28, 1995 may be
distributed to Mr. Torrant until there is at least a Memorandum of
Understanding binding both parties and providing the basis for the
payments and their associated benefits.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor.
Commissioner Reeves stated that Assistant City Attorney Kennedy
would like to meet with the Board before this resolution is voted
on to express some concerns she has.
Superintendent Gray asked the Board to consider deleting the last
Resolved clause. He explained there is a question concerning the
date of February 28, 1995.
Commissioner Smith stated that he will not support the resolution
and explained his reasons.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the date in the final Resolved clause be changed to
March 15, 1995.
Discussion followed on the floor on the amending resolution.
It was the consensus of the Board to take the matter up in
Executive Session at the end of the meeting.
WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
A. SJS Recommendations for Increasing WWTP Capacity.
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the SJS has recommended that a project be undertaken to
upgrade the IAWWTP capacity from 10 MGD to 13 MGD in accordance
with a program developed by Stearns and Wheler Engineers and
reviewed by DEC, and
WHEREAS, the initial project has been estimated at $450,000
($400,000 in construction, $50,000 in engineering) and represents
February 22, 1995
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several million dollars in capital construction if the 3 MGD had
to be built new; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends to the Budget
& Administration Committee that a capital project be set up for
increasing treatment capacity at the IAWWTP in an initial amount
of $50,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized
to enter into an agreement for engineering services in an amount
not to exceed $48,800 once the capital project exists and has been
approved by the town boards of Ithaca and Dryden in a form that is
acceptable to the City Controller.
Carried (5-0-0)
B. Resolution authorizing agreement between the City of Ithaca
and the New York State Department of Transportation for certain
utility improvements as part of the Reconstruction of Route 13
(Contract D256423, F.A. Project 315-0080-302).
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the State of New York is undertaking improvements to NYS
Route 13 between the city's southwest boundary and the
intersection with NYS Route 13A, and
WHEREAS, the state has proposed improvements including several to
city owned utilities within the project boundaries; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Superintendent of Public Works is authorized to
sign the necessary agreements required by NYSDOT for this work to
proceed.
Carried (5-0-0)
Bid Award
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, materials have been bid and opened for upcoming 1995 DPW,
Water and Sewer Division projects including a twelve-inch water
main from Carpenter Circle to Court Street, a thirty-inch sewer
main from Cascadilla Street to Court Street, a twenty-four inch
sewer main from Old Taughannock Boulevard to the Flood Channel;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, on the basis of the
bids, awards the low base bid to Martisco Corporation, 107
Terminal Road East, Liverpool, New York, 13088 in the amount of
$83,644.90.
Carried (5-0-0)
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Bicycle Advisory Council
Commissioner Tripp reported that the Maple Avenue situation was
discussed at their last meeting and a report will be coming to the
Board.
Energy Commission
Commissioner Seligmann reported that at their last meeting they
requested to get some staff help on entering energy data into
database.
Recreation Partnership
Commissioner Seligmann reported that he met with the Recreation
Partnership in an organizational meeting.
Parks Commission
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Parks Commission met on the
February 22, 1995
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14th and the main focus was on the Northside Park.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adjourn into executive
session to discuss a personnel matter.
Carried (5-0-0)
REGULAR SESSION:
The Board of Public Works reconvened in regular session and
presented the following resolution:
Golf Course Reorganization
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed Superintendent
Gray's correspondence with golf course manager Steve Torrant dated
January 19, 1995 outlining an initial proposed contract for golf
course operations as well as Mr. Torrant's response dated February
1, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the board would like to provide guidance and limits to
both parties currently negotiating the contract for golf course
operations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works' choice not to adopt any
of the proposals for reorganization considered by it during the
fall of 1994 as well as the board's charge to the city's
negotiating party (Attorney's Office, Finance Office and DPW
staff) should be construed as having acted on those proposals,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That both parties are requesting to expedite the
negotiations and to forward a contract for the board's
consideration and, once approved, recommendation to Common Council
for adoption, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, while the salary paid to Mr. Torrant during 1995
represents the good faith of both parties to continue in the
relationship as generally outlined in exchange in letters listed
above, no paychecks dated after February 28, 1995 may be
distributed to Mr. Torrant until there is at least a Memorandum of
Understanding binding both parties and providing the basis for the
payments and their associated benefits.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the date in the final Resolved clause be changed to
March 15.
Ayes (4) - Tripp, Reeves, Seligmann, Ehrhardt
Nay (1) - Smith
Carried (4-1-0)
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) - Tripp, Reeves, Seligmann, Ehrhardt
Nay (1) - Smith
Carried (4-1-0)
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
February 22, 1995
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Connie J. Holcomb Benjamin Nichols
Senior Stenographer Mayor