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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-12-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. December 13, 1995 PRESENT: Commissioners (5) - Reeves (Vice-chair, presiding), Seligmann, Smith, Ehrhardt, Davidoff OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy City Controller - Thayer Deputy City Clerk - Kaupe Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison - Johnson Mayor-elect - Cohen Transit Systems Manager - Oltz EXCUSED: Mayor Nichols 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Reeves led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. 2. MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the November 29, 1995 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 29, 1995 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Commissioner Reeves requested that Item 12C be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. Commissioner Reeves requested that Item 14A (sub) be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE VICE-CHAIR: Commissioner Reeves read a petition requesting that the traffic signal at the Elmira Rd/Commercial Ave intersection be made more visible in order to correct safety problems. 5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: 6. REPORT OF CITY CLERK: 7. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: 8. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that the 1996 Budget was passed by Common Council 9. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Alderperson Johnson reported on the following Common Council actions: budget passed; Ray Benjamin’s transfer to Supervisor of Streets; transportation enhancement program grants ($48,000) for: Cayuga Inlet bike/pedestrian bridge pathway, Old Inlet Trail pedestrian facility, Elmira Rd bicycle/pedestrian improvements, Circle Greenway handicapped accessibility improvements, Farmers’ Market branch path, Steamboat Landing bicycle/pedestrian access system, Drury Hill trail; GIS agreement with: County, Town, NYSEG, Cornell, Dryden; IAWWTP capacity upgrade; land purchase near Coddington/Burns Rd (Walker property); report from community group monitoring the Recycling Center on Elmira Rd; Commissioner Reeves began an extensive discussion of parking for the County’s DSS site on West State St 10. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: budget; CU Lake December 13, 1995 Page 2 2 Source Cooling Project; Youth Bureau skateboarding discussions; transit system consolidation; water systems planning for RFP; sidewalk program complete for 1996; Youth Bureau renovations; Oak Ave parking meters; Junior Engineer vacancy; Lynne Yost maternity leave Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: Water Plant problems; sulfur dioxide facility relocation to lagoons; Six Mile Creek rules and regulations; arch project; Rt 96: water main tested across bridge, Seneca St water services and sewers; Mitchell tank zone: talks with CU, 100GPM leak discovered, Stewart Ave excavations; personnel changes - loss of experience; personnel analysis and reconfiguration; water system planning meeting; drug/alcohol testing program; Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: employees’ childrens’ Christmas party; Highways: 108 Cascadilla Park Rd curb repair, Maple Ave retaining wall, routine maintenance, Ray Benjamin started work; Parks & Forestry: storm damage cleanup, downtown DII banners; Building Systems: maintenance; Electrician: Christmas lights, signage brackets at intersections; Sign Shop: overhead signage, street signs; budget work; grievance; DEC work application for Cascadilla Creek; CHIPS funding reimbursement reports; drug/alcohol testing policy; Landmark Square street name change (Parkside Gardens); Commissioner Ehrhardt asked about the traffic light at S Titus/Albany St and the “No Turn on Red” signs at Dryden Rd/College Ave; Alderperson Johnson asked about new meter installations on Oak Ave; Commissioner Smith asked about the shoring work on Oak Ave 11. REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS: At this point the Board took up Item 17B. 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: A. Public Notice and Participation in Ithaca Transit By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Seligmann WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to promote public participation in public works operations and WHEREAS, the City is a recipient of monies form the Federal Transit Administration which requires recipients to adopt a policy for soliciting public comment on proposed fare increases and on major service reductions, and WHEREAS, Nancy Oltz, Transit Systems Manager, has submitted a draft policy for consideration; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the policy outlined in Ms. Oltz’s memo to William Gray dated December 6, 1995, a copy of which is attached. Discussion followed on the floor with Transit Systems Manager Oltz A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. 1996 Transit Fares By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is considering an interim change in bus fares for Ithaca Transit for 1996 while the Operations Committee of the Joint Transit Facility works on a consolidated fare system, and WHEREAS, the board is generally considering an increase in cash fares from $.50 to $.60 per ride with appropriate changes in related fares, which results from changes in federal and state funding as well as changes in operating expenses; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to prepare the necessary materials for a public hearing, to open the public comment period, and schedule the hearing. December 13, 1995 Page 3 3 Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously C. Request for Encroachment at 563-565 Spencer Road By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received a request for an encroachment at 563-565 Spencer Road, and WHEREAS, the existing structure contains two portions of the house which encroach into the city right of way by no more than 2 feet; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment, contingent upon approval from the City Attorney, for the property at 563-565 Spencer Road, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the acting Mayor to enter into an agreement. Discussion followed on the floor. Motion to Table By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Smith A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 13. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS: 14. TRAFFIC ITEMS: A. Proposed Rate Increases for Off Street Parking (sub) By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed Common Council’s revenue projection for the 1996 budget of $735,000 as well as their assumptions on how that might be produced by various rate increases for hourly nad permit parking, and WHEREAS, staff has recommended several changes in permit parking rates in order to better match permit demand to available spaces and avoid implementing a lottery system or monthly sell out of a fixed number of permits; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Borad of Public Works approves the following proposed rates to become effective January 1, 1996 and used for all permits sold which are to be used after that date: Garage/Lot Existing Proposed Comments Green Street Hourly $0.35 $0.40 Covered $47.00 $50.00 Level 2 Uncovered $25.00 $30.00 Level 3 Seneca Street Hourly $0.35 $0.40 Covered $47.00 $50.00 Limit to Levels 5, 6 & 7 Uncovered $25.00 $30.00 Levels 8 & 9 Dryden Road Hourly $0.65 $0.75 Monthly Day $50.00 $60.00 Monthly Night $40.00 $44.00 State Street (Lot F) Uncovered $22.00 $28.00 Limit to 20 Permits December 13, 1995 Page 4 Woolworth’s (Lot D) Hourly $0.35 $0.40 Limit to south of standing lighting, adjacent to Covered $36.00 $40.00 Clinton Street. Don’t sell more than 50. Desired level is 25. be it further RESOLVED, That the limitations of covered permits in the Seneca Street Garage to levels 5,6&7 become effective until the approved security improvements are in place and operating. Discussion followed on the floor. Motion to Table By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Motion Failed for lack of a Second A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (0) Nays (4) Reeves, Smith, Ehrhardt, Davidoff Abstention (1) Seligmann Motion Failed (0-4-1) 15. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: 16. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: 17. WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: A. Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Bill at 317 Ithaca Road By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner In 1991 a water leak was detected and repaired on private property at 317 Ithaca Road. The leak, between the curb box and the house, was repaired by a private contractor. Mr. Whitman, owner of the property feels that the work was not done effectively and that the inspection made by the Water and Sewer Department should have indicated that repairs were not adequate. Mr. Whitman feels that the city’s inspection could have avoided additional repairs made in 1994. Mr. Whitman is asking that the additional repairs made by the city in 1994 be expunged. WHEREAS, Rex Whitman, owner of 317 Ithaca Road, had a water service repair in 1994 which he feels is the result of a poor inspection on previous repairs; and WHEREAS, Mr. Whitman is asking the city to expunge the repair bill; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies Mr. Whitman’s request to expunge the water and sewer bill for service repairs, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board feels that Mr. Whitman’s concerns should be directed to the contractor hired for the initial repairs. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Nays (0) Reeves, Smith, Ehrhardt, Seligmann Abstention (1) Davidoff Motion Carried (4-0-1) B. Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Bill at 320 Elm Street. By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt December 13, 1995 Page 5 Michael and Sharon Kasel, owners of 320 Elm Street, requested that the Water and Sewer Department upgrade their existing 1/2-inch water copper water service to 1 inch. Mr. Kasel has stated that he believed the cost would be for the curb box replacement and material costs for the 1 inch copper pipe rather than 3/4 inch, a cost of approximately $150. Mr. Kasel stated that the work would not have been a consideration had he been given that as an estimate approaching the $1456.15 bill. Mr. and Mrs. Kasel are requesting the Board of Public Works to reduce the bill. WHEREAS, Michael and Sharon Kasel, owners of 320 Elm Street, requested and received a water service upgrade for, which they were billed $1,456.15, and WHEREAS, Mr. Kasel feels that he was over billed based on the initial phone conversation he held with a Water and Sewer employee, and WHEREAS, both the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent have reviewed this matter with Ken Harding, who spoke with Mr. Kasel over the phone and in person when he signed the work order; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That after reviewing the situation, the Board of Public Works regrets the misunderstanding concerning the service replacement bill, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board denies the request for expungement of the additional labor and material costs for the replacement of the water service at 320 Elm Street, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff is directed to create a work order form that helps inform property owners of their responsibilities and reduces the chances of misunderstandings when requesting work from the division. Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Mr. Kasel. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Smith RESOLVED, that the second RESOLVED clause be amended to read: RESOLVED, that the Board will accept a a payment of $750, payable in FIVE (5) annual installments of $150 billable beginning in January 1996 for the replacement of the water service at 320 Elm Street and hereby expunges the remainder of the bill, and be it further A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously At this point the Board resumed the regular Agenda with Item 12A. 18. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: 19. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: 20. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 21. NEW BUSINESS: On a Motion, the Board gave itself Power to Act at its December 20, 1996 on the following items: Request for Encroachment at 563-565 Spencer Road Proposed Rate Increases for Off Street Parking Drug and Alcohol Testing Program 22. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10p.m. December 13, 1995 Page 6 _____________________________ ______________________________ William Kaupe Carol Reeves Deputy City Clerk Vice-Chair December 20, 1995 Page 7 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:00 p.m. December 20, 1995 PRESENT: Commissioners (4) - Reeves (presiding), Davidoff, Smith, Ehrhardt OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni The board had Power to Act on the following items from the December 12, 1995 regular meeting: 16. ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS A. Approval of Department Policy Regarding Drug and Alcohol Testing of Employees as Mandated by the Omnibus Transportation Act of 1991. By Commissioner Reeves, Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff. WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works is mandated by the Federal Government’s Omnibus Transportation Act of 1991 to begin testing its employees holding commercial drivers licenses for use of Alcohol and Drugs, and WHEREAS, the Department is required under the mandate to adopt a formal policy statement regarding the rules and consequences of Drug and Alcohol use by its employees, and WHEREAS, staff has developed a policy statement, with aid from the Personnel Department, which includes the required Federally mandated information and states the consequences of violation of the rules based on the Department’s current work rules; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopt the proposed policy as written with an implementation date of January 1, 1996. Discussion followed. Comm. Davidoff questioned if the union has been informed of the proposed policy. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the DPW unit president received a copy and that a response has not been received. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (4-0) 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS. C. Request for Encroachment at 563 - 565 Spencer Road. By Commissioner Reeves, Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt. WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received a request for an encroachment at 563-565 Spencer Road, and WHEREAS, the existing structure contains two portions of the house which encroach into the city right of way by no more than 2 feet; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment, contingent upon approval from the City Attorney, for the property at 563-565 Spencer Road, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Acting Mayor to enter into an agreement. Discussion followed. Supt. Gray noted that he had brought the encroachment to the Building Department’s attention a few years ago. He noted that the city probably won’t need the property being encroached upon. He added that it appears that the banks have modified their mortgage requirements, this may explain the increase in number of encroachments. Supt. Gray stated that he would discuss the matter of encroachments with the City Attorney as well as with several bank December 20, 1995 Page 8 attorneys. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (4-0) Off Street Parking Rates for 1996 Commissioner Reeves explained that the board had power to act on this item although there wasn’t a resolution presented for a vote. She questioned if the board wanted to adopt rates or opt to take no action. Supt. Gray explained to the board that the City Charter states that he is able to administratively adopt rates for parking. He added that he has adopted the rates proposed at the December 13, 1995 regular meeting. Discussion followed concerning the proposed rates. Alderperson Johnson noted that if the board did not act on the item, Common Council will take it upon themselves to adopt rates. It was noted that if rates increase, usage of the garage may decrease. It was also noted that customers are still able to receive parking stickers from merchants if they want to avoid the increase. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he did not want to rubber stamp the resolution to adopt the rates. He stated that he feels strongly about being left out of the loop. Comm. Smith proposed that the rates be adopted except for the downtown hourly rate, which would not be increased. He further stated that he would not vote for a resolution adopting the proposed rate changes. Mayor-elect Cohen stated that he understood Comm. Smith’s position but that the rates would be adopted with or without the board’s approval. He further noted that with the department moving ahead with automated equipment, it may allow the board to adjust the rates later in the year. Comm. Smith recommended the following resolution: 14. TRAFFIC ITEMS By Commissioner Smith, Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff A. 1996 Parking Rates. RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works reluctantly accepts the parking rates set by Common Council and monthly permit rates set by staff and that the board will review revenue and rates in early 1996. A vote resulted as follows: Passed Unanimously (4-0)