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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-12-20BOARD 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 13, 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) December 20, 1995 Page 2 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 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)