HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-01-24BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. January 24, 1996
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (4) - Seligmann,, Ehrhardt, Reeves, 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 - Mackesey
Transit Systems Manager - Oltz
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Smith
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
2. MINUTES:
3. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Reeves requested that Item 13A be added to the agenda. No Board member objected.
Commissioner Reeves requested that Item 17B (Sub) be added to the agenda. No Board member
objected.
4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Cohen commended the Department for its work during the flood emergency during the
previous week and for its snow removal work. Commissioner Reeves and Mayor Cohen mentioned
that several calls and letters were received commending the City’s efforts.
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
David Nutter, Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Council reported on the following matters: thanks for
the Maple Ave bicycle signs; lack of snow removal from Commons bike racks; anticipating "Shared
Roadway" signs at City entrances; South Hill Recreationway sign alterations - change to emphasize
bike use on paths; BAC/BPW liaison to enhance communication on relevant issues; loss of bike path
in Octopus construction area. Mr Nutter further remarked that the City did a good job during the
flood. He asked about lack of drainage at the end of some driveways along Rt 89 since the flooding
as a possible result of the Octopus project. He further mentioned the accumulation of snow at the
"chokers" at the Tioga/Farm intersection.
6. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
Commissioner Reeves responded that Mr Nutter’s memo about the South Hill Recreationway was
circulating to the Six Mile Creek Committee (John Johnson). She further said that BPW agendas
would be mailed to Mr Nutter. Commissioner Ehrhardt said that a liaison from the Traffic
Committee to the BAC would be named shortly. Superintendent Gray responded that he was aware
of the problem with the choker and would look into the Rt 89 drainage problem with Asst Supt
Ferrell.
7. REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
8. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
9. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy Controller Thayer reported that the Golf Course bid doucuments were ready to be sent out.
10. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
11. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters:
Highways: 1890's book showing flooding in the "Fairgrounds" area; emergency measures; "just kept
water moving;" gravel deposit cleanup; future beach cleanup (Mayor Cohen mentioned that IHS
needed a community project and this might be appropriate); Spencer Rd street damage; $3500 in OT
costs; vehicle checks following flood work; snow removal with help from Tompkins County and
Water & Sewer
Parks & Forestry: tree cleanup from creeks; Wildflower Trail repair; tree removed from under
Albany St bridge; outside agency help removing snow from sidewalks cited by the Building Dept;
Building Systems: some roof problems with ice buildup (Southside and S&F building); furnace
repair at Cass Park and City Hall;
January 24, 1995
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Solid Waste: meeting with City and County staff regarding a possible change in the City’s recycling
program; County Board wants City to reduce cost of the recycling program to be in line with the
County’s contractor; City/County contract extended for six months; City must make a proposal
within 60 days;
Commissioner Ehrhardt mentioned the high water level at the Titus Ave pedestrian bridge.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: Rt 96
organizational meeting with DOT, utilities, general contractor; water model meetings with CU and
town engineers to develop scope and outline; water model RFP will go out in February; personnel
adjustments for 4-5 years of out-of-title work and vacancies; released work for WWTP upgrade;
water leak and hydrant work; water supply and WWTP handled the flood at 400% capacity; silt dam
overflow; trees down in Six Mile Creek - damage to control gate, $25,000 damage to silt dam,
$50,000 damage to Hector St water supply line;
Commissioner Seligmann asked about a dmaged hydrant in the Eastwood Ave area
Mayor Cohen asked about a damaged driveway culvert on Hector St, Asst Supt Ferrell to investigate
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: flood response; crews are
experienced and go to the "choke points;" crews did a good job. Mayor Cohen emphasized the need
for community cooperation and communication during emergencies;
12. REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS:
13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
A. Proposal to Increase Transit Fares
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a proposal to increase Ithaca Transit fares to
make up for Federal cut backs, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Transit System has not increased fares since 1988, and
WHEREAS, a consolidated rate structure is under initial review by Ithaca Transit, Tomtran, and CU
transit as part of the broader consolidation of local transit operations, and
WHEREAS, the board held a public hearing requesting comments from the public concerning the
proposal; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the following proposal for interim
rates:
CURRENT PROPOSED
Cash Fare $.50 $.60
Tokens 5/$2.00 2/$1.00
4/$2.00
Unlimited Month $19.00 $19.00
Sr. Citizen 8/$2.00 8/$2.50
Passengers with one of the following cards would be able to show the card to the driver and pay
$.30:
Medicare Card
Senior Citizen Discount Card
ADA Paratransit Eligibility Card
Disability Eligibility Card
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the interim rates will become effective on February 1, 1996.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Transit Systems Manager Oltz..
First Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
January 24, 1995
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RESOLVED, that the table of interim rates be amended to read:
CURRENT PROPOSED
Cash Fare $.50 $.60
Tokens 5/$2.00 2/$1.00
Unlimited Month $19.00 $19.00
Sr. Citizen/Student 8/$2.00 8/$2.40
Second Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Davidoff: Seconded by Mayor Cohen
RESOLVED, that the table of interim rates be amended to read:
CURRENT PROPOSED
Cash Fare $.50 $.60
Tokens 5/$2.00 2/$1.00
Unlimited Month $19.00 $19.00
Sr. Citizen 8/$2.00 8/$2.40
Student 8/$3.00
A vote on the second amending resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
A vote on the first amending resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
15. TRAFFIC ITEMS:
A. Request for Flashing Yellow Lights on Court Street.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Mayor Cohen
WHEREAS, the Immaculate Conception School has requested the installation of flashing yellow
lights on West Court Street between North Plain and North Albany Streets, and
WHEREAS, the Traffic Systems Engineer has reviewed this request with the Board of Public
Works; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works wishes to proceed with the installation of flashing
yellow lights on Court Street between North Plain and North Albany Streets, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the board requests that B&A approve funds in the amount of $9,000 for the
installation of the yellow flashing lights at Court Street.
Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Reeves distributed a letter from GIAC
Director Marcia Fort supporting installation of the lights. Asst Superintendent Ferrell
discussed the projected cost of the project.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Request for All-Way Stop at East Falls and North Aurora Streets.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
Mr. Paul Rubin, of 214 East Falls Street has requested that an all-way stop be installed on East Falls
Street at North Aurora Street. Mr. Rubin feels that because of parked cars, it is difficult for
pedestrians to cross the street due high traffic volumes and speed.
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Work has received a request for an all-way stop at East Falls and
North Aurora Street to reduce traffic speed, and
January 24, 1995
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WHEREAS, the Traffic Systems Engineer and the Board have reviewed the request and has
determined that an all-way stop is not warranted; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the request to install an all-way stop
on East Falls Street at North Aurora Street, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That after reviewing the situation, the board directs staff to remove on street parking
from in front of 220 East Falls Street, adjacent to the existing cross walk, to improve the line of sight
for pedestrians crossing the East Falls/North Aurora Street intersection, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the board suggests Mr. Rubin contact the Ithaca Police Department to register
his concerns about speeding traffic on East Falls Street.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
A. Acceptance of Cass Park Bleachers (sub)
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received a request from Joe Cassaniti for constructing
bleachers and wind barriers at the Cass Park Ice Rink, and
WHEREAS, the BPW passed a resolution on April 27, 1994 approving the project, and
WHEREAS, Joseph Cassaniti organized a group of community members to design, raise funds and
build bleachers for the Cass Park Skating Rink, and
WHEREAS, the bleachers have been completed and the group wishes to donate the bleachers to the
city; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works wishes to express its appreciation for the funding
and dedication that Mr. Cassaniti and the other volunteers gave for building the bleachers at the
skating rink, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the board hereby accepts the bleachers, with sincere thanks, as a gift from Mr.
Cassaniti, on behalf of the City of Ithaca.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
17. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
18. WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
19. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
20. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Commissioner Reeves reported on the following: SJS meeting and draft interim agreement; interim
agreement comments are circulating among Commissioner Reeves, Asst Supt Fabbroni and Supt
Gray
Supt Gray reported on a request to dispose of fill from the Rt 96 project: possible extension of
parking areas on Floral Ave and he requested that the Board members look at the Floral Ave sites.
He further reported that the Planning Dept had proposed the construction of a parking area near 701-
05 Cliff St at the head of a proposed hiking trail. Extensive discussion of this proposal ensued.
21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
22. NEW BUSINESS:
23. ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00p.m.
William Kaupe Alan J. Cohen
January 24, 1995
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Deputy City Clerk Mayor