Loading...
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 Page 2 2 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 Page 3 3 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 Page 4 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 Page 5 Deputy City Clerk Mayor