HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-06-26BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. June 26, 1996
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (6) - Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas
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
Alderperson - Blumenthal
EXCUSED:
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
2. MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the June 12, 1996 Board of Public Works Meeting
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Seligmann
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 12, 1996 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
3. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Reeves requested that Item 14A be added to the agenda. No board member objected.
Commissioner Ehrhardt requested that Item 16B be added to the agenda. No board member objected.
4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Ann Blum spoke on Item 15B.
6. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
7. REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
8. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
9. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
10. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
11. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the board on the following matters:
Highways: Esty St curb; Cherry St extension; Wait Ave base repair; Highland Ave bank stabilization; Giles St
bridge deck; plow damage repair; Mitchell St start Monday
Parks & Forestry: Stewart Park chipping project (700CY); Cayuga Landscape gift tree in Woolworth's lot; Andy
Hillman - tree inventory, wood chips for Stewart Pk playground, YES crew tree work
Building Systems: Annex cleaned out; flushing parking ramps; graffiti removal
Sign Shop: detour signs for Mitchell St
Electrician: Cass Park kiddie pool and ballfield lights repair
Solid Waste: 1st FEMA damage payment $5200 for 2 of 13 projects; hazardous waste removal at S&F (45CY)
Other items: Negotiations with ICSD for Esty St parcel (Markles Flats area); Cliff St parking project; recycling
contract; budget preparations
Commissioner Davidoff asked about the kiddie pool repair timetable (engineering report just received, completion
this summer)
Alderperson Blumenthal asked about neighborhood notification and detour route for the Mitchell St project (press
release to be issued)
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the board on the following matters:
CU-LSCP meeting - total W&S replacement from Gun Shop Hill to West Ave
Rt 96: water and sewer service work on Buffalo, Green, State, Seneca, Esty, Cascadilla Sts; Court and Green
sidewalks
Other items: Buffalo St pump station; TV camera rent-to-buy trial; water problems in various locations; Giles St
water main development; Vinegar Hill pump station; lagoon dredging; Mitchell St W&S; German Cross Rd
flow metering; employee reorganization plan; youth worker request
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters:
Transit manager hired; bus driver grievance; joint water system study; MPO meeting re: TIP; budget impacts; CU-
LSCP/NYSEG impacts; Rt 96 coordination meetings; Mitchell St; sidewalk contract; parking lot equipment -
consumer input; Wood St park handball design; skateboard park planning; Southside repair/renovation; computer
installations; Cass Park Pool; Stewart Park boathouse - NYS money; Youth Bureau volleyball court; City Hall
ductwork; Cliff St project
Commissioner reeves asked about Rt 96 gridlock (traffic lights reprogrammed)
Alderperson Mackesey asked about skateboard park developments and neighborhood involvement (BG - financial
June 26, 1996 - Page 2
data gathering; AC/BG - site negotiations ongoing with ICSD, neighborhood input ongoing and will be surveyed)
12. REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Paul Stevenson gave a report on the Wood St handball court design
13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
A. Request to Purchase Water and Sewer Parcel.
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff
The Sciencenter located at 601 First Street, corner of First and Franklin, has requested to purchase the remaining city
owned property adjacent to their facility. The Sciencenter currently holds a lease for the property. While purchase
of the property would greatly increase the Sciencenter programs, it will reduce the storage area of the Water and
Sewer Division.
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has proposed purchasing the remaining city owned land at the parcel on the corner of
First and Franklin Streets for $1.00, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is willing to approve of the sale contingent upon Common Council making
arrangements for alternate storage for the department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the sale of the adjacent parcel to the Sciencenter
provided that Common Council agrees to obtain alternate storage space for water and sewer materials.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Mayor Cohen
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act on this Item at the July 10, 1996 Committee of the Whole Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Smith
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
The board took up Item 15B at this time.
B. Award of Engineering Services Contract for Streets and Facilities’ Cold Storage Building.
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
Proposals were sought from three engineering design firms for services related to construction of the Streets and
Facilities’ cold storage building. The scope of the requested services included design development, construction
document preparation, bidding of project and construction administration. Two of the firms responded to the request
for proposals.
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the submitted proposals and inspected completed projects done for other clients;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the Engineering Services contract for construction of
the Streets and Facilities’ cold storage building to Resource Associates, 27 North Church Street, Cortland, New
York 13045 at a cost not to exceed $18,000. The total costs are broken down by the following construction phases:
Design Development $ 4,750.00
Preparation of Construction Documents $ 6,500.00
Bidding and Construction Administration $ 5,200.00
Allowance for Additional Work $ 1,500.00
$18,000.00
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
C. Request for Outdoor Dining.
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, Jim Liana, owner of Gino’s Pizza, 106 North Aurora Street has requested permission for outdoor dining
until October 15, 1996; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Mr. Liana be granted a license to use 60 square feet (12 feet x 5 feet) at a rate of $7 per square
foot on North Aurora Street for a fee of $420 for 1996, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the owners of Gino’s Pizza be obliged to keep the area adjacent to their property clean and free
from litter, food, grease stains, or other problems that might be associated with their use, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to sign a 30 day revocable license agreement,
June 26, 1996 - Page 3
based on the usual terms and conditions.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried (6-1)
Ayes (6): Seligmann, Smith, Reeves, Davidoff, Vargas, Cohen
Nays (1): Ehrhardt
The board took up Item 14A at this time.
D. Encroachment Request for City Hall Annex
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works board has received a request for agreements related to encroachments at
123 South Cayuga Street ("City Hall Annex"), and
WHEREAS, the survey of T. C. Miller, P. C. dated May 21, 1996 indicates that the building currently encroaches
into East Green Street by "6 inches (brick face of building) and an additional "3 inches (water table at base of wall)
for the length of the property and encroaches into South Cayuga Street by "3 inches (water table at base of wall) for
the width of the property, as well as other encroachments for the canopy, upper floor ledges and the basement vault;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the board approves the sale of the building and grants the necessary permanent easements and
revokable encroachments for 123 South Cayuga Street as determined by the Director of Planning and Development,
the City Attorney and the Superintendent of Public Works, and, contingent on approval of the City Attorney,
authorizes the Mayor and the Superintendent to enter into the necessary agreement(s) with usual terms and
conditions.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
The board took up Item 19 at this time.
14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
A. 1995 Sidewalk Assessments, Phase I and Phase II.
By Commissioner Davidoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, notices of defects, public hearings and notices of assessment were provided to property owners for the
installation and repair of their sidewalk in 1995; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works approves of the finalization of the attached list of assessments, and
requests Common Council to direct the City Chamberlain to collect such assessments.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Mayor Cohen
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
15. TRAFFIC ITEMS:
A. Request for Stop Sign on Cascadilla at Geneva Street.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to install additional stop signs on Cascadilla Street
near the offset intersection with North Geneva and First Streets, and
WHEREAS, the board has received recommendations from the Traffic Systems Engineer and Traffic Committee
who have reviewed the intersection, traffic counts and accident history and did not recommend a four way stop at
this time; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request for a four-way stop at this intersection.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Request for All-way Stop at Tioga and Tompkins Street.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to install a four-way stop at the intersection of North
Tioga and Tompkins Street, and
WHEREAS, the board has received the recommendations of the Traffic Systems Engineer and Traffic Committee
who have reviewed the intersection, traffic counts, and accident history, and
WHEREAS, the neighborhood residents have been notified of the proposed four-way stop and responded without
objection to its installation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request for a four-way stop at the intersection of North
June 26, 1996 - Page 4
Tioga and Tompkins Streets and directs the Traffic Engineer to install the necessary signs and repaint the
crosswalks, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the board will consider removal of the new stop signs in the future if and when traffic calming
measures are installed along North Tioga Street.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried (5-2)
Ayes (5): Smith, Ehrhardt, Davidoff, Vargas, Cohen
Nays (2): Seligmann, Reeves
The board took up Item 13B at this time.
C. Request to Rescind Decision for Meter Placement.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works passed a resolution on May 8, 1996 to remove a loading zone and install
meters in front of the Tompkins County Court House on Tioga Street, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has received correspondence from the County Board of Representatives that the county will
be reopening the Tioga Street entrance to the court facility and therefore wish to retain the use of a loading zone;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby rescinds the resolution meeting to install parking meters on
Tioga Street in front of the Tompkins County Court House passed at the May 8, 1996 meeting.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
A. Request for the Use of Stewart Park.
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received and reviewed a request from Rock Solid Ministries to hold a six
hour amplified music event in Stewart Park near the tennis courts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the board hereby denies the request since the park is generally for quiet/leisurely use and
because the board feels that such an event would intrude on individuals using the park if held outside the pavilions,
which do accommodate similar events and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Playground Equipment at Stewart Park
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Seligmann
WHEREAS, it is the middle of the warm weather season and the use of the Stewart Park playground will be high in
the coming weeks, and,
WHEREAS, most of the playground equipment usually, but not presently, installed at Stewart Park is in good and
useable condition and has been enjoyed by the children of Ithaca for many years, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission will not be meeting in time to make decisions about the playground equipment
at Stewart Park before the month of August 1996, and,
WHEREAS, the Stewart Park playground is a popular facility for public recreation traditionally available for the
enjoyment of the children and families of Ithaca during the summer months, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works directs the Department of Public Works to restore, on or before July
3, 1996, as much of the Stewart Park playground equipment as is in good repair, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works directs the Department of Public Works to place a safe base of wood
chips or other soft material beneath the playground equipment in Stewart Park, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works directs the Department of Public Works to post a sign in the Stewart
Park playground which reads, "The Stewart Park Playground is provided for your enjoyment, to be used at your own
risk. Please supervise the children in your care to ensure that they use the equipment safely. Thank you.", and, be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works directs its liaison to the Parks Commission to communicate this
resolution to the other members of the Parks Commission on or before July 3, 1996.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
17. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
A. Request for Golf Course Membership Rebate.
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Seligmann
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Dolkart purchased a couple’s membership for the Newman Golf Course in 1995, and
WHEREAS, shortly after the purchase of the membership, Mr. Dolkart developed a medical condition which did not
allow him to play golf for the remainder of the season, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dolkart approached the Superintendent with a request to refund half of the 1995 membership after
providing a medical statement from his doctor, and
June 26, 1996 - Page 5
WHEREAS, Mr. Dolkart is now requesting that the board allow him to purchase this year’s non-resident weekday
only membership at a cost of one half the $300 fee; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed Mr. Dolkart’s request and in recognition of the
Dolkart’s years of membership at the Newman Golf Course, grants this one time fee adjustment in response to the
lost use of the couple’s 1995 membership.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Davidoff: Seconded by Commissioner Smith
RESOLVED, that the RESOLVED clause be amended to read:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed Mr. Dolkart’s request and grants this one time fee
adjustment in response to the lost use of the couple’s 1995 membership.
A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
RESOLVED, that a second RESOLVED clause be added to the RESOLUTION as follows:
RESOLVED, that the board instructs the Golf Committee to produce a policy and procedure to handle future Golf
Course fee adjustments.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Request for an Additional Bus Driver
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works, in compliance with an arbitration settlement, requests that one (1)
temporary full-time bus driver be added to the roster for 1996.
A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
18. WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
A. Engineering Proposal for Water Plant Study.
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, a capital project was established in 1995 to undertake a review of the City of Ithaca systems needs
including assessments of supply, treatment, distribution, storage, pumping, and electrical communication systems,
and
WHEREAS, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission and Cornell University have entered into
a partnership on a City/Bolton/Cornell participation rates of 50/25/25 to more fully examine regional water needs,
opportunities, and capabilities, and
WHEREAS, a joint technical group consisting of the Superintendent of Public Works, Assistant Superintendent for
Water and Sewer, Chief Operator, SCLIWC Executive Director, and Cornell Senior Civil Engineer have reviewed
proposals from seven consultants and subsequently four more detailed proposals in consultation with their respective
policy makers, and
WHEREAS, the proposal by O’Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc. Was judged to be the best of four very complete
proposals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into a
contract with O’Brien & Gere Engineer, Inc. for the regional and city study subject to the standard Attorney,
Controller, and Mayor legal and financial approvals, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that funds are to be derived from Capital Project #505 in the amount of $160,000.
Discussion followed on the floor. Mayor Cohen commended all participants for their work on this project.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Award of Bid for Trash/Recycling Stations.
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
Bids were received on June 11, 1996 for purchase of Trash/Recycling Stations for use on the Commons and in
Collegetown.
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids from the three submissions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works award the bid for twenty (20) trash/recycling stations to RJ Thomas,
June 26, 1996 - Page 6
MFG, Co., P.O. Box 946, Cherokee, IA 51012-0949 for their low bid of $830.00 per cluster and a total cost of
$16,600.00.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
C. Personnel Reorganization
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS the needs of the Water and Sewer Division to improve, maintain and adapt to technical, environmental
and regulatory advancements in the water and wastewater industries have been carefully evaluated while examining
the existing staff expertise and capacity, and
WHEREAS, a combination of position duties expansion, promotional opportunities and filling of vacancies would
balance needs and skills, more closely reflect staff levels and responsibilities of the recent years and stabilize base
employee skills for the future, and
WHEREAS, all proposed changes are within budgeted 1996 personnel sums and funded position totals, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the board endorses the Water and Sewer reorganization, which includes filling nine full-time and
two part-time vacancies, position responsibility increases for six full-time employees and position promotional
opportunities for five full-time positions among other organizational realignments, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that all of the above actions be accomplished in compliance with normal City hiring practices,
including, but not limited to, independent endorsement of the Civil Service Commission, Personnel Director,
Vacancy Review Committee, Affirmative Action Committee, Budget and Administration Committee, Common
Council and Union representatives.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
The board took up Item 13D at this time.
19. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
20. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Commissioner Reeves (Parks Commission) reported on the following matters:
Cass Park Ballfield Lights - request that this work be completed before work commences on the Youth Bureau
volleyball court and the skateboard park
Budget - the board must be involved in the budget process this year
21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
22. NEW BUSINESS:
23. ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Commissioner Ehrhardt, seconded by Commissioner Smith, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
William Kaupe Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
June 26, 1996 - Page 7
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:00 p.m. July 10, 1996
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (4) - Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Alderperson Blumenthal
Charlie Trautman
EXCUSED:
Commissioners Vargas and Davidoff
BOARD HAS POWER TO ACT
13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS.
A. Request to Purchase Water and Sewer Parcel.
By Mayor Cohen: seconded by Commissioner Seligmann.
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has proposed transfer of sale of the remaining city owned land at the parcel on the
corner of First and Franklin Streets and a series of economic benefits to the city over the next ten years totaling more
than half a million dollars will be received, and
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in the city and to the education
of its youths, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is willing to approve of the transfer of sale contingent upon Common
Council making arrangements for alternate storage for the department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the transfer of sale of the adjacent parcel to the
Sciencenter provided that Common Council agrees to obtain alternate storage space for water and sewer materials.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Mayor Cohen
RESOLVED, that the RESOLVED clause be replaced with the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works approves of the transfer of sale of the adjacent parcel to the
Sciencenter provided that Common Council agrees to obtain alternate storage space for Water and Sewer materials
and that the land will revert to the city at no cost if and when the Sciencenter ceases to operate on the site.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Smith
RESOLVED, that a second RESOLVED clause be added as follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works suggests the exchange of parcel 25-1-5 (the triangular lot formerly
occupied by Streets and Facilities) for parcel 25-2-1 (former Wastewater Treatment Plant site partially occupied by
the Sciencenter) as assets of the city’s general fund and the city’s water and sewer funds respectively.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Failed (3-2)
Ayes (3): Seligmann, Ehrhardt, Smith
Nays (2): Reeves, Cohen
Resolution As Amended
A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously