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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