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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-11-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE November 20, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Alderperson Mackesey, Superintendent Gray (left at 5:00), Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting. Additions: City Attorney's Update on TCAT Consolidation Deletions: Update on Lake Source Cooling Project, 1. Fall Creek Interceptor - Board had Power to Act WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS A. Award of Bid for Fall Creek Interceptor. By Commissioner Seligmann; seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt WHEREAS, bids were received for the Fall Creek Interceptor project on November 12, 1996 and reviewed by staff, and WHEREAS, staff is recommending that the low bidder be awarded the bid for the project; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed staff's recommendation to award the bid for the Fall Creek Interceptor to Jett Industries, Rt 7, P.O. Box 219, Colliersville, NY 13747 for their low combined bid price of $411,900. (base bid of $369,900, and alternate bid of $42,000.), and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Jett Industries. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that a reference check on the contractor has been made and that he is satisfied with hiring Jett Industries. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 2. Request from DII for Free Parkins Dun a the Holidays Emma Lou Sheikh of DII was present to address the board. Ms. Sheikh told the board that DII is requesting that the city give holiday shoppers free parking on the day after Thanksgiving and the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas. Comm. Reeves explained that the booths are not open the day after Thanksgiving because the DPW contract gives the employees the day off as a holiday. Supt. Gray told the board that BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting November 20, 1996 he estimates that the two days before Christmas will bring in about $2,500 in revenue. He added that because the two days are scheduled work days, alternate work would have to be arranged for the lot attendants. Alderperson Mackesey told the board that she believed the request should be granted. Comm. Ehrhardt agreed with Alderperson Mackesey. Discussion followed concerning whether the meters would have free parking in addition to the lots. Supt. Gray noted that he did not have the figures for the expected revenues at the meters for the two days. Mayor Cohen pointed out that the benefit of free parking would boost sales and therefore, the city would gain revenue through sales tax. It was suggested that DII contribute funds toward the lost revenues. Ms. Sheikh noted that DII does not have excess available funds to contribute toward the cost of parking. Supt. Gray noted that meter readers are not DPW employees and therefore, cannot be reassigned to DPW tasks. He added that in past years, parkers at over time meters were not given tickets. This allowed the city to collect tevenue and promote good will to the consumers during the holiday. It was decided that Alderperson Mackesey would take the issue to council to see if they favored free parking at the meters as well as garages. A resolution will be presented to the board at the December 11, 1996 meeting. 3. IM Street/Route 366 Comm. Reeves noted that she has received several phone calls and read many letters in the Ithaca Journal concerning the Mitchell Street reconstruction. She added that board members requested the issue be discussed after receiving verbal complaints at a regular board meeting. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained to the board that every time there is a major traffic change, the city receives several complaints for a few months and then they seem to go away. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he was upset because the process was not followed by allowing the board to vote on the design. Discussion followed concerning the urgency of completing the process and the pressure being put on the Engineering Division by Water and Sewer and Streets and Facilities. Comm. Davidoff noted that he drives on Mitchell Street several times a week and that the design accomplishes what the board wanted. He pointed out that the design reduced speed and that the neighborhood is happy. It was pointed out that striping the intersection could greatly improve safety. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that striping will be completed as soon as the weather allows. Alderperson Blumenthal was present to address the board and noted that she hasn't received any complaints from the residents. Supt. Gray noted that the design accommodates the residents and not the public as a whole. He noted that despite the lack of a resolution approving the design, he was taking responsibility for it and that it is backed by his license. Comm. Seligmann noted that the board does not exist to micro - manage the department. He added that staff did what they needed to and that he was comfortable with their decision. Comm. Davidoff suggested that the board monitor the area for accidents and possibly review them at a future date. Alderperson Mackesey noted that she Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting November 20, 1996 remembered being in meetings and visualizing the design which currently exists. She added that although a formal approval was not given, the board did look at the design. Alderperson Blumenthal noted that staff has indicated that new curbs do cause problems for tires and that in time, the edges of the curb will become worn. She suggested that signage be placed at the intersection to clearly define the flow of traffic. A. City Attorney Update on TCAT Consolidation Pat Kennedy, Assistant City Attorney was present to update the board on the TCAT consolidation. Ms. Kennedy told the board that an official agreement is being sought by January 1997. She explained that the consolidation would consist of separate entities working as an association. This type of business is authorized by law. She noted that eventually, ownership of equipment would be covered by the agreement. The oversight committee would be set up similar to that of the SJS, representatives from each entity. One item which needs settling is insurance, for example how will coverage be handled while an Ithaca Transit employee drives a Cornell bus. Ms. Kennedy will return to the board in the future with more updates. 5. Request for On Street Handicap Parking - 406 Second Street Comm. Reeves noted that Dr. Smoolca of 406 Second Street is requesting two Handicap parking signs. Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole has denied the request, stating that he believes the department encourages businesses to obtain their own parking lot. Comm. Reeves stated she sees no reason not to grant the request and asked the boardrfor their opinion. Discussion followed on parking in the area and whether other businesses have on- street Handicap parking. It was suggested that the sign be installed and in effect from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. There was a question whether this is allowable. The board decided to obtain more information on the legality of limiting the time of the space and to vote on the issue at the next regular meeting. Loomm. Heaves noted that the board agreed to allow volunteer bunkers to park in the Dryden Road Garage for free during 1995 and 1996. She noted that Asst. Fire Chief Doorman is requesting that the free parking be extended. Comm. Seligmann stated that he remembered discussing the item and that the Fire Department would reimburse DPW for the expense of parking after the two free years. The consensus of the board was to vote on a resolution at the next meeting to allow parking and for the expense to be charged back to the Fire Department. _ The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3