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
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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
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