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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-01-22BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 22, 1997 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Alderperson Mackesey, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. Additions: Request from IFD for Free Parking in Dryden Road North East Transit Contract There were no deletions from the agenda. i. taoir t.ourse. Supt. Gray noted that Steve Torrant, Golf Course Manager, will present proposed course rates for 1997 at a COW meeting in February. Deputy Controller Thayer was present and noted that the bid for concessions should be out early next week. This item will return to a future COW meeting. 2. North East Transit Contract Nancy Oltz, Transit Manager, and Steve Thayer, Deputy Controller, were present to address the board. Ms. Oltz explained to the board that the North East Transit (NET) was established for access to the Lansing area. The City of Ithaca had agreed to administer the contract for these routes. The contract is for five years and has been held by Swarthout and Ferris. Ms. Oltz noted that bids were recently received and reviewed and that it is being recommended that Swarthout and Ferris be awarded the bid again. The consensus of the board was to vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting to approve of the recommendation to award the bid to Swarthout and Ferris. 3. Update on SJS and WWTP Improvements Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board of a 18 million dollar grant which he is working on that will be sent out next week. It is the first opportunity for a water grant in 50 years. There is a study being undertaken between Bolton Point, Cornell and the city to put in a joint request for funds. He added that there are benefits to a joint application as well as an individual application. Supt. Gray noted that regardless of the amount distributed, each entity will benefit. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted he would keep the board updated on the status of this grant. 4. Report on SJS Meeting Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the City Controller is recommending that Council approve of staff to approach the other municipalities to agree to fund the improvements of the WWTP out of Capital Reserve. Reserve amount is about $2 million while the project budget is $575,000. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that an extension of the bid deadline is also needed in order to proceed in this manner. Discussion followed concerning the procedure to use funds from Capital Reserve. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting January 22, 1997 5. DPW Personnel. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni distributed a list of proposed changes in the roster for Water and Sewer. Supt. Gray noted that with the recent layoffs, personnel is still very uncertain. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the meter checkers may have the ability to "bump" other positions. Updates will be provided to the board as the process proceeds. 6. Request from IFD for Free Parking in Dryden Road Garage Mayor Cohen noted that the board had voted on a resolution to deny four parking spaces to bunkers from Station number 9 in Collegetown. He noted that all other city employees receive free parking and that this is no different. He pointed out that the board had requested the Fire Department include the expense in their budget and questioned why other departments weren't required to do the same. Discussion followed concerning free parking for all city employees and the fact that past practice plays a part. It was agreed that a resolution would be passed to extend the free parking for bunkers in the Dryden Road Garage and that the board would review free parking for employees with the possibility of charging departments for the spaces used. 7. Skateboard Park Location. Mayor Cohen noted that a proposed location for the park is behind the Youth Bureau. He noted that the Parks Commission has some concerns outlined in a memo. The board reviewed the memo from the Parks Commission and noted that staff could work with the commission to address the concerns. A resolution will be voted on at the next regular meeting to approve of the site and to recommend that staff work with the Parks Commission. 8. BPW Meeting Schedule Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he'd like to see the board reorganized. He suggested that the board only meet twice a month, once for discussion and once for voting purposes. He explained that sub - committees could be formed to review requests and other board matters. Once the sub - committee discussed the issue, they would make a recommendation to the board for its action. Comm. Seligmann noted that he was concerned that once the item is brought back to the board, it will be re- debated as things are now. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the board consider the idea and that the issue be discussed in further detail at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2