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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-09-24BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m. September 24, 1997 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (6) - Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Gutenberger, Jenkins OTHERS PRESENT: 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 - Gray EXCUSED: Deputy City Controller - Thayer 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 May 28, June 25 and July 23, 1997 Board of Public Works Meetings By Commissioner Gutenberger : Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 28, June 25 and July 23, 1997 Board of Public Works Meetings be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Assistant Superintendent Ferrel requested that Items 12C, 14A and 14B be added to the agenda. No board member objected. Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni requested that Item 12D be added to the agenda. No board member objected. 4. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: 5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Don Culligan spoke about: traffic safety (lighting and signage) on Hudson St in the South Hill School Zone; suggested publishing the fine for speeding in a school zone; traffic safety (lack of barriers) on Rt 13 between IHS and Dey St; Dan Wheeler spoke about Item 12A. Art Shull of Lansing Instruments was present for Item 12B. Herb Gottfried of Cascadilla Boat Club was present for Item 14B. 6. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Mayor Cohen responded as follows: city will make some changes to improve the South Hill School Zone, including photo-radar; city will talk to DOT about Rt 13 Commissioner Ehrhardt discussed traffic enforcement in the South Hill School Zone 7. REPORT OF CITY CLERK: 8. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: 9. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: 10. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: 11. REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS: 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: A. Request for Space in City Cemetery. By Commissioner Vargas: Seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, Danny Wheeler, 501 Willow Avenue, has requested that the city sell him or otherwise provide space within the city cemetery, and WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic which is believed to be the owner of the space he is requesting, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works does not feel it is authorized to grant the sale of the parcel since ownership of the area is in question; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does not object to Mr. Wheeler’s request to obtain space in the city cemetery, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board forward this request to the City Attorney’s Office for review and recommendation. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Lansing Instruments. By Commissioner Vargas: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Art Shull, owner of Lansing Instruments, has successfully run a business at 705 Willow Avenue and was negotiating purchase of adjacent land at the time the city stepped in and bought it for its own long range needs, and September 24, 1997 - Page 2 WHEREAS, Mr. Shull and his architects have approached the city several times in the last five years to obtain land for the expansion of his business with several offers of joint planning efforts, and WHEREAS, Mr. Shull has recently purchased some adjacent private property and has approached the city with an updated plan which still depends on a small parcel of city owned land, but provides improved future land use opportunities as well as a rational building expansion with improved fire department access with limited impact on the city owned land; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the Egner site plan dated September 16, 1997 and accepts staffs’ recommendation that business expansion be encouraged by recommending the sale of a parcel of land roughly 200 feet by 50 feet as indicated on that site plan, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff negotiate the necessary terms for property access as well as a reverter clause which returns the property to the city if it is not used for the purpose presented within two years of the completed sale, as well as any Memorandum of Understanding or other interim measure that may be needed by Lansing Instruments to proceed with their expansion in a timely manner. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously C. Award of Bid for Streets and Facilities Equipment Storage Building By Commissioner Vargas: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger Bids were received on September 22, 1997 for construction of the Streets and Facilities Equipment Storage Building. Staff has produced a post bid budget of $370,000 which exceeds the original 1995 budgeted amount by $91,000. Several alternate deductions were included in the bid, but staff recommends construction without accepting any of the deductions. The building will be in use for many years and must be capable of withstanding constant use and possible changes in use. WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the submitted bids and made the recommendation to construct the building per the specifications of the base bid; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends award of the contract for construction of the Streets and Facilities Storage Building to L.A. Johnson Construction, P.O. Box 129, Geneva, NY for their low bid of $282,400, and be it further RESOLVED, That the post bid budget of $370,000 to complete the project is approved and forwarded to Common Council with the recommendation to expand the capital project by $91,000. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously D. Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act of 1996 By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, herein called the “Municipality,” after thorough consideration of the various aspects of available data, has hereby determined that certain work, as described in its application and attachments, herein called the “Project,” is desirable, is in the public interest, and is required in order to implement the Project, and WHEREAS, Article 56 of the Environmental Conservation Law authorizes State assistance to Municipalities for environmental restoration projects by means of a contract and the Municipality deems it to be in the public interest and benefit under this law to enter into a contract therewith, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is the representative authorized to act in behalf of the Municipality’s governing body in all matters related to State assistance under ECL Article 56, Title 3. This representative is also authorized to make application, execute the State Assistance Contract, submit Project documentation, and otherwise act for the Municipality’s governing body in all matters related to the Project and to State assistance, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Municipality agrees that it will fund its portion of the cost of the Project and that funds will be available to initiate the Project’s field work within twelve (12) months of written approval of its application by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and, be it further RESOLVED, That one (1) certified copy of this resolution be prepared and sent to the Albany office of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation together with the Application for State Assistance Payments, and, be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 13. TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS: A. Request for Improvements in South Side Neighborhood. By Commissioner Ehrhardt Seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, the Southside Neighborhood Watch submitted a petition to the Board of Public Works requesting improved lighting in the area to improve safety; now, therefore be it September 24, 1997 - Page 3 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests staff to take light meter readings in the area of concern, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board requests staff to recommend improvements based on the outcome of the meter readings as well as information collected from NYSEG concerning lamp replacement schedules and lamp light aging profiles. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Request to Paint Sidewalk at Corner of Seneca and Aurora Streets. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, Giovanni’s Restaurant has requested permission from the Board of Public Works to paint the sidewalk in front of the restaurant on North Aurora Street and on the side of the building on East Seneca Street, and WHEREAS, the request is being made to improve the aesthetics of the sidewalk and to improve safety by making the sidewalk less slippery, and WHEREAS, the Advisory Commission on Art and Design for Public Space has been established to advise the board on such requests; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the board forwards this request to the Advisory Commission on Art and Design for Public Space for its review and approval as well as for review by staff, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board respectfully requests that the Advisory Commission on Art and Design for Public Space and staff respond with recommendations by November 12, 1997. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas RESOLVED, That this request be forwarded to the Ithaca Business Improvement District board for comment. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (6): Cohen, Jenkins, Gutenberger, Vargas, Seligmann, Smith Carried (6-1) Nays (1): Ehrhardt Amended Resolution A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously C. Repair to Sidewalk at 608 East Seneca Street. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Richard Holgate, owner of 608 East Seneca Street, replaced the sidewalk and driveway apron at that address without a permit, and WHEREAS, the repairs made do not meet specification according to the City Code in that the sidewalk has been modified to match the property owner’s desired driveway rather than matching the city street and WHEREAS, the current sidewalk also results in increased liability for both the owner and the city; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the Superintendent’s direction to the property owner of 608 East Seneca Street to remove the existing sidewalk, obtain a street permit and install the sidewalk as specified in the City Code and concurs with it. Motion to Grant Power to Act By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the board grants itself Power to Act on this resolution at its Committee of the Whole Meeting of October 8, 1997. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously D. Award of Bid for Stewart Avenue Bridge Repairs. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on September 9, 1997 for the Stewart Avenue Bridge Repairs, and WHEREAS, staff is recommending that the bid be awarded to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the bid for Stewart Avenue Bridge Repairs to CCI Companies, Inc., P.O. Box 186, Mt. Pleasant Road, Canastota, NY 13032 for their low bid of $67,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into agreement with CCI Companies for repairs to the Stewart Avenue Bridge. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 14. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: A. Request for Power to Act By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas September 24, 1997 - Page 4 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants Power to Act at the board’s Committee of the Whole Meeting on October 8, 1997 to act on the proposed implementation of the Natural Areas Committee. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Request for Power to Act By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants Power to Act at the board’s Committee of the Whole Meeting on October 8, 1997 to act on the proposed Cascadilla Boat Club Facility grant. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 15. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the board on the following matters: Stewart Ave bridge; Frosh Alley; Sidewalk Contract; Cass Park Pool deck; GIAC doors; Southside renovations; parking lot eqpt; skateboard park; cold storage bldg; IPD alarm system; Clinton St bridge; MHA street; budget Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the board on the following matters: Highways: Mitchell St final paving – opening Friday; Alice Miller Way paving; Columbia St; Rt 96 project materials Parks & Forestry: Stewart Park playground Other items: new 5yd dump truck ; Employee Recognition Day; upcoming retirements; audiogram testing for all staff; budget; BID baseline services; weather forecasting Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the board on the following matters: Bond Act financing; Fall Creek interceptor; silt dam; easements; pump station bids Commissioner Ehrhardt asked about the painting fog lines on Spencer Rd Commissioner Jenkins reported on the West End Breakfast Club request to clean bus shelters 16. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Commissioner Ehrhardt (Traffic Cmte) reported on traffic volume discussions in the Wood/S Titus/S Albany St – Dan Cole to investigate demands for Stop signs at these intersections since the manual does not warrant them – discussion of a reduced speed zone followed Commissioner Vargas reported that the Traffic Committee also heard complaints about the short pedestrian crossing time at the Tops/Wegmans intersection Commissioner Ehrhardt reminded the board that the final budget meeting would be October 1st at 4pm 17. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: 18. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 19. NEW BUSINESS: A. Route 13 Speed Limit By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the board hereby instructs Traffic Engineer Dan Cole to investigate the possible speed limit reduction on Route 13 between Dey St and the city line. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 20. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Commissioner , seconded by Commissioner , the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. William Kaupe Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor September 24, 1997 - Page 5 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 8, 1997 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. The Board had Power to Act on the following items: 2. Repairs to Sidewalk at 608 East Seneca Street. Steve Plescia was present representing the property owner of 608 East Seneca Street. Repair to Sidewalk at 608 East Seneca Street. By Commissioner Gutenberger, seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, Richard Holgate, owner of 608 East Seneca Street, replaced the sidewalk and driveway apron at that address without a permit, and WHEREAS, the repairs made do not meet specification according to the City Code in that the sidewalk has been modified to match the property owners desired driveway rather than matching the city street, and WHEREAS, the current sidewalk also results in increased liability for both the owner and the city; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the Superintendent’s direction to the property owner of 608 East Seneca Street to remove the existing sidewalk, obtain a street permit, and install the sidewalk as specified in the City Code and concurs with it. Discussion followed on this topic. Comm. Gutenberger stated she did not see a problem with the repairs to the sidewalk and driveway. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the design does not meet the standards; the sidewalk is to follow the grade of the curb. In addition, the design could create pooling causing a slipping hazard. Mr. Plescia noted that the design improves the drainage by keeping water from entering the neighbors yard. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that legal advice be received to establish what liability there is if the apron and sidewalk is left in place. Mayor Cohen motioned to table the resolution, seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt. Carried Unanimously 3. Endorsement of Proposed Cascadilla Boat Club Community Facility. Approval of Proposed Cascadilla Boat Club Facility Grant. By Commissioner Vargas, seconded by Mayor Cohen. WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is applying to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for a grant under the Environmental Protection Fund and/or Clean Water/ Clean Air Bond Act for a community boat house, to be known as the Cascadilla Boat Club Community Facility, to be located at Cass Park; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby endorses the application of the grant for a park project known as the Cascadilla Boat Club Community Facility to be located in Cass Park. Discussion followed. Herb Godfrey, from the Board of Directors of the Cascadilla Boat Club, distributed information to the board. He explained that they’ve been trying to construct a grant application to receive half of the funding for the construction of the boat house. He noted that the budget has increased by $50,000. The proposed site in Cass park is on the east end of the parking lot near the Kiwanis fields (behind the pool). Joann Cornish was present and told the board that the Parks Commission has approved a resolution endorsing the proposed project. Mr. Godfrey noted that funding should be approved by spring. He added that the boat club will accept the operations and maintenance of the building. Their main concern is that they are unsure of the utility costs. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously