HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-11-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 12, 1997
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Seligmann, Smith (arrived
at 4:10 p.m.), Vargas, Mayor Cohen (arrived at 5:20 p.m.), Alderperson Gray and
Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
i. updates on Ongoing Topics
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he spoke to the City Attorney regarding the
sidewalk at 608 East Seneca Street. The board had requested input on what the
liability would be since the new sidewalk and driveway apron does not meet
specification. City Attorney Geldenhuys had explained that an indemnification
agreement could be signed by the property owner holding the city harmless in the
event of a fall down or any other damage caused by the design of the sidewalk and
driveway apron.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained to the board that input was also received from City Attorney
Geldenhuys regarding the installation of unwarranted traffic control devices. She told
him that if the board feels justified in placing traffic control devices, it may. She advised
that all new devices be authorized by a resolution with details of the reasoning for the
installation. She noted that she would then be able to argue a case on the city's behalf
if need be.
2. Comprehensive Water System Evaluation Report
Asst. Supt. Larry Fabbroni was present to address the board. He explained that a
report has been submitted from O'Brien and Gere to the city, Cornell University and the
Town of Ithaca. The report gave several options on the three existing systems. Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni noted that the decision to be made would be a 50 year decision. This
decision is a necessity since the current plant reached the end of its useful life 10 years
ago. The current capacity is 7 million gallons a day while the metered consumption is 3
'/ million gallons. He noted that Bolton Point is 20 years old and has the capacity to
produce 9 million gallons a day. Their farthest customer (requiring 11 miles of water
main) is Ithaca College who's daily demand is 20 percent of their output. Cornell's
system is 70 years old.
In the last five years, each entity has developed a water model. Each model was a
basis for an overall model of the area. In its model, the city found that there are leaks
of approximately 1 million gallons per day. The city's system has very poor fire flow in
the north end leaving concerns of fire protection to the school and Gun Hill Apartments.
(Alternate H would allow a tank to be built to eliminate that problem.)
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
November 12, 1997
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reviewed the more popular alternates which O'Brien and Gere
proposed. He noted that all three entities would need to agree on the same alternate
for it to work properly. He suggested that the board review the cost for completing a
plan individually as well as costs to merge with Bolton Point and Cornell.
He noted that Option number 2 would eliminate a city plant while Options 3 and 4
include building a new one. He noted that all options include costs for energy, capacity
and rehabilitation of the water reservoir system. He noted that the 60 foot reservoir is
currently'/ filled with silt which results in "mud" being treated at the plant. Storms
increase the amount of mud and debris brought into the plant and is currently
controlled manually by adding additional chemicals.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that based on existing budgets and costs, there would have
to be an increase of 36% in water rates although he believes that customers feel that
quality of water is more important. He noted that the increase would not happen all at
once and that in the past 4 years, there has been a 10% increase per year.
Discussion followed what steps the board needs to take in order for the city to make a
decision. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that in order to upgrade the current system, a
design should be in place by April first with funding assistance from available bonds.
The board agreed to vote on this item as soon as it was possible.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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