HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-04-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. April 21,1998
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (5) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Smith, Gutenberger,
Jenkins
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Marcham
EXCUSED: Commissioner Vargas
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Ehrhardt requested the addition of the following
items:
Power to Act to consider bids for Sewage Pumps
Power to Act to consider bids for TV Equipment
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
John Beach, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board on the issue of
Southwest Park. He suggested that the Board consider not spending
money on infrastructure until the traffic problems in the area
are addressed. Currently Spencer St., Spencer Rd., Elmira Rd. and
S. Albany Street are burdened with 13,000 cars per day along with
increased truck traffic. Eliminating the truck traffic by posting
signs and enforcing the law is needed. Neighborhoods would like
to see reduced traffic by 50% in the next year, and the heavy
traffic channelled to other streets.
Frost Travis, Boy Scouts of America, was in attendance to support
their group’s request to use Dewitt Park.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Commissioner Ehrhardt pointed out that on May 5,1998 the Traffic
Committee will be meeting with City representatives from IPD,
City Court, and Board of Public Works members to develop a plan
for strong enforcement of truck ordinances.
Mayor Cohen agreed that traffic problems exist but Southwest Park
efforts should not be delayed because of it.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Marcham complimented the staff at the Department of
Public Works on the Structural Soil Award from NYCOM. The
presenters also captured another grant at the conference.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy City Controller Thayer reported on the 1997 financial
activity for DPW and the department’s ability to show a
remaining balance of $ 123,000 spread over the 30+ accounts. He
complimented and thanked the staff for their hard work.
Board of Publ;ic Works
April 21,1998
Page 2 of 6
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID
WASTE ITEMS:
Approval of Festival Contract.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and the Ithaca Festival are desirous
of entering into an agreement to outline expectations and
responsibilities during the festival events of June 4 through
June 7, 1998, and
WHEREAS, the Festival Director has met with City staff including
the Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public
Works to review the details of the events, and
WHEREAS, the director of the Ithaca Festival has met with the
Board of Public Works to request the use of specific areas and
services for the Ithaca Festival, including DeWitt Park, Stewart
Park and the Commons; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the agreement
with the Ithaca Festival which includes the following:
1. The use of the Commons for a Community Dinner on
Thursday June 4, 1998,
2. The closing of the parade route (Washington Park to the
Commons) on Friday, June 5, 1998.
3. The use of DeWitt Park on Saturday, June 6, 1998 and
Stewart Park on June 7, 1998.
4. Supplemental volunteer labor to be provided by the
Ithaca Festival for trash collection during all phases
of the festival.
5. Additional items covered by the agreement between the
City of Ithaca and the Ithaca Festival for 1998, said
agreement outlines the details and expectations of both
parties, including finances,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign the agreement on
behalf of the City of Ithaca.
A vote on the resolution was as follows:
Ays: (4) Jenkins, Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Leonardo
Nays: (0)
Abstentions: (1) Smith
Carried
Authorization to Handle Future Festival Contracts
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works annually reviews and approves
the Ithaca Festival contract, and
WHEREAS, staff is recommending that the annual contract be
handled administratively unless new and unusual requests are
made; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Superintendent of Public Works to enter into future Ithaca
Festival contracts unless new and unusual requests are made.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Cohen noted that the Superintendent of Public Works would
review the requests and the Mayor would sign the agreements.
Request for Use of DeWitt Park.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Smith
Board of Publ;ic Works
April 21,1998
Page 3 of 6
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from
the Boy Scouts to hold an Activity Day on May 9, 1998 in DeWitt
Park, and
WHEREAS, the event will be an informational day for Boy Scouts to
attend and learn more about the scouts; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the use of
DeWitt Park to the Boy Scouts on May 9, 1998.
Commissioner Gutenberger led discussions with a concern over the
intended usage of the park. She suggested that the Commons would
be a good place for these events, as opposed to Dewitt park due
to the long standing agreement with the neighboring church that
the park be used for quiet, peaceful events.
Mayor Cohen felt that a written agreement with the church would
allow additional groups to utilize the space as well. The Ithaca
Festival as well as other groups have used it in the past.
Amending the Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the following Resolved clause be added to the end
of the Resolution: “RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works is
temporarily suspending the granting of permits for the use of
Dewitt Park until the Mayor and the church have had an
opportunity to revisit the agreement and come to mutual
understanding on the expectations of it’s use.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Power to Act at C.O.W.
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works have the Power to Act to
consider bids on a television camera for inspection of sewer
pipes as well as sewage pumps for repair of sewage pump stations.
Carried Unanimously
Installation of Parking Barriers on Eddy Street at Buffalo.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the traffic sub-committee has reviewed the parking
situation on Eddy Street at Buffalo Street, and
WHEREAS, the traffic sub-committee is recommending the
installation of timber and gravel “bump out” which will occupy
the parking lane in order to prohibit illegal parking, and
WHEREAS, input has been received from the Police and Fire
Departments on this installation; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
installation of “bump outs” on Eddy Street at the top of East
Buffalo Street and that work be done by city crews as soon as
scheduling allows.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Ehrhardt clarified that the purpose of this is to
enhance the “no parking near the corner” signs on Eddy Street
adjacent to Buffalo Street. He stressed that making the
intersection safer is the goal.
Board of Publ;ic Works
April 21,1998
Page 4 of 6
Resubmittal of Funding Request for North Cayuga Street Bridge at
Fall Creek
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the engineering staff has become aware of a NYSDOT
program to consolidate and coordinate bridge paintings programs
which may afford cost savings to the state, the county and the
city, and
WHEREAS, staff has been advised by Assemblyman Luster’s office
that additional bridge funds may be available if we were only
more aggressive in seeking them through the MPO and DOT; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to work
with the county engineering staff to submit a consolidated
program for bridge painting to NYSDOT Region 3, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff resubmit funding requests through the MPO
and NYSDOT for the North Cayuga Street Bridge at Fall Creek which
results in improved Fire Department access to the High School
Complex while assuming what ever aggressive posture is necessary.
Carried Unanimously
Joe Daley, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board as the former
Chair of the Traffic Task Force. He stated that the issues
relating to the traffic situation in the S. Albany Street area
must be reviewed. The traffic levels are similar to those at the
Tioga and East Seneca Streets intersection as well as the Buffalo
and Fulton Streets intersection. In order to maintain the viable
neighborhood some action must be taken.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Highways:
Golf Course opened on April 5,1998 and mowing will improve
when seasonal staff is hired.
Storm sewer installations on Elm Street and College Ave.
Various repairs made to catch basins.Meter post installation
on West State Street
Parks & Forestry:
Tree planting at many locations. Arbor Day festivities at
Belle Sherman School. Awards- 10th consecutive City Tree
Certification and the 3rd Growth Award as well as 1st Place
by NYCOM for the Structural Soil Demonstration video.
Stewart Park playground structure for younger children is
being installed. Staff will attempt to open pavilions
earlier than usual if possible. Monument at Dewitt Park has
not been repaired. The veterans organizations have been
notified of the City’s intent to combine efforts with them.
Building Systems:
Many plumbing projects at facilities and Commons. Garage
crews are working on snow equipment change over.
Specifications on new plowtruck and upgrade of fuel
dispenser system are being prepared, federal compliance
mandate for fuel dispensing must be complete by December 31.
Electrician:
Lights have been installed at Frosh Alley. NYSEG will need
to fine tune the project.
Transit:
Bus #119 circa 1983 had a new engine installed after 500,000
miles of use.
Board of Publ;ic Works
April 21,1998
Page 5 of 6
Earth Day bus will be available on the Commons.
Other items:
DPW crews were called in to assist the Building Department
after a fire occurred at a downtown residence. The house
needed to be leveled due to extensive damage. A private
contractor is currently removing the debris.
The Great American Car Race is coming to the Commons June
12th as an alternate site. The B.I.D. is excited about the
opportunity.
Program budgets are being created in addition to the 33 line
items.
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
Spring contracts will begin: Cass Park lighting, Cass Pool work.
Completion of Cold storage building, Southside facility and
bridge programs
Linn Street bridge community hearing took place. Additional
meetings will occur before final plans are made.
T.C.A.T. senior staff have been working on dissolving the old
operations committee as well as making new Board appointments.
New rules of order need to be established for the facility.
Five year capital project budgeting should be implemented for
DPW. One year planning doesn’t incorporate multi-year projects in
the process. The staff operates with long range planning in mind
so it would be helpful if the Board had the same perspective.
Mayor Cohen expressed his desire to allocate one hour of the June
C.O.W. meeting to discuss the five year Capital Project
projections.
TC3 has been working with the City Chamberlain to discuss the
value card system for their students and staff. TC3 would only
pay for what the actual usage is rather than a monthly permit.
Superintendent Gray and Chamberlain Parsons will present their
discussions to the Board at a later date.
Mayor Cohen expressed his concern that the number of programs
established through the Program Analysis process should be at
least the number of current line items since they are each very
identifiable programs.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Staff has been working on the grant application process through
the Environmental Facilities Corp. for permanent financing of one
half of the state bond pool. The current rate is 2.7% on this
borrowing plus administrative fees for a total of approx. 3%.
Controller Cafferillo is the designated City representative.
Savings on this funding source is $244,000 per million or
$480,000 total interest savings.
An additional water main has been requested behind the Ithaca
Plaza for fire prevention purposes for Titus Towers, Special
Children’s Center, and the Cellular One plaza. The CellOne
developer agreed to pay $ 5,000 of the total $ 10,000 cost for
the additional main. The work was completed due to the mild
winter.
Board of Publ;ic Works
April 21,1998
Page 6 of 6
Cascadilla Street to Carpenter Park sewer work has resumed.
Cornell, landowner Friedman and landowner Giordano have provided
easements for the continuance of the project.
Ithaca High School sewer work was recently completed while school
was not in session due to the impossible traffic situation in the
area. Extended staff efforts have been necessary. The final
project outcome as well as positioning and details for manholes
are being evaluated in cooperation with the School Districts
efforts.
The Wastewater Plant startup of new pumps has been able to add
3,000,000 gallons capacity. Remote monitoring devices have been
installed at three remote pumping stations to determine
simultaneously when and for how long the pumps are operating.
These devices will allow preventative maintenance programs to be
implemented. Bid results have made expansion to all stations
difficult due to specification differences.
Water Plant negotiations have been unsettling and very time
consuming. The plant staff has maintained their professional
responsibility over the daily matters and the continuous
equipment failures despite the instability of the future of
operations. The time has come for the City to expand and welcome
the reliable technological advancements that could be available.
Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni expressed his desire to modernize
the City’s hiring procedures. A quality review process would
alter the current point system process of positioning titles in
the salary grade structure.
Novarr et al project at Cornell had lines added on City property
portions in anticipation of the expanded needs.
Police Dept. have new sanitary facilities at the pistol range.
Clean Water Clean Air Act projects are continuing but
applications for additional funding have recently failed. Group
applications merging the other municipality’s efforts with the
City’s may leverage the ability to receive funding.
The lack of computerized billing systems make quick responses to
customer questions impossible. In the future MUNIS should provide
the technical assistance.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen
City Clerk Mayor