HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-05-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. May 19, 1998
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (5) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Vargas, Gutenberger,
Jenkins
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
EXCUSED: Commissioner Smith
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the January 1998 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the January 20, 1998 Board of
Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the February 1998 Board of Public
Works Meeting
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 17, 1998 Board of
Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Mayor Cohen requested that the following items be added to the
agenda:
Item 12D. Waiver of Pavilion Fee for Memorial Service-Possible
Resolution
Item 12E. Award for Bid for TV Inspection System-Possible
Resolution
Item 14A. Award for Bid for Skid Steer Loader-Possible Resolution
Item 14B. Award of Bid for 1999 Heavy Duty Cab and Chassis
No board member objected.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID
WASTE ITEMS:
Request for Waiver of Pavilion Fee.
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Rotary Club is holding their 5th annual
barbecue for D.A.R.E. at Stewart Park on May 31, 1998, and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club is requesting that the pavilion fee be
waived since the proceeds for the event assist an IPD program,
and
Board of Public Works
May 19,1998
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works appreciates the desire of the
Rotary Club to maximize its contribution to D.A.R.E., however the
fees charged at Stewart Park reflect a real cost for use of the
facilities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request for
the waiver of the fee.
Ayes: (3) Gutenberger, Ehrhardt, Leonardo
Nays:(0)
Recusals:(2) Cohen, Vargas
Motion Failed
Request for Reduction in Sidewalk Assessment for 507 West Buffalo
Street
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
Ming-Ming Shen, owner of 507 East Buffalo Street received a
sidewalk assessment for sidewalk repairs completed by the city in
August, 1996. The original notice for repairs was sent at the
time the sidewalk was inspected in August, 1995. Ms. Shen
contacted a contractor to do the repairs and left the country
soon after. In 1996 she found that the repairs had been made.
Ms. Shen received a sidewalk assessment in 1997 for the work
which she felt was much larger than the original notice. She is
requesting that the 25 percent administration charge for the
repairs be waived.
WHEREAS, Ming-Ming Shen owner of 507 East Buffalo Street received
a sidewalk assessment for $1351.84, including the required 25
percent administrative charge, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Shen is requesting that the administrative charge be
waived since she had contacted a contractor to repair the work
prior to the city completing the repairs and intended to do the
work herself; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies Ms. Shen’s
request for waiver of the 25 percent administrative charge
because it is required by the city charter for all sidewalk
repairs, and because one year had lapsed between the time of the
notice for the property owner to repair defects and the time the
city did the work.
Ays: (4) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Vargas, Ehrhardt
Nays: (0)
Recusals: (1) Cohen
Motion Carried
Request for Expungement of Trash Violation at 815-817 North
Aurora Street.
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
WHEREAS, Bryon Mitchell, owner of 815-817 North Aurora Street is
appealing the trash violation received for the removal of a
couch, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mitchell claims that there is no proof that the
couch was ever at the curb for removal; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the
information provided by staff and Mr. Mitchell, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board denies Mr. Mitchell’s request to expunge
the trash violation for removal of a couch from 815-817 North
Aurora Street.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works
May 19,1998
Waiver of Pavilion Rental Fee for Rick Gray Memorial
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Alderperson Richard Gray passed away
recently and the family and friends of Rick Gray wish to hold a
memorial service for him; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants a waiver to the
City of Ithaca for the pavilion rental for the memorial service
for Alderperson Richard Gray to be held on June 13,1999.
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act to Award Bids for TV Inspection System:
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, bids for a complete TV Inspection System were opened
March 16,1998 and,
WHEREAS, the apparent low bidder after extensive side by side
field demonstrations of system components, including but not
limited to self-cleaning tractor and drive sprocket, ability to
inspect 6” lines with the pan and tilt camera feature, metal to
metal slip rings, length of overall camera train assembly, data
capture system and economic integration into GIS systems, depth
and experience of field training personnel, length of mini
lateral camera bid, strength of kevlar wrapped cable bid, number
of cable connections bid, centering feature bid, does not meet
specifications and has not shown a working system for 6” mains in
the field that will work with minimal manpower requirements of
the tractor option, and
WHEREAS, the apparent low bidder has demonstrated a wheeled
tractor that clearly will not minimize manpower requirements to
TV the many old 6” clay tile mains in the City system without
getting hung up on normal lateral connections, offset joints,
slick steep slopes, settled manhole openings, etc. now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED By the Board of Public Works to reject the low bid of
Foster’s Equipment, Inc., One Keuka Business Park, Suite 103;
Penn Yan, NY 14527 in the amount of $42,493 as it does not meet
the specification of the total TV system, and be it further
RESOLVED That the bid submitted by CUES, 3501 Vineland Road;
Orlando,FL 32811-6484 in the amount of $44,717 be accepted as the
lowest responsible bid demonstrated to meet specifications as
advertised.
Carried Unanimously
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
608 East Seneca Street.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has briefly reviewed the
matter of the sidewalk at 608 East Seneca Street, and
WHEREAS, the matter is not resolved because Mr. Holgate did not
sign and return the attorney’s Indemnification Agreement with his
letter of January 26, 1998 which was forwarded to him December
15, 1997, and
WHEREAS, the board feels that issue of potential liability
outlined in the City Attorney’s memo of December 5, 1997 needs to
be resolved; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the City
Attorney review this matter and take the necessary steps to close
the liability issue.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works
May 19,1998
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
Award of Bid for Skid Steer Loader:
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, bids were received on April 21,1998 for a skid steer
loader with backhoe, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and is recommending that the
bid be awarded to the low bidder;now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED That the Board of Public Works hereby awards to the
lowest responsible bidder the bid for skid steer loader with
backhoe to Rupp Rental/Anderson Equipment, 720 East Franklin
Street; Endicott,NY 13760 for their low bid of $29,998, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorize the Assistant Superintendent
for Water and Sewer to enter into an agreement.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Bid for 1999 Heavy Duty Cab and Chassis
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, bids were received on May 12,1998 for a Heavy Duty Cab
and Chassis and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and is recommending that the
bid be awarded to the low bidder ;now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board authorize the Assistant Superintendent
for Streets and Facilities to enter into an agreement.
Superintendent Gray stated that the highest bid received was the
only one that met specifications. Other bid packages were
incomplete.
Motion to Table Bid Award Item
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the Board table the Award for Bid and refer to
next month for further review.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Construction of sewer main near Ithaca High School is proceeding
on schedule. The City has received excellent cooperation from the
school. The project will soon move from North of Ithaca High
School to an area off of Cascadilla Street.
Water service projects-Collegetown Apartment complex pipe work
done. Flushing water mains for the Fire Dept. ceased water
services for a short time to the West End.
Discussions continue for the re-application for Bond Act Grants
with Cayuga Heights, Town of Ithaca, Special Joint Sub-Committee,
and a portion of Town of Dryden. Discussions with Syracuse
engineers have given the City and the other municipalities the
hope that the application process could possibly chart the
permanent future.
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Highways/Streets: Street Cleaning is complete, Elm Street sewer
installation is as well. The last step involves replacement of
lawns that were torn up during the construction. Paving will take
place at Alice Miller Way.
Board of Public Works
May 19,1998
Parks and Forestry: Tree planting program is complete and crews
are currently planting flowers on the Commons. The playground
structure at Stewart Park is complete.
Building Systems: Maintenance work being performed. The Commons
water systems are now functioning. Graffiti clean up was needed
as usual. The cross-walk striping program is beginning at the
school intersections. Traffic posts are being installed at Court
and Buffalo Sts. for the Beverly J. Martin School. The school
district has contacted the City with a complaint that the buses
can’t proceed through the intersection. Some parking in the area
may have to be removed.
Garages: Body shop is in full operation.
Special Meetings/Projects: The Great Race rally takes place on
June 12,1998. Senior Week discussions are taking place. Five year
capital project submissions and Program Analysis work are large
projects.
Commissioner Gutenberger suggested that the street cleaning take
place when the students are gone on break.
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
Cass Park Lighting Project and pool deck work have started. The
sidewalk program is underway. Studies for the Skateboard Park
should be complete.
The wastewater bond applications should be combined for all
municipalities but not without generous discussion. State funding
will ease the pressure and allow talks to continue.
Dept. of Public Works’ website is up and published. The 1997
State of the City Public Works Perspective Report is the
informational basis for the website.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Commons Design Review
Commissioner Ehrhardt opened discussion regarding concerns from
the Commons Design Review Committee of the Ithaca Downtown
Partnership. The committee recommended several actions that the
Board of Public Works should take action on or disperse to the
appropriate committee.
1. Pressure clean or hotwash the concrete on pavilions or
planters
2. Fix the drinking fountains
3. Limb up trees on Tioga and Seneca Streets
4. Fix and mount the banners properly
5. Increase litter pickups and planter maintenance
6. Replace downtown signage on State Route 13 and Route 96
project areas.
7. Increase the flexibility of the current Commons delivery
vehicle permit system
8. Increase hours of operation for the Cornell downtown shuttle
service
9. Allow pet presence
Mayor Cohen stated that the signage improvements at Rte. 13 and
Rte. 96 are under way.
Clerk Holcomb stated that there are unauthorized vehicles present
on the Commons. Enforcement of the current policy is problematic.
Benchwarmer side of the Commons doesn’t have the stability on the
concrete to support vehicles. She suggested that any structural
deficiencies on the Commons be in writing so that permits
Board of Public Works
May 19,1998
wouldn’t be issued for those areas. Mayor Cohen agreed that there
have been problems relating to the underground vaults.
Commissioner Ehrhardt requested GIS maps for the area. He stated
that access may be even more limited once sensitive areas are
discovered.
Superintendent Gray couldn’t guarantee the accuracy of the GIS
material. Commissioner Ehrhardt suggested that the Board walk the
two block area of the Commons with the maps and make
determinations.
Mayor Cohen mentioned that the TCAT Board should be involved with
the increased Cornell shuttle.
Commissioner Ehrhardt asked if the Commons Advisory Board should
address the pet issue.
Mayor Cohen stated that the drinking fountains are not routine
maintenance due to an underground piping problem.
The Design Review Committee have been discussing the following
proposals to altering the Commons:
1. remove the existing structures on the Commons and plant two
straight rows of trees as well as moving the pavilion into
bank alley.
2. rows of trees are offset
3. Thinning out of the elements on the Commons-removal of the
chess table, removal of fountain, removal of planter east of
the playground.
Other options for change are to open three large spaces, install
a small fountain in place of the large one, install human scale
lighting and remove the clock towers.
Rick Gray Memorial
Mayor Cohen reported on Common Council discussions relating to a
memorial to Rick Gray. Possible options are granting scholarships
to Cayuga Nature Center programs for local youth. Another would
be contributing to enhancements to Boardwalk/Promenade for Inlet
Island, possibly naming the walkway Rick’s Way.
Commissioner Gutenberger questioned whether the fish ladder
within the City limits. Mayor Cohen stated that it is not but he
is working with the DEC to determine how to proceed with this
action.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen
City Clerk Mayor