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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-08-11ri BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS %10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 11, 1998 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Leonardo, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Campbell Park City Attorney Geldenhuys and Acting Asst. City Attorney Patricia Dunn were present to address the board regarding the issue of Campbell Park. Campbell Park was apparently unofficially abandoned by the city several years ago. The park appears on the Crandall maps but not the 1965 tax assessment maps. The 1965 tax assessments indicate a small portion of land locked property owned by the city although there are no records of conveyance of the park property. This issue surfaced when an adjacent property owner discovered that their garage and driveway are located on city property which is the access to the land locked park. Ms. Geldenhuys told the board that they have the option of having the area surveyed and conveyed to the adjacent property owners or they land can be conveyed based on current surveys. She added that some land owners have been paying taxes on the property in question which allows them adverse possession. Discussion followed on the options available to the city. It was decided that the city should pay for the survey to have the land conveyed to the appropriate property owners. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 2. Request for Additional Funds for Garage Lighting Capital Project Lynne Yost, Asst. Civil Engineer was present to address the board. She explained that the Client Committee for this project has recognized two major problems which need addressing. The main concerns are safety and the perception of lack of safety within the garages. She noted that "No Trespassing" signs have been installed which allow the Police Department to take action on suspicious people in the garages. In addition, the department is addressing the graffiti problem in the garages. The committee has identified five items which can assist in improving security within the garages. They feel that improved lighting to meet minimum standards is required. In addition, emergency phones in the elevator, promote use of existing intercoms, address blind corners in the stairways and create a more inviting atmosphere are areas for improvement. She noted that the possibility of a closed caption tv system was also considered. Members of the Client Committee spoke about their concerns. The consensus was that lighting is very important and that with a greater sense of security, more people will visit the downtown area. Doug Pessefall from the Ithaca Downtown Partnership noted that the businesses affected are not just merchants but professionals and service providers. He noted that 80% of the responses from the city's survey of downtown parkers, felt that lighting, comfort and maintenance should be high priority. Board of Public Works r Committee of the Whole August 11, 1998 Discussion followed concerning lighting within the garage and costs associated with upgrades to the lighting. Comm. Vargas told the board that he is concerned that IDP brings many issues to the board asking for improvements from the city. He stated that he does not disagree with their findings but he is not convinced that the city is the real problem with downtown. He added that the department's budgets are continually being cut making it hard to grant the requests. He noted that he is not convinced that improved lighting will improve the economic situation in downtown. Comm. Ehrhardt agreed with his comments on the budget, he noted that what the IDP is trying to do is fabulous. He suggested that the project be introduced in phases. He then noted that he would also like to see the IDP make efforts to bring customers downtown by extending business hours and having merchandise that is not as specialized as it currently is. Mr. Pessefall noted that the IDP does not have control over the business hours and that it is financially difficult for some owners to extend their hours. This has been an issue the IDP has discussed at recent meetings. John Yengo, representing Jason Fane, told the board that they were in front of the board to remind them of their responsibility to maintain the facility and that the business of the private business owners is not the board's business. The consensus was to proceed with improvements to the lighting of the garages in a phased manner. A resolution will be brought to the board for their vote at the next meeting. 3. Outdoor Dining Permits Supt. Gray noted that a permit from the city to the IDP has not been issued. He told the board that he did not think he had the paper work for all the participating businesses. He added that the board gave up the revenue although it is being wider used and there haven't been any major complaints. He noted that the board may want to consider restricting the size of the tables being used. Mr. Pessefall indicated that he would forward all the paperwork that he has available for the outdoor dining participants. 4. 1998 Employment Contract for Golf Course Manager. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained to the board that Steve Torrant, Golf Course Manager, is the only DPW employee to not have a raise in 1998. He suggested that the board extend his contract for another year and give him a 2.5% pay raise, which is consistent with the labor contracts settled this year. The board will vote on a resolution at their next regular meeting. 5. Award of Bid for 1999 Heavy Duty Cab & Chassis Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained to the board that the recommendation for award of bid is not to the apparent low bidder. He noted that the low bidders did not meet specifications and that Stadium International met the specifications with their bid. Page - 2 �I Board of Public Works Ir► Committee of the Whole August 11, 1998 ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS A. Award of Bid for 1999 Heavy Duty Cab & Chassis. By Commissioner Albert Smith, seconded by Commissioner Leonardo Vargas WHEREAS, bids were received on May 12, 1998 for a 1999 Heavy Duty Cab & 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 of Public Works hereby awards the bid for a 1999 heavy duty cab & chassis to Stadium International Trucks, 105 7' Street, P.O. Box 2848, Syracuse, NY 13220 for their low bid of $50,344, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorize the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities to enter into an agreement. Carried Unanimously (5 -0) 6. Miscellaneous Updates Supt. Gray explained to the board that with the current South West Park project underway, the department will be losing storage space. An offer was received for a parcel of land in the Town of Ithaca near Newfield. The owner is willing to donate the land to the city. Supt. Gray informed the board that Creig Hebdon, Assistant Civil Engineer, has handed in his resignation. He noted that he will be approaching the board with proposals as to how to fill this position whether through promotions or outside hires. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3