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.
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�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
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