HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-10-13CW BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 13, 1998
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Smith, Vargas, Mayor
Cohen, and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
There were no deletions from the agenda.
Additions: Request for Use of Agway Building
Signage for Truck Routes
Request for Tree Planting on the Commons
1. Request for use of Agway Building.
Nels Bohn of the Planning Department was present to address the board. He
explained that Marina Realty of Ithaca, Inc. (MRI) would like to lease the Agway
property from the city through May 1, 1999 for storage of boats. Asst. Supt. Ferrel
noted that the property was formerly leased by RIBS and that the State deemed their
use illegal. He explained that the property is park land and that it needs to be used as
such. Mr. Bohn noted that the State Parks Department is now more flexible but that he
would check with them on the request. The consensus of the board was to approve the
request contingent upon approval by the Attorney's Office and the State Parks
Department.
2. Award of Bid for Pump Station Upgrades.
This item was previously tabled by the board at their meeting on September 15, 1998.
Moved by Mayor Cohen to remove it from the table, seconded by Commissioner Smith.
Moved by Commissioner Leonardo, seconded by Commissioner Smith.
WHEREAS, bids were opened on September 15, 1998 for the Pumping Station
Upgrades, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids along with O'Brien and Gere, consulting
engineer, and have made a recommendation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the Pump Station
Upgrades general contract to Henderson Brothers Contracting, Inc., 47 Gildner Road,
P.O. Box 788, Central Square, NY 13036 for their low bid of $176,701.00, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the board hereby awards the Pump Station Upgrades electrical
contract to O'Connell Electric, Co., 830 Phillips Road, Victor, NY 14564 for their low bid
of $97,687.00, and be it further
r Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
October 13, 1998
RESOLVED, That these funds are approved for expenditure within Capital Project
#506 and that the board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer
to enter into agreement with both Henderson Brothers Contracting, Inc and O'Connell
Electric, Co.
Discussion followed concerning the costs of the estimates.
Carried Unanimously (5 -0)
3. Encroachment at 127 Giles Street.
The board was presented with a survey map which indicates an encroachment at the
property on 127 Giles Street. A proposed agreement was not presented and therefore,
details of the encroachment is not known at this time. The board agreed that a
resolution could be passed indicating that the board approves of the encroachment if
the usual terms and conditions are present in the agreement.
4. Discussion of Parking Sticker Program for Dryden Road Garage
Comm. Gutenberger explained that the merchants in Collegetown would like to
participate in a sticker program as the downtown merchants do. She told the board that
the Traffic Sub - Committee has discussed the request and feels that the downtown
merchants pay 5 /8ths the amount of hourly parking for each sticker and that the
Collegetown merchants should also pay 5 /8ths the cost of their parking. She then
noted that she received a letter from the merchants just prior to the meeting and that
they are also requesting free parking during the holidays, reduced rates in the summer
and more lighting and striping in the garage. In addition, the letter states that they want
to pay 25 cents which is the cost to the downtown merchants. Discussion followed
concerning the fairness of the cost to the merchants. Alderperson Marcham told the
board that she felt the request should be honored since that was the price they were
willing to pay. She added that she did not see where the reduced amount would effect
revenue. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the cost is proportional to the demand for use of
the lot. Discussion included the other requests from the merchants. It was agreed that
free parking during the holidays could be done on a trial basis and that reduced
summer rates could be looked at. The board also noted that staff should include
maintenance, including repairs to the lighting and re- striping be done in 1999. The
board agreed that a resolution would be presented at the next regular meeting.
5. Request for Change in Parking_
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, received two requests
for change in parking on Eddy Street. Mr. Cole has denied the requests and Comm.
Ehrhardt feels that a resolution backing the decision is needed. Resolutions will be
presented at the next regular meeting.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
October 13, 1998
6. Capital Project for Elmira Road /Albany Street & South of the Creek Traffic
Calming.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained to the board that the proposed project for the intersection
was not included as a Capital Project but that he'd like to push it to get funding for it.
He reviewed the changes including dead ending Park Street with a mountable curb,
installing a four way stop and improving the safety of the Spencer Road "entrance" to
the intersection. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that IFD will probably object to the mountable
curbs since they are tough on equipment. Mayor Cohen noted that he supports the
changes because it has many benefits such as diverting cars to Route 13 instead of
through the neighborhood. The discussion then turned to the possibility of installation
of the Plain Street Bridge. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he did not want to see the
installation of the bridge and that a better use of it could be made. This discussion will
continue with members of the board, IFD and IPD at a later date.
7. Signage for Truck Routes.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that this project is moving forward and that Dan Cole,
Traffic Systems Engineer, will be directed to install the Truck Route signage on city
streets where the State DOT does not need to give permission. Asst. Supt. Ferrel
noted that the signs are on order. He noted that the department is requesting a couple
of routes be excluded from the project since they are direct routes for the department.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the department could argue that those routes are local
delivery since they would be en route to Streets and Facilities.
8. Request for Tree Planting on the Commons.
Comm. Ehrhardt reviewed a letter requesting that the board approve of a tree to be
planted memory of a young girl. The mother, who would like to remain unidentified,
explained that her daughter had been involved with drugs and had completed the
twelve step program to recovery. Her daughter was then involved in a tragic vehicle
accident which took her life. The mother would like permission to plant a tree on the
commons as a reminder of her daughter's life. She hopes that it will offer other youths
in trouble a sign as an alternative way of life. The board was concerned that by
allowing the planting on the commons, it would set a precedent. The board agreed that
this is a difficult decision but that maybe the memorial would be better suited in Stewart
Park or a neighborhood park. The consensus was to refer this item to the properties
sub - committee for their review and recommendation.
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Board of Public Works
r Committee of the Whole
October 13, 1998
9. Schedule of Bike Plan Discussion
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he would like to begin the process of reviewing and
implementing bike routes. He explained that he would like to involve the stakeholders,
such as BPAC, IFD, IPD and the neighborhoods. Discussion followed on a time table
for meetings. It was decided that the board would hold three special meetings
(November 5`h at 4:30 - 6:30, November 19th at 5:00 -7:00, and December 1' at 4:30-
7:00).
The meeting adjourned at 6 :05 p.m.
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Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary