HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-11-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. November 17, 1998
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (6) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Smith, Vargas,
Gutenberger, Jenkins
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk - 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Alternate Resolution-Board of Public Works Endorsement of NYS
Wastewater Bond Act Improvement
MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Cohen stated that he has spoken with the City Clerk
regarding Board of Public Works members’ access to resident
properties. He distributed badges to Commissioners for proof of
their commitment.
Open Public Hearing: Collegetown Benefit Assessment
By Commissioner Leonardo : Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works open the public hearing
portion of the meeting to allow the public to speak on the topic
of the Collegetown Benefit Assessment.
Carried Unanimously
No member of the public appeared to address the Board.
Close the Public Hearing: Collegetown Benefit Assessment
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works close the public hearing
on the Collegetown Benefit Assessment.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Holcomb announced that the Mayor has appointed Robin
Korherr as the new Deputy City Clerk who will begin work on
December 1,1999. Preparation of minutes will be a top priority.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Marcham reported on the following Common Council
actions:
Water and sewer issues are being considered thoroughly by Common
Council. The Board of Public Works members are welcome to join
Common Council at briefings on the status of discussions with
Bolton Point and Cornell University.
Superintendent Gray spoke regarding the Board’s role in the
process. Mayor Cohen stated that the charter clarifies the Board
of Public Works involvement in providing water delivery systems.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the Board of Public Works
members should review the charter and suggest an amendment if in
fact the Board is not included in water delivery discussions.
Board of Public Works – November 17,1998 - Page 2
REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS:
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID
WASTE ITEMS:
Collegetown Benefit Assessment
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the Collegetown
Special Benefit Assessment District charges for 1999 as prepared
by the City Controller’s Office, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be requested to make the
billing at the appropriate time.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Water Bill Reduction for 111 Morris Avenue
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
Michael Darpino, owner of 111 Morris Avenue received a water and
sewer bill in the amount of $1,129.89 including late fees
covering two quarters for February through July, 1997. Mr.
Darpino states that he did not receive the bills in a timely
manner since there was a meter malfunction. He also believes
that the bill is out of line with a one family house with one
bathroom. Mr. Darpino is requesting that the bill be reviewed
and reduced to reflect the use of a one family home and the fact
that he was unable to correct the situation at the end of the
first three months because he did not get a bill to make him
aware of the problem at his rental property. Staff has reviewed
the bill and water usage and it appears that a leaky toilet is
the cause for the large water usage.
WHEREAS, The Board of Public Works has reviewed Michael Darpino’s
request to reduce the water bill for his property at 111 Morris
Avenue, and
WHEREAS, Staff has indicated to the board that the amount of
water billed is the amount of water used and that all normal
notification steps were taken; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies Mr.
Darpino’s request to reduce the water and sewer bill since it is
clear that there was a large consumption of water and sewer
services, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board agrees to expunge any late fees accrued
on the bill, while request staff to review the billing system to
see if informational bills can be generated economically when
meters are not read and the real bill cannot be sent.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the history of the
case.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the following language be added to the existing
resolved clauses:
“RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to adjust
Mr. Darpino’s water and sewer bill to expunge all late fees and
reduce the sewer charges by an amount not to exceed $250 by
calculating a 50% reduction of the highest sewer charge prior to
the bill in question.”
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the following language be added to the existing
resolved clauses:
Board of Public Works – November 17,1998 - Page 3
“RESOLVED, that staff be directed to send informational bills in
the event that meters cannot be manually read and a bill is not
generated.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request for Tree Planting on the Commons
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Smith
The Board of Public Works recently received a request to plant a
tree on the Commons in memory of a young woman. A tree has been
donated for the memorial. It was explained that the young woman
was in recovery from substance abuse when her life was ended in
an automobile accident. The mother of the young woman is asking
that the tree be planted on the Commons as a reminder to other
young people in similar situations of her daughter’s struggle.
The Commons was the meeting place for her daughter and friends
and many like them.
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request to
plant a tree on the Commons in memory of a young woman, and
WHEREAS, the Board is concerned that the Commons is being
considered for major changes which could include removal of large
sections of plantings, and
WHEREAS, the Board does not feel that the central commercial are
is well suited to the establishment of new memorial areass; now
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request for a
memorial tree planting on the Commons but suggests that an
alternate place would be considered, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board encourages staff to work with the
woman’s mother to recommend an appropriate place for the
memorial.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Trash Bill Expungement at 523 East State Street
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
Hwa Suk Choong, owner of 523 East State Street has requested that
a trash violation received December 4, 1997 be expunged. Ms.
Choong states that her tenant was not in town and that she has a
person responsible for trash removal at her apartment building.
Staff provided the board with an item found in the trash which
was clearly mailed to a resident at 523 East State Street.
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received a request from Hwa
Suk Choong to expunge the recycling bill for her property at 523
East State Street; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the
request to expunge the trash bill since ample proof was provided
that the recycling did belong to 523 East State Street and was
set out on the wrong week.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Neighborhood Garbage Cans
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the residents on South Aurora and Hudson Streets are
requesting that the city provide trash barrels to assist with the
litter that is thrown about each weekend, and
WHEREAS, the residents are currently dealing with the problem and
absorbing the cost of trash removal; now, therefore, be it
Board of Public Works – November 17,1998 - Page 4
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recognizes that there is
a trash problem and would like to extend the “sponsored trash
can” program to the lower South Hill neighborhood, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board is willing to support sponsored cans if
the sponsor agrees to supply and monitor the use of the can, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board encourages the neighborhood to seek
support from Ithaca College to develop the neighborhood program
and in keeping the neighborhood cleaner.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the following language replace the second existing
resolved clause:
“RESOLVED, that the Board directs Department of Public Works to
pickup the trash from the sponsored cans if the sponsor agrees to
supply and monitor the use of the can and attach the necessary
trash tags.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request for Changes to Property at Johnson Boat Yard
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Smith
WHEREAS, Tom Cleveland, owner of Johnson Boat Yard, has requested
that the board consider approving an arrangement discussed
between him and Assistant Superintendent Larry Fabbroni several
years ago, and
WHEREAS, that arrangement was to move the gate on the service
road to the west enabling access to a proposed parking lot on the
north side of Johnson Boat Yard as well as exchange easements and
swap some land between the two adjacent properties to reflect how
the lands are actually used, and
WHEREAS, this arrangement was never carried out and Mr. Cleveland
is now asking that the board agree to and carry out the request;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works is willing to consider
the request to move the gate on the service road, adjacent to
Newman Golf Course, 150 feet west to accommodate Johnson Boat
Yard after staff obtains input from the golf pro on any impacts
to the golf course and from the City Attorney on the issue of
park land.
A discussion on the floor led to the need for maps of the area
for further discussion.
Motion To Table
By Commissioner Smith :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the item be tabled.
Carried Unanimously
Power To Act
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, Tom Cleveland, owner of Johnson Boat Yard, has requested
that the board consider approving an arrangement discussed
between him and Assistant Superintendent Larry Fabbroni several
years ago, and
WHEREAS, that arrangement was to move the gate on the service
road to the west enabling access to a proposed parking lot on the
north side of Johnson Boat Yard as well as exchange easements and
Board of Public Works – November 17,1998 - Page 5
swap some land between the two adjacent properties to reflect how
the lands are actually used, and
WHEREAS, this arrangement was never carried out and Mr. Cleveland
is now asking that the board agree to and carry out the request;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act at the December 16,1998 Committee of The Whole
Meeting, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests that Department of Public Works
staff obtain input from the Golf Pro on the potential impacts on
Newman Golf Course and the City Attorney provide the Board with
legal advice on the disposition of the land.
Carried Unanimously
BPW Endorsement of NYS 1996 Bond Act Award
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is charged with control and
improvement of the present sewer system, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has conducted
infiltration inflow studies, televised and recorded by VCR the
worst 20% of the sewer system and used that information to set
priorities for the wastewater plant, as well as interceptor and
collector sewer rehabilitation needs, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has accomplished over $2
million dollars of interceptor and wastewater plant improvements
since 1995, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and Common Council authorized
the Department of Public Works to participate in a regional
application for 1996 NYS Bond Act monies that would reimburse the
city for 85% of construction costs of all interceptor and
wastewater plant improvements since November 1996, fund 85% of
construction costs of wastewater plant improvements which will
reduce the phosphorus discharged to the lake by two thirds (2/3)
of the that presently discharged and fund 85% of construction
costs for other needed major sewer rehabilitation, and
WHEREAS, the City portion of the $19.5 million in regional
improvements is $10,500,000, of which the requested Bond Act
funding was $11.4 million and $6.6 million respectively, and
WHEREAS, on September 25, 1998, the Governor announced award of
the first two years of the three year regional program in the
amount of $7.4 million, of which $3.5 million was targeted for
city sewer and wastewater improvements, and
WHEREAS, NYSDEC has indicated this regional project was rated the
highest in the region and statewide was favored by the state
hierarchy who gave every indication that the balance of the
application request would be met in year three, and
WHEREAS, NYSDEC has requested that this project proceed in an
organized way to quickly and effectively utilize the funds for
the purposes intended, and
WHEREAS, the funding is essential to underwrite the city’s
ability to meet anticipated phosphorus removal mandates as well
as $5 million of documented sewer rehabilitation needs which will
relieve sewer overflows into streets, water bodies, or backups
into private residences, and
WHEREAS, the environmental improvements funded by the grant
awards address serious existing problems with permanent cost
effective solutions; now, therefore, be it
Board of Public Works – November 17,1998 - Page 6
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends to Common
Council the establishment of capital projects in the amount of
$3.5 million for wastewater plant improvements and $5 million for
sewer rehabilitation improvements, which when combined with the
city current capital projects makes the balance of the $10.5
million in proposed city projects, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works endorses the regional
approach to sewer treatment and recommends that the Mayor jointly
create a guidance committee with the six municipalities to
establish interim and permanent agreements to address cost
sharing and treatment capacity allocation while the committee
provides guidance and review of engineering studies and grant
administration through one body as requested by NYSDEC.
Carried Unanimously
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the long term regional
planning issues which are involved with these projects as well as
the environmental benefits. The Board agreed that a Special
Meeting of the Board of Public Works be held to educate the Board
on the environmental effects of these projects.
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Request for Downtown Holiday Parking
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Smith
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Downtown Partnership has requested that the
Board of Public Works authorize 2 hour free parking in the
downtown parking facilities for the holiday season; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the
request and authorizes that the first two hours of parking in the
downtown parking facilities be free starting November 26, 1998
through January 10, 1998, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board urges the IDP to promote the free
parking to bring more people downtown while encouraging the
merchants to develop uniform retail hours during the season.
Carried Unanimously
Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni suggested that a presentation to
educate the Board on the Bond Act Award issues take place at the
December 16, 1998 Council of the Whole meeting.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
DEC Bond Act meetings
DOT bridge work meetings
DOT Route 96 Arterial Agreement meeting
Lake Source Cooling Project
IFD review of bridges and restrictions
Route 13 pedestrian bridge and the Black Diamond Trail
DOT Transportation Improvement Program
Cass Park , City Hall renovation, GIAC repairs, IPD fire alarms
Adams Street pedestrian bridge
Commons drainage and water repairs
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Salt bays are full and ready for the winter season
Night crews starting leaf pickup
Paving projects in Fall Creek are complete
Repairs to utility bridges
Fuel system upgrade is complete
Re-inventory of city-owned sidewalks
Board of Public Works – November 17,1998 - Page 7
Possible purchase of snowblowing equipment
Over 100 trees have been planted with Community Development funds
and NYSEG’s assistance
Christmas light installation
Adopt A Highway request for I.H.S. “Clean Machine” group
Trash disposal bid preparation
Landstrom property discussions to replace Southwest Park dumpsite
Skateboard Park construction discussions
Termination and disciplinary action at Streets and Facilties
Leaf removal procedure, Yard Waste Program
West Hill sidewalk snow issues must be addressed
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Sewer construction nearly complete
Gun Shop Hill complete
Working with Cornell on Lake Source Cooling Project
Service work complete
Filming of sewer system using the TV camera equipment
Automation of water records
GPS equipment purchases forthcoming
GIS mapping
Silt Dam material removal
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Commissioner Ehrhardt volunteered to serve as the Board liason to
the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm
_____________________ _______________________
Robin Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor