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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