HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-06-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 16, 1999
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Jenkins, Gutenberger, Korherr, Leonardo,
Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant
Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
Additions: BJM Delineator Poles
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1. Policy on Usage of Park Pavilions.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained to the board that the Youth Bureau is responsible for
scheduling of the park pavilions. Last year they waived the fees for approximately 14
groups without permission from the board. Supt. Gray told the board that he has
discussed this with Sam Cohen, Director of the Youth Bureau. Mr. Cohen indicated to
him that they waive the fee for the school district in exchange for use of their facilities
for youth programs. Supt. Gray further explained that since the recreation programs
involve other municipalities, it is not a cooperative expense but rather a city expense.
Mayor Cohen informed the board that this is an issue that he was been actively looking
into and that it is unknown when this practice started. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that
this item be postponed until the Mayor is able to return with more information from his
research on the issue. Discussion followed as to why the Youth Bureau, and not DPW,
handles scheduling. It was explained that when DPW handled it, conflicts evolved due
to youth programs being scheduled at times that the public made reservations, so the
responsibility was handed over. This item will return as a future agenda item.
2. DPW Street Repairs.
Alderperson Marcham was present to address the board. She stated that there are
several street repairs scheduled but noted that Buffalo Street seems to be in much
more need of repair. Discussion followed concerning the schedule and when Buffalo
Street will be started. It was noted that work should be underway at the beginning of
August.
3. Items with Power to Act.
Award of Bid for Compact Sweeper.
By Mayor Cohen, Seconded by Comm. Vargas
WHEREAS, bids were received on May 25, 1999 for a 1999 Compact Sweeper to be
used on the Commons, and
WHEREAS, staff is recommending that the bid be awarded to Roberts Equipment, for
their bid, and
A
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
June 16, 1999
WHEREAS, the low bid received did not meet advertised specifications; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of Compact
Sweeper to Robert Equipment of 3250 Route 20 East, Cazenovia, NY 13035 for their
bid of $21,222.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and
Facilities to enter into an agreement with Roberts Equipment.
Discussion followed concerning the specifications of the machine. Asst. Supt. Ferrel
noted that the low bidder did not meet specs and the second bidder was close to
meeting the specs. Mayor Cohen stated that he did not feel comfortable purchasing a
piece of equipment that does not fully meet specifications and therefore would like to
withdraw his motion on the resolution.
Motion to rescind the resolution.
By: Mayor Cohen, Seconded by Comm. Vargas
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution:
By Mayor Cohen, Seconded by Comm. Vargas
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of Compact
Sweeper to Applied Sweepers, Inc., 105 Henderson Drive, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 for
bid of $22,746.81 which meets specifications, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and
Facilities to enter into an agreement with Applied Sweepers, Inc.
Carried Unanimously
Page - 2
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
June 16, 1999
TCAT Personnel Roster - Transit Service Supervisor.
By Mayor Cohen, seconded by Comm. Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the personnel roster for TCAT has been modified to delete one Bus Driver
Position and add a Transit Service Supervisor Position, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of Joann Bailey to fill
the position of Transit Service Supervisor at Salary Grade 2 (starting salary of $30,881)
in the Executive Association for the starting salary with a provisional appointment
contingent upon passing the required Civil Service Exam.
Supt. Gray noted that this position is a new position which is parallel to a Cornell
position. Mayor Cohen noted that it also requires approval of Common Council.
Carried Unanimously
TCAT Personnel Roster - Manager of Operations and Maintenance.
WHEREAS, the personnel roster for TCAT has been modified to delete one Transit
Systems Manager Position and add a Manager of Operations and Maintenance
Position; now, therefore be it
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the position within the City's and Cornell's organizations
to rank the position and to recommend a salary for the candidate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves Nancy Oltz to fill the position of
Manager of Operations and Maintenance and recommends to the TCAT Personnel
Committee and the City's Budget and Administration Committee that the position be
assigned to the Managerial Compensation Plan in the salary range of $42,334 to
$62,664 and that a salary for Nancy Oltz be set at $54,000 annually, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board recommends to both committees that this salary be paid
retroactively to January 1, 1999 in recognition of major changes made to this position in
the fall of 1998 which have just recently been formally reviewed and adopted.
Discussion followed concerning the salary range established by Human Resources.
Carried Unanimously
Page - 3
r" Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
June 16, 1999
TCAT Budget Item.
By Mayor Cohen, seconded by Comm. Jenkins
WHEREAS, a recent grievance decision results in an increased cost of labor for City
staff at TCAT, and
WHEREAS, the TCAT general manager has estimated the range of cost impact to be
between $16,000 and $32,000 annually, and
WHEREAS, this increased cost required and adjustment to the 1999 budget; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends to the TCAT Board of
Director's budget subcommittee and the city's Budget and Administration Committee
that an allowance of $25,000 be adopted for the expenses associated with this decision
that the necessary budget changes be made to cover this allowance.
Discussion followed on the grievance which had been filed. Mayor Cohen stated that
he'd rather see the hiring of additional drivers with the existing budget rather than more
CW money put into overtime. He added that this resolution will be forwarded to B &A and
Common Council.
A vote resulted as follows:
Carried (5 -1)
Ayes: Comms. Jenkins, Gutenberger, Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas
Nays: Comm. Ehrhardt
Abstention: Mayor Cohen
Thank you to Richard T. Brennan
WHEREAS, Richard T. Brennan served the Office of the City Engineer as an
Engineering Technician and Bridge Systems Engineer from November, 1997 through
June, 1999, and
WHEREAS, Rick brought to this office his knowledge of engineering and construction,
his experience in government funding and function, and his personal energy, wit and
intelligence, and
Page - 4
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
June 16, 1999
WHEREAS, Rick's skills and enthusiasm have assisted or culminated in State and
Federal funding for several major bridge projects (Linn Street, Giles Street, Stewart
Avenue at Cascadilla Creek, and North Cayuga Street at Fall Creek), design of two
innovative pedestrian bridge projects (Adams Street and Route 13) and various bridge
maintenance and repair efforts, and
WHEREAS, Rick's professionalism will be difficult to duplicate and his friendship will be
impossible to replace; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works and engineering staff hereby express
their gratitude to Rick Brennan for his efforts on behalf of the City of Ithaca.
Carried Unanimously
4. Request for Additional Parking Lot Lighting at Hangar Theatre.
Jamie Grady and Tom Niederkorn were both present to represent the Hangar Theatre.
They explained to the board that additional lighting is needed for security reasons.
They added that NYSEG's estimate was for three lights but that only two are required.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he is concerned about setting a precedent of
installing lighting on city property. Supt. Gray explained that the work would be done
by NYSEG and that the city could negotiate the annual fee. Alderperson Hershey
suggested that the Theatre make an in kind contribution to underprivileged children. It
was agreed that the board would approve the installation of two lights and that Mayor
Cohen would work with the Theatre to establish a program for underprivileged children.
This item will be reported on at a future meeting.
5. Discussion of Possible Two -Way on Aurora and Cayuga Streets.
Comm. Ehrhardt reminded the board that the Task Force on Traffic Issues
recommended making Aurora and Cayuga into two -way streets. He noted that the
Traffic Systems Engineer had previously completed a report discouraging the change
over. The report indicated a greater hazard for pedestrians, problems with turning
radius, and traffic congestion. Supt. Gray noted that there is a high volume of traffic on
these two streets and changing them to two -way will decrease movement and force
vehicles on other routes. Discussion followed on double parking and the possibility of
removal of parking meters. Mayor Cohen noted that the board was beginning to
discuss the pros and cons of the issue and suggested that a study be done at which
point the board would discuss the details. It was agreed that a resolution will be
presented at the next regular meeting directing staff to research a two -way traffic
pattern.
Page - 5
Board of Public Works
�+► Committee of the Whole
June 16, 1999
6. Miscellaneous Items.
Comm. Gutenberger told the board that she thought a resolution was to be presented
concerning Cleveland Avenue. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that a special meeting be
called prior to the next COW to pass a resolution on the design.
Comm. Gutenberger informed the board that she heard that the 400 block of College
Avenue was to be closed for the demolition of 405 -407 College Avenue. Asst. Supt.
Ferrel stated that the work should only take one weekend to complete.
Comm. Leonardo questioned when the crosswalks in Collegetown will be replaced.
Discussion followed on the material and process of the work.
Comm. Jenkins mentioned that she was told that the Juneteenth banner will not be
hung on the Green Street Ramp. Supt. Gray explained that the appropriate hardware
is not in place to handle routine requests for hanging banners but it is being looked
into.
The board discussed the status of the Adams Street Bridge. Alderperson Hershey told
the board that he is concerned about the number of young students having to take
alternate routes which are not safe. It was noted that the Adams Street bridge would be
out for about a year unless a temporary wooden deck for about $3500 is put in place.
The board agreed that a temporary deck should be in place to avoid any pedestrian
hazards.
7. Staff Report.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that he is willing to pay for half of the Adams Street
bridge deck since he will have to detour traffic near there to complete a water job.
His staff has been working on the Program Analysis report to be given on Monday the
21St. He invited the board to attend the tour of the Wastewater Plant.
He noted that an outline is being developed for improvements with alternatives for the
Wastewater Plant. They are working toward developing an outline to define the
regional wastewater improvements and how they relate to each other and looking at
alternatives of combining the three plants. This should be completed by the second
week of July. This will lead to applications for bond funding.
Work is continuing on the 24 inch sewer on Falls Street and water mains on York St.
The crews are testing and Disinfecting mains around the High School.
Lake Source Cooling Project is continuing. Most of the major mains are in. They
experienced complications with the rock.
Regional Water Study is almost completed, engineering changes have been
incorporated. Final report will form the basis of the engineering report for the
application of funds.
Page - 6
Board of Public Works
1 Committee of the Whole
June 16, 1999
Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported that a press release was issued concerning milling on city
streets on Thursday and Friday. He has since been made aware that the contractor will
not be available on Thursday.
Reconstruction on the 300 block of West State Street has begun.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
Page - 7