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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-07-14BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. July 14, 1999 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (4) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk – Korherr Deputy City Controller - Thayer Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni EXCUSED: Commissioners Gutenberger and Vargas PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the June 9, 1999 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 9, 1999 Board of Public Works meeting be approved with Commissioner Leonardo’s name removed from the Ayes vote for both of the Geneva Street resolutions and add Commissioner Gutenberger. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Superintendent Gray asked that the following items be added to the agenda: 18B Withdraw Bid for Commons Sweeper-Possible Resolution 18C Request to Waive Pavillion Fee at Stewart Park Discussion regarding requests for usage of Dewitt Park No board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: David Nutter was present to discuss the painful nature of the Board’s handling of the bike plan. He recommended that a consultant assist the Board through the implementation process. Mr. Nutter volunteered to do the job. He stated that the Bicycle Plan is a well-developed plan incorporating many issues. In reviewing the tapes of public meetings he felt that Board member’s questions were never answered, and missing information made it difficult to make decisions. The removal of parking also impacted the Board’s ability to implement the plan. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Superintendent Gray responded that the NYS Dept. of Transportation has stated that the Bicycle Plan is not complete. The Planning Board needs to correct the missing items. Mayor Cohen stated that the NYS DOT concerns should be made known and dealt with. Board of Public Works – July 14, 1999 – Page 3 Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that Mr. Nutter volunteered to serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council and the vote failed. He confirmed that the Board is not actively changing or re-writing the plan. Some recommendations have been made by Board members for the public to review during the public hearing portion of the process. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that clarification is needed on Council’s intent when approving the Bicycle Plan. His interpretation is that the plan is a general strategy with the specifics worked out during implementation. Commissioner Ehrhardt questioned the Board of Public Works proceeding with the implementation process of an incomplete plan. Mayor Cohen stated that NYSDOT will not release funds for the project until their concerns are met. Commissioner Korherr expressed concern that public input is crucial. Mayor Cohen stated that Mr. Nutter’s request for involvement be taken into advisement. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Request for Water and Sewer Bill Expungement. By Commissioner Ehrhardt:Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins Ms. Nell Mondy, owner of 130 College Avenue received an excessive water and sewer bill in January, 1999. Ms. Mondy discovered that her rental property was in need of repair and proceeded to take corrective actions. The April water and sewer bill for the property again showed an excessive amount which resulted in more repairs. Ms. Mondy is asking that a portion of the second bill be expunged based on the fact that she took action on the first large bill and felt that all repairs were done satisfactorily. WHEREAS, Ms. Nell Mondy, owner of 130 College Avenue is requesting a portion of her first quarter water and sewer bill for 1999 be expunged since she took corrective actions prior to receiving the bill; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the circumstances of the high water bill and past policy set by the board, and be it further RESOLVED, That based on the board’s policy not to expunge excessive water and sewer bills, Ms. Mondy’s request for expungement of a portion of the bill is denied. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Korherr supported Commissioner Gutenberger’s suggestion that Ms. Mondy increase the fee charged to tenants for security deposits to cover liabilities such as this. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: Request for Power to Act at July 21, 1999 Meeting. By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself Power To Act at the July 21, 1999 for the purpose of awarding the bid on the annual sidewalk contract. Carried Unanimously Withdraw Bid for Commons Street Sweeper By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works withdraw the bid award to Applied Sweepers and prepare to write a new set of specifications for a new street sweeper bid. Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works – July 14, 1999 – Page 3 Mayor Cohen confirmed that the unit needs to be meticulously cleaned after each use. Given the multiple users that would be operating the equipment this would create a problem. Reguest to Waive Pavilion Fee at Stewart Park By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from City Clerk Julie Conley Holcomb to waive the pavilion fee at Stewart Park for the City of Ithaca Employee Recognition Picnic on Friday, September 17,1999; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of waiving the fee for the use of the large pavilion at Stewart Park on September 17,1999, and joins the City of Ithaca in thanking its employees for their dedication and commitment to quality public service. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Gray initiated a discussion relating to two requests for usage of Dewitt Park. He has received frequent similar requests. Ithaca Festival as well as Ithaca College are the only groups that have been allowed usage of the park. The Loaves and Fishes request has been granted in the past due to their involvement with the Ithaca Festival. He is looking for guidance in decision making. Mayor Cohen stated that one of the requests submitted (IACC) is a tenant of the Presbyterian Church and the request should be granted. Commissioner Ehrhardt described a possible process that would allow the Board of Public Works to approve usage once the church has. Multiple requests may entice the church to become involved in upgrading the current guidelines. Superintendent Gray confirmed the City’s ability to approve quiet and contemplative usage. Mayor Cohen stated that Superintendent Gray will administratively approve requests that he deems as appropriate usage and the Board of Public Works will review other usage requests and if approved will send to the church for their approval. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: Fall Street sewer main construction work was done cost effectively. The Lake Source Cooling efforts made the main at Lake and Lincoln Streets very difficult. Regional discussions as they relate to the capitol project needs are continuing. A three year improvement plan will need to take place soon since the improvements will be necessary at any time. The low interest loans are available on a limited time basis. Neighborhood notices to Linn Street residents will need to be sent out soon to let them know of the dust and dirt mess during the coming months. GIS maps are currently being computerized from their paper form. This will be helpful for many projects. York and Route 13 sewer work will begin next week. Personnel replacements have gone through the vacancy review process. Hopefully positions will be filled soon due to a staff shortage caused by other leaves of absence. Board of Public Works – July 14, 1999 – Page 3 Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that the benches on the Commons will be painted as soon as staff are able. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that John Beach has been appointed as the new Chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council. He wished to clarify whether the majority of the total membership or the members actually in attendance are able to pass a resolution. Mayor Cohen confirmed that total membership applies. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the Planning Board has been given the NYS DOT Bicycle Plan guidelines for review. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Commissioner Ehrhardt suggested that the Board of Public Works present the current Bike Plan to the public and let the community be the source of the message from government rather than the Board dissecting pieces of the existing plan. Mayor Cohen suggested that the Board ponder Commissioner Ehrhardt’s suggestion and discuss it at a later date. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor