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