HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2000-02-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. February 9, 2000
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (6) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Vargas-Mendez,
Gutenberger, 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
Common Council Liaison - Hershey
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 December 15, 1999 and the January
12, 2000 Board of Public Works Meeting
By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 15, 1999 and the
January 12, 2000 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Superintendent Gray requested the addition of the following items
to the agenda:
Temporary Docking at Stewart Park-Resolution
Water and Sewer Materials Bid-Resolution
No Board member objected.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
Deputy Clerk Korherr reported that the July 1998 through November
1998 minutes are complete and in the Mayor’s Office for his
approval. Once they are mailed all minutes will be up to date.
The Clerk’s Office has moved to the second floor due to the first
floor renovation project. Deputy Clerk Korherr wished to thank
Jim Kelly and his crews for their efforts assisting the staff
during the move.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
Deputy City Controller Thayer reported that 1999 year end
activity is in progress and the Collegetown Special Assessment
figures are being calculated. The year end figures will be made
available to the Board when they are available.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
-Water and Sewer discussions as well as Dept. of Transportation
meetings relating to bridge projects have consumed numerous staff
hours.
-Traffic signal costs may be excessive based on Dept. of
Transportation standards and recommendations
-Work is being performed in preparation for bid acceptance for
current construction projects
-Renovations and necessary relocation of City Hall offices will
improve electrical and communication systems throughout the
Board of Public Works – February 9, 2000 - Page 2
building. The high traffic flow to the Clerk’s and Chamberlain’s
Offices will be improved.
-Sidewalk projects are a work in progress.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID
WASTE ITEMS:
Revision to Collegetown Special Assessments for 2000.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the 2000 Collegetown Special Assessment District charges
adopted by the Board of Public Works on December 12, 1999
contained errors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the December 12, 1999 resolution passed by the
Board of Public Works is hereby rescinded, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the revised
Collegetown Special Assessment for 2000 dated January 28, 2000
(attached), and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be requested to make the
billing at the appropriate time, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff distribute a copy of the 2000 detailed
assessment schedule for the effected parties for their review.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Expungement of Trash Violation.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
WHEREAS, Paulyne Wasilchak, owner of 110 South Plain Street,
received a trash violation for placement of recycling material on
the wrong week, and
WHEREAS, Ms Wasilchak states that her tenant made a mistake, that
they are conscientious when it comes to recycling and they should
not be charged for their initial error; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the
request for expungement of the trash violation for 110 South
Plain Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board denies the request because they feel
that they cannot pass the expense on to the taxpayers.
Carried Unanimously
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Request for Waiver of Stewart Park Pavilion Fee.
By Commissioner Korherr :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Center for Environmental Sustainability is
requesting that the Stewart Park pavilion fee be waived for the
Earth Day event on April 22, 2000, and
WHEREAS, staff does not open the pavilion or turn on the water
that early in the season; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the
request for waiver of the pavilion use fee based on its policy to
not approve such requests, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board suggests that the Center for
Environmental Sustainability obtain port-a-johns for the event
due to water not being available and work with the Youth Bureau
to obtain the program space they need.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Vargas arrived at 4:50 pm
Request to Install Temporary Docking Facilities in Stewart Park.
By Commissioner Korherr :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
Board of Public Works – February 9, 2000 - Page 3
WEHREAS, Tom Trenchard is requesting permission to install
seasonal docking facilities in Stewart Park near the large
pavilion, and
WHEREAS, he is proposing to rent out non-motorized boats to the
public from these facilities, as well as operating a motorized
“snack boat” and separate ferry boat service on the lake, which
will use these facilities as one of their stops, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau is very interested in this proposal
because it will assist their summer camp programs for sailing and
canoeing, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission has approved the concept and is
willing to work with Mr. Trenchard to make this a successful
operation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves in
concept of Mr. Trenchard installing temporary docking facilities
in Stewart Park and operating concessions for rental of small
craft, a snack boat and a ferry boat, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests staff and the Parks Commission
work with Mr. Trenchard on finalizing details of the dock
installation and small craft storage and return to the board for
final review, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City staff and City Attorney’s Office work
with Mr. Trenchard to draft a five year revocable agreement with
a clause allowing either party to terminate the agreement with 30
day notice, and which lays out financial terms, insurance
requirements and other standard terms necessary for the
concessions agreement.
Ayes: (5) Korherr, Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Cohen
Nays: (0)
Abstentions: Vargas-Mendez
Mayor Cohen stated that this is a conceptual approval.
Restrictions on parkland usage City wide need to be evaluated
with the assistance of the Attorney’s Office for future
reference. The details and findings will be brought back to the
Board.
Award of Bid for Ductile Pipe
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas-Mendez
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca received bids on February 7,2000 to
furnish and deliver 16” and 20” ductile iron pipe, butterfly
valves, fittings, and accessories, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids, including noted exceptions
or deviations from the minimum bid specifications, and recommends
that the bid be awarded to the low total base bidder, now
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the
contract for bid on ductile iron pipe to Martisco Corp., 107
Terminal Road East, Liverpool, New York 13088 for their total bid
of $241,021.75 and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this be paid out of Water funds that follow:
Capital Project 506 $ 235,496.75
Capital Project 606 5,625.00
Total $ 241,021.75
And, be it further
Board of Public Works – February 9, 2000 - Page 4
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works be
authorized to award the bid.
Carried Unanimously
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni stated that the lowest bid on
the list of bidders does not meet the specifications required for
the project.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
Rescheduling of Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments.
By Commissioner Jenkins :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works scheduled a public hearing for
the 1999 sidewalk assessments, and
WHEREAS, staff has requested that the meeting be postponed until
the March meeting; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby schedules a
public hearing on March 8, 2000 for the 1999 sidewalk
assessments.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Gutenberger initiated a discussion relating to
sidewalks and the need for them to be installed at certain areas.
She also noted that on February 28, 2000 the TCAT bus routes will
be changed and notification should take place to residents and
businesses in the Southwest section of town.
Alderperson Hershey stated that he and Commissioner Ehrhardt have
drafted the press release for the notification. The Board decided
that March 15,2000 would be an appropriate date for the mailing
and press release.
Mayor Cohen suggested that a comprehensive city wide sidewalk
study be prepared to determine where it would be appropriate for
the sidewalks to be installed. The areas in question could be
pulled from the GIS data and a Capital Project should be
established.
Mayor Cohen stated that Alderperson Vaughan will be presenting to
the Budget and Administration Committee of Common Council the
idea of the city assuming the full expense for the sidewalk
maintenance program. This would eliminate the notification to
residents and the time frame for them to complete the work along
with the entire sidewalk assessment process. Common Council
members have expressed some support for this for residential
properties but not for businesses. The B&A meeting will be held
February 23, 2000 and Board of Public Works members are invited
to come to discuss this issue.
Commissioner Ehrhardt arrived at 5:15 pm
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Cohen stated that the following vacancies exist and that
Commissioner Vargas-Mendez has agreed to serve as the new liason
to the Planning Board:
Natural Areas Commission
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Parks Commission
Mayor Cohen noted that the Special Joint Sewer Committee works
with the operations of the Wastwater Treatment Plant. There are
four City representatives; two are from the Board of Public
Works. Commissioner Gutenberger expressed interest in
representing the Board of Public Works as the liason.
Board of Public Works – February 9, 2000 - Page 5
Mayor Cohen stated that John Beach, with Common Council approval,
will fill the vacancy. His history with the Bicycle Pedestrian
Advisory Committee makes him the best choice for placement as
liason to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the Traffic Committee has
determined that their current focus should be on volume and
residential density. This Board has directed staff to install
diverters and return with additional recommendations.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the additional traffic calming
measures should be developed by the consultants and then shared
with the Board.
Mayor Cohen stated that a recent vote of the Board has created a
problem with the installation of a new traffic light. Traffic
Systems Engineer Cole will be sharing the specifics with this
Board in the near future.
Mayor Cohen stated that the current issue with the traffic light
at the K-Mart intersection of Route 13 is currently a low
liability for the City of Ithaca.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor