HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2000-08-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. August 9, 2000
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (3) - Beach, Jenkins, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy Clerk – Korherr
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
EXCUSED: Commissioner(s) Gutenberger, Vargas-Mendez, Leonardo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Korherr led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Superintendent Gray requested adding the following items to the
agenda:
16B Commons Improvements – Pavilion and Power Washing
Transportation of Vellake family donation – Discussion
No board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Loren Signor, City of Ithaca, asked the Board to consider
allowing the use of staff and equipment for the transportation of
a large playground structure donation to the home of the
custodial grandparents of the Vellake children who are now living
in Moravia.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Superintendent Gray stated that the Department of Public Works
does not become involved with personal situations but the donor
and donee are both city employees and this would not set a
precedent since the circumstances are extenuating. Commissioner
Korherr questioned the ability to have the structure disassembled
and have volunteers assist with the removal and installation.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel expressed his desire to have the
structure moved with volunteer efforts and private vehicles.
Superintendent Gray stated that if the Board gives their approval
than he will coordinate the transport at the lowest possible
expense to the City.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
Deputy Clerk Korherr notified the Board of funding made available
for storm related damage occurring between May and June of 2000.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel responded that there was none.
Commissioner Korherr questioned the status of the Controller’s
Office review of possible credit card acceptance at Newman Golf
Course. Deputy Controller Thayer stated that he would have a
response soon. Superintendent Gray added that the tax
consequences of certain transactions make implementation
difficult. Since the Golf Course activities are recreational in
nature than credit card acceptance may be possible.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the board on the
following matters:
Board of Public Works – August 9, 2000 - Page 2
Re-surfacing of State Street, Linn Street and N. Aurora Street
projects have affected many residents.
Tree crews: Ithaca Road tree removal. Tree inventory has been
updated for the year.
Oil spill in Cascadilla Creek required the Ithaca Fire Department
to respond along with the Department of Public Works. Oil in a
catch basin spread through the creek. DEC determined that it was
not a massive spill.
Coast Guard has demanded that the City return the docks to their
original location and the City Attorney agreed.
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
West State Street reconstruction project has gone out to bid.
Wastewater negotiations will be resolved soon; outside
municipalities are interested in its completion. The Board of
Public Works was left out of the negotiations but will have to
deal with ongoing issues relating to fees and implementation.
City Hall first floor renovations are near completion. Services
will be disrupted minimally during the move back.
Seneca Street garage repairs are continuing through November and
into next year.
Sidewalk contract study is near completion and bids for work will
go out soon.
Cell block maintenance in the jail is in progress.
Giles Street bridge is still under construction and the schedule
deadline will not be met at the current pace.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Golf Committee: Commissioner Korherr requested a Capitol Project
for water irrigation from the adjacent Creek to the Golf Course.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that last year he requested
the same item and it was not approved. The current alternate
budget includes improvements to the golf course facility that may
be scrutinized during the budget process. Superintendent Gray
stated that the Golf Course Manager would need to allocate the
future debt service costs for the irrigation in his budget and
determine its usefulness.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Superintendent Gray stated that the City and Tom Trenchard will
need to renegotiate the existing licensing agreement. The Board
agreed to have Superintendent Gray work out the specifics of the
renewal and bring the contract back to the Board for a vote.
Due to the lack of a quorum, the meeting ended at 5:30 pm.
Robin L. Korherr
Deputy City Clerk