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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2001-03-07 Page - 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 7, 2001 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Beach, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Leonardo, Mayor Cohen (arrived at 4:50), Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Comm. Leonardo chaired the meeting. Additions: Newman Golf Course Concessions There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Discussion of Water and Sewer Bill – 223 Linn Street. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that he was recommending the expungement of any late fees for this bill. He explained that this property has not been occupied for some time. The owner has been working on the house and has requested that the water be turned off on several occasions. There was a problem with the shut off box, which was the property owner’s responsibility. The Linn Street project that took place this past summer required crews to make adjustments to the box. Due to no fault of anyone, the curb box was disturbed and required readjusting. Asst. Supt. stated that he is in agreement to expunge any fees incurred after June of 2000. The total of the work is $395 including minimum charges and penalties. The expungement would be approximately $100. A resolution will be presented on this item at the next regular meeting. 2. Scheduling of Public Hearing on Taughannock Boulevard – Board had Power to Act. By Commissioner Leonardo, Seconded by Commissioner Beach RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby calls a public meeting on the proposed abandonment of the portion of Taughannock Boulevard north of the intersection of Taughannock Boulevard with State Route 89, to the northern end of Taughannock Boulevard at the parking lot located at the north end of Inlet Island, a distance of approximately 700 feet, on March 14, 2001 during its regularly scheduled meeting. Comm. Beach questioned if this resolution meets all legal requirements. Supt. Gray indicated that the date should be changed in order to allow for a 10 day notification to the public and adjacent property owners. Amendment: By Commissioner Leonardo, Seconded by Beach RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby calls a public meeting on the proposed abandonment of the portion of Taughannock Boulevard north of the intersection of Taughannock Boulevard with State Route 89, to the northern end of Taughannock Boulevard at the parking lot located at the north end of Inlet Island, a distance of approximately 700 feet, on March 21, 2001 during its regularly scheduled meeting. Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole March 7, 2001 Discussion followed concerning the length of the street being abandoned. Comm. Gutenberger requested that a drawing indicating the details of the abandonment be distributed to the board. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 3. Review of Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance. Supt. Gray stated that the Attorney’s Office spent a great deal of time on this issue. They have found that Council has to be involved in adopting the ordinance and that it should be incorporated into the City Code. Patricia Pryor, Alderperson and Khandikile Sokoni, Associate Attorney, were present to address the board on this issue. Ms. Sokoni told the board that within the code there are 12 schedules that the board is empowered to make updates as it becomes necessary. She indicated that page 14 of the draft includes blank spaces that should contain information that will be provided by the Chamberlain’s Office. Comments from the board on this draft ordinance will be reviewed by Council later in the evening and possibly acted on. Comm. Leonardo stated that he understands that the Board of Public Works has the authority to adopt and change the ordinance. Ms. Sokoni said that the Attorney’s Office determined that Council should enact the ordinance but that all regulations would pass through the board. She explained that Council needs to act on the ordinance since it empowers the board to regulate it. Comm. Leonardo stated that the board looks forward to the adoption of the ordinance by Council. 4. Proposed Renovations of Hangar Theatre. Supt. Gray told the board that a letter was received notifying them of the Hangar’s proposal of renovations. He suggested that a resolution be approved by the board approving of the conceptual design upon final approval of the design. Comm. Beach questioned if the city is responsible for any costs of the renovations. Supt. Gray indicated that he did not review the contract but is aware that the city owns the land while the Theatre owns the building. A resolution will be provided at the next regular meeting to approve the renovations in concept. 5. Newman Golf Course 2000 Review. Supt. Gray reviewed the recommendations provided by Golf Pro Steve Torrant. He is recommending that the 2000 rates remain the same for 2001. It was believed that there was a revenue gain but the records show there was not. There was an expense of $27,000 for water since the previous year had not been previously billed. Staff will present a resolution to the board setting the 2001 rates. Discussion then followed concerning the use of credit cards for membership payment. Page - 3 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole March 7, 2001 6. Newman Golf Course Concession Stand. Comm. Leonardo questioned if the board wished to extend the existing contract with the Fall Creek House. Mayor Cohen told the board that he believed that the contract could be extended without re-bidding. The board will be presented with a resolution at the next regular meeting to approve the extension of the concession contract. 7. Special Meeting Mayor Cohen called the special meeting to order. Award of Bid for General Construction in the West State Street Reconstruction Contract By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, bids were received on February 6, 2001 for general construction for the West State Street Reconstruction, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the bid be awarded to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the general construction contract for West State Street Reconstruction to G. DeVincentis Construction, Inc. for their low base bid of $1,323,000.00, and be it further RESOLVED, that the award of this contract is contingent on Common Council amending the project budget at its meeting of March 7, 2001 as required to fund the entire project, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with G. DeVincentis Construction, Inc. under the usual terms and conditions. Supt. Gray told the board that the bids were reasonably grouped and that G. DeVincentis has worked with the city on previous projects. He noted that the start date is weather dependent and will begin after administrative work is completed. Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for Electrical Construction in the West State Street Reconstruction Contract By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on February 6, 2001 for electrical construction for the West State Street Reconstruction, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the bid be awarded to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it Board of Public Works Page - 4 Committee of the Whole March 7, 2001 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the electrical construction contract for West State Street Reconstruction to Richardson Bros., Electrical Contractors for their low bid of $110,609.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That the award of this contract is contingent on Common Council amending the project budget at its meeting of March 7, 2001 as required to fund the entire project, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Richardson Bros., Electrical Contractors under the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Presentation of Commons Fountain Area Improvements Mayor Cohen reminded the board of the 2001 capital project established for this project. There has been previous work and improvements to the Commons. He noted that to date Council has been acting as lead agency for the project and will probably continue to do so through its completion. Mary Zebell, consultant to the Planning and Development Department, was present to review the project with the board. She outlined the goals of the project, including better pedestrian circulation, improved space, retention of a centerpiece and water feature, replacement of concrete pavers and to open up site lines for improved perception of safety. She told the board that there will be large trees planted for shade as well as other aesthetic improvements. She noted that lighting for the former fountain will be installed temporarily until a final decision is made about lighting on the Commons. Joann Cornish, Asst. Director of Planning and Development, told the board that Ms. Zebell was asked to find a design for the fountain that would work with the current Commons design as well as the proposed design. Peter Novelli, engineering consultant informed the board that this project is hoped to be completed this Spring. Comm. Beach questioned if the garden that was in place the past two years will be relocated on the Commons. Mayor Cohen stated that there are projections but the final cost will not be known until bids are received. Ms. Zebell stated that the estimated cost is $190,000, which includes costs of removal of existing features. Supt. Gray stated that he is concerned with brickwork based on previously installed brick. Mayor Cohen noted that he has visited two successful pedestrian malls that have brickwork, which made them very aesthetically pleasing. He added that at this point, Council has not approved or funded the master plan for the Commons. Discussion followed concerning the design of pavers, the difference of pavers used throughout the city and the base for the pavers. Motion to adjourn Special Meeting. By Comm. Leonardo, Seconded by Comm. Beach A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works Page - 5 Committee of the Whole March 7, 2001 8. Discussion of Proposed Dog Park at Treman Marina. Mayor Cohen told the board that there is a section of the city charter that requires all dogs to be collared and leashed throughout the city, except on private property. He explained that TCDOG (Tompkins County Dog Owners Group) have been working on finding an area where dogs could run around unleashed. Two of the sites being considered are within the City of Ithaca, one being substitute park land in the southwest area, the other being adjacent to the Alan Treman Marina in the Festival Lands. This item will also be presented to Council for a change in the City Code. Katherine Robinson and Susan Morgan of TCDOG were present to address the board. Comm. Beach questioned what type of liability the city has if there is an incident between a person and a dog. Alderperson Pat Pryor was present and told the board that this area would be handled in the same manner as other public areas. In addition, the State Parks have stated that there is no additional liability for this program. It was explained that this area would not be fenced in although there are rules that would apply to the area. Dog owners will be required to sign in at the area and show proof of appropriate shots. Discussion followed concerning the association of this area with the proposed Black Diamond Trail. It was noted that the area is naturally separated from the proposed trail by vegetation. The State Park Police are also willing to police the area if problems arise. The board was told that this park is intended for use by well trained and well behaved dogs. There will be an incident report for users to report problems that occur in the area. Alderperson Hershey questioned what if there is a marketing plan to bring in dog owners who currently break the leash law. He also asked about the location being accessible for residents who do not have a vehicle. TCDOG representatives noted that they will be getting the word out and that there are walking paths to the site. Discussion then followed concerning the maintenance and possible turn over of the Festival Lands to the State. 9. West Hill Water System Improvements. Supt. Gray explained to the board that the Town of Ithaca supplies water to the top portion of west hill. The Town of Ithaca is seeking to improve their water system and propose to use the Oakwood Avenue right of way. Dan Walker, Town Engineer, explained to the board that they are proposing to build a new pump station next to the Oakwood Avenue tank, which is the source of the water for the existing station. In addition new mains will be installed and connected to mains that were replaced last summer. This will provide an updated system to keep the Trumansburg Road tank filled. The pump station will not extend the service area but rather reinforce the existing area. Supt. Gray stated that he had some concerns including the physical appearance and that the Town is proposing to pave the driveway to the station. If this area becomes part of the west hill trail system, the paved area may become unacceptable. Mr. Walker explained that the driveway at another pump station had soil preparation, including a gravel base, to allow for maintenance. Mayor Cohen noted that Common Council recently adopted changes to the site plan review ordinance, which would require this project to go through that process. A resolution will be presented to the board requesting that an easement for this land be granted. Page - 6 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole March 7, 2001 The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Notes by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary