HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2001-12-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. December 12, 2001
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (4) - Beach, Leonardo, Gutenberger, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
Administrative Secretary – Payne
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Fabbroni
EXCUSED: Commissioner(s) Vargas-Mendez and Jenkins
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Superintendent Gray requested that item 16A relating to the
contract for services for the Plain Street bridge be added to the
agenda.
Commissioner Gutenberger requested that an update on the
Environmental Engineer position be added to the agenda under new
business.
No board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
David Nutter, City of Ithaca, spoke in reference to the Bicycle
Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s recommendations for the 6 Point
Plan. The general recommendations included inexpensive striping
for safety reasons, installation of sidewalks along the length of
Elmira Road, installation of sidewalks during future projects on
both sides of the streets, installation of permanent crosswalks,
incorporation of pedestrian as well as bicycle activated lighted
crosswalks and the overall implementation of the Bike Plan
striping along route 13 as the work proceeds.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Superintendent Gray suggested that the Board of Public Works
review the Cornell University permanent crosswalks and noted that
they are functional but can be costly.
Mayor Cohen noted that the brick layout would prevent shifting.
The Herringbone pattern allows for less movement as seen in other
installations in the Northeast where similar weather conditions
exist. He added that the old Elmira Road striping idea may be
short term in planning and feasibility should be addressed next
Spring.
Open Public Hearing: Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment
District
By Commissioner Beach; Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works open the public hearing
portion of the meeting to allow the public to speak on the topic
of the Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District.
Carried Unanimously
No one from the public appeared to speak.
Board of Public Works – December 12, 2001 - Page 2
Close Public Hearing: Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment
District
By Commissioner Beach; Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works close the public hearing
portion of the meeting.
Carried Unanimously
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT:
Award of Bid for 254 Floral Avenue Building Demolition
By Commissioner Leonardo; Seconded by Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the property at 254 Floral Avenue, owned by the city is
being demolished by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and
WHEREAS, the city and IURA will share the funding of the project,
and
WHEREAS, bids were received on November 27, 2001 and reviewed by
staff; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the demolition of 254 Floral Avenue be awarded to
Diversified Developers, 18A Cherry Street, Phoenix, NY 13135 for
their low bid of $21,000.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to enter into an agreement with Diversified Developers.
` Carried Unanimously
Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the Collegetown
Special Benefit Assessment District charges for 2002 as prepared
by the City Controller’s Office, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be requested to make the
billing at the appropriate time, and be it further
RESOLVED, those staffs distribute a copy of the 2002 detailed
assessment schedule for the public to review.
For the record, Mayor Cohen noted that two Board of Public Works
Commissioners are property owners that are directly affected by
the assessment. He added that the Board does not play a role in
determining the actual assessment amounts therefore a conflict of
interest does not exist. The assessment is already configured and
there is no discretionary power that the Board of Public Works
has to change the assessments to the individual properties.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK:
Emergency Repairs to Stewart Avenue Bridge Sidewalks
By Commissioner Gutenberger: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, due to rapid changes in the sidewalk on the Stewart
Avenue Bridge staff has recommended emergency repairs; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby declares that the
sidewalk on the Stewart Avenue Bridge is in need of emergency
repairs, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board requests that Common Council authorize
funding in the amount of $15,000 for these repairs, and be it
further
Board of Public Works – December 12, 2001 - Page 3
RESOLVED, That the board grants themselves power to act at the
January 2, 2002 Committee of the Whole meeting for the award of
bid of this project if required.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC
Request for Four-Hour Parking at Beverly J. Martin School
By Commissioner Korherr; Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, representatives from the Beverly J. Martin School have
requested trial changes to the parking regulations to allow for
longer short term parking, and
WHEREAS, staff feels that there is adequate parking in the area
around the school to serve both the long term and short term
parking needs of several school and public service buildings as
well as the residential neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, staff feels that the requested change will not resolve
the problem outlined by the school representatives and may
adversely impact the residences and the short term parking needs
of the schools and public service agencies as well as creating
enforcement problems for the Police Department; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby agrees to a trial
period of four-hour parking in front of the Beverly J. Martin
School to accommodate medium term parking.
Mayor Cohen noted that the poles are installed and that this
resolution addresses the changing of the faceplates. He added
that this action would show good faith on the part of the City to
work with the school district to assist them with their traffic
concerns.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Gutenberger; Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the resolved clause be amended to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby agrees to a
trial period to terminate on June 30, 2002 which would include
four hour parking in front of the Beverly J. Martin School on the
300 block of Albany Street to accommodate medium term parking”.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act for Green Street Garage
By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives itself Power to
Act at its meeting of December 19, 2001 on a resolution
concerning capital improvements to the Green Street Garage.
Carried Unanimously
A discussion relating to the demolition of the Green Street
Parking Garage followed. Mayor Cohen noted that Common Council is
contemplating the idea of demolishing the existing structure and
replacing it with a new parking garage. The Cayuga Green Project
calls for the construction of two additional floors to the
existing structure which would add in excess of 400 parking
spaces. The project cost of building new is only slightly higher
than adding floors to the existing structure however the useful
life is extended by almost 50 years.
Board of Public Works – December 12, 2001 - Page 4
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS
Award of Contract for Engineering Services to South Plain Street
Bridge
By Commissioner Beach; Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
WHEREAS, proposals were received on December 12, 2001 for the
consulting engineer services for the Plain Street Bridge, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the proposals and recommends that the
Board award the contract to McFarland-Johnson; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the
consulting engineering services for the Plain Street Bridge to
McFarland-Johnson, Binghamton, New York for their proposal of
$105,000.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds be used from Capital Project 447, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized
to enter into an agreement with McFarland-Johnson.
Superintendent Gray stated his desire to have McFarland-Johnson
supply the City with a staffing matrix that would ensure that
their level of efforts are adequate to complete the project.
Commissioner Leonardo asked for a definition of construction
support services. Superintendent Gray noted that their current
proposal includes their availability to answer questions as the
project proceeds as well as provisions for stopping the project
if needed. On site inspections would still need to be conducted
at an additional expense. Construction inspections can cost up to
$ 90,000 and sharing the support services between City projects
can net substantial savings.
Commissioner Korherr questioned the ability to have this service
performed in-house rather than outsourcing. Superintendent Gray
stated that the staff is capable, however, other current projects
would have to be postponed. NYSDOT has pin pointed other safety
projects that are time sensitive and since staff time is limited,
delaying this project is not an option.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Environmental Engineer Search
Superintendent Gray stated that the Department of Human Resources
has received 22 applications for the position of Environmental
Engineer. The hiring process should continue through the typical
stages of applicant evaluation, interviewing, and final
selection. Mayor Cohen confirmed that New York State Law requires
that the Civil Service representative for the City review the
applications to ensure that the applicants are qualified to serve
in the Civil Service position. Superintendent Gray noted that the
next level of applicant scrutiny would come from the specific
department staff that would be supervising the work of the
individual. Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni stated that his
projection for placement would be late February 2002.
Ithaca Journal Public Works Accomplishments
Superintendent Gray stated that he has compiled a list of items
that he wishes to have shared with the public. The Board agreed
that everyone should endorse the list and that they would ask
Alderperson Hershey to draft the wording.
Board of Public Works – December 12, 2001 - Page 5
Cayuga Street Bridge Renovation
Commissioner Beach noted that there are two major track events
that are impacted by the renovation and closing of the North
Cayuga Street Bridge. He has notified the Directors of both the
Ithaca 5 & 10 and Pud’s Run to give them advance notice so that
they can alter their race courses. Ithaca has been designated as
the host for the 2002 New York State 5 & 10 Championship. The
High School will still be used as the start and finish but the
course will have to shift to avoid the construction.
High Profile Vehicle Restriction near Driveways
Commissioner Beach stated that he has been aware of many
instances where drivers backing out of driveways have unknowingly
been the cause of accidents. Taller vehicles parked at either
side of the driveway opening may block the driver’s field of
vision. Commissioner Beach was interested in evaluating the
option of adopting a high profile vehicle restriction near
driveways. Superintendent Gray stated that vehicle and traffic
laws prevent drivers from parking too close to driveways and
perhaps this reflects poor judgement. Mayor Cohen stated that the
property owner could ask the City to install signs stating “No
parking between signs” at the property owners expense to avoid
accidents from occurring.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
The asphalt plant was open until mid-November and the
construction crews were busy up until then.
The Highway crew split night and day shifts on November 19, 2001
for leaf pick-up and street debris.
Additional diverters were installed and were removed by vandals.
Alternative styles should be evaluated. While the installation
was taking place, drivers stopped and asked the City crews to
move their vehicle so that they could travel through the area.
Parks and Forestry crews have completed their Fall planting of
140 trees. NYSEG paid for the West State Street plantings. 20
donated trees were planted around the Stewart Park flag pole and
the North End of Neptune Park in memory of those that lost their
lives on September 11. Neptune Park, located adjacent to the
Sciencenter, still needs to be formally named by the Board of
Public Works.
Holiday lighting is in place.
DPW Children’s Christmas Party will be held on December 16, 2001.
The Cascadilla Creek Wall between Monroe and Madison Streets has
fallen into the creek. In order to rebuild the wall, excavation
to the road needs to occur once the state permits have been
issued. This work will be attempted over the winter months.
Commissioner Korherr expressed his congratulations to Deputy
Controller Thayer on his future promotion.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Board of Public Works – December 12, 2001 - Page 6
Deputy City Clerk Mayor