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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2002-06-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m June 12, 2002 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (4) - Beach, Leonardo, Gutenberger, Jenkins OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk – Korherr 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 EXCUSED: Commissioner Tsegaye 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 2001 - 2002 Board of Public Works Meetings By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 14, 2001 December 12, 2001, February 13, 2002, March 13, 2002, March 20, 2002, and April 10, 2002 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Superintendent Gray requested that the following items be added to the agenda: 13E Request for State Street Bricks - Resolution 16A Award of Bid for South Plain Street Bridge Replacement - Resolution No Board member objected. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Cohen informed the Board and the public of the two means of egress from Common Council Chambers in the event of an emergency. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Laurel Guy, Brooktondale and Carol Schmoock, City of Ithaca addressed the Board on the issue of the Firefighters Appreciation Day event and the need to close the 100 blocks of West State Street, North and South Cayuga Streets on June 29, 2002 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. David Henderson, City of Ithaca, thanked the Board for their support with a driveway issue that he was involved with. As a member of the BPAC he asked that the Board reduce the speed limit on East Spencer Street with the use of speed humps. Steve Ehrhardt, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board on the issue of the speed limit on West Spencer Street. He confirmed that the intent of the 6 point plan is to provide a two way 30 mile per hour safe street and future decisions should support that goal. Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board on the following three issues: the high accident rate between pedestrians and automobiles in the City, the absence of bike Board of Public Works – June 12, 2002 - Page 2 racks at CVS and Kmart, and the sharp plantings that she discovered on the Commons. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Beach shared his concern over the lack of bike racks. He added that site plans are now being approved with language that includes the ability for the Building Department to disapprove the plan if bike rack needs are not met. Alderperson Hershey confirmed that Common Council has approved a resolution that establishes the Spencer Street width at 38’. The specific language grants the needed flexibility to the engineers to determine the best use of the space. Mayor Cohen added that public input was requested for the design stage and will be included throughout the project. Commissioner Gutenberger expressed her concern that local businesses will have to be notified of the street closings. Superintendent Gray stated that this event would set a precedent but the Firefighter Appreciation Day is in conjunction with the downtown business group standard for community events. He added that the impact on traffic would be lessened given that the event is on a Saturday. Carol Schmoock stated that she would deliver flyers to the stores in the area. Power to Act – Street Closing for Firefighter Appreciation Day By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works supports the Fire Appreciation Day event to be held on June 29, 2002 that includes the closing of the 100 blocks of West State Street, South Cayuga and North Cayuga, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act at the June 19, 2002 Committee of the Whole meeting to approve the street closing request. Carried Unanimously BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT: Request for Encroachment - 501 Hudson Street. By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Eric and Laurie Lindstrom owners of 501 Hudson Street are requesting an encroachment for a proposed deck of approximately two and a half (2 ½) feet onto the sewer main right of way; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the encroachment agreement of the proposed deck at 501 Hudson Street (parcel 91-4- 6) under the usual terms and conditions, and be it further RESOLVED, That removal and replacement of the deck during any emergency work, will not be at the expense of the city, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent will insert a condition in the agreement which allows the city to direct the encroachment be removed on one week's notice but allows the homeowner to rebuild and continue the encroachment following the city's service or repair work, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be granted authorization to enter into such an agreement with the property owner. Carried Unanimously Request for Encroachment - 206 East Jay Street By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Comissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Michael Crawford and Jessica Meijer, owners of 206 East Jay Street have requested an encroachment for their porch that Board of Public Works – June 12, 2002 - Page 3 encroaches onto the street right of way by approximately one (1) foot; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the encroachment at 206 East Jay Street (parcel 14-3-9) under the usual terms and conditions, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be granted authorization to enter into such an agreement with the property owner. Carried Unanimously A discussion relating to selling the area to the homeowner followed. Superintendent Gray stated that retaining ownership is in the best interest of the City. Request for State Street Bricks – Temple Beth-El and 404-406 North Tioga Street By Comissioner Jenkins : Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, ILPC (Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee) approved of the use of State Street Bricks for a project at Temple Beth-El and 404-406 North Tioga Street, both located within the DeWitt Park Historic District; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants approval for the use of approximately 900 State Street bricks for the area in front of the new addition that joins Temple Beth-El with 404-406 North Tioga Street, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement for the use of State Street bricks at Temple Beth-El and 404-406 North Tioga Street with the usual terms and conditions. Board Chairman Rick Darpler stated that the bricks would be used to construct a 300 square foot courtyard between the Temple and the newly acquired building. The Board discussed their ability to sell the bricks at a discount to non-profit agencies in the historic district. The Board confirmed that the applicant is responsible for the cleaning and transporting of the bricks. Amending Resolution By Commis RESOLVED, That the following language replace the last resolved: “RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement for the use of 900 State Street bricks at Temple Beth-El and 404-406 North Tioga Street for the sum of $ 1.00. sioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended A vote on the main motion resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Request for Funding for Replacement of Hydraulic Hoist By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Comissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, staff discovered an oil leak on a hydraulic hoist, and determined that replacement of the lift above ground was more cost effective than repairing the equipment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Budget and Administration Committee authorize a transfer of $10,000 from unrestricted contingency to the DPW garage account for the purchase and installation of a hydraulic hoist, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff complete all the necessary tasks required to complete a DEC approved clean up of the oil spill. Board of Public Works – June 12, 2002 - Page 4 Controller Thayer asked whether all existing budget options have been exhausted. Assistant Superintendent Ferrell confirmed that there is no reserve at this time and Superintendent Gray added that it is early in the purchasing process to determine year-end needs. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes: (4) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins and Beach Nays: (0) Abstentions: (1) Cohen Carried CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: Award of Bid for South Plain Street Bridge Replacement By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, bids were received on June 11, 2002 for the reconstruction of the South Plain Street Bridge, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and has determined that the Board should award the contract to the lowest bidder, and WHEREAS, the total base bid includes the installation of a traffic signal which results in a post bid project budget of $1,717,000, and WHEREAS, the alternate bid deletes the traffic signals and replaces them with the stop sign for a post bid project budget of $1,560,000 which is within the authorized project budget of $1,630,000, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of construction of the South Plain Street Bridge to Economy Paving, 1819 NYS Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045 for their total low alternate bid of $1,205,134.17, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Economy Paving. Superintendent Gray noted that Common Council has approved $1,630,000 and the post bid budget is in excess of that amount. He added that eliminating the installation of the traffic signals and instructing city crews to perform the work at a later date would reduce the bid to a level below what was appropriated. This bid includes the placement of required infrastructure that would allow for the installation of the traffic signals at a later date. The poles and signal heads are the only items that are being excluded and the conduit and buried items are still in the bid. Commissioner Beach noted that stop signs may be less intrusive and more neighborhood friendly. Superintendent Gray stated that the two four way stop signs would be placed tight to the bridge, one on each side of the bridge. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Power to Act - Award of Bid for North Cayuga Street Bridge Reconstruction By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, bids for the reconstruction of the North Cayuga Street Bridge are due June 18, 2002, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself Power to Act at its Committee of the Whole meeting on June 19, 2002 to award the bid of the North Cayuga Street Bridge. Board of Public Works – June 12, 2002 - Page 5 Commissioner Gutenberger questioned whether the temporary pedestrian bridge was included in the bid specifications. Superintendent Gray stated that it is included in the scope of the project however Common Council is interested in acquiring a permanent structure. He added that the concrete pillars were discovered at the creek bed they cannot be used for the new bridge. Alderperson Hershey stated that the funding for the bridge will not allow for funds to be used for a temporary alternative so Common Council will be comparing the temporary and permanent alternatives. Commissioner Gutenberger stated that New York State and Federal Department of Transportation funding practices should share the City’s concern for safeguarding hundreds of school children and allow for the bridge expense to be a component of the project. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Award of Bid for the Truck Mounted Sewer Jetter By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Comissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on April 30, 2002 for a new and unused truck mounted sewer jetter, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and are recommending that the bid be awarded to the lowest bidder, and WHEREAS, the bid being awarded does not include the cost of the cab & chassis which will be obtained through the state contract; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the bid for the new and unused truck mounted sewer jetter to Foster's Equipment, 1 Keuka Business park, Suite 103, Penn Yan, NY 14527 for their low bid, with option of automatic level and wind to hose reel, of $67,205.00; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer be authorized to enter into an agreement with Foster's Equipment under the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Assistant Superintendent Ferrell reported to the Board on the issue of a crosswalk at State and Quarry Streets. Superintendent Gray stated that his office could not recommend installing a crosswalk that is one block up from a traffic signal. Power to Act: Crosswalk at State and Quarry Streets By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Beach RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act at their Committee of the Whole meeting on June 19, 2002 to discuss the installation of a crosswalk at State and Quarry Streets. Carried Unanimously UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Discussion of Vacant Positions Assistant Superintendent Ferrell stated that he is experiencing difficulty completing the required projects for the year. The crews are short staffed and items that are visible to the public are not getting done. He distributed an analysis of staff levels from 1991 and 2001/2002 adding that program changes have been the partial cause of the reductions. Board of Public Works – June 12, 2002 - Page 6 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor