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