HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2003-01-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. January 15, 2003
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Beach, Leonardo, Tsegaye, Gutenberger,
Jenkins, Dotson
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: Mayor Cohen
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Vice-Chair Leonardo led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Superintendent Gray requested that Item 18A be deleted from the
agenda. He also requested that the following items be added to
the agenda:
13A Commons Lighting – Resolution
15A Seneca Street Parking Garage – Resolution
17A Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant - Resolution
No Board member objected.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT:
Power To Act – Award of Commons Lighting on 02/05/2003
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants themselves
the Power to Act at the Committee of the Whole meeting on
February 5, 2003 to award the bid for the Commons Lighting
Project.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC
Power to Act – Seneca Street Garage – Phase II Repairs
By Commissioner Tsegaye; Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants themselves
the Power to Act at the Committee of the Whole meeting on
February 5, 2003 to award the bid for the Phase II Repairs of the
Seneca Street Garage.
Carried Unanimously
Superintendent Gray noted that the Phase II repairs include the
stair towers, elevators, and glass wall that would allow for
security lighting.
Commissioner Jenkins arrived at 4:50 p.m.
WATER AND SEWER:
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, the attached bids have been received for the replacement
of the Primary Settling Basin Collector System on January 13,
2003 for the most deteriorated half of the primary settling
apparatus at the wastewater treatment plant, and
Board of Public Works – January 15, 2003 - Page 2
WHEREAS, it is essential that this work be completed before
spring rains so that the plant will be at full capacity and
reliability during peak flows, and
WHEREAS, this project to date has been authorized by the Special
Joint Sewer Subcommittee, Town of Ithaca Board, Town of Dryden
Board, and the City of Ithaca Budget and Administration Committee
as a Capital Project for 2003; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the bid for the
work to the low bidder, McPherson Builders, Inc., 710 Willow
Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 in the amount of one hundred thirty
five thousand two hundred and seventy-five dollars ($135,275.00),
and be it further
RESOLVED, That such award is subject to the approval of the City
of Ithaca Common Council of this Capital Project for 2003.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Gutenberger reported that the Town of Ithaca and the
Town of Dryden have not been paying their portion of expenses to
the City for the past year. Superintendent Gray stated that the
Chief Fiscal Officer for the City could be directed to request
conformance to the agreement that exists.
Power to Act
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That The Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act on the issue of SJS non-partners payments.
Carried Unanimously
A discussion on the partnership arrangement followed.
Commissioner Beach requested that discussion include the option
of charging late fees. Superintendent Gray stated that a meeting
to resolve issues and develop cooperative measures between all
partners would be held on January 26, 2003. Alderperson Hershey
stated that partners have felt in the past that charges billed
out by the City have been inflated. Superintendent Fabbroni
stated that the arrangement has reaped benefits for all parties
in the past. Superintendent Gray added that partners couldn’t
have services discontinued; suing them would be the only option
if payments were not received.
Commissioner Gutenberger expressed her concern that the Chief
Water Treatment Plant Operator has been serving in the capacity
for 18 months without the appropriate salary adjustment.
Superintendent Gray confirmed that the out of title pay that he
is receiving is accurate.
Commissioner Dotson stated that she would like to have the
Fayette Street petition item added to the agenda for the February
5, 2003 Committee of the Whole meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Tsegaye stated that he is concerned about the volume
of potholes in the streets. Assistant Superintendent Ferrell
stated that his crews are working hard to repair them in order to
limit the number of blown tires and liability on the City’s part.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
A salt purchasing report for 2002 and 2003 was given to the
Board. In addition, overtime charges due to winter weather
conditions have cost the City 1/3 of its overall budget for the
current year. Parks and Forestry overtime has consumed 21% of its
annual budget amount.
Board of Public Works – January 15, 2003 - Page 3
A discussion on snow removal procedures followed. Crews plow
every street initially to allow for traffic flow, only then would
staff widen what has been cleared. Sidewalks and pedestrian needs
are then addressed. Residents need to maintain their sidewalks.
The lack of attention to maintenance and the large number of
absentee landlords has historically created a problem.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
The canopy on the West Hill Water Tank is complete and the tank
should be full within two days.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Joseph Leonardo
Deputy City Clerk Vice-Chair