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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2003-04-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. April 16, 2003 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Leonardo, Tsegaye, Gutenberger, Dotson OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Environmental Engineer/Water & Sewer - Gibson EXCUSED: Commissioner Beach City Beautification Proposal for Planters in Route 13 Corridor Deputy Director of Planning and Development Cornish addressed the Board regarding a request from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to implement an “Adopt a Planter” program at the intersection of Fulton and Meadow Streets. The NYS DoT has stated that they would approve the location of the planters as they would not obstruct views, would not be in the way of people with visual impairments, and the planters would move if they were struck by a vehicle. The planters are plastic and weigh approx. 300 lbs when filled with soil and water. The goal is to have local businesses adopt the planters, fill them, maintain them, and remove and store them during the winter months. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel questioned how people would get water to the planters, and stated that the Department of Public Works was not in a position to assist with this program. Deputy Director Cornish responded that the planters have a 25 gallon water reservoir in the base, and that the businesses who “adopt” them would be responsible for watering them. Commissioner Jenkins arrived at the meeting at 5:00 pm. Commissioner Tsegaye noted that appropriate supervision should be exercised over the planters by the business community to prevent vandalism and postering. The Board expressed their support for the program and thanked Deputy Director Cornish for her efforts in beautifying the City. Power to Act – Request to Amend Authorization for Capital Project #425 – Traffic Signal Upgrade – Phase I. By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, A project for Traffic Signal Upgrade (“the Project”), is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code as administered by the Federal Highway Administration Board of Public Works – COW April 16, 2003 - Page 2 (“FHWA”), as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs such program to be borne at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a commitment of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Scoping, Design (Phases I-IV), Construction, and Construction Inspection; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Budget and Administration Committee to amend Capital Project 425 “Traffic Signal Upgrade – Phase I” by an amount of $582,000 for said project, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board hereby requests the City of Ithaca to pay in the first instance 100% of the federal and non-federal share of the cost of Scoping, Design (Phases I-IV), Construction, and Construction Inspection for the Project or portions thereof, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the sum of $582,000 be appropriated from the General Fund (or appropriate in-kind services) and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase of the Project; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends in the event the full federal and non-federal share costs of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the NYSDoT thereof, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the Mayor of the City of Ithaca of the County of Tompkins be and is hereby authorized to sign all necessary Agreements with NYSDoT to secure Federal Aid and Marchiselli Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca and the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to sign all necessary construction documents, contracts, certifications and reimbursement requests, and, be it further RESOLVED, That this project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost of the City of Ithaca will be roughly five percent (5%) of the final approved project cost, currently estimated at $35,600 of the $712,000 authorized for Phase I of this project, in monies and in-kind services, as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and monitored by the City of Ithaca Controller, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the Common Council authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to administer the above project, and, be it further RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall take effect immediately. Discussion followed on the floor with Commissioner Dotson expressing concerns regarding the pedestrian signals and the cost of the program given the City’s limited Board of Public Works – COW April 16, 2003 - Page 3 budget. She further noted that she would abstain from the vote, as Traffic Engineer Cole was not present to answer her questions. Superintendent Gray stated that the State does not require pedestrian signals so they would qualify as a “betterment” at the City’s cost. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Jenkins, Gutenberger, Leonardo, Tsegaye Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Dotson Carried Award of Bid for Water Filtration Plant Clearwell Baffles By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye WHEREAS, bids were received on April 14, 2003 for the Water Filtration Plant Clearwell Baffles, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the Board award the bid to the lowest bidder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid for Water Filtration Plant Clearwell Baffles to Henderson Brothers Contracting, 47 Gildner Road, Central Square, NY 13026 for their low bid of $73,372, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer be authorized to enter into an agreement with Henderson Brothers Contracting under the usual terms and conditions. Commissioner Jenkins inquired about the large difference in the bid amounts. Superintendent Gray explained that Henderson Brothers have stated that they are comfortable with the bid they have submitted and noted that they have found a different supplier for anchors at a lower cost. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Staff Updates: Superintendent of Public Works Gray, Assistant Superintendent Ferrel, and Environmental Engineer Gibson reported on the following: Spencer Road construction Street cleaning Hector Street and North Titus Avenue construction Meadow Street widening Seneca Street Parking Garage repairs Commons lighting project Stewart Avenue bridge construction GIAC boxing room repairs IFD generator installation Board of Public Works – COW April 16, 2003 - Page 4 IPD asbestos removal Cayuga Waterfront Trail Phase I S. Cayuga Street and Woodcrest Avenue sewer line replacement and surface treatment ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.