HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2004-07-14BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. July 14, 2004
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (5) -Tsegaye, Jenkins, Dotson, Chapman, Romanoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison – Coles
Information Management Specialist - Myers
IPD Officer – Firman
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Schlather
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Vice Chair Tsegaye led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Commissioner Jenkins arrived at the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the June 9, 2004 Board of Public Works Meeting
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 9, 2004 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:
Item 14A – Award of West Court Street Sidewalk Construction
Item 17B – Power to Act at July 21, 2004 Committee of the Whole Meeting on
Repairs to the Elm Street Tank Roof
Item 17C – Authorization to Hire Operator-of-Record to Oversee Wastewater
Treatment Plan
No Board Member objected.
Commissioner Dotson requested that Item 23 – Request from West Court Street
Residents – Discussion, be moved up in the agenda since members from that
neighborhood were present for the meeting.
No Board Member objected.
Mayor Peterson arrived at the meeting at 4:58 p.m.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Joe Cassaniti, Representing Ithaca High School Class of 1959, addressed the Board
regarding a second sign for the Bernie Milton Pavilion on The Commons that might say
“Welcome to the Bernie Milton Pavilion”. He requested approval from the city to do this
project before he coordinated a fund raising event by the Class of 1959. He stated that
he will await approval and/or direction from the City for this request.
Andy and Dayna Schreckenyost, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the
construction on West Court Street and traffic calming measures. A petition with 27
signatures was submitted to the Board that supported traffic calming measures being
implemented on West Court Street.
Board of Public Works – July 14, 2004
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RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Commissioner Romanoff responded to comments made regarding a second sign at the
Bernie Milton Pavilion. She proposed an alternate location of the interior ceiling of the
pavilion that would protect it.
Commissioner Chapman thanked Mr. and Mrs. Schreckenyost for the time they took to
come and speak to the Board on behalf of the West Court Street neighborhood
regarding the construction taking place on West Court Street.
Superintendent Gray responded to comments made about West Court Street traffic
calming and stated that he would like to have a conversation with the parties involved in
a separate setting.
Mayor Peterson responded to comments about West Court Street. She stated that she
discussed traffic signalization issues with the consultant for the Court/Meadow Street
intersection, and that these issues would be coming back to future Committee of the
Whole meetings.
Commissioner Tsegaye asked the Board how Mr. Cassaniti’s request would be handled,
and Superintendent Gray responded that it would be put on the agenda for the next
Committee of the Whole meeting so that the Board can give him direction as how to
proceed. Commissioner Romanoff requested that the Commons Advisory Board also
review Mr. Cassaniti’s request. Mayor Peterson requested that the Public Art
Commission and the Building Department also review the request.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Request from West Court Street Residents – Discussion
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the construction work on West
Court Street and traffic calming measures needed. The Board discussed the various
options that would include a 28’ road or a 30’ road and associated parking concerns.
Further discussion followed on how traffic calming on one street pushes traffic to other
streets causing a domino effect, and that a City wide traffic calming plan needs to be
developed. The Board agreed that more discussion on this item is needed. The Board
will also seek input from the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council as well as work with
NYSEG to see how much they might be able to assist the City with traffic calming.
Power to Act Resolution:
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Chapman
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act at its July 21, 2004 Committee of
the Whole meeting to discuss traffic calming measures and the width of the street for
the West Court Street construction project.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board that the cost for the work on the Thurston
Avenue Bridge has been raised to eight million dollars. The cost is increased because
of historical preservation considerations that need to be made on the bridge and the two
different arches on the outside. The City will need to go back and redevelop
parameters and cost before the project can be started.
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters:
Crews are currently working on routine maintenance and construction projects.
Crews are ahead of schedule on construction projects. The 400 block of College
Avenue was paved Tuesday. The 100 to 300 blocks will be paved next week.
The Building Systems/Parks and Forestry crew are concentrating on seasonal
maintenance items. There is a crew working on the cemetery and has been able to mow
it three times so far. They are keeping ahead with the parks and roadside mowing as
well. More rain this year has caused problems with growth and vegetation blocking
intersections.
Board of Public Works – July 14, 2004
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The paving contractor has paved Hector Street, Coddington Road, North Cayuga Street
and Lake Street, and several more streets are scheduled to be worked on in the
upcoming weeks.
The work on the Cascadilla Creek wall will begin soon; crews are setting up the staging
area for the work, and will have a pedestrian bridge with rails in place. Work cannot
begin until Monday, July 19, 2004.
The carousel at Stewart Park has not been operational because they are waiting for a
part for the major gear on the carousel.
The concession stand at Stewart Park has not been opened because the Youth Bureau
felt that it was not profitable in addition to the building needing work including a new
roof.
The department has been busy providing public information releases regarding the
construction projects taking place in the City.
Mayor Peterson noted that the community is noticing the work that is being done and
really appreciates it. She further asked Assistant Supt. Ferrel to thank his staff for the
extra work they have done regarding press releases.
Assistant Supt. Ferrel responded to questions and comments from the Board regarding
various projects and concerns.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters:
The W & S crews have been compacted into two crews because of injuries to two
employees. The crews have been through the Ciminelli Project, the Cayuga Green
Garage and Elmira Road construction projects. He further reported that it is sometimes
hard for the public to understand how much time it takes to complete projects, and that
makes it difficult for the residents.
Assistant Supt. Fabbroni reported that he has been spending a great deal of time at the
Waste Water Treatment Plant, the department is working on the phosphorous removal
project. Personnel issues have increased because of unsettled contracts for both the
CSEA DPW and Administration units.
Assistant Supt. Fabbroni further reported that requests for water and sewer hook-ups
and disconnects has been at a record high. The crews need to be working on Elmira
Road near Wendy’s to redirect the sewage line through the Walmart pump station. He
also reported that there have been a lot of watershed activities as well.
Commissioner Dotson thanked Assistant Supt. Fabbroni for his and the department’s
hard work.
Assistant Supt. Fabbroni then responded to questions and comments from the Board
regarding various projects and concerns.
Board of Public Works – July 14, 2004
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13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT:
A. Easement for Utilities Under Newman Golf Course - Resolution
By Commissioner Romanoff: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the city has negotiated a contract for I-Net communications links which
include corrections to the DPW Streets and Facilities building and the adjacent Fire
Training Center, and
WHEREAS, Time Warner Cable is seeking an easement for the installation of the cable
connecting the two structures and has offered to do the connection underground, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG has requested a chance to replace its overhead electric service to
the fire training facilities if the I-Net connection is made underground; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants easements to Time Warner Cable
and to NYSEG for the installation of I-Net connections and electric service for the fire
training facility provided the work is underground and does not interfere with the
operations of the golf course, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor is authorized to sign the easements based on the usual
terms and conditions, as approved by the City Attorney and the Superintendent.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the location of the Ithaca Fire Department
training center regarding whether it is properly located considering the high recreation
use of the area, and the increased use once the Cayuga Waterfront Trail is completed.
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the time and money the City spent to
clean up the environmental impacts from previous use before the center was built and
that the Fire Chief has been made aware of the Board’s concerns and would be happy
to meet with the Board to discuss their concerns further.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK:
A. Award of West Court Street Sidewalk Construction- Resolution
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye
WHEREAS, bids were received on July 13, 2004 for the West Court Street Sidewalk
Construction Project, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the low bidder be
awarded the bid; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the West Court Street
Sidewalk Construction Project to McCall Masonry, 216 Westbrook Street, Sayre, PA
18840 for their low bid of $56,160.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into
an agreement with McCall Masonry with the usual terms and conditions.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding whether the width of the street would affect
this project and ADA requirements. Further discussion followed on the floor as to
whether the City might have the staff and time to inspect some of the concrete being
used in various projects around the city to ensure that specifications are being met.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding who is responsible for work done
on City projects for the replacement/repair work when the concrete used is substandard.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works – July 14, 2004
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15. PARKING AND TRAFFIC
A. Request for Exception to RPPS - Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye
WHEREAS, Betsy Magre of 413 East Buffalo Street has requested that the Board allow
an exception to the Residential Parking Permit System in order to provide a permit to
her day care provider and avoid a series of logistical problems associated with use of
the driveway; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies Ms. Magre an exemption to
the Residential Parking Permit System because the situation outlined appears to be
typical of the reasons that the city sought permission from New York State to institute
the permit system.
Carried Unanimously
17. WATER AND SEWER:
A. Transfer of Rights to Ecovation for IAWWTP Project - Resolution
By Commissioner Tsegaye: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff
WHEREAS, the city has entered into an agreement with RETEC to perform a pilot
project at the IAWWTP, and
WHEREAS, RETEC can no longer perform the work due to personnel changes and has
asked, the Board to transfer the contract to Ecovation; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the reassignment of the
contract from RETEC to Ecovation for completion of the work provided all the necessary
insurance and other contractual requirements are met, and the Superintendent is
authorized to sign the consent forms after consulting with the City Attorney and the
consulting attorney for the IAWWTP.
Carried Unanimously
B. Request for Power To Act at July 21, 2004 Meeting - Resolution
By Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself power to act at its Committee
of the Whole meeting on July 21, 2004 for repairs to Elm Street Tank Roof.
Carried Unanimously
C. Authorization to Hire Operator-of-Record to Oversee Wastewater Treatment
Plant – Resolution
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the City is in the process of searching for a Wastewater Chief Plant
Operator for the wastewater treatment plan which the City manages for the joint owners,
and
WHEREAS, it will take some time to either reach agreement on a compensation
package with potential internal candidates or if necessary conduct a more open and
expansive search, and
WHEREAS, an operator with a grade 4A license is required to be responsible for
directing the operation of the plant processes to meet regulatory agency opeating and
reporting requirements, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the hiring of James J.
Cunningham of New Water Technologies, Inc., 7967 Valley Road, Madison, N.Y.
13402, a grade 4A operator to manage the wastewater treatment plant process for
approximately an average of twelve hours a week for four months at a cost not to
exceed $25,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign the agreement for such services
upon approval of the City Attorney, and be it further
Board of Public Works – July 14, 2004
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RESOLVED, That the funds be taken from already budgeted joint activity funds for a
Chief Operator and as recommended by the Special Joint Committee on Waste Water
Treatment Plan.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the use of an outside contractor for this work
and the cost involved.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Commissioner Dotson noted that there are a lot of liaison positions on boards and
committees that are not being fulfilled by the current liaisons or they are vacant. She
expressed her desire for the current liaisons to start fulfilling their duties and to
communicate appropriately to their respective Boards.
Mayor Peterson stated that she has been trying to fill committee vacancies since she
took office in January. She will try to begin filling board/committee liaison positions in
the near future.
Commissioner Dotson noted that she and Commission Chapman would continue to
report from the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board as needed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Romanoff reported to the Board that she is working with the City
Historian concerning the Bernie Milton Plaque. The City Historian is talking with Faith
Milton to finalize the language. Once finalized, the plaque should appear as soon as
possible. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the cost of the plaque and where
the funding will come from.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Information Management Specialist Mayor