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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPw-2005-03-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. March 9, 2005 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Dotson, Chapman, Romanoff OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy City Controller - Andrew Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison – Coles DAC Liaison – Roberts Information Management Specialist - Myers EXCUSED: Commissioner Schlather PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the February 9, 2005 and February 16, 2005 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Romanoff: Seconded by Commissioner Chapman RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 9, 2005 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published and be it further RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 16, 2005 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Assistant Superintendent for Water & Sewer Fabbroni requested that Item 17B – 2005 Water & Sewer Materials Bid Award be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. Superintendent Gray requested that Item 14B – Request to NYSDOT to Review Pedestrian Crossing on Seneca Way, and Item 16C – Approval of Proposed Adopt-A- Park Program be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. Commissioner Chapman requested that Item 23A – Discussion of New Traffic Signals be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson informed the Board that she had met with representatives of the Collegetown business owners regarding the City’s refusal to accept a check for $900.00 for discount parking passes, and the increased parking rates. The discount program for Collegetown no longer exists, which she did not realize when the new parking rates were approved. The business owners presented a slide show to her of the poor condition of the Dryden Road garage. They feel that the City should be maintaining the garage in a better condition because of the increased parking rates. Mayor Peterson requested that this matter become a future discussion item for the Board. Board of Public Works – March 9, 2005 - Page 2 2 COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Carol Booth, Chairperson for Tompkins County’s Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities subcommittee, addressed the Board to thank them for reviewing the safety challenges that Challenge Industries faces, and informed the Board of the hazards of crossing State Street by Challenge. Marty Gold, Director of Program Development and Quality Assurance for Challenge Industries, addressed the Board to thank them reviewing the proposed resolution to NYSDOT regarding the pedestrian safety at Seneca Way. She asked the Board what temporary strategies might be used to help ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing at State and Seneca Way. Robert Abele, Manager of Eddygate Apartments, addressed the Board regarding the increased parking rates in the Collegetown area. He informed the Board that he would return each month to present them with financial figures showing the loss of revenue to the City because of the increased parking rates. He urged the Board to reconsider their decision to raise the parking rates in Collegetown. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Dotson responded to comments made about the increased parking rates in Collegetown. She stated that she would like the opportunity to speak about this matter in a smaller group setting with Mr. Auble. Commissioner Romanoff responded to comments made about the increased parking rates in Collegetown. She stated that when the Board voted on this item that it was a tough vote. She further stated that the idea was that Collegetown and Downtown would be studied for a year with the increased parking rates and then the Board would revisit the topic. Mayor Peterson informed the representatives from Challenge Industries that she and the police department did not receive their initial e-mail in November because the City’s server interpreted the e-mail as spam. The first time that she and the police department received the e-mail was when it was sent again in February. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Alderperson Coles reported on the following Common Council actions: Alderperson Coles distributed a “Resolution to Affirm Support for the City Traffic Calming Policy” that was adopted by Common Council in March 2005, she explained that the grant money has been earmarked for use on the Buffalo Street Intersection that involves Corn Street/Plain Street/Albany/Buffalo Streets. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the resolution and if other projects might have priority over the Buffalo Street intersection. CC Liaison Coles stated that it was not an option. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding current traffic calming devices and making sure that the ones installed at this intersection will work as intended. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: - There are currently three vacant positions in the Superintendent/Engineering Office. A temporary employee is covering the Administrative Secretary position until the position is filled. - Two candidates applied for the traffic engineer position, however one has withdrawn and the other one is seeking additional information on compensation rates which may be too low. Names of Bridge Engineers have been submitted for review. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: - Seasonal activities are taking place. Board of Public Works – March 9, 2005 - Page 3 3 - A new product is being tested on city streets as a potential replacement/supplement to treated salt. This product is colored green and is friendlier to aquatic life. - Work on the Cascadilla Creek wall has not been finished due to winter weather so they are pulling out the equipment and will return to complete the work after July 15th. - There have been two meetings with NYSEG regarding cast iron gas main replacements. The projects are in difficult areas of the city – East Seneca Street to Eddy Street, Prospect between Turner and South Aurora Street (for which there will be a detour), Brandon Place, Valentine Place, and Catherine Street. - Street cleaning will begin the week the students are on Spring break; or in the case of bad weather it will start in April. - Reconstruction of Cliff Street to the City line will take place this summer, including work on the retaining wall. There will be extensive detours in place and the City has been working with DOT and the Town of Ithaca on this project as well. - NYSEG is expanding their coal tar removal project to Washington Street between Court and Esty Street and maybe Esty to Cascadilla Street, per the DEC. It will involve a lot of work and expense to the City because of the need for reconstruction of the streets. He will provide NYSEG with an estimate of costs. Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: - A neighborhood meeting was held regarding the First Street water and sewer reconstruction project – 4 residents and 8 staff members attended. It was a productive meeting and he hopes to start the project by March 21, 2005 at Adams Street. He will update the Board on how the project is proceeding. A meeting with the Town of Ithaca about the project was also conducted. He hopes to complete First Street to Aurora Street this year. Next year, Aurora Street will be reconstructed which will be challenging due to the traffic volume and the number of businesses. He thanked the Mayor for her leadership role in working with the Town of Ithaca to move this project forward. - The phosphorous removal is going well, money from the State has been received; the City will be eligible to borrow 2.2 million dollars with low interest toward that share of the project. - A meeting was held with NYSEG regarding traffic calming on Court Street and Plain Streets during construction, and it was determined that only pedestrians will be allowed through the construction zone. - Computerized water main work done near Taughannock Boulevard by a contractor who will be able to do the work without digging up the area. - The West Hill water tank is almost back on line. - There have been meetings on alternatives for the Water Treatment Plant and they are heading towards a public discussion in the future. - There is a lot of activity going on with the watershed grants. - There has been a lot of personnel turn-over because of compensation issues, and he is anticipating some retirements at the Wastewater Treatment plant. - He is working on creating an “Assistant” to the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer position as the person working in that capacity has been a temporary employee for the last five years, and he would like to see the position made permanent. - All of the water tanks require painting. 14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK: Board of Public Works – March 9, 2005 - Page 4 4 14A. Encroachment Agreement for Driveway at 356 Floral Avenue - Resolution By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Chapman WHEREAS, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services is requesting an encroachment for the driveway at 356 Floral Avenue; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants an encroachment of approximately 14.8’ + for the driveway at 356 Floral Avenue, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board reserves the right to direct the encroachment be removed at no cost to the City if the Department of Public Works requires use of the property, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor to enter into an encroachment agreement for the property under the usual terms and conditions. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commission Romanoff RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor to enter into an encroachment agreement for the property under the usual terms and conditions, including a right of reverter at anytime.” Carried Unanimously Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the first Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works hereby grants an encroachment of approximately 14.8’ + for the driveway at 356 Floral Avenue to be maintained by the owner at 356 Floral Avenue, and be it further” Carried Unanimously Main Motion As Amended: A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Request to NYSDOT Review Pedestrian Crossing on Seneca Way - Resolution Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request for assistance in addressing the pedestrian crossing in front of Challenge Industries, and WHEREAS, there have been other request in the past related to this crosswalk, and WHEREAS, there now are large numbers of pedestrians crossing the street just east of the “wrap around” especially employees and clients of Challenge Industries, and the recently expanded, Gateway Plaza, and WHEREAS, this results in numerous conflicts, reported and unreported, between vehicles and pedestrians; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to contact NYSDOT and request that it review pedestrian safety on Seneca Way in front of Challenge Industries, giving top priority to that intersection for improvements that protect pedestrians including the addition of a crosswalk. DAC Liaison Roberts stated that he would like to discuss this intersection further at some point. The DAC has been advised of the situation and supports Challenge’s request to get these issues addressed. The DAC is particularly interested in exploring traffic calming measures as a solution. Commissioner Dotson stated that she appreciates Challenge’s efforts to look at the situation. The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee brought to the attention of the Board of Public Works – March 9, 2005 - Page 5 5 Board intersections of concern and she has talked with Superintendent Gray at least weekly regarding his response to those intersections. She is awaiting his response. Superintendent Gray stated that this resolution is not intended to displace other things that need attention. This effort will need to be a joint effort between the State and the City and there will need to be some cost splitting. DAC Liaison Roberts stated that he would appreciate it if Challenge Industries could be copied on the letter to NYSDOT. He encouraged Challenge Industries to work with NYSDOT on this project as well. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: 16A. Conceptual Approval of Disc Golf Tournament in Stewart Park - Resolution By Commissioner Romanoff: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson WHEREAS, Leadership Tompkins is requesting use of Stewart Park on May 7, 2005 for a charity Disc Golf event to raise money for the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and WHEREAS, it is planned that the course will utilize a substantial part of the park; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the concept of the Disc Golf event as an educational event for the community and as a fundraiser, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board emphasizes to Leadership Tompkins that Stewart Park is a public use park and that public access and use must be maintained, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Leadership Tompkins for the use of Stewart Park with the usual terms and conditions, including a certificate of insurance for the event following consultation with the City Attorney and the Superintendent of Public Works. Carried Unanimously 16B. Mayor’s Commitment to Newman Golf Course Long Term Planning - Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Chapman WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has expressed interest in the future of the Newman Golf Course; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Mayor establish a committee to plan for long term goals of Newman Golf Course, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests that members of the board, the Golf Pro and residents within the city be appointed to the committee as needed to obtain a broad representation of views and ideas related to this specialized land use and its future within the City. Carried Unanimously C. Approval of Proposed Adopt-A-Park Program - Resolution WHEREAS, the members of the City of Ithaca Parks Commission (hereafter referred to as the Commission) have long been concerned with the steadily decreasing resources targeted for our city parks, and WHEREAS, the Commission recognizes the need to develop creative low cost solutions to assist the Department of Public Works in the maintenance and upkeep of our parks and natural areas, and WHEREAS, the Commission has prepared a Public Information Packet, an Application, an Adopt-A-Park Agreement, a Volunteer Agreement, a Volunteer Agreement For Minor Board of Public Works – March 9, 2005 - Page 6 6 Participants, Safety Recommendations, and a City of Ithaca Adopt-A-Park Brochure, which have been reviewed by the City Attorney’s office, and WHEREAS, on February 2, 2005, the Commission presented the same information to the Board of Public Works (BPW) for review and comment, and WHEREAS, Planning Staff, at the direction of the BPW, revised the information, and WHEREAS, on February 8, 2005, the Commission reviewed the revised document and accepted the revisions suggested by the BPW, and WHEREAS, on March 8, 2005, the BPW reviewed the revised documents; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the City of Ithaca Adopt-a-Park program as presented in the attached documents. Power to Act: By Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on Approval of Proposed Adopt- A-Park Program at their Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for March 16, 2005. Carried Unanimously 17. WATER AND SEWER: A. Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Bill for 722-34 South Meadow Street - Resolution By Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff WHEREAS, Developers Diversified Realty, owner of 722-34 South Meadow Street received a Water and Sewer bill for the period of February 26, 2004 through May 24, 2004, and WHEREAS, Developers Diversified Realty claims that they purchased and closed on the property on May 20, 2004 and that the bill should have been sent to the previous owner; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the expungment of the late penalty on the Water and Sewer bill incurred at 722-34 South Meadow Street for an amount of $5652.95, and be it further RESOLVED, That the new property owners, Developers Diversified Realty had the opportunity to find out about the pending bill during the tax search and while the bill was properly sent to the property owner, the board expresses no opinion on the reasonable distribution of costs for the bill, as that is a matter between the current and former owner of the property. Carried Unanimously 17.C 2005 Water & Sewer Materials Bid Award - Resolution By Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, The attached bids summarized were opened March 3,2005 at 3:00PM for many different categories of materials to support the 2005 work program now therefore be it RESOLVED, by the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works to award the following low bids meeting specification received: BID 1 to Vellano Bros. Inc., 405 Commerce Rd., Vestal, N.Y. 13850 for a low bid of $144,120.00 BID 4 to Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc., 750 Howard Street, Elmira, New York 14904 for a low combined bid of BIDS 2,2.1,and 3 of $40,504.00 Board of Public Works – March 9, 2005 - Page 7 7 BID 9 to Martisco Corporation, 107 Terminal Road East, Liverpool, New York 13088 for a low bid of $33,680.00 BID10 to Jones Water Supply, Inc., 183 Corporate Drive, Binghamton, New York 13904 for a low bid of $6345.00 BID11 to Jones Water Supply, Inc., 183 Corporate Drive, Binghamton, New York 13904 for a low bid of $5538.00 BID12 to Jones Water Supply, Inc., 183 Corporate Drive, Binghamton, New York 13904 for a low bid of $5298.00 BID13 to Jones Water Supply, Inc., 183 Corporate Drive, Binghamton, New York 13904 for a low bid of $23,668.30 BID15 to Vellano Bros. Inc., 405 Commerce Rd., Vestal, N.Y. 13850 for a low bid of $35,621.10 BID16 to Vellano Bros. Inc., 405 Commerce Rd., Vestal, N.Y. 13850 for a low bid of $11,721.40 BID17 to M.J. Pipe and Supply Corp., 609 Buffalo Rd., Rochester, New York 14611 for a low complete bid of $16927.00, and be it further RESOLVED, to reject the bids of Everett J. Prescott Inc. and M.J. Pipe and Supply Corp. for BID 14 for not meeting the minimum specifications and award BID14 to Vellano Bros. Inc., 405 Commerce Rd., Vestal, N.Y. 13850 for a low bid of $26,399.76 Carried Unanimously 18. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: 18A. Power to Act for Award of Bid for Sidewalk Contract 4/6/05 - Resolution By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself power to act at its Committee of the Whole meeting on April 6, 2005 to award the bid for a Sidewalk Contract. Carried Unanimously NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Chapman requested that a discussion take place at a future Committee of the Whole meeting concerning the new traffic signals that are in the process of being installed. He has some serious concerns about their ADA compliance. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Information Management Specialist Mayor