HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2006-05-17Approved on May 9, 2007
Board of Public Works Regular Meeting
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:00 p.m. May 17, 2006
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (5) – Chapman, Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather, Wykstra
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Executive Assistant – Grunder
Deputy City Controller – Andrew
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Dotson
Common Council Liaison – Coles
GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported to the Board that since
the structural failures at GIAC on May 8, 2006, the City has been working hard to reopen
the facility. He further reported that the City has signed a contract with McPherson
Builders to install scaffolding, and the Ithaca Fire Department has produced a list of
repairs that need to be made before the building can reopen. The goal is to have the
building open as early as Monday, May 15th. He stated that Southside Community
Center, Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, and City Hall have all volunteered space
for GIAC programming during this closure.
ELMIRA ROAD SIDEWALK PROJECT (PHASE I) – POWER TO ACT – RESOLUTION
Supt. Gray reported to the Board on the bids and proposed budget for the Elmira Road
Sidewalk Project.
Mayor Peterson suggested that the procedure for responding to sidewalk complaints
received by the City be distributed to Common Council members and clearly posted on
the City’s website for informational purposes.
Commissioner Chapman inquired if the 400 block of the Elmira Road would be included
in the project.
Assistant City Engineer West explained that in order to include the 400 block of Elmira
Road in the project, Common Council would need to approve an increase in the capital
project funding. He further stated that the majority of the 400 block of Elmira Road is
private property.
AWARD OF BID OF UNIFORM SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS – 300 BLOCK ELMIRA
ROAD – RESOLUTION
By Commissioner Romanoff: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra
WHEREAS, bids were received for Uniform Sidewalk Improvements for the 300 Block
Elmira Road for the City of Ithaca, the two bids submitted for the work are budgeted in
Capital Project #249, Sidewalk Repair, with Water and Sewer Funds covering the
sidewalk work to be done in front of the Elmira Road Sanitary Sewer Pump Station, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the submitted bids, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that McCall Masonry, PO Box 304, Sayre, PA 18840 is awarded the
contract for uniform Sidewalk Improvements – 300 Block Elmira Road for the City of
Ithaca, for Alternates 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 for their low bid of $85,952.50.
Carried Unanimously
GOLDBERG PARKING LOT – POWER TO ACT – RESOLUTION
Supt. Gray reported to the Board that there would be very few changes in the operation
of this parking lot since it will only be open for a short time if the Green Street Garage
Project proceeds as scheduled.
Board of Public Works – May 17, 2006 - Page 2
By Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the City has closed down the Green Street Garage in preparation for repairs,
while continuing to operate the at-grade lot (Lot D) and is preparing to take over operation
of the at-grade lot below the Green Street Garage (Goldberg Lot), and
WHEREAS, construction work on the garage will disrupt either or both lots as early as
mid-summer 2006, resulting in closing the Goldberg Lot for a year, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to develop interim operations at the two
locations based on the following guidelines:
1. Public parking will be maintained in these two lots as long as is practical and safe
during the construction period, consistent with the contract documents.
2. Parking in Lot D will be initially converted to “one hour free, one hour maximum”
unattended operation as staff are transferred over to the Goldberg Lot, and will be
converted to “pay and display, three hour maximum” unattended operation once
the necessary automated pay stations are available.
3. Parking in the new Green Street Lot (Goldberg Lot) will continue largely as it is, in
conformance with existing signage but with somewhat limited hours of operation
based on City staffing, which is expected to eliminate Sunday and late evening
hours and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will work with staff to monitor both
construction progress and lot operation in order to make any changes deemed
necessary.
Carried Unanimously
REDBUD WOODS PLAQUE -- DISCUSSION
Cornell Plantations Representative, Elissa Wolfson, gave the Board an overview of the
history of the Redbud Woods situation. She reviewed the text that had been drafted for a
potential plaque to commemorate the woods.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the wording of a plaque.
Mayor Peterson reported that Cornell University was aware of the drafted wording for the
plaque and would not support it as written.
The Board agreed that the inflammatory wording and references to specific individuals
needed to be removed. The Board was also in agreement that they would like to obtain
input of the wording from Cornell University before voting on this issue.
DOG PARK
John Bernstein, Tompkins County Dog Group, reported to the Board that he has
requested consideration of a resolution that would allow Tompkins County Dog Group to
construct a fence delineating the picnic area adjacent to the parking lot. He further
reported on the scope of the project if approved by the Board.
Commissioner Romanoff stated that with the number of boaters in the area increasing
along with the number of dog walkers, the fence would serve as a good barrier to divide
the two groups safely.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Deborah A. Grunder Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor