HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2006-07-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:00 p.m. July 19, 2006
PRESENT:
Commissioners (4) -Dotson, Romanoff, Schlather, Wykstra
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer –Whitney
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Executive Assistant - Grunder
EXCUSED:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners Jenkins and Chapman
DRYDEN ROAD GARAGE UPDATE
Assistant City Engineer West and City Clerk Holcomb updated the Board on the Dryden
Road Garage project. They reported that many meetings have been held regarding the
options for closure of the garage with landlords and merchants as many of them are
very upset about the proposed start date for the project.
Assistant City Engineer West reported that the work could be postponed until after
Labor Day with a proposed project completion date of late October, if there is a full
closure of the garage. He stated that this option would have a large impact on the cost
of the project. Another option is to delay the work until the 2007 construction season.
This option factors in that additional repairs will need to be made, and the cost for the
project may increase considerably. He further noted that the bids for the project have
already been awarded and signed contracts are in place.
Supt. Gray recommended that the Board consider a September 5, 2006 start date for
the project if the proposed August 24, 2006 start date needs to be changed. He stated
that postponing the work could result in a loss of workers to other jobs, which would
prolong the closure of the garage.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the impact of the closure of the garage on the
projected revenue the City would normally collect during this time of year.
Commissioner Romanoff inquired about what guarantees the City has from the
contractor to complete the work if the project is postponed until 2007.
Supt. Gray stated that there is a signed contact in place so there is the expectation that
they will do the work next year but, the increased costs due to postponement will have
to be renegotiated.
The Board recommended that the City postpone the work until 2007.
GREEN STREET GARAGE RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS
Supt. Gray reported that the contractor for the Green Street Garage renovations and
alterations is the same contractor that will be doing the repairs on the Dryden Road
Garage. He stated that the Green Garage project includes demolition, rebuilding, and
renovations. He further stated that due to the scope of the work and the number of
individual steps involved in this project that there are numerous agreements that must
be entered into. Therefore both the Mayor and Common Council must be involved to
approve the costs for the project.
Brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the project and the existing contracts.
Board of Public Works – July 19, 2006 - Page 2
2007 BUDGET PREPARATION - REPORT
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported to the Board on the
2007 DPW budget. He stated that there had been 4 retirements, amounting to a total
loss of 128 years experience with the City. He stated that no new equipment is
expected to be purchased in 2007. He further stated that with the increased fuel,
lumber, steel, concrete, and asphalt prices it has been difficult to operate within the
current budget. With projected increases for salaries, raw materials, utilities, and
professional services, the department will need the proposed 3.5% increase to maintain
existing programs and will find it difficult to advance programs or start new ones.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Department of Public Works financial
commitments to different projects throughout the City.
ENCROACHMENT REQUEST – 733 HECTOR STREET
Supt. Gray reported that there had been a request from Scott Thompson for approval of
an encroachment agreement for his driveway and parking area on City land. He is
requesting the encroachment agreements as part of an appeal to the Board of Zoning
Appeals for his property.
Supt. Gray further reported that a subcommittee is working on this request and will
provide recommendations for the Board at a future meeting.
COMMONS PLANTERS PROPOSAL
Supt. Gray stated that there is a proposal for planters to be placed on the Ithaca
Commons and near West State Street from the Ithaca Downtown Partnership (IDP)
using county room tax revenues for this beautification project.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the impact of the request on the appearance
and the other competing uses of the Commons. The discussion was deferred pending
more information regarding the placement of the planters.
PARKS COMMISSION’S RESOLUTION ON DOGS AND THE FESTIVAL LANDS
Supt. Gray reported that the Parks Commission forwarded a resolution they adopted
concerning the TCDog request for the City to allow dogs to be off leash on the Festival
Lands. This item will be placed on the August 2, 2006 agenda for discussion and
possible action.
SOUTH AURORA STREET SEWER UPDATE
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer Whitney reported that he expects this
project should be completed by Wednesday July 26, 2006.
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported that the paving crew
will follow behind the Water and Sewer Department and pave Aurora Street once the
sewer project is complete.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Jessica C. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Department of Public Works Intern Mayor