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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2009-03-25BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Special Meeting 4:48 p.m. March 25, 2009 PRESENT: Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Brock, Tripp, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney DAC Liaison – Roberts Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: Mayor Peterson Commissioner Schlather City Attorney - Hoffman Deputy City Controller - Andrew Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Common Council Liaison – Zumoff PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Co-Chair Jenkins led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the March 4, 2009, Board of Public Works Meeting- Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 4, 2009, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS: Brush Chipper Bid Award - Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, bids were received on March 10, 2009, for one new and unused 2009 model year Tree and Brush Chipper, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the Board of Public Works award the bid to the lowest bidder, which meets all of our minimum specifications, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the bid of the new chipper to RBR Equipment, 1644 Otisco Valley Road, Marietta, NY 13110, for their low bid of $42,500.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent to enter into a contract with RBR Equipment for the purchase of the Tree and Brush Chipper. Carried (4-0) Discussion followed on the floor regarding the replacement of the brush chipper. Supt. Gray stated the current brush chipper is in disrepair, in need of replacement, and that brush chippers usually last seven to eight years. Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 309 North Aurora Street Supt. Gray explained that the notification sent to Ms. Baker was returned. Board members agreed to reconsider the resolution at their meeting April 8, 2009, in order to provide Ms. Baker adequate notification of the Board’s intent. Board of Public Works Special Meeting March 25, 2009 Page 2 Review of Sidewalk Snow Removal Bill for 419 East Buffalo – Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received an appeal of the bill for sidewalk snow removal at 419 East Buffalo Street, and WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed photos and information provided by the owner of the property, and WHEREAS, the Board feels that appropriate process was followed to keep the sidewalks safe for pedestrians, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board denies the appeal. Discussion followed on the floor regarding notification policies for property owners and recent changes to the City Code regarding notification. Commissioner Tripp stated that public notices were printed in the newspapers throughout the winter regarding property owner’s responsibilities for snow removal code, and recommended the Board deny the request. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried (4-0) Review of Sidewalk Snow Removal Bill, 622 Cascadilla Street Sunit Chitintaranond, owner of ZaZa’s Cucina, joined the Board’s discussion regarding his appeal. He stated that he did not understand the reason for the snow removal bill because the sidewalks belong to the city. Supt. Gray explained that the property owner is required to maintain the sidewalk adjacent to their property. He further explained that corner properties have two sidewalks that must be maintained on two sides of the property, as well. Discussion followed on the floor regarding property owner responsibilities with snow removal for sidewalks adjacent to their property. Mr. Chitintaranond stated there is no sidewalk along the Route 13 side of the property. DAC Liaison Roberts disagreed, stated that there is a sidewalk on both sides of Route 13. Board members agreed to table their discussion of this protest in order to give the members time to visit the site. Mr. Chitintaranond agreed that if a sidewalk exists adjacent to his property along Route 13, he will pay the snow removal bill without further protest. Commissioner Wykstra requested that the Board consider a resolution on this appeal at their meeting on April 8, 2009. Review of Sidewalk Snow Removal Bill for 308 Elmira Road Terry Waring, owner of the property at 308 Elmira Road, addressed the Board regarding her protest, explaining that she was not aware that she was not maintaining the sidewalk properly. Commissioner Tripp explained that a passable sidewalk is different from one that is wheelchair accessible. She stated that property owners are responsible for maintaining their sidewalk so that they are wheelchair accessible. Supt. Gray explained that 2008 was the first year the City budgeted for a sidewalk crew; 2009 was the first year the City enforced the Exterior Maintenance Ordinance for snow removal. Discussion followed on the floor regarding code enforcement and notification. Discussion followed on the floor regarding this appeal and how it should be addressed, and what charges it should include. The Board requested that this item be placed on the agenda for their meeting on April 8, 2009. DAC Liaison Roberts expressed support for the City’s enforcement of the Exterior Maintenance Ordinance. He further stated that it is important that residents be able to get around the city without fear of accidents along the sidewalks. Board of Public Works Special Meeting March 25, 2009 Page 3 WATER AND SEWER: Review of Request to Expunge Bill for Water Service for 220-222 Utica Street Brian Lee, owner of 220-222 Utica Street, addressed the Board regarding his appeal. He explained the reason for the appeal is for the overtime costs. He explained that the emergency repair service to install a new copper line was caused by the City when the water meter was replaced. Discussion followed on the floor regarding current policies in place for emergency repair work in order to prevent disruption in water service to residents.. Commissioner Brock disclosed that she knows the Lees personally. She stated that she had not discussed this issue with them. Supt. Gray stated Mr. Lee requested the City rescind its bill and to be relieved of the City’s bill and to reimburse him for the cost of the private plumber to install a new service from the house to the curbstop. Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that crews could have patched the hole in the line that afternoon, and repaired the service the following day, rather than working on overtime. Commissioner Wykstra suggested that the Board consider adjusting the invoice. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Supt. Gray explained there is a backlog of administrative issues the Board must attend to, including multiple bill protests, sidewalk appeals, and that these items would be added to future agendas. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor