HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 Board of Public WorksBoard of Public
Works.
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VICE CHAIRMAN It was moved by Comm. Golder and seconded by Comm.
Putney be nominated for the position of Vice Chairman of the Board.
nominations. The Clerk cast one unrinimous ballot for Comm. Putney,
his being elected Vice Chairman of the Board for the ensuing year.
Clynes that Comm.
There were no other
which resulted in
i—/e
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS: Mayor Conley announced at this time
standing committees of the Board of Public Works.
Chairman
I Commissioner Ewanicki
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Commissioner Clynes
rmissioner Golder
Commissioner Putney
Commissioner Downing
Commissioner Parkes
the
Vice Chairman Member
Water and Sanitary Sewer
Commissioner Putney Commissioner Clynes
Highways, Street Lighting, and Refuse
Commissioner Parkes Commissioner Ewanicki
Bridges, Creeks and Storm Damage
Commissioner Clynes Commissioner Downing
Public Buildings, Public Grounds, and Parks
Commissioner Ewanicki Commissioner Golder
Fiance, Accounts, and Capital Improvements
Commissioner Golder Commissioner Parkes
Parking, Traffic and Transit
Commissioner Downing Commissioner Putney
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11110 RULES & REGULATIONS OF. BOARD OF PUBLIC, WORKS: The Deputy City Clerk retorted to the
Board, that the Council had requested them to update the rules .and regulations passed
by the Board in March, 1962. The Deputy City Clerk read the following resolution passed
by Council:
"RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works be requested to update the Rules and
Regulations Booklet that became effective on March 20, 1962, and be made available
by September 1, 1973, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Board of Public Works
at their next meeting. Discussion revolved around the rules in question. It was
explained that this was the established rules and regulations relating to the public
streets and public grounds in booklet form adopted by the Board on March 14, 1902.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS: Comm. Golder reported that at its
last meeting the Deputy City Clerk reported that the Common Council has passed a resolution
requesting the Board of Public Works to update its booklet of rules and regulations by
September 1, 1973. At that time the Board did not take any action on the request.
By Comm. Golder: seconded by Comm. Putney
RESOLVED, That the request of the Common Council at its January 3, 1973 meeting to
update the Rules and Regulations booklet that became effective on March 20, 1962, be referred
to the Board as a whole.
Carried
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MINUTES: Comm. Parkes requested that the minutes be:corrected to show that not
all members of the board had seen the plans, as so•stated on page 5 and that not
all boards had seen"the plans,, but some boardias so stated on page .6.
By COtmu. Parkes: seconded by Comm. Golder
RESOLVED, That the minutes of February 28, 1973, as amended by the. Deputy City Clerk
be approved.
Carried
MINUTES: Comm. Parkes reported that he had some corrections on tithe e April statement 1973,
minutes. He said at the bottom of page 5 and that top of page
he doesn't understand, attibuted to him. The discussion was about the Seneca
Street Ramp. The minutes indicated his displeasure with the way the contract was
handled. Comm. Parkes said he does not remember making that statment. He said
he asked the Council members, who were present, two questions:
1. If they had assessed the consequences of building the Seneca Sleet
..Garage before the Green StreetGarage
gh for the Seneca Street Garage
2) .Why they felt they had to pay.so
By Comm. Putney: seconded by Comm. Parkes
RESOLVED, that the minutes of the April 11, 1973, meeting be accepted with these
corrections.
Carried
MINUTES: Comm. Golder requested the minutes of May 9, 1973, page 2, paragraph 3
should be corrected to read 400 units per year, instead of 400 extra gallons per day.
By Comm. Putney: seconded by Comm. Golder
RESOLVED, That the minutes of April 25, 1973 and May 9, 1973 meetings be accepted
With this correction.
MINUTES:
Comm. Parkes requested that the minutes of June 27, 1973, Page 9 No. 1 should be
corrected to read, 1. A stop here on signal sign near Westons and Ass't Supt.
Hannan requested that on Page 7 paragraph 13 should be corrected to read C. Gsxy
Snyder, A Sewer Plant Operator Trainee at $6775 per year, effective June 17, 1973.
By Comm. Golder seconded by Comm. Downing resolved that the minutes for the June
27; 1973 meeting be accepted as corrected.
MINUTES: Attorney Gersh requested
9 be corrected by deleting the fol
tee of the work that still remains
Assoc. has deposited $55,000 negot
BY COMM. DOWNING SECONDED BY COMM.
be accepted with this correction.
Carried
the Minutes of July 11, 1973, Page 5, Item No.
lowing: "Providing $55,000 withheld for guaran-
after this payment." The reason is that Streeter
iable bonds with the City Chamberlain. ..c4%
PARKES RESOLVED, That the minutes of July 11, 1973
Carried
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DAVID ROSS APPRECIATION: By Comm. Parkes: seconded by Comm. Golder 6.11,za'
RESOLVED,That the Mayor be requested to direct a letter to David Ross of Station
WTKO expressing the appreciation of the Board of Public Works for the kindness
of Mr. Ross and of Station WTKO for the spot advertisements presented over the
past several months publicizing the community transit system and encouraging
ridership. Carried
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Conley said he wanted to let the Board
• know that he is negotiating a third annual block party. The party will be held
Saturday night May 129 1973. The Mayor said they are still negotiating the area
to be used. He said in talking with the City Attorney and the Police Chief, we are
taking the position that it a public safety situation. The permit would be
granted by the Mayor with the approval of the Police Chief. If the traffic
circulation presented any problems, the Police would have the power to close the
street for safety reasons,The Mayor Mayor said it was a community party.
Comm. Golder asked the Mayor if Cornell turned down the use of the area by
Willard Straight. The Mayor said the request is coming to us for the Collegetown
area.
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By Comm. Parkes seconded by Comm. Ewanicki resolved that the Board approve the
sale of an Ozalid machine from the Engineering Division to the Tompkins County
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SUPERINTENDENT"S REPORT
The report of Raymond, Parish $ Pine on the traffic circulation in the central
business district has been received and will be available in my office for k.3
review by Board members.
The draft of the environmental statement on the improvements of Routes 13 and
96 from Newfield Hill through Ithaca to Trumansburg, is available in my office
for review by the Board members. 67i
The NYS Master Plan for Transportation, Volume I, revised to April 1973, is on
file in my office and available for review by Board members. q/3
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It has come to my attention that the Finance Committee has recently turned
down or altered several requests of the Board of Public Works. It is my
understanding that the Finance Committee has determined that it will report
for Council action, only those items on which they have a positive reaction.
The Council in general, will not have the opportunity to deal with the requests
of the Board or even to be aware of them unless some other method is devel-
oped to bring the Board's concerns to the Council. The Board of Public Works
who spends the bulk of the City's total budget, is not represented on the Fin-
ance Committee, I would propose the following:
1. That the Mayor appoint as a voting memberof the Finance
Committee, the Chairman of the Council's Committee on Public
Works.
2. That the Finance Committee of the Common Council be directed to
acquaint themselves with matters of the Board's concern, and present
questions in sufficient detail in advance of their meeting, so
that they may have adequate information on which to act. (No
member of the department can be expected to anticipate the
complex questions of the Finance Committee.)
3. Every item which is referred to the Council by the Board, should
be adequately presented to the Council at the next subsequent
meeting.
A discussion took place on the Council Floor with several Aldermen and Comm-
issioners pointing out the problems involved.
COMMUNICATIONS:
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The City Clerk read a letter of Appreciation from David N. Epstein praising the
cooperation of the Board of Public Works refuse CollectionDept.. fl„1
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CONMUNI CATI ONS :
City Clerk, Rundle read a letter to Nlr. Dingman from Mark T. Garvey Associates,
praising the Departemtts fine job during the spring clean-up days this year.
City Clerk read a letter directed to Mayor Conley from Comm. Downing announcing has
• resignation as follows:
Dear Mr. Mayor: !/�2
Because of the pressure of other business and for a number of personal reasons,
I find it necessary to advise you that I am resigning from the Board of Public
Works effective September 15, 1973, or as soon thereafter as you can find a
replacement.
I have enjoyed my years as a Commissioner and the experience of working with you,
the other members of the Board, and the staff of the Department. My very best
wishes and sincere admiration are extended to all with whom I have had the pleasure
of serving our city.
William S. Downing, Jr.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT
Mayor Conley announced the appointment of Dr. Ralph P. Baldini to fill the
vacant seat on the Board of Public Works. Mr. Baldini will complete the term of
Former Commissioner William Downing, Jr. the term of office will expire Dec.
31, 1974. The appointment will require Common Council approval. I1/4(7.3
OATH OF OFFICE - RALPH P. BALDINI
Ralph P. Baldini received the oath of office as Commissioner of the Board of
Public Works, term to. expire Dec. 31, 1974, and was seated on the; /bard.
Mayor Conley informed newly appointed Comm. Baldini that he was assigned to the
Bridges, Creeks and Storm Drainage Committee, Chairman of the Finance, Accounts
and Capital Improvements Committee, and Vice Chairmaa of the Parking, Traffic and.
Transit Committee.
1. By Comm. Downings seconded by Comm. Golder
RESOLVED, that the 1972 report of the Board of Public Works be received and placed
on file. 7/l2-
arried
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City Clerk Rundle read a statement to the Board from Alderman Nancy R. Meyer
as follows:
STATEMENT TO THE BOARD
11-16-73
With the election over and a new year coming up, I'd like to make a
statement as an individual Alderman expressing my hopes that the board and
council will work closely and cooperatively together for the welfare of the
city. Council has been working hard to clarify roles of the two bodies and
procedures for better efficiency. This efficiency will only happen when both
groups work as one toward the solving of our city's problems.
A year ago I spoke of the problem of communication -.and encouraged the
use of memos. This year I'm suggesting we start by recognizing more clearly
which projects or situations require a line of action going from the board
to the council - or council to board: All of us need to take more respons-
ibility in making sure that line of action is followed through, as quickly
as possible; otherwise items are lost in the delay.
To Be Specific:
Items that the finance committee and capital improvements committee are
often items that involve the board. A delay on something like the D.P.W.
budget affects decisions by the council committee - which in turn affects
the activities of the D.P.W.
If requests from the Board of Public Works are ignored by Council then
again action is delayed.
So, it's the city's loss when the lines of communication and action are
inefficient. In our obligation to the tax payer it would seem appropriate
that we listen to each other better - and act in our respective offices �L
without mistrust.
When we have a job to do - lets do and put aside the trivia.✓1���
A year and a half ago I urgd city to start thinking about our
solid waste disposal process. Since that time, with the energy crisis at
hand it is apparent that further conc.ote consideration is given.
It takes less energy to recycle glass than to produce it from raw sand.
When all factors are considered it takes less energy to recycle paper
than to use all virg-.-A timber.
Jack Dougherty and 1 vis:i d a rcyclir.g plant that will pay $20 per
ton or $150 per dump truck _7c7, , '. `T,'ie. a will be a similar plant
in Elmira within the year. There is a real possibility,of putting paper out
to bid.
I would ask the Board of Public Works to discuss the whole solid waste
program in your committees. I would ask you to do the. necessary homework to
understand how the city government can take a leadership position.
It's no longer appropriate to embark on this issue through the back
door -- It's time to deal with it directly.
It is a good issue to challenge our ability to be efficient - and to use
good communication for solving a problem involving both the Board of Public
Works and Council - Council may have to pass ordinances regarding pickups
--- B.P.W. has to concern itself with the mechanics...
So Why Wait.
Nancy R. Meyer
Alderman
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RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION - RICHARD PUTNEY
By Comm. Golder, seconded by Comm. Clynes,.
WHEREAS, Richard Putney has completed six years of service to the City of
Ithaca as a Commissioner of Public Works, during which time he has served
as Chairman of many important committees of said Board, and (/D
WHEREAS, Dick through his service as a member of the Planning Board, and through
his affiliation with the Democratic Party, has been an important force for far-
sighted and progressive government in the community, and
WHEREAS, Dick's service to his City can be characterized by such adjectives
as innovative, alert, incisive, intelligent and cooperative,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Board and the Staff express their
formal thanks and appreciation for Dick's service to his City and his community,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be spread on the minutes
of this meeting, and a copy thereof presented to Dick.
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS,
Carried
Vice Chairman and committee appointments named 1
Rules & Regulations of BPW - Common Council aske for revision 2
Minutes corrected 3
David Ross of WTKO - Board appreciates efforts - publicity on buses 4
Mayor reports on negos. for block party 5
Board approves sale of Ozalid machine in Engr's. office 6
Supt. reports available in his office (Traffic, Rt. 13 & 96, Master Plan 7
Sup't reports re Finance Committee method of action on BPW requests 8
Appreciation expressed to Refuse Collection Dept. 9
Comm. Downing resignation; Dr. Ralph Baldini appointed 10
BPW Annual Report accepted 11
Ald. Meyer statement to the Board 12
Resolution of appreciation to Richard Putney on retirement from Board 13