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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2013-09-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:50 p.m. September 9, 2013 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (6) – Acharya, Darling, Leccese, Jenkins, Morache OTHERS PRESENT: Acting Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin Director of Engineering – West Common Council Liaison – Fleming Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: Commissioner Goldsmith City Attorney – Lavine Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Commissioner Leccese requested the addition of a discussion item entitled “Conley Park Edible Garden Maintenance Plan.” No Board member objected. Acting Supt. Benjamin requested the addition of a discussion item entitled “2014 Newman Golf Course Fees.” No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was necessary. REPORTS Council Liaison Alderperson Fleming reported that Common Council approved the proposed sidewalk legislation at its last meeting. Board Liaisons Commissioner Acharya, Planning Board liaison, reported that the Planning Board recently approved the site plans for Harold’s Square development and the project at 130 Clinton Street. Superintendent and Staff Director of Engineering West reported on the following items:  The Commons Reconstruction Project is going well, with about 300 feet of water main already replaced, and is on schedule. There have been difficulties with a deep sanitary main that lie under communication conduits, but the contractor is diligently working.  Seneca Street Garage Phase 2 Repairs project is also going well and is on schedule. The garage is anticipated to be partially opened on Monday, September 16, 2013. Acting Supt. Benjamin reported on the following items:  The City’s highway crew is preparing to grade Plain Street and Esty Street to enable maintenance of the streets over the winter. The sidewalks will be installed next year, as well as drainage for the area. Board of Public Works Page 2 September 9, 2013 Regular Meeting  The Water and Sewer crews continue to work on Stewart Avenue at Thurston Avenue, and along East State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the August 26, 2013, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 26, 2013 Board of Public Works meeting be approved with as published. Carried Unanimously VOTING ITEMS: Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Recommendation to Divest Unused City Property- Parcel 31.-2-6: 617 Five Mile Drive – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns parcel 31.-2-6 located at 617 Five Mile Drive along Route 13A in the Town of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works has indicated that this parcel is not currently used in any way for City public works functions or purposes, and that he does not anticipate a need to use this parcel for any such purpose in the foreseeable future, WHEREAS, continued City ownership of this parcel requires that the City incur expense for maintenance, without the generation of revenue (e.g. in the form of property taxes) from it, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby determines that the aforementioned property is not needed for City of Ithaca public works purposes, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby recommends that Common Council consider the sale of parcel 31.-2-6. Acting Supt. Benjamin noted that an easement must be maintained on the property for the City’s access for maintenance of the Flood Control Chanel. Mayor Myrick agreed. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously (Commissioner Morache Abstained) Resolution to Authorize Budget Allocation for Green Garage Structural Repairs By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the structural elements of the Green Garage have been structurally compromised due to automobile crashes and WHEREAS, a portion of the Green Garage has been unavailable for parking due to the structural damage, and WHEREAS, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. has developed design details and specifications for repair of the damaged structural elements, and WHEREAS, Public Works staff has requested and received proposals for undertaking repairs to the structural elements of the Green Garage, and WHEREAS, engineering staff estimates that the cost of such design and repairs will not exceed $70,000, now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works recommends that Common Council allocate an amount not to exceed $70,000 for design and construction services necessary for the repair of the damaged structural elements of the Green Garage. Board of Public Works Page 3 September 9, 2013 Regular Meeting Director of Engineering West noted that insurance covering the vehicles that caused the damage would pay a portion of the repair costs. Acting Supt. Benjamin stated that while the columns were being repaired, cables and guard rails would be replaced. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Highways, Streets and Sidewalks: Approval of South Albany Street Bridge for the Public Art Commission’s Mural and Street Art Program – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among other duties, review and advise Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of public art in City spaces – buildings, facilities, and infrastructure – and to review development proposals for decorative elements in the city’s public spaces, and WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase their work, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved the following City-owned sites for inclusion on the list of potential sites in City of Ithaca Public Art Commission’s Mural and Street Art Program by resolution on May 19, 2010:  Walls in the City Garages on Green St. and Seneca St.  Retaining Wall along Ithaca Hotel Site (for temporary image)  DPW facilities next to the Sciencenter and across the street from Sciencenter  Municipal Electrical boxes throughout the City  Retaining walls on West Spencer Street and downstream from the George Johnson Bridge (Plain Street over Six Mile Creek) WHEREAS, as a result of this approval, the PAC has worked with nearly 30 artists to install murals on City-owned property throughout the city, and the response to the new murals has been overwhelmingly positive, and WHEREAS, local artist Kellie Cox-Brady recently submitted a proposal for a mural titled “Asparagus” as part of the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program to be installed on the South Albany Street Bridge and the sidewalk on the bridge, and WHEREAS, the South Albany Street Bridge was not included among the sites pre- approved for future murals by the Board of Public Works in 2010, and WHEREAS, the PAC discussed Ms. Cox-Brady’s mural proposal at its meeting on August 28, 2013, and agreed that the South Albany Street Bridge would be an appropriate location for the proposed mural, pending approval of the location by the Board of Public Works, and WHEREAS, the PAC held a public comment period on the proposed mural design and recommended location at its meeting on September 4, 2013 to gather input on the proposed installation, and WHEREAS, at its meeting on September 4, 2013, the Public Art Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the Common Council select the “Asparagus” mural proposal submitted by Kellie Cox-Brady to be installed on the South Albany Street Bridge, pending approval of the proposed location by the Board of Public Works; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the City-owned South Albany Street Bridge for inclusion on the list of potential sites for the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program; and be it further Board of Public Works Page 4 September 9, 2013 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That the PAC will continue to work with Planning Department staff to conduct a mutually acceptable public input procedure for engaging nearby businesses, residences, and/or business and neighborhood associations for each specific project, and be it further RESOLVED, That the PAC will work with the City Attorney to ensure that any art mural Request for Proposal or contract with a participating artist reflects and accommodates the needs and constraints of the City. Carried Unanimously Parking and Traffic: Request to Standardize Parking Garage Equipment – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, the Parking Director has requested the standardization of the parking garage revenue system equipment utilized in the city-owned parking garages, and WHEREAS, two of the three City-owned parking garages are equipped with Federal APD equipment, and, WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City for reasons of efficiency, compatibility and economics to standardize equipment for the parking revenue system from a limited number of qualified dealers, and WHEREAS, the current equipment is in good condition but requires significant retrofit in order to maximize convenience for parking customers and revenue, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That pursuant to section 103, subdivision 5-A of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, the Board of Public Works hereby requests that Common Council authorize the standardization of Federal APD equipment as the type of equipment to be used and purchased by the City of Ithaca for revenue equipment in city-owned parking garages. Carried Unanimously Creeks, Bridges, and Parks: Approval of License Agreement with Greenstar Natural Food Markets for a New Cass Park Rink Scoreboard – Resolution By Commissioner Leccese: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the current Ithaca Youth Bureau scoreboard at the Cass Park Rink is over 20 years old, and operates poorly and inconsistently; and WHEREAS, Greenstar Natural Food Markets, located at 701 West Buffalo Street Ithaca, NY 14850, is interested in donating $7,500.00 to the Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB)/Cass Park for the purpose of purchasing a new scoreboard for the Cass Park Rink; and WHEREAS, Greenstar is also interested in advertising on such scoreboard; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney’s Office has recommended structuring this arrangement as a license agreement, whereby Greenstar agrees to pay the City a sum of $7,500 to compensate for use of City property for a five year term; and now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Mayor, in consultation with the Superintendent and the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a license agreement for a five year term authorizing Greenstar Natural Food Markets to advertise on the scoreboard, including all other usual terms and conditions of license agreements. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the purpose of the agreement’s structure. Cass Park Director Jim D’Alterio explained that the agreement must follow municipal law for advertising on municipal property. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works Page 5 September 9, 2013 Regular Meeting DISCUSSION ITEMS: Conley Park Edible Garden Maintenance Plan Commissioner Leccese explained the proposal submitted for an edible garden in Conley Park and noted that City Forester Jean Grace did a good job explaining the feelings of the Parks Commission in her e-mail. She noted that there was not over all consensus of agreement in the Parks Commission, and their decision was to forward it to the Board of Public Works. She stated that no formal organization was submitting the proposal. Commissioner Acharya expressed enthusiasm for this project and noted the garden should not be labeled as “edible.” Commissioner Darling suggested using the term “permaculture” and noted Commissioner Leccese suggested that if the Board moves forward with this, the resolution should contain the maintenance plan and recommend the group formally adopt Conley Park through the Planning Department. The group has already had multiple clean-ups in the park. City crews do a wonderful job of maintaining the parks, but they are unable keep up on a weekly basis due to budget and staffing cuts. Mayor Myrick expressed his agreement with this proposal, and stated that the suggestion of reviewing the program at the end of 2014 would be a good idea. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the possibility of proposals for other parks from more neighborhood groups, the sense of ownership created when residents work in the parks, utilizing the garden as a teaching tool, and having the opportunity to show the public that the City has only so many resources to complete services. Commissioner Leccese further suggested specifying the group that will be responsible for maintaining the garden. The Board generally agreed to have a resolution at the next meeting. Acting Supt. Benjamin stated he would work with City Forester Jean Grace to create an agreement and resolution. 2014 Newman Golf Course Greens Fees and Cart Rates Acting Supt. Benjamin explained that Golf Course Manager Mike Addicott proposed to retain the 2013 membership fees and daily rates, but to offer discount membership rates for people who have not been members in the past five years. He stated that Mr. Addicott is working to increase efficiency and cut costs, including hiring only two seasonal employees in 2014 to maintain the golf course. He mentioned that Mr. Addicott did not believe the driving range would help with revenues, and he is requesting to purchase a new piece of equipment that will help with the maintenance and cleaning of the golf course. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed discount for new members. Acting Supt. Benjamin stated Mr. Addicott would be invited to the next Board meeting for a discussion. Request for Encroachment Agreement for 119 Thurston Avenue Mayor Myrick stated that he did not have an objection to the request and the request would be sent to the City Attorney’s office for preparation of the lease agreement. Acting Supt. Benjamin noted the stone wall has not caused any problems. The Board agreed that a resolution should be on the next meeting agenda. Proposed Trash and Recycling Service Area and East Service Alley Modifications from Harold’s Square Scott Whitham and Noah Demerest, representatives for the Harold’s Square Project, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Mr. Whitham stated the site plan review for Harold’s Square was recently approved by the Planning Board. The current site plan includes a new entry that would lead from the Commons to the back of the building near the Green Street Garage. The developer would like to widen the rear sidewalk and work with the City to make improvements to the East Service Alley in order to move the City’s trash compactor and recycling totes to Board of Public Works Page 6 September 9, 2013 Regular Meeting that location. If the trash and recycling is moved, the developer would like to make further improvements to the Green Street Garage Surface Lot to add parking spaces. Mr. Demerest explained that over the past several months options have been considers, noting that no solution will be perfect. The proposal is for an initial concept design that would relocate the trash compactor, but replaces the recycling compactor with totes in the East Service Alley. He explained the proposal to move the trash compactor and placing recycling totes on the loading dock, along with a composter, grease disposal and cardboard bailer to have all waste functions in one location. He noted that Casella Waste Disposal visited the location and found that the service alley would be really tight for a truck to back up to unload the compactor. To assist with this, they propose cutting and removing about five feet of the loading dock, which will also assist with overhead clearance. They will add other tools to assist the truck drivers, including lighting, additional signs and mirrors, and installing guide rails to protect the columns. A benefit to moving the trash compactor is that it will be set lower than the loading dock which will make it easier for trash to be loaded into the compactor. Mr. Whitham explained that budgets and estimates are being considered and looks to the Board for thoughts and direction. He noted that the site plan approval from the Planning Board did not include the relocation of the trash and recycling. This project is being considered as a parallel project. Commissioner Morache expressed his approval of the proposal as an interim step, and the fact that the trash, recycling, grease disposal, composter and cardboard bailer would be in the same location, it makes sense. Mr. Whitham noted that the grease disposal and composter currently located in the East Service Alley is managed by Travis Hyde, Inc. and once the trash compactor and recycling is relocated, Travis Hyde, Inc. may be interested in taking over the management of all waste services. Director of Engineering West noted that it is the Board’s decision, but this may be a good opportunity for the City to get out of the trash business. Director of Engineering West explained that if this project is approved, the City would lose the current trash and storage rooms in order to add parking spaces. Maintenance equipment is currently stored in the storage room, but an option for relocation is to convert the half-helix silo into cold storage, which would require cutting a door in the garage side of the silo, the installation of steel trusses and a roof to cover the storage area and store snow during the winter. Discussion followed on the floor regarding possible new equipment that may be acquired after the Commons is reconstructed for maintenance and cleaning. Mayor Myrick explained that the process for this project would be to obtain Planning Board approval of the site plan, return to the Board of Public Works, and then acquire final Common Council approval. Mr. Whitham mentioned that the developer is hoping to begin demolition in November 2013. The Board generally agreed to move forward with this project. Trash and Recycling Cans in Collegetown Mayor Myrick explained the history of 2-3 trash cans that were placed in Collegetown, noting that those were not enough. He stated that over Labor Day Weekend, residents gathered 30 bags of trash and litter in Collegetown; half was from litter found on the ground, the other half was trash that was placed in, on top of and around the existing trash cans. The majority of the trash and litter was found along College Avenue, Dryden Road and Eddy Street, where several thousand students recently moved in. Commissioner Darling responded that litter is always an issue on and around college campuses, but placing trash cans in public areas might indicate that waste is anticipated and students are welcome to put their waste in the cans. He suggested that the City speak with the businesses distributing the packaging being littered to encourage different packaging, recycling more, and placing their own trash cans on the sidewalks Board of Public Works Page 7 September 9, 2013 Regular Meeting outside their businesses during business hours, or pay more for trash removal by the City. He further stated that another available resource is Keep America Beautiful, a federal program that has grants available, but requires an organization as a point entity. He noted that Cornell University should be involved in any conversations regarding litter/trash in Collegetown. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the City bearing the cost of removing the trash and litter. Alderperson Fleming expressed her opinion that the businesses causing the litter should pay for the removal. She further suggested that a ban be placed on plastic bags and Styrofoam because they are not recyclable or compostable. Mayor Myrick suggested that the Collegetown trash issue may be volume related as there are now 10,000 people occupying an area with only two trash cans. Director of Engineering West stated that the Big Belly trash compactors located on the Commons have been very effective, and suggested placing several in Collegetown. He further suggested that Collegetown businesses could work with Tompkins County Solid Waste to increase recycling. Commissioner Darling suggested raising resident awareness and getting the students involved in beautifying their neighborhoods. Discussion followed on the floor regarding taking away the public trash cans and requiring businesses to have trash facilities available, which would start the conversation amongst the businesses. Mayor Myrick requested the Board’s approval to work with staff to come up with a temporary solution. No Board member objected. Director of Engineering West suggested that the City consider litter under front yard maintenance law, removing the City trash cans. The businesses would be required to pick up litter outside their building. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor