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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-04-27BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:50 p.m. April 27, 2011 PRESENT: Vice-Chair Jenkins Commissioners (4) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Warden, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Public Works – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin Common Council Liaison – Zumoff Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: Mayor Peterson DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Supt. Gray noted the two substitute resolutions for Items 8.3B, entitled “West End and Old Taughannock Blvd Lot Parking Rates,” and 8.4A, entitled “Columbia Pedestrian Bridge Rail Options.” Supt. Gray further mentioned the Tabled Item 8A.1, entitled Approval of Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park.” Discussion followed on the floor regarding the information the Board is waiting for in order to make a determination, which included time to visit the park, the proposed height of the chains, the City’s legal obligations, and a letter from the First Presbyterian Church. Commissioner Jenkins requested the addition of a discussion regarding the proposed revisions to City Charter and Code that would be presented at the City Administration Committee this evening. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Holly Hollingsworth, DeWitt Park Restoration Committee representative, addressed the Board regarding the committee’s request to install a chain link fence or barrier in front of the war monuments in DeWitt Park. He expressed concern that if the skate stoppers, proposed by the Engineering Office, were placed on the monuments, people would attempt to remove them, chipping the granite in the process. He stated he would like to preserve the monuments from possible damage. Nancy Schuler, City of Ithaca, urged the Board to retain the fence height of eight feet on the soon to be reconstructed Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: There was no response to the public. REPORTS: Board Liaisons: Commissioner Acharya provided Board members information on topics that the Planning and Development Board has been discussing. He expressed his agreement with the Board’s opinion to retain the 4’6” height of the handrail on the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge. Commissioner Wykstra reported that the Natural Areas Commission visited the 60 foot dam and the silt dam where they discussed the upcoming renovation of the water plant. They also discussed the need to keep in close communication with the Board of Public Works as the project moves forward. Superintendent and Staff Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that the proposed design of the water plant may be ready for review by the Board of Public Works at their meeting on May 25, 2011, with preliminary Board of Public Works Page 2 April 27, 2011 Regular Meeting designs available in late June 2011. He reported that crews are working on North Aurora Street, the water tank restoration project is fully under way and on schedule, crews worked on the water pressure issue on Brookfield Road, and water/sewer main replacement work has been completed on Hopper Place. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews have replaced clay pipes on Elmwood Avenue, that street cleaning is almost complete, bridge flushing will be finished in the near future, the parks division has finished grinding stumps, seasonal employees are being hired for the parks division, catch basin repairs are being done, several bus shelter pads have been poured, and the golf course is open but there is a lot of standing water on the greens. He also reported that he attended a workshop regarding hybrid vehicles. Supt. Gray reported that the City’s paver needs replacement, which is one of the most expensive pieces of machinery the City owns, and upcoming engineering projects are in the design phase currently. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the January 12, 2011 and February 23, 2011 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 12, 2011 and February 23, 2011 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously VOTING ITEMS: Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Award of Contracts for Ithaca City Court Renovations – Capital Projects #477/#748 – Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, bids were received on March 29, 2011 for renovations at the Ithaca City Court Building including general construction, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements and electrical renovation and, WHEREAS, the General Fund Budget includes capital funds of $745,000 for window replacement and HVAC improvements at the Ithaca City Court Building and, WHEREAS, McPherson Builders, Inc., 129 West Falls Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 submitted the lowest responsible bid for General Construction work of $453,547.00 and, WHEREAS, Climate Control Technologies, Inc., 33 Brookside Avenue, Endwell, NY 13860 submitted the lowest responsible bid for HVAC work of $127,725.00 and, WHEREAS, Panko Electrical Inc., 1080 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 submitted the lowest responsible bid for Electrical work of $74,790.00 and, WHEREAS, the total project budget is projected to exceed the current authorized budget, the Board of Public Works has requested that Common Council increase the budget authorization and, WHEREAS, Common Council will take action at its meeting on May 4, 2011, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That contingent upon authorization to increase the budget, the contract for General Construction work related to the Ithaca City Court Renovations is awarded to McPherson Builders, Inc., 129 West Falls Street, Ithaca, NY for the lowest responsible bid for General Construction work of $453,547.00, and be it further, RESOLVED, That contingent upon authorization to increase the budget, the contract for HVAC work related to the Ithaca City Court Renovations is awarded to Climate Control Technologies, Inc. 33 Brookside Avenue, Endwell, NY for the lowest responsible bid for HVAC work of $127,725.00, and be it further, RESOLVED, That contingent upon authorization to increase the budget, the contract for Electrical work related to the Ithaca City Court Renovations is awarded to Panko Electrical Inc., 1080 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY for the lowest responsible bid for Electrical work of $74,790.00, and be it further, Board of Public Works Page 3 April 27, 2011 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute these contracts, and that the Superintendent of Public Works be and hereby is authorized to administer the same. Carried Unanimously Parking and Traffic: Authorization of Agreement with Inlet Parking Partners, Regarding Maintenance of Free Public Parking at Certain City-Owned Lots on Inlet Island – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca maintains public parking in various forms, on City-owned land on the so-called Inlet Island, on or in the vicinity of the Old Taughannock Boulevard); and WHEREAS, recently, the City, at its own expense, made improvements to a portion of its land immediately to the north of the Route 89 bridge on the Inlet Island, in order to establish a legally-compliant parking lot, for public use, which lot can accommodate approximately 82 vehicles (in the paved portion); and WHEREAS, there is a smaller area of City-owned parking to the east of Taughannock Boulevard (on tax map parcel no. 52-2-7), consisting of approximately 22 parking spaces; and WHEREAS, the Common Council has determined that the City should derive revenue from the two, afore-mentioned public parking areas, of at least $25,000 per year, and, in 2009 and 2010, asked the Board of Public Works to create a means for doing so; and WHEREAS, a number of business and property owners on Inlet Island expressed concern about the institution of paid public parking in this setting where it has not historically existed, and the City has engaged in discussion and negotiation with them in an attempt to find a mutually beneficial arrangement; and WHEREAS, the business and property owners have formed an association known as Inlet Parking Partners, which association is prepared to provide the level of “parking revenue” sought by the City from Inlet Island, by way of monthly payments in the sum of $2,085.00 each, in exchange for the City’s agreement to maintain the two, afore-mentioned parking areas as free and open to the public at large, for a period of three years (subject to renewal by mutual consent); and WHEREAS, a proposed agreement intended to memorialize the above-described arrangement has been drafted by the City Attorney, which version appears to be acceptable to the Inlet Parking Partners and has been reviewed by the Board of Public Works; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca hereby approves of the proposed arrangement described above, and authorizes the Mayor, in consultation with and upon the advice of the Superintendent of Public Works and the City Attorney, to execute an agreement with Inlet Island Partners that is substantively the same as the draft version thereof, dated “4/20/11 (revised).” Alderperson Zumoff arrived at 5:25 p.m. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the historical pattern of public parking on Inlet Island. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya RESOLVED, That the fifth Whereas clause be amended to read as follows: “WHEREAS, a number of business and property owners on Inlet Island expressed concern about the institution of paid public parking in this setting, and the City has engaged in discussion and negotiation with them in an attempt to find a mutually beneficial arrangement; and” Ayes (4) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Warden, Wykstra Nay (1) – Jenkins Abstentions (0) Carried (4-1) Commissioner Acharya noted that although this agreement appears to be appropriate for the short-term, the City would be wise to seek parking policies that discouraged auto usage, rather Board of Public Works Page 4 April 27, 2011 Regular Meeting than offering provisions to sustain or expand it. Supt. Gray clarified that when drivers face a fee for parking, they think twice about parking there. In discussion, it appeared that other members, and the Superintendent, agreed with that general idea. Commissioner Warden provided a short history of the reasons the City sought revenue from the parking lots on Inlet Island and how the businesses in the area proposed payments to the City in lieu of individual parking charges. He further stated the agreement satisfies both the City’s and the business owners’ concerns. Main Motion As Amended Resolution A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows: Aye (4) – Goldsmith, Jenkins, Warden, Wykstra Nay (1) – Acharya Abstention (0) Carried (4-1) West End and Old Taughannock Blvd. Lot Parking Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered various proposed 2011 rates for municipal parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2011 budget revenue projection, and WHEREAS, in November and December, the Board informally tabled discussion on charging for parking in municipal parking lots in the West End and on Inlet Island in the interest of working with local property owners on a mutually beneficial solution, and WHEREAS an agreement is taking shape for the large and small parking lots on Inlet Island (near Old Taughannock Blvd.), but not for three other parking lots, and WHEREAS, the Board feels that it is appropriate to charge for parking in the other municipal lots, particularly in light of the costs to own and maintain the lots, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the following regulations for the listed municipal parking lots: 611 West Buffalo Street • 24 hour maximum parking limit • 5 parking meters at $1/hour, two hour limit, valid Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm, exclusive of holidays • Two reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities, no charge • All other vehicles must display a permit, as provided by the City Chamberlain, $20/month (approximately 17 spaces) Corner of West Court Street and North Fulton Street • 24 hour maximum parking limit • 10 parking meters at $1/hour, two hour limit, valid Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm, exclusive of holidays • Three reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities, no charge • All other vehicles must display a permit, as provided by the City Chamberlain, $20/month (approximately 16 parking spaces) Corner of Taughannock Boulevard and Old Taughannock Boulevard • 24 hour maximum parking limit • Two reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities, no charge • All other vehicles must display a permit, as provided by the City Chamberlain, $20/month (approximately 20 parking spaces) and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby directs the Department of Public Works to install signage, meter posts and any other parking lot appurtenances in order to regulate the lots effectively, and be it further Board of Public Works Page 5 April 27, 2011 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That all rates and regulations shall go into effect as soon as the signage and payment equipment has been completely installed, and shall remain until the Board of Public Works directs otherwise. City Attorney Hoffman explained that the parking lot at 901-905 West State Street had been licensed to a private entity for the past 25 years, but was not renewed when the owner received the new fair rental values. He further explained that the City has been paying taxes on that property because it was rented to the private entity. He stated that until the lot is utilized for a public purpose, the City will continue to owe property taxes, but it can request tax exempt status if the lot becomes public. He provided options available to the City regarding the use of the parking lot, including licensing it to another entity, transforming the property to a public park, or declaring it surplus property and making it available for sale. Commissioner Wykstra recused himself from any further discussion of this item due to a conflict of interest. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Aye (4) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Warden Nay (0) Abstention (1) – Wykstra Carried (4-0-1) Creeks, Bridges, and Parks: Columbia Pedestrian Bridge Rail Options – Discussion Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Railing Upgrade (Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8 ft high)) – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, Currently, the City of Ithaca and project consultants (LaBella Associates, P.C. and Trowbridge & Wolf Landscape Architects LLP) are working on a project to rehabilitate Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge over Six Mile Creek, and WHEREAS, the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge over Six Mile is located in the City of Ithaca and connects the west side of Six Mile Creek at Giles Street to the east side at Ferris Place and provide a vital link in the city’s pedestrian commuting system, and WHEREAS, The project consists of rehabilitation of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge over Six Mile Creek (including removal and replacement of the bridge deck, railing, bridge seats, bearings, and abutment backwalls; rehabilitation of wingwalls and abutment stems; structural steel repairs and painting of structural steel; and aesthetic enhancements to the approach plazas), water and sanitary sewer main removal and replacement and modifications to other existing utilities, and WHEREAS, upon the Board of Public Works request, the City of Ithaca together with project consultants has recommended Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8 ft high) on the bridge ,and WHEREAS, implementation of the proposed Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8’ high) includes design and fabrication of a post extension system that would be connected to the top rail of the proposed woven steel mesh panels bridge railing system in the current contract documents, and WHEREAS, the woven steel mesh panels would be replaced with a stainless steel wire rope and mesh system (attached) which would be more aesthetically pleasing and will be built of virtually maintenance free materials, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works recommends that Common Council increase the bridge share(CP#743) of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $100,000 for the modified hand rail, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the implementation of 8’ high Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System on the bridge contingent on funding by Common Council. Board of Public Works Page 6 April 27, 2011 Regular Meeting Supt. Gray explained that the total cost for this project is $1.7 million, and explained the different funding sources, stating that the City’s portion would increase from $180,000 to $280,000 if Council approves the funding request for taller handrails. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the options for the project if Common Council does not approve the funding request, cost efficiency of installing a more aesthetically pleasing handrail during the reconstruction of the bridge rather than afterward, and the reasons the 4’6” handrail on the bridge design was originally approved. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra RESOLVED, That the fourth Whereas clause hereby be deleted, and be it further RESOLVED, That the fifth Whereas clause be amended to read as follows: “WHEREAS, implementation of a Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8’ high) includes design and fabrication of a post extension system that would be connected to the top rail of the proposed woven steel mesh panels bridge railing system in the current contract documents, and” Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended: A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Commissioner Warden left the meeting at 6:14 p.m. Special Requests from Ithaca Festival – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, the Director of the Ithaca Festival has approached the Board of Public Works for permission to have extended hours in Stewart Park on Friday evening, June 3rd, 2011 in order to organize a Masquerade Ball which would run from 9 pm until 12 am, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports the concept of expanding the activities of the Ithaca Festival to include a Friday night dance in Stewart Park and recommends that the Superintendent, in consultation with the Special Events Committee, grant the application for exemption from the park closing time as requested. Carried Unanimously Supt. Gray stated that he would feel comfortable with approving similar requests administratively in the future. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Bridge Means Restrictions – Update & Discussion Cornell representatives Dr. Tim Marchell, Gilbert Delgado, and Andrew Magre, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Dr. Marchell began the presentation by explaining some reasons why people might decide to commit suicide. Mr. Delgado and Mr. Magre presented an update of the design schematic for the barriers that are proposed for the bridges, both City and Cornell owned. They explained that the design team is discussing issues surrounding maintenance of the barriers. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the site plan review process, Common Council approval of the barriers, and the submission of final design proposals to the Planning and Development Board and Common Council. Feedback was requested from the Board of Public Works regarding the proposed barrier options. In further discussion, it was mentioned that the number of suicides may not change, but locations of the suicide attempts may change. Dr. Marchell explained that there are several recent studies related to whether people commit suicide elsewhere if bridges have barriers or if they choose to die by some other means. He stated that in Toronto, a study resulted in that the number of deaths caused by jumping off bridges did not decrease after barriers were put installed on bridges. He stated the authors of the study stated that “the number of jumping deaths may not change when there are comparable bridges nearby.” Board of Public Works Page 7 April 27, 2011 Regular Meeting Commissioner Goldsmith asked if Ithaca has a higher suicide rate than other locations in the State. Dr. Marchell responded that there are comparable rates of suicides in other areas of the State as well. Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 205 Thurston Avenue – Discussion This item was not discussed. Sidewalk Work Plan 2011 – Discussion This item was not discussed. Curb Lawn Gardens – Discussion This item was not discussed. Administration and Communications: Proposed Revisions to City Charter and Code Supt. Gray noted that the changes to the City Municipal Charter and Code proposed for this evening’s City Administration Committee meeting were related only to human resources items and no vote was expected, that the committee would just be discussing the items. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor