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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-11-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:48 p.m. November 16, 2011 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Morache, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Common Council Liaison – Zumoff Executive Assistant – Gehring Assistant City Engineer – West Director of Planning and Development – Cornish EXCUSED: Commissioner – Warden DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Supt. Gray requested the addition of item 8.2B, entitled “Resolution Accepting Title to Portions of Clinton and Prospect Streets (Route 96B) and Assuming Maintenance Responsibilities for Same.” No Board member objected. Supt. Gray further stated that because the agenda was so full, he suggested that if the Board believes they would not have time to discuss all of the items on the agenda, those that were in attendance for the discussion items should be released early, with an apology for their inconvenience. Mayor Peterson invited all attendees to speak during the public comment period and noted that the Board meeting would end at approximately 6:30 p.m. due to a special Common Council meeting. No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson reported that a meeting was held with Senator O’Mara, Assemblywoman Lifton, Ken Lynch, Regional Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Tim Joseph, New York State Parks, many county officials, several city officials including Supt. Gray, Asst. Supt. Benjamin and Mayor Peterson regarding hydrilla and the future maintenance of the Cayuga inlet. She noted that treatment would need to be completed in the Spring, and there would also be a two to five year outlook for managing the process. She stated that funding and resources were discussed as well. Supt. Gray reported that representatives from the DEC seemed defensive about how the issue has been handled to date. He stated that the meeting did not go as he had hoped, with too much time taken to explain what the DEC did and not what work is needed to be complete the treatment process. Discussion followed on the floor regarding who had authority to close the waterways, permitting issues, economic losses to water-based businesses, and complaints from residents and visitors. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Tom Seaney, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the petition concerning allowing parking on the south side of West Court Street. He stated the residents do not object to having parking in front of their house, but he requested that several parking spaces be designated for the businesses. Board of Public Works Page 2 November 16, 2011 Regular Meeting Karla Terry, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the sidewalk assessment for 105 Worth Street. She stated they received notices about repairing the sidewalk and that the City indicated it would complete the work. However, later notices indicated it was the owner’s responsibility to complete the work . She explained that when they tried to obtain the permit, they were denied because the work was already on the City’s work list. She stated they are disputing the administrative fee and the substandard concrete that is now “popcorning” on the newly constructed sidewalk – done by the City. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: Commissioner Wykstra thanked the speakers for their comments. Supt. Gray noted that the resolution for parking on West Court Street addresses both long term and short term parking, as Mr. Seaney requested, though the short term parking spots are not attached to any particular business. REPORTS: Superintendent and Staff: Supt. Gray reported that due to the remarkably good weather, crews have been able to finish projects that were not expected to be completed until next Spring. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the construction work at the intersection of Aurora and Seneca Streets, completed by City crews, was planned and coordinated. The contractors that worked at Tioga and Seneca Streets and along Seneca Street before Cayuga Street did not notify anyone of their work plans. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the water main replacement on the Brindley Street Bridge was almost completed, the last water tank was being painted, and would be tested soon. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the October 19, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the minutes of the December 22, 2010 Board of Public Works meeting be approved with noted corrections. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the minutes. Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he believed the Board had previously agreed to keep minutes brief, noting actions taken and brief discussion paragraphs. He stated the minutes in question violated that decision and objected to them on principle. Commissioner Jenkins agreed. Motion to Table: By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That the Board table discussion of this item until the meeting on December 14, 2011. Ayes (5) – Acharya, Morache, Jenkins, Goldsmith, Wykstra Nays (1) – Peterson Abstentions (0) Carried (5-1) ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Bridge Means Restriction Special Update by Cornell University: Supt. Gray explained that Andrew Magre, Associate University Architect, requested to provide the Board an update on the Bridge Means Restriction Project prior to their presentation to the Planning and Development Board for Site Plan Review. Cornell University Architects, Gilbert Delgado and Mr. Magre, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Mr. Magre began the presentation and explained the way the nets would be installed, where access would be blocked along the bridges, and where access to the nets would be ensured. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the aesthetics of the abutments and the color of the nets. The Board was asked to consider what the abutments would look like after years of exposure. Commissioners Wykstra and Morache expressed their support for unfinished stainless steel, although Director of Planning and Development Cornish noted that the Planning and Development Board was adamant that the nets should have a black finish. Board of Public Works Page 3 November 16, 2011 Regular Meeting Mr. Magre showed photos from their trip to Switzerland, and how the nets would be viewed from above and below the bridges. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the next steps that would need to be followed to obtain final approval from Common Council, including a Use of City Property Agreement. The Board agreed that Common Council and the Planning and Development Board should make any further decisions regarding this project. VOTING ITEMS: Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Recommendations to Divest Unused City Property, Part 2 – Resolutions Mayor Peterson noted that City Controller Thayer and Director of Planning and Development Cornish are aware of the possible sale of these properties. Parcel 122.-2-1 – 321 Elmira Road: Motion to Remove from the Table: By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That this item be removed the table for further discussion. Carried Unanimously Assistant City Engineer West and Director of Planning and Development Cornish joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Recommendation to Common Council for the Sale of Surplus Property at 321 Elmira Road (Tax Parcel 122.-2-1) Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns parcel 122.-2-1 located at 321 Elmira Road, and WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel was obtained by the City with the intention of operating a sewage pump station, 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, and 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 the Common Council consider sale of parcel 122.-2-1, unless its continued ownership by the City is needed in order to serve a non-public works function or purpose. Carried Unanimously Recommendation to Common Council for the Sale of Surplus Property on Cherry Street (Tax Parcel 100.-2-1.2) Resolution By Commissioner: Seconded by Commissioner WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns parcel 100.-2-1.2 located at the south end of Cherry Street, and WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel was obtained by the City with the intention of expanding the industrial park, and WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel has not yet been developed by the City, and WHEREAS, staff recommends reserving a 40 foot wide temporary (construction) easement and a concurrent 20 foot wide permanent easement for extension of utilities, and WHEREAS, staff recommends reserving a twenty foot wide easement for the purpose of extending a pedestrian path, concurrent with the aforementioned utility easement, and Board of Public Works Page 4 November 16, 2011 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has determined that there is no further Public Works need to own the parcel, and WHEREAS, the southerly portion of parcel 100.-2-1.2 contains two designated wetlands of 0.45 acre and 0.32 acre, and WHEREAS, continued ownership of the aforementioned parcel by the City of Ithaca incurs Public Works expense, presents an attractive nuisance and reduces the property tax base, now be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works recommends that the City divest of up to five and six tenths acres of the northerly portion of parcel 100.-2-1.2 located at the south end of Cherry Street exclusive of the aforementioned designated wetlands. Asst. City Engineer West explained the geography of the property, noting that designated wetlands are located at the southern end of the property. He explained that a maintenance easement for the flood control channel and a 20 foot strip of land was designated as parkland next to the easement. He displayed a boundary map showing the parkland, and land that was designated for a bridge. He noted that the property is currently zoned industrial. Mayor Peterson explained that the property would be divided so the wetlands would not be sold, with the subdivision line at the break in terrain. Asst. City Engineer West further noted that the resolution designates two public works uses for the property, including access to the wetlands and a water main easement. The Board agreed to hold off voting on the resolution until the next Board meeting. Mayor Peterson invited the Board to take a field trip to see the properties. Recommendation to Common Council for the Sale of Surplus Property at the 700 Block of East Seneca Street (Tax Parcel 68.-2-9.2)Resolution This item was not discussed. 2012 Trash and Yard Waste Disposal Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed and discussed information from the Solid Waste Division and the Chamberlain’s Office regarding trash tags, and WHEREAS, the Common Council has accepted the recommendation in the Mayor’s 2012 Budget Narrative stating that trash tag rates should remain at the 2011 rate, and WHEREAS, Common Council has accepted the recommendation that a new yard waste disposal fee be established, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby retains the purchase price of the 35 lb. trash disposal tag at $3.50 per tag, effective January 1, 2012, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby establishes a yard waste disposal fee of $1.50 for each bag or bundle of not more than 50 lbs. of yard waste, effective January 1, 2012. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the yard waste fee, when it would go into effect, whether residents would increase their composting due to the additional fee, and the additional public outreach planned before the fees go into effect. Commissioner Goldsmith, noted that even though he moved the resolution, he disagreed with the yard waste fee, and believed people would take measures to not pick up leaves. Commissioner Jenkins expressed concern that leaves would be raked into the road. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Ayes (5) – Acharya, Morache, Peterson, Jenkins, Wykstra Nays (1) – Goldsmith Abstentions (0) Carried (5-1) Board of Public Works Page 5 November 16, 2011 Regular Meeting Highways, Streets and Sidewalks: Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 105 Worth Street – Resolution This item was not discussed. Resolution Accepting Title to Portions of Clinton and Prospect Streets (Route 96B) and Assuming Maintenance Responsibilities for Same By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya WHEREAS, the State of New York Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is working with the City on a project for reconstruction of the Clinton Street Bridge over Six Mile Creek, and the reconstruction of Clinton and Prospect Streets from the bridge east to Aurora Street, as well as the realignment of the intersection of Prospect Street (Route 96B) at Aurora Street, and WHEREAS, the State is about to appropriate title to lands for the purpose of such reconstruction and realignment, and WHEREAS, the State has also requested that the City agree to accept real property acquired by the State for the project, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That upon completion of the Clinton Street Bridge reconstruction project, the City of Ithaca, through its Board of Public Works, agrees to accept real property acquired by the State for the project, and authorizes the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, to enter into the necessary agreements required to complete the transfer of title. Carried Unanimously Parking and Traffic: An Ordinance To Amend the Vehicle and Traffic Schedules to Change Parking Regulations on the 700 block of West Court Street – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a petition from business owners and residents of the 700 block of West Court Street (between Fulton and Meadow streets) to allow parking on the south side of the block and to create two short term parking spaces on the north side of the street toward the west end of the block, and WHEREAS, after reviewing existing conditions on the block, staff is comfortable allowing parking on the south side of the street, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City Code to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is in agreement with the request, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Schedule XII, Parking Prohibited at All Times, be amended for the following entry: Name of Street Side Location Court Street South Cayuga St to Fulton St Meadow St and be it further RESOLVED, That Schedule XVIII, Time Limit Parking, be amended to add the following entry: Name of Street Side Time Limit; Location Hours/Days Court Street North 15 min.; Between the driveways for 8:00 am to 720 W. Court and 5:00 pm/M-F 710-712 W. Court Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works Page 6 November 16, 2011 Regular Meeting Supt. Gray noted that the parking is different on the north and south side of the street because there are commercial businesses on the north side of the street and residential homes on the south side of the street. Discussion was held regarding 15 minute parking versus 30 minute parking. The Board agreed to modify the resolution to note a 30 minute time limit on the north side of the street. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 105-107 Elmwood Avenue This item was not discussed. Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 401 Columbia Street This item was not discussed. Appeal of License Fee for 339 Elmira Road (Old Salvation Army site) This item was not discussed. Appeal of License Fee for 210 Hancock Street (Old P&C Store) This item was not discussed. Appeal of License Fee for 344 Elmira Road (Garcia’s Restaurant) This item was not discussed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Claudia Jenkins Executive Assistant Vice-Chair