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Home My WebLink AboutMN-BPW-2011-12-14 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:52 p.m. December 14, 2011 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (6) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Morache, Warden, 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 Executive Assistant – Gehring City Controller – Thayer Asst. City Engineer – West EXCUSED: Common Council Liaison – Zumoff DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO/FROM THE AGENDA: Mayor Peterson reported that item 9.1 entitled “Request to Use DeWitt Park by “Occupy Ithaca,” would not be discussed, as requested by representatives from Occupy Ithaca. Commissioner Goldsmith requested a discussion item regarding the Commons Rebuild Project, the upgrading of the utility lines, and other reasons why the Commons is being rebuilt. Mayor Peterson added that request as item 9.3, “Commons Rebuild Project,” on the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Tom Hanna, representing Friends of Newman Golf Course, addressed the Board to explain the organization’s plan to install a driving range on the golf course in an effort to help increase revenue, which is estimated at $14,000 annually. Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca, expressed support for the Occupy Ithaca movement in DeWitt Park. CJ Kilgore, City of Ithaca, distributed a memo to the Board expressing opposition for the Occupy Ithaca movement at DeWitt Park. Nancy Schuler, Ferris Place, addressed the Board regarding the potential sale of the city- owned parcel of land on East Seneca Street. She expressed concern that neighbors were already utilizing that property for their own uses, and suggested that the City install additional playground equipment for use by neighborhood children. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: Commissioner Wykstra thanked all the speakers for taking the time to attend the meeting and addressing the Board. REPORTS: Superintendent and Staff: Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the foundation for the new salt storage building was being excavated. He is also working with FEMA for possible reimbursement (grants and other possible revenue sources) from the flooding that occurred from Hurricane Lee. Crews are working on the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve bank stabilization project, the Black Diamond Trail, opening ditches and cleaning culverts, and will soon begin demolition on the small pavilion at Stewart Park. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the last of the three water tanks was put back online last week. Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 2 Supt. Gray reported that a number of small projects are on-going, as well as generators being installed at the Police Department, and the roof replacement project at Cass Park. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Acharya noted that he had not received any remarks regarding the October 19, 2011, minutes as was requested. Approval of the July 13, July 27, August 24, and September 14, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 13, July 27, August 24, and September 14, 2011, Board of Public Works meetings be approved as published. Carried Unanimously VOTING ITEMS: Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Request for Relocation of Storm Sewer and an Easement for 359 Elmira Road (Fairfield Inn Site) By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a request from the developer of a new hotel, Fairfield Inn at 359 Elmira Road, for a relocation of a permanent City of Ithaca storm sewer easement in that vicinity, and WHEREAS, it is the understanding of the City and the developer that the existing storm sewer line will be replaced at the developer’s cost, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute the amended and restated storm sewer easement as that document appears in the agenda of the Board of Public Works meeting of December 14, 2011. Larry Fabronni, Engineer for the project, and Mark Wheeler, attorney and representative of the current property owner, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Supt. Gray explained that Mr. Fabronni presented the project to him at the end of the site plan review process. The City holds some drainage rights across the property where a new hotel is being built on Elmira Road. The developer is suggesting moving and relocating the storm sewer from under the proposed building location, provide the City access to the sewer lines, and provide the City right-of-way to the property. Supt. Gray stated that he is comfortable signing a new easement with the proposed changes listed here for the property. Mr. Fabronni explained that he developed a drainage plan that he reviewed with the City’s Environmental Engineer, Scott Gibson, and the entire project has been reviewed by Asst. City Engineer Tom West and Asst. Supt. Ray Benjamin. Discussion followed on the floor regarding clarification of exact locations for the new storm sewer, and whether city staff would be able to excavate, if necessary, within the easement. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Award of Electrical Contract for City of Ithaca – DPW City Hall Generator Installation - Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, bids were received on November 15, 2011, for the installation of a new emergency power generator located at City Hall located at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, and WHEREAS, Capital Project 471, City Hall, Streets and Facilities, and Ithaca Police Department Generators, includes funding to purchase and install a new emergency power generator, and WHEREAS, Broadwell Electric, 218 Columbia Street, Ithaca, New York, has submitted the apparent low bid for Electrical Construction work of $94,300.00, now therefore be it Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 3 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the contract for Electrical Construction work related to the City Hall Generator Installation to Broadwell Electric, and be it further 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 Award of Plumbing Contract for City of Ithaca – DPW City Hall Generator Installation - Resolution By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, proposals were received on December 12, 2011, for Plumbing Contract for the installation of a new emergency power generator located at City Hall located at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, and WHEREAS, Capital Project 471 – City Hall, Streets and Facilities, and Ithaca Police Department generators includes funding to purchase and install a new emergency power generator, and WHEREAS, RKG Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 119 Applegate Road #2, Ithaca, New York, 14850 has submitted the apparent low bid for Plumbing Construction work of $12,400.00, now therefore be it RESOLVED, The contract for Plumbing Construction work related to the City Hall Generator Installation is awarded to RKG Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and be it further 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. Supt. Gray noted that the lowest bidder withdrew their bid because they chose not to provide the required performance bond. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That a new third Whereas clause be added to the resolution that would read as follows: “WHEREAS, the bid of Donahue Halverson was withdrawn as of December 14, 2011, and” Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended Resolution A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Recommendation to Divest Unused City Property, Part 3 – Resolutions Resolution Parcel 100.-2-1.2 – Cherry Street By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Warden 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 WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has determined that there is no further Public Works need to own the parcel, and Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 4 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 city ownership of this parcel requires that the city incur expense for maintenance, without the generation of revenue, for example, in the form of property taxes from it, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the BPW hereby determines that the northerly portion of the aforementioned property is not needed for City of Ithaca public works purposes and be it RESOLVED, That the BPW hereby recommends that the Common Council consider sale of the northerly portion of parcel 100.-2-1.2, exclusive of the aforementioned wetlands, and with the retention of the following easements: first, a 40 foot wide temporary construction easement, and a 20 foot wide permanent easement for extension of utilities, unless continued ownership by the city is needed to serve a non-public works function or purpose. Carried Unanimously Resolution: Parcel 68.-2-9.2 – 700 Block East Seneca Street WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns parcel 68.-2-9.2 located on the south side of the 700 block of East Seneca Street, and WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel was obtained by the City as an opportunity to acquire green space, and WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel has not been developed or maintained or designated as park, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has determined that there is no further Public Works need to own the parcel, 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 parcel 68.-2- 9.2 located on the south side of the 700 block of East Seneca Street. Commissioner Morache recused himself from discussion of this topic due to a conflict of interest. Asst. City Engineer West joined the Board for the discussion of this item. He provided a short history of how the City obtained the property, and noted that he did not find any record of the property being designated as parkland. He further explained that the parcel has not been maintained, nor has the old playground equipment been removed. Commissioner Warden expressed appreciation to Asst. City Engineer West for exploring any surplus property that could be sold by the City. However, he is not in favor of selling this specific parcel until it has been determined whether the value of the property to the community is greater than the value of the land were the City to sell it. Discussion followed on the floor regarding whether to add this public space onto staff’s maintenance duties, allowing the affected neighborhood residents an opportunity to provide comments to the Board about the proposal, and the need to provide a comprehensive list of city-owned properties to the Board for their information. Commissioner Goldsmith also thanked Asst. City Engineer West for his work in exploring any city properties that the City might be able to sell in an effort to help increase the City’s tax base. He described the current state of this property, noting that if the City does not sell it, there would be some expense to upgrading the parcel. However, he feels the parcel may be a good location for a small park. Supt. Gray explained that this property is currently a liability to the City because it is not being maintained. He would like the City to divest of the properties it is not currently using in order to build up a capital reserve for the maintenance of the properties the City does own and maintain. Commissioner Acharya expressed support in recommending the property to the Planning and Development Board to for their review and input as to whether or not the City Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 5 should consider selling this property. Commissioner Warden expressed concern that legwork has not been done to obtain input from residents of neighborhood prior to the Board considering whether or not to recommend its sale to Common Council. The Board agreed to discuss this property further at a future meeting. 2012 Municipal Parking Rates - Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered the proposed 2012 rates for municipal parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2012 budget revenue projection, and WHEREAS, the following chart contains the entire rate structure for all rates within the City for 2012, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the proposed 2012 municipal parking rates as follows in the following table; and, be it further RESOLVED, That during the Spring of 2012 the Board of Public Works shall review the revenues generated by and the use levels of these parking facilities in order to assess and determine whether further adjustments are required to meet revenues for the balance of 2012; and be it further RESOLVED, That as part of the revenue review during the Spring of 2012, the Board of Public Works shall, in close consultation with relevant city departments and elected leaders, amend if needed and adopt policies for the municipal parking facilities and metered parking; and be it further RESOLVED, That all rates shall go into effect January 1, 2012, and shall remain in effect until the Board of Public Works directs otherwise. Monthly Permits Actual 2011 Rates Effective 8/1/11 Proposed 2012 Rates Effective 1/1/12 Amount Changed Seneca Garage, Day and Night All Levels $82.50/mo $85.00/mo 3% increase Contract with Hotel1 $47.77/mo $49.20/mo 3% increase Contract with Ciminelli2 $82.50/mo $85.00/mo 3% increase Green Street Garage, Day and Night All Levels $72.00/mo $74.00/mo 3% increase Contract with Ciminelli2 $50.50/mo $52.00 3.05% increase Cayuga Street Garage, Day and Night All Levels, including long-term storage $57.50/mo $59.25/mo 3% increase Contract with Ciminelli2 $44.90/mo $46.25/mo 3.05% increase Contract with County (Library)3 $49.77/mo $52.25/mo 88% of market Premium Area Rates $106.00 $109.00/mo 3% increase Dryden Road Garage Discounted Hourly (250 hours)4 $113.00/mo $116.50/mo 3% increase Day and night (24 hours) $226.00/mo $232.75/mo 3% increase Other Non-Meter Permit Parking Contract with County (DSS)3 $44.90/mo $46.25/mo 3.05% increase Weekly Rates Actual 2011 Rates Effective 1/1/11 Proposed 2012 Rates Effective 1/1/12 Amount Changed Seneca Garage, Day and Night $25.00 $25.75 3% increase Green Street Garage, Day and Night $22.00 $22.50 3% increase Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours $67.00 $69.00 3% increase Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 6 Hourly Rates5 Actual 2011 Rates Effective 6/1/11 Proposed 2012 Rates Effective 1/1/12 Amount Changed Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street Garages6 Per hour $1/hour $1/hour No change Maximum $7/day $7/day Dryden Road Garage 0 – 24 $1/hour $1/hour No change Maximum $15/day $15/day No change Dryden Road Summer Rates (June 1 – August 15) 0 – 24 $0.75/hour $0.75/hour No change Maximum $15/day $15/day No change Bulk Purchase: Garage Tokens or Value Card $26.00/ 40 hours $26.00/ 40 hours No change Special Event Rate (weekend day entrance fee, 24 hour parking limit) Downtown garages $5 $5 No change Parking Meters and Pay and Display Surface Lot: Green Street Garage7 $2.00/hour No max. $2.00/hour No max. No change Downtown $1.00/hr 2 hr. max. $1.00/hr 2 hr. max. No change Collegetown $1.00/hr 2 hr. max. $1.00/hr 2 hr. max. No change Thurston & Stewart Ave. & Edgemoor $0.50/hr 9 hr. max. $0.50/hr 9 hr. max. No change Foot Notes 1 – Volume discount rate for 104 spaces – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate adjustment annually on 8/1 based on average increase in other rates, but not more than 3% 2 – Up to 40 permits in Seneca Street Garage at posted rate (except handicap permits, are at special Cayuga Garage rate); up to 100 permits in Green Street Garage, up to 150 permits in Cayuga Street Garage, total not to exceed 250 permits. Right to purchase additional 150 permits at posted rates – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate to change for first 250 permits after August 1, 2007, “from time to time” based on percentage change in the CPI between adjustment dates. The rate was last changed on January 1, 2009, based on August 2008 CPI. The percentage change in the CPI from August 2008 to August 2011 was 3.0499%. 3 – The County’s Mental Health/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street Garage (and/or Lot D) has expired. The Board of Public Works agreed to transition the rate charged to County employees to the full market rate over a period of five years. The rate for 2012 is 88% of the market rate. County’s DSS agreement for 20 spaces on West State Street (in “Fire Station lot”) expires December 31, 2016. 4 – The Dryden Road garage permits for only day use or only night use were discontinued in 2011, and replaced with a monthly permit valid for up to 250 hours of parking. 5 – Fees charged: Downtown garages, 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday: Dryden Road garage and Green Street Surface Lot, 24 hours / 7 days. 6 – The City has an agreement with TC3 that allows TC3 to issue passes for students, clients, and customers, for which the City charges TC3 88 percent of posted rates for the accumulated parking fees. 7 – In 2011, the pay station for the Green Street Surface Lot was put on line, and the hourly rate increased to $2 per hour. Carried Unanimously Creeks, Bridges, and Parks: 2012 Newman Golf Course Rates and Fees – Resolution By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 7 WHEREAS, severe rains and flooding in the 2011 season had a significant negative effect on sign-ups for season memberships at the Newman Municipal Golf Course, and WHEREAS, Friends of Newman has worked with Department of Public Works staff and the Board of Public Works to identify ways to increase membership numbers in the years going forward, and WHEREAS, setting the membership rates well in advance of the beginning of a new season seems like a prudent course of action to help increase membership, and WHEREAS, many golf courses and other recreational programs use "early sign-up" incentives to increase memberships and retain existing membership, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the following rates and fees, approved by the Board of Public Works for the 2011 season, are hereby approved in advance for the 2012 season, Membership Fees 2012 Rates Individual Non-Resident $ 660.00 Individual Resident $ 600.00 Senior Individual Non-Resident $ 600.00 Senior Individual Resident $ 540.00 Domestic Couple Non-Resident $ 924.00 Domestic Couple Residents $ 840.00 Senior Domestic Couple Non-Resident $ 924.00 Senior Domestic Couple Resident $ 756.00 Junior Individual Non-Resident $ 264.00 Junior Individual Resident $ 240.00 Family Non-Resident $ 1,008.00 Family Resident $ 924.00 Weekday Only, Non-Resident $ 432.00 Weekday Only, Resident $ 390.00 Weekday Only, Domestic Couple, Non-Res. $ 624.00 Weekday Only, Domestic Couple, Resident $ 576.00 College Membership (Ages 18-22) (*Restricted weekdays before 4 p.m. w/ college ID and weekends after 12 noon) $ 330.00 City Employee $ 330.00 Daily Greens Fees 2012 Rates Weekday 9 holes $ 13.00 Weekday 18 holes $ 17.00 Weekend 9 holes $ 15.00 Weekend 18 holes $ 21.00 Cart Rental Fees 2012 Rates Member 9 holes $ 12.00 Member 18 holes $ 24.00 Non-Member 9 holes $ 14.00 Non-Member 18 holes $ 26.00 Combined Greens Fees and Cart Rental 2012 Rates Weekday 9 holes with Cart $ 19.00 Weekday 18 holes with Cart $ 29.00 Weekend 9 holes with Cart $ 22.00 Weekend 18 holes with Cart $ 32.00 And be it further RESOLVED, That under an "early sign-up" plan, 2012 memberships paid by February 28, 2012, are entitled to a 10% discount on the rates approved by this resolution, and be it further RESOLVED, That these rates will remain in effect until amended by the Board of Public Works. Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 8 Commissioner Warden thanked Tom Hanna for all of the work he provided in putting this resolution together. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed driving range for the golf course. Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained that staff at the golf course and the groundskeeper created a modification that could be completed in-house where a few holes would be moved and some leftover excavation supplies would be used to build a driving range at minimal cost with maximum revenue. Commissioners Wykstra and Warden expressed support for the proposal to build the driving range. Mayor Peterson expressed concerns regarding funding for the driving range and other processes that will need to be completed, such as site plan review or environmental review. Discussion followed on the floor regarding expected revenues from proposed driving range, the fact that this project is small compared to other projects, and membership trends. Mayor Peterson requested a chart of expected expenses and revenues. Tom Hanna responded that the proposed revenues were based on another municipal course’s worst year. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows: Carried Unanimously Water and Sewer: 2012 Water and Sewer Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, in accordance with City Charter, the Board of Public Works has the authority to set water and sewer rates, and WHEREAS, staff has provided water and sewer usage projections for 2012, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the following water and sewer rates and fees starting for bills due on or after January 1, 2012: Basic Rates (per 100 cubic feet): Water $4.50 Sewer $5.06 Minimum Billing (per quarter year) Meter Size Cubic Feet Allowed (x100) Water Sewer Total Small 12 $54.00 $60.72 $114.72 1” 32 $144.00 $161.92 $305.92 1.5” 55 $247.50 $278.30 $525.80 2” 112 $504.00 $566.72 $1,070.72 3” 160 $720.00 $809.60 $1,529.60 4” 241 $1,084.50 $1,219.46 $2,303.96 6” 421 $1,894.50 $2,130.26 $4,024.76 Other Services • Unmetered sprinkler service: $12 per inch diameter per quarter • Metered water for circuses, carnivals contractors, etc., through suitable connection at hydrant installed by Water and Sewer: charged by use, with minimum bill of $200 per day for the first 7 days and $50 per day thereafter. • Bulk Water for street sweepers, tank trucks, spray rigs, etc., available at the Water building: $100 per load up to 500 gallons, and $25 per thousand over 500 gallons. • Meter removal, meter resetting, turning water off, or turning water on at curb stop: $40 per event. Board of Public Works December 14, 2011 Page 9 • Residential Meter Testing: $75 if meter is found to be within industry tolerances; no charge if out of tolerance. • Replacement of frosted or damaged residential meter: During business hours – cost of the meter plus $50 After hours without a call-in – cost of the meter plus $125 After hours with a call-in – cost of the meter plus $220 • Replace damaged AMR meter head, caused by owner/occupant negligence: cost of new meter plus $60. • Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $45 per special read. • Data Logs: the first obtainable log shall be billed at $60, with one follow-up log at no extra charge per account per year. All additional data logs shall be charged at $60 each. If a City issue is found as a result of a data log, there shall be no charge. • All other special services: To be billed at cost (including overhead) with supporting bill documentation. Carried Unanimously City Controller Steve Thayer noted that the water rates increased by 20% and sewer rates increased by 4% for 2012. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 2012 Trash and Yard Waste Disposal Rates (adopted Nov. 16, 2011) Commissioner Jenkins requested information about what would happen if a resident put their tagged yard waste out for pick up, but someone else picked it up for their own composting. She stated she would feel that the $1.50 tag fee per bag would be wasted in that situation. She also asked if cans, rather than paper bags, could be used for yard waste. Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that cans could be used for yard waste. Commons Rebuild Project: This item was not discussed. Request to Use DeWitt Park by “Occupy Ithaca”: This item was not discussed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Claudia Jenkins Executive Assistant Vice-Chair