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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2010-08-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. August 18, 2010 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) - Brock, Goldsmith, Tripp, Wykstra, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney - Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Benjamin Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Common Council Liaison – Zumoff Information Management Specialist - Myers Community Development Director – Bohn EXCUSED: Commissioner Jenkins DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Supt. Gray requested the deletion of the following items from the agenda: Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan Building Study - Discussion Request for a Single Water/Sewer Connection for 519-525 North Aurora Street - Discussion No Board Member Objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The Mayor had no communications for the Board. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD There was no one from the public to address the Board REPORTS Commissioner Tripp reported that the Planning and Development Board has been meeting weekly to review the Collegetown Terrace project’s environmental impact statement. The review has been slow and there have been quite a few concerns raised about traffic impacts. Commissioner Brock reported that she was recruited for the Collegetown On-Street Parking Committee. The committee has reviewed RFQs for parking equipment, management, and pricing for on-street parking in Collegetown. This information should be useful in general for parking in other areas of the City as well. SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported on the following items: Thurston Avenue re-paving has been completed. Valley Road has been paved from Cornell Street to Ridgedale Road. Streets and Facilities crews are scheduled to begin work on King Street from North Tioga Street to Linn Street on Monday August 23, 2010. The work involves the removal of asphalt, re-grading the base, and then repaving. The work should be completed by August 27th. Discussion followed on the location of the work near Fall Creek Elementary School and whether notification had been provided to the school and residents. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that notices to the neighborhood about the work would go out Thursday, August 19th. Board of Public Works – August 18, 2010- Page 2 Re-paving of Prospect Street will begin as soon as the Water & Sewer Department crews finish their work on the lateral water and sewer lines. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the crew from the Water & Sewer Department have finished work on the main on Prospect Street, will pressure test and disinfect the lines on Thursday and connect ten sewer services and nine water services as they move up the hill. His crews on the Prospect Street project will coordinate with the crew from Streets & Facilities to begin the re-paving in order to open the street as soon as possible – especially since students return this weekend to both Ithaca College and Cornell University. The 100 Block of North Cayuga Street will be closed on Thursday, August 19th in order to do work on the water service to the Clinton House. Discussion followed on the floor on how the closure of this block would impact traffic in the area both vehicular and pedestrian. Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Cuomo is speaking at the Women’s Community Building that morning and protestors against the drilling of Marcellus shale plan a protest while he is here as well so that intersection may be very full. A pre-bid conference for the repainting of the three water tanks will take place on August 20th. The bid opening will take place on August 27th and there have been many inquiries about the project. Supt. Gray reported that NYSEG should get the power turned on for the Collegetown Traffic signal soon. He further reported that with the use of the new E10 fuel they are finding that it does not work so well with older engines, and costs for repairs on city vehicles are increasing. He further reported that there have been concerns raised about the tree grove on The Commons and the bird problem there. Mayor Peterson noted that she had received a complaint today about the bird problem as well. Discussion followed on the floor regarding this annual problem, how it might be addressed, and health concerns with the bird droppings. Commissioners Brock and Goldsmith noted that other cities with similar problems have used fishing wire strung sporadically between buildings to deter birds from perching in the trees. This method has been very successful in the control of the birds in those areas. Supt. Gray stated that bunker silos will be purchased and in place by early Fall on First Street by the Water Department to continue with the improvements on that site. Supt Gray announced that Ray Benjamin has been appointed as the new Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities. Everyone expressed their support and appreciation for this long-awaited appointment and congratulated Ray on his promotion. Parking and Traffic Extended Hours of Operation at Cayuga Street Parking Garage – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has expressed interest in a Long-Term Parking Program for the Green Street Parking Garage, and WHEREAS, the Board adopted provisions for a Long-Term Parking Program in the Cayuga Street Parking Garage as part of the December 16, 2009 resolution for 2010 Parking Rates, which the garage operator, Allpro Parking, is preparing to implement for the Fall 2010, and WHEREAS, City staff have questions about operational issues which may arise with long-term parking, and Allpro Parking has concerns about pricing and operational issues as they start to market the program, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That City staff will work with Allpro Parking to monitor the operation of the new program throughout the remainder of 2010 and will develop recommendations for the Board’s review early in 2011 for expansion, modification, or elimination of the Long- Term Parking Program. Board of Public Works – August 18, 2010- Page 3 Community Development Director Bohn, Allpro Parking Senior Vice President, Craig Barber, and Allpro Manager of Operations for the Cayuga Street Parking Garage, Terry Lutes joined the Board for this discussion of these items. Mr. Barber explained that Allpro will be promoting the use of the Cayuga Street garage for long-term storage at $56.00 per month, which is the amount charged now for monthly permits. He further stated that the promotion is targeted towards students who can leave their vehicles in the garage, under cover, without having to move them every twenty-four hours, and the convenience of a bus stop close by to get to and from campus as needed. He would like to get the Board’s approval for this promotion in order to advertise and promote this to the students now as they return to Ithaca for the Fall Semester. He stated that Allpro also hopes to stimulate some extra business by this promotional advertising as well. He further stated that he would be very interested in participating in future discussions with the Board when new rates are set. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the promotion of long-term parking in the Cayuga Street garage and the Board’s continued support for it. It is a reasonable request, a great deal for students to have covered parking for their vehicles, and the Board would like to see this marketed to encourage the use of the parking garage. Mr. Lutes noted that Allpro requests patrons with long-term permits to park in the garage from the 6th level on up in order to reserve the lower levels for short-term parkers. He stated that last year they issued approximately 25-30 long-term permits. Discussion followed on the floor on how one would know whether or not a vehicle in the garage had a permit for long-term parking or had been abandoned. Mr. Lutes explained that Allpro issues red or blue stickers for vehicles with long-term permits with a start/stop date logged into their system. He stated that their software notifies them when permits expire and they monitor the vehicles and if they do not move he calls the owner. Supt. Gray explained that he wrote this resolution to explain to the Board where the City was in terms of the operation of the Cayuga Street Garage. Commissioner Goldsmith responded that he felt this resolution was reasonable as it instructs staff to monitor and report back to the Board. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Commissioner Brock requested that the promotional/advertising information about long- term storage options at the Cayuga Street garage be posted to the City’s website, if possible, as well. Extended Hours of Operation and Adjustment of Daily Maximum Rates at Cayuga Street Parking Garage, Green Street Parking Garage, and Seneca Street Parking Garage – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, Allpro Parking, operator of the Cayuga Street Parking Garage, has expressed concern about the hours of operation at the garage as well as the $10 daily maximum for all day parking, and WHEREAS, these items are both listed in the Board’s resolution dated December 16, 2009 for 2010 Parking Rates which sets the revenue hours for charged parking as 2 a.m. to 8 p.m. and sets a charge rate of $1 per hour with a maximum charge of $10 per day for the Seneca Street, Green Street and Cayuga Street Parking Garages, and WHEREAS, the Board would like to assist Allpro Parking collect the parking fees earned at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage so that the revenues produced more closely reflect the actual use of and benefits to the parking public, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works amends its resolution of December 16, 2009 such that the revenue hours at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage are extended from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the duration of 2010, and City staff is directed to monitor the two other garages on an intermittent basis to see if parking patterns and daily revenues change, while Allpro monitors the use and revenues at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage. Board of Public Works – August 18, 2010- Page 4 Mr. Barber stated that Allpro is considering changing things/equipment at the Cayuga Street Garage so that both exit/enter gates are down in order to collect revenue with staff in place for peak hours and abide by the City’s resolution. He further stated that Allpro would like to close the garage at 10 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. Discussion followed on the floor regarding changing the closing time for the other garages downtown to coincide with the Cayuga Street garage hours. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the daily maximum rate, with the feeling being that it is better to reduce the rate to $6 to $7 per day rather than keeping it at $10 because it was felt the $10 maximum is a deterrent to the use of the garage. Further discussion followed on the costs involved with closing the garages later. Mr. Barber explained that in their experiences in operating parking garages the revenue from the later closing time would cover any cost for the increase in staff hours. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works amends its resolution of December 16, 2009 such that the revenue hours at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage are extended from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the duration of 2010, and City staff is directed to monitor the two other garages on an intermittent basis to see if parking patterns and daily revenues change, while Allpro monitors the use and revenues at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage.” Carried Unanimously Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Brock: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That an additional Resolved clause be added to the resolution that would read: “RESOLVED, That the Board changes the daily maximum charge so that it will be $7.00 per day for the Cayuga Street Garage, the Green Street Garage, and the Seneca Street Garage. Community Development Director Bohn noted that the Seneca Street Garage has a higher percentage of transient parking than the Cayuga Street or Green Street garages. A Vote on the Amending Resolution Resulted As Follows: Carried Unanimously Commissioner Brock stated that one of the things the Board has discussed is doing away with the one hour free parking in the garages (although Dryden Road does not have the one hour free parking). She is concerned about the impact this would have on downtown businesses, but it would be in the best interests of tax paying citizens during these difficult economic times to do this. She would like parking in the garages to be more attractive than on street parking. In order to do that, there should be somewhat of a discount to the hourly rate for the parking garages to encourage that. Commissioner Warden questioned whether downtown merchants could pay for parking in the garages and then “stamp” tickets for patrons to give them “free” parking. Mayor Peterson responded that the Downtown Ithaca Alliance has discussed this with the Board, but nothing has been proposed at this point. Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he would like to see the City stop paying for the first hour of parking being free and have the Downtown Ithaca Alliance start paying for it. He would propose moving in that direction and pass the cost onto the Downtown Ithaca Alliance who can determine a way to share the cost with the downtown merchants. Commissioner Tripp stated that for now, the first hour of parking is free and the Board should focus on the rest of the agenda items. Mayor Peterson suggested that the Board vote on what is proposed here and to give notice to the public and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance if it wants to consider the elimination of the one hour free parking since this was not on the agenda and proper Board of Public Works – August 18, 2010- Page 5 notice was not given. She did note that the City Controller would be back to look at where revenue will be coming from to meet budget. Main Motion As Amended: A Vote on the Main Motion As Amended Resulted As Follows: Carried Unanimously ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: BPW Review of Charter – Discussion Continued, start at C-60 C-60 Plumbing Inspector: Commissioner Tripp led the discussion and questioned who is appointed as the Plumbing Inspector for the City of Ithaca. Asst. Supt. Whitney responded that the Plumbing Inspector for the City is Marc Albanese. He has an office at the Water and Sewer Department and reports to Supt. Gray. He also is available in the Building Department on a daily basis as well. Commissioner Tripp questioned whether the Plumbing Inspector should report to the Building Department. Asst. Supt. Whitney responded that the Plumbing Inspector works more in conjunction with the Water and Sewer Department regarding new service connections with coordination as well through the Building Department. Supt. Gray explained that the Plumbing Inspector is tied into the water quality for the City of Ithaca and further explained the reasoning behind the placement of the Plumbing Inspector under the Department of Public Works - Board of Public Works. Commissioner Warden stated that he has contracted with the City of Ithaca to fill in for the Plumbing Inspector as needed, and is a master plumber himself. He explained that the Plumbing Inspector really expedites the permitting process and the work of master plumbers. The Plumbing Inspector facilitates inspections with home owners to make sure code requirements are followed for public safety purposes. He recommends keeping the Charter the way it is written regarding the Plumbing Inspector. Alderperson Zumoff questioned why the City does not have a chief electrical inspector, and why just a Plumbing Inspector. Commissioner Wykstra responded that New York State requires more autonomy when it comes to electrical work and the electrical inspector should be independent from the City. City Attorney Hoffman questioned whether the Plumbing Inspector office should be detailed like this in the Charter. He stated that the Plumbing Inspector has never come to the Board for direction except to have the residency requirement waived. Mayor Peterson questioned whether the Plumbing Inspector is part of a bargaining unit. Supt. Whitney responded that position is in the Administrative Unit. Mayor Peterson stated that since the Plumbing Inspector position is subject to Civil Service Rules the Board can’t change the job description since Civil Service is involved. Discussion followed on the floor about why this position is listed in the Charter when it falls under Civil Service Rules. It was noted that other than that, the current process seems to operate well. Asst. Supt. Whitney also noted that the Plumbing Inspector oversees the testing for all plumbers who want to become city-licensed plumbers. Commissioner Tripp suggested that this item be put on the list as an item to revisit in the future. Section C-61 – Scope and Authority of the Board of Public Works City Attorney Hoffman stated that the Board has discussed their ability to take charge of certain things that the Charter states fall under the review and direction of Common Council. He further noted that this section also refers to departments that are not currently in place, and questioned the meaning of “take charge”. He noted that in the 1970’s the public endorsed a proposal to amend the Charter with language that states “subject to limitations and review of Common Council” in reference to the authority of the Board of Public Works. Board of Public Works – August 18, 2010- Page 6 Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he was involved with the change to the Charter in the 1970’s regarding the “subject to limitations and review of Common Council” language. He explained it was done for a recalcitrant Board of Public Works which refused service to one developer and not others, which was clearly discriminatory. At the time he was on that other side of the debate and he does feel that the Board should be under the review and authority of Common Council, but the Board should also have some autonomy. He stated that he likes the way the Charter is written which is ambiguous and noted that the language will always be archaic. Commissioner Wykstra stated that he does take issue with the language “submit to review and authority”. He questioned whether or not Common Council can direct the Board of Public Works to ignore its charge per City Charter. He further stated that addressing the archaic language is part of the big picture of the work that needs to be done to update the Charter. He wants to make sure the descriptions of very real assets that were rolled into departments are named as well. Commissioner Tripp stated that she would be interested in making more accurate statements regarding departments being in public works but not listed as separate departments. Mayor Peterson noted that the word departments should really be changed to services. Supt. Gray stated that Common Council will always have the last word as they are the only ones who can approve funding; although there has been quite a tug of war lately because of the water plant discussions. He stated that these times of contention between the Board and Council have only taken place a few times in the twenty years he has worked for the City. He noted that ambiguity may not be necessary but it serves a purpose to get people to think about it because if the Charter were written specifically it would be limited. For example the Constitution of the United States has not been changed because its language was broad and it works. He explained that Common Council does not want to do all the work that the Board is involved with. The Board of Public Works has a specific role and it’s been his pleasure to work with the Board. Mayor Peterson left the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Tripp thanked the Board for their comments during this time of review of the Charter. DISCUSSION ITEMS Buildings, Properties, Refuse, and Transit Request for Easement for 611 West Buffalo Street – Discussion Supt. Gray explained that Larry Fabbroni, consultant for the property owner, approached him on behalf of a housing project he was working on at the corner of Meadow and West Seneca Streets. There is no parking requirement for this site, but they would like to provide parking. The logical way (for them) is to extend the existing City lot on West Buffalo Street south onto their property. It saves curb cuts, on-street parking and circulation space. Supt. Gray told him that if they wanted to take the risk, the City might agree to a limited short-term ROW (right-of-way) so that the City would retain full property rights. Supt. Gray feels that the housing and parking are valuable to the neighborhood, that land uses are changing in the west end, and that the property owner, Mr. Iacovelli, would be involved because of his land holding. Mr. Fabbroni felt they could work with the City in both the short and long term. Supt. Gray further explained that an easement is different from a right-of-way and that he advised Mr. Fabbroni that if the Board supports his request that it could be brought back to them for further consideration. Commissioner Brock asked why the parking lot was created and for what purpose as it has turned into long-term parking for residents and corporations. Her concern regards the current use of the property versus what it was intended to be used for. She stated that more and more land is being extended for housing development in that area and there is concern. Supt. Gray explained that when the former “octopus” was reconfigured, New York State Department of Transportation took several streets; Buffalo Street was included in that Board of Public Works – August 18, 2010- Page 7 and the State widened the travel lanes there even though the City objected. He stated that the City recognized at the time that because of changes occurring at Route 13 on two sides of the block that it would eventually change the area into commercial use versus residential, and there would be heavy east/west traffic. He further explained that removing on street parking would be a problem for residents and so this lot was created for residential parking. He stated that what is being seen now is the conversion of those properties to commercial as they are redeveloped. He further stated that the City always reserved its right to this land but would at the time maintain parking for residents, there was no formal agreement. Supt. Gray described the area in question. City Attorney Hoffman noted that a property owner in the West End came to the City on behalf of property owners in the area who would need to maintain use of the properties in the area to request that the City provide some kind of parking accommodation. Commissioner Goldsmith requested that the Board be provided with a layout of what is going on in the area before deciding as he would like to look at the bigger picture of proposed plans for development in the area. He would also like to review current land use rules. The Board requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the August 25, 2010 agenda and that any additional information be included with agenda packets. Highways, Streets, and Sidewalks Sidewalk Program – Current Status Report and Discussion There was no discussion on this item. Parking and Traffic Concepts for Intersection Improvements at Hector/State/Floral/Elm Streets - Discussion Supt. Gray explained that Alderperson Maria Coles would like to be part of the Board’s discussion of this item. Commissioner Goldsmith expressed his thanks and appreciation to Traffic Engineer Logue for his very detailed memorandum about the different options being considered for this project. Water and Sewer Request for a Single Water/Sewer Connection for 519-525 North Aurora Street – Discussion This item was not discussed and will be placed on the agenda for the August 25, 2010 meeting. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Information Management Specialist Mayor