HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-13 Board of Public Works Meeting AgendaBOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
A meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on Monday, March 4, 2013, at 4:45 p.m. in
Common Council Chambers — Third Floor, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York.
Agenda
1. Additions or Deletions to Agenda (Items 1-5: 15 min.)
2. Mayor's Communications
3. Communications and Hearings from Persons Before the Board
4. Response to the Public
5. Reports
Special Committees of the Board
Council Liaison
Board Liaisons
Superintendent and Staff
Other Department Heads
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Administration and Communications
8. VOTING ITEMS
8.1 Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit
8.2 Highways, Streets and Sidewalks
A. Resolution Directing DPW — Engineering Division to Proceed with Design
of Old Elmira Road Complete Streets Improvement Project — Resolution
8.3 Parking and Traffic
8.4 Creeks. Bridges and Parks
A. Authorization for Pony Rides during Ithaca Festival — Resolution
8.5 Water and Sewer
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.1 Recommendation of a Special Capital Project for Watermain Replacement on
Edgecliff Place
9.2 Appeal of Snow/ice Removal Bill for 335 West State Street
9.3 Requests to Use DeWitt Park for Events
10. New Business
11. Adiournment
If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in order for you to fully
participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 607-274-6570 at least 48 hours before the
meeting.
The Board of Public Works meets on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the months at 4:45 p.m. Al meetings are voting
meetings, opening with a public comment period. Meeting agendas are created from prior public input, Department operating, planning
issues, and requests made to the Superintendent. The Board reserves the right to limit verbal comments to three minutes and to request
written comments on lengthy or complex issues. This information may then be used to create committee agendas, with the speaker or
author invited to attend.
Notes for BPW Agenda, March 4, 2013
8.2A Resolution Directing DPW — Engineering Division to Proceed with Design of Old
Elmira Road Complete Streets Improvement Project — Resolution
The enclosed resolution should reflect what the Board discussed at the February 25, 2013
meeting. The drawings for the proposed design options have been posted to the city's website
at www.citvofithaca.orct/projects and includes an e-mail address to forward any comments or
questions prior to the Board's meeting on March 4, 2013.
8AA Authorization for Pony Rides during Ithaca Festival — Resolution
Included in the packet is a resolution that reflects the Board's decision during the discussion of
this item at its last meeting.
9.1 Recommendation of a Special Capital Project for Watermain Replacement on
Edgecliff Place
Please see the February 25, 2013 agenda for information on this topic.
9.2 Appeal of Snow/ice Removal Bill for 335 West State Street
The pastor of the church located at 335 West State Street is appealing a bill she received for
snow removal. We had received calls from the Police Department letting us know people had
fallen on the ice that had built up on the sidewalk. This is what crews removed. As you can
see from the photos, the ice was pretty thick and it had to be shoveled off the sidewalk.
9.3 Requests to Use DeWitt Park for Events
Because the Commons will not be available for special events this year, many organizers of
small events have been requesting to relocate to DeWitt Park. Enclosed is an e-mail regarding
a request from the Advocacy Center to have their "Take Back the Night" event in April. Staff
would like direction from the Board as to whether this park would be a good alternative to the
Commons while it is under construction, whether amplified sound will be allowed, any specific
requirements to ensure no damage comes to the monuments, and how to ensure the park
remains a quiet, contemplative space.
i<.ath� c�el�r%vu�, �xecut�ve.4ss�stawt
For RaU gewJnvv,,v
Aot%w@ Su_perinteviAeKt of Public Worl2s
Febru.nr� 27, 2013
Page 2
8.2A Resolution Directina DPW — Engineering Division to Proceed with Design of Old
Elmira Road Complete Streets Improvement Project — Resolution
WHEREAS, Common Council established a capital project for the Old Elmira Road "Complete
Streets" project on July 2, 2012, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the City Charter, the Board of Public Works held a duly
advertised public hearing on December 10, 2012 regarding assessments for improvements to
Old Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works authorized preliminary design of the Old Elmira Road
Complete Streets Improvement Project on January 14, 2013, and
WHEREAS, Engineering staff has developed several alternative schematic designs for
curbing, sidewalks, drainage and other amenities along Old Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS, Engineering staff presented design components at public meetings held on
January 31 stand February 19th, and
WHEREAS, Engineering staff has met on -site with property owners and business owners
along Old Elmira Road on several occasions, and
WHEREAS, staff has determined, and the Board concurs, that this project is a Type II action
under SEAR and CEQR, and as such requires no further environmental review, and
WHEREAS, property owners, business owners and other concerned residents have expressed
their concerns regarding improvements to Old Elmira Road, now be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that curbing, sidewalks, drainage and
other amenities should be constructed along Old Elmira Road, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs Engineering staff to continue to work with
abutting owners and businesses and to develop design elements for improvements to Old
Elmira Road in general conformance with Alternate 3 [or 1] as presented to the Board on
February 25, 2013.
Page 3
8.4A Authorization for Pony Rides during Ithaca Festival — Resolution
WHEREAS, the Director of the Ithaca Festival has approached the Board of Public Works for
permission to have horses in downtown Ithaca on Friday, May 31, 2013, and Saturday, June 1,
2013, and at Stewart Park on Sunday, June 2, 2013, and
WHEREAS, pony rides have been provided during the Ithaca Festival at Stewart Park for the
past two years without problems, and
WHEREAS, the owners of the horses have provided proper liability insurance and safety plan
for the horses, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes horses to be in the downtown
area during the Ithaca Festival as proposed above, and in Stewart Park, for the purpose of
providing pony rides, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board also hopes horses will be included in the Ithaca Festival parade
held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
Page 4
Pagel of 2
Kathrin Gehring - Fwd: Re: Advocacy Center - Take Back the Night Event - 4/26/13
From: Sarah Myers
To: Gehring, Kathrin
Date: 2/25/2013 12:09 PM
Subject: Fwd: Re: Advocacy Center - Take Back the Night Event - 4/26/13
CC: Julie Holcomb
Hi Kathy,
Here is that information, thanks so much for your help.
111 work with Julie to get the CAB resolution as soon as we can to you after their meeting on
Friday.
Let me know if you have questions or need anything else.
Sarah
>>> Julie Holcomb 2/25/2013 11:38 AM >>>
Hi Sarah -
I spoke with Ray Benjamin and Kathy Gehring after the CAB meeting. I gave Kathy Christy's
contact info and she said we would get in touch with her about the event. At that point, the
DPW did not appear to be inclined to allow amplified sound in DeWitt Park - they wanted to
move those events to Washington Park or the Wood Street Park. I believe the DIA will be
advocating for the use of DeWitt Park as well because they want to move some of their
summer concert series events to the Park and they want to set up and leave a stage there.
I'm not sure how it will all turn out.
Please touch base with Kathy Gehring about this event and put Christy in touch with her
directly. I can draft up a Resolution for the CAB's consideration at the March meeting (please
remind me) - and then we can forward it on to the BPW.... not sure how much it will help
though.
Thanks -
Julie
>>> Sarah Myers 2/22/2013 12:03 PM >>>
Julie -
I spoke with Christy Taylor from the Advocacy Center regarding their annual "Take Back the
Night" event that is scheduled to take place on 4/26/13.
She said that when she attended the CAB meeting (Dec/Jan/Feb??) that the CAB was going
to draft a resolution to the BPW recommending a waiver from the amplified sound prohibition
at DeWitt Park on behalf of the advocacy center so they could use DeWitt Park for the event
since the Commons will be unavailable.
file://C:\Documents and Settings\kgehring\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\512B5494coi... 2/27/2013
Page 2 of 2
Christy has not heard back from anyone and wanted to follow-up since she knows that any
type of approval process will take a while to occur.
What should she do next or do you know what the status is of DeWitt Park's use for the event
is?
I told her that I would call her back after I talked with you about this, and that you would be
back in the office on Monday, 2/25.
Her number is 277-3203, ext. 322
Let me know what you need me to do.
Thank you,
Sarah
file:HCADocuments and Settings\kgehring\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\512B5494coi... 2/27/2013
January 30, 2013
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to appeal a recent judgment against the property that I
rent for my church. I have been in that location for the last 12 years and I
have not failed to keep the side walks clear. I will ask that you please note
that as the city worker is standing on the suppose walkway that was shoveled
there is no snow. It seems to me that there would be a before and after
photos which is not what I received when I called. My so did shovel the
front and part of the side at least. When I went to check the sidewalk had
been cleared. The landlord John Tadros was not even informed that there
was a problem. I have cleaned that whole side when the city has had 2 feet
or more of snow. I have used bags of salt at a time to keep it clear so I am a
bit puzzled why was this particular piece of land was chosen when there
appeared to be other property that was un shoveled. Also I am wondering
did this have anything to do with my know Hollis the city worker standing
with a shovel and not shoveling. I would be willing to appear before a judge
to plead my case if necessary. I believe that this is a bias decision to say the
least.
Thank you,
Sonya Hicks
Pastor Jesus Only Apostolic Church
335 West State/MLK Street
Ithaca, NY
4
CITY 'OF ITHACA
108 E GREEN STREET
ITHACA.:NY 14850
Bill to :
JOHN TADROS
SIMONA TADROS
1 LAGRAND Ct
ITHACA NY 14850
Property :
Invoice Date: 01/03/2013
Invoice # : 00017483
Account # : 00006002
Due Date: 02/1: /2013
Streets & Facilities Division
General Billing Informat on
(607) 274-6580
Information specific to t ill
(607)272-1718
335 State; St W...
Entry Date Item Category
01/03/2013 LABOR
Additional Description: SNOW REMOVAL
Item Description
SNOW REMOVAL
DATE OF EVENT 12/28/12 - 12/30/12
Qty Price Total
1.00 $50.00 350.00
Total: 1150.00
BILLS NOT :PAID WITHIN 30 DAYS ACCRUE A LATE PAYMENT PENALTY AT THE RATE OF TWELVE PERCENT PER ANNUM OR,;1.00
PER MONTH, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, PURSUANT TO CITY CODE. BILLS REMAINING UNPAID ON NOVEMBER I ST ARE ADD]:":) TO
THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE NEXT CITY TAX BILLING AND COLLECTED AS A PART THEREOI
Make check payable to:
CITY OF ITHACA
CHAMBERLAINS OFFICE
108 E GREEN STREET
ITHACA NY 14850
JOHN TADROS
SIMONA TADROS
1 LAGRANI7 Ct
ITHACA NY 14850
e rn this portion with your payment
Invoice Date : 01/08,2013
Invoice # : 00017483
Please Pay on or before
02/11/2013 $°0.00
Amount Paid
IH 11110110Mow .7483
111111011 11
00000000000000000174830000000000000400000001000000DD5000007
xeular Invoice Printing
IZZA --%
AO
1 /2012
reoumy o, tuuo
(3) when snow and ice on any sidewalk within the time period specified in
Subsection J(1) above is frozen so hard that it can not be removed without injury to the
sidewalk, it shall, within the time specified in Subsection J(1) above be strewn and kept
strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust or other suitable material, so as to be no longer
dangerous to life and limb_ As soon as practical. thereafter, the sidewalk shall be
completely cleared of snow, ice and other materials strewn thereon, as provided in
Subsection J(1): .
(4) Whenever the Odevalks any sidewalk is not kept free from snow and ice as
defined in Subsection J(1), the Superintendent of Public Works or his or her designee
may clear the sidewalk so that it is free from snow and ice and shall notify the City
Chamberlain of the expense incurred by the amount of labor equipment and materials
used. The minimum charge shall be $25 50. The City Chamberlain shall promptly
present to the owner of east any parcel so cleared a bill for the removal of snow and
ice, as certified by the Superintendent of Public Works. If not paid within 30 days, the
cost thereof shall be assessed against the property, added to its tax and become a lien
thereon, collectible in the same manner as delinquent City taxes. Appeals from this
section shall only be permitted if written notice of appeal is received by the Ithaca City
Clerk within 45 days after the mailing of the Dill from the Chamberlain, and such appeals
shall be taken to the Board of Public Works.
Section 3:
Subsection 178-7 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended as
follows:
§178-7. Notification when City intends to correct violation; handling of snow or ice
removal: hearing for contested notice or billing.
Except as otherwise specified in this subsection.l• in any case in which the City intends
to correct a violation of this chapter and then bill the property owner for the correction of
the violation, the Building Commissioner or his/her designee shall notify the owner of
the property and, where relevant, the registered agent who has assumed responsibility
as outlined in §178-5 of this Code, in writing, of any violation of this chapter. In the case
manner provided for below. Sash Any other notice reauired by this section shall be
served in person or by mail to the address appearing on the City tax roll, requiring such
person, within a time specified in such notice but in no event less than five days from
the service or mailing thereof, to comply with this chapter and to cause the grass, brush
or solid waste to be cut back or removed or, if graffiti, to have the same removed so as
to comply with this chapter. In the event that graft removal is ordered during the winter
months, then, upon receipt of a written request from the property owner or agent within
the time specified in the notice for removal, the Building Commissioner may in his or her
discretion extend the compliance period. Such notice shall also state that the property
owner may contest the finding of the Building Commissioner by making a written
request to have a hearing on the matter held at the next regularly scheduled meeting of
the Board of Public Works. Any request for such a hearing must be mailed
and postmarked or personally delivered to the Building Commissioner within the five-
day compliance period (or. in the case where the City has billed the property owner for
removal of snow or ice from a sidewalk, within five days of the mailina of such bill). and
any such written request for a hearing shall automatically stay further enforcement
concerning the alleged violation pending such hearing. The decision of the Board of
Public Works, by majority vote, shall be binding, subject to any further judicial review
available to either the City or the property owner. Upon the failure of sash a property
owner to comply with the requirements of subsection 178-3.J of this chapter, or with the
sash notice of violation of any other provision of this chapter (or, alternatively, to request
a hearing as aforesaid within the time limit stated theraiR in such notice or upon a
Board of Public Works determination, after such a hearing, that a violation exists), the