Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-11 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 Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 4:45 p.m. in Common Council Chambers - Third Floor, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York. Aaenda 1. Additions or Deletions to Aaenda (Items 1 -5:15 min 2. Mayor's Communications 3. Communications and Hearings from Persons before the Board 4. Response to 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 8.3 Parking and Traffic 8.4 Creeks. Bridges, and Parks 8.5 Water and Sewer 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS 9.1 Snow Storm Response — Discussion 92 Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Railing — Discussion 9.3 Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park — Discussion 9.4 Cayuga Parking Garage Agreement with Tompkins County — Discussion 9.5 Inlet Island Parking Lot Contract— Update 9.6 Newman Golf Course Rates for 2011 — Discussion 10. New Business 11. Adioumment If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in orderfor you to fully participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 274 -6570 at least 48 hours before the meeting. The Board of Public Works meets on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 4:45 p.m. All meetings are voting meetings, which opens with a public comment period. Meeting agendas are created from prior public input, Deparbnenloperating and planning issues, and requests made to the Superintendent. The Board reserves the right to Ilmtt verbal comments to three minutes and to request written comments on lengthy or complex issues. This information may than be used to create committee agendas, with the speaker or author invited to attend. Notes for BPW Aaenda. March 23. 2011 9.1 Snow Storm Response — Discussion Carolyn requested this as a discussion item while it's still fresh in our minds. She was concerned about pedestrian issues as well as resident issues. I know we had equipment down and staff who had trouble getting to work. Ray can tell you what he would like to improve. I believe Larry Roberts wants to provide comments from the view of the individuals who have a difficult time moving around the city if snow is not cleaned up in a timely manner 9.2 Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Railing — Discussion The Mayor expressed concern over the change in handrail (or bridge enclosure) at a recent meeting. The topic came up in the public meetings for the bridge during design, with some individuals expressing concern that lowering the current chain link fence to something similar to the hand rail that was (then) installed on the Comell Trolley Bridge adjacent to the Stone Arch Bridge (College Avenue) in Collegetown might result in an increase in suicides at the site. Staff has expressed concern because of all the attention being given to the bridges around campus, and the current "means restriction" discussions. The bridge deck, which slopes slightly, is 80 ( ?) feet above Six Mile Creek. A suicide has occurred there, I am told, fifteen years ago. I have no recollection of the event. The current chain link fence is 8 feet. The proposed handrail is called out in the design report as 4' -6 ", but shown in the contract drawings as 4'-4 ". Design manuals (NYSDOT Bridge Design Manual) call for a minimum rail height of 3' -6 ", but recommend 4' -6" for bicycle and pedestrian bridges. This is a judgment call. With a fast decision, we might be able to put back the existing chain link fence, a new fence of some style, install the handrail currently in the contract, or modify the new handrail with fixtures that attach a fence like the one currently on the Trolley Bridge. 9.3 Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park — Discussion Holly Hollingsworth, representing the Veteran's group that does a great deal of the memorial maintenance in DeWitt Park, has suggested that a chain rope should be used to protect the monuments from inappropriate uses. JoAnn Cornish has provided a memo recapping the Parks Commission discussion of the recommendation. 9.4 Cayuga Parking Garage Agreement with Tompkins County — Discussion The Board adopted parking garage fee structures for 2011 that eliminated the favored party status of the Tompkins County Library staff and Mental Health staff. The agreement ended, after ten years, in November 2010. The agreement provided that the county staff could obtain the "lowest paid rate the City charges for monthly parking permits in any of its downtown off- street lots." This meant that their permit rate would increase from $44.90 per month provided to Ciminelli, to the open rate of $57.50. The County Administrator has requested that the increase to the open rate be spread out over a period of five years to reduce the impact of the change on County employees. See his letter dated January 25, 2011. The term of the agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) contains a statement that says "Both parties agree to work in good faith to negotiate a successor agreement at the expiration of this agreement." This seems to imply that something would occur at the end of that agreement other than the agreement simply running out. I think a three year transition on a prior ten year agreement would be reasonable, but that is what negotiations are for. Page 2 9.5 Inlet Island Parking Lot Contract — Update Meetings are being scheduled, and a few have been held, concerning parking on Inlet Island. The business owners are supposed to be providing a response to several options presented to them at a meeting on February 23, 2011. See Nets Bohn's memo recording meeting notes. It is now mid - March, so I hope we will be able to bring you up to date next week at our BPW meeting. 9.6 Newman Golf Course Rates for 2011 — Discussion We have not set golf course rates for 2011. Ray Benjamin has forwarded his recommendation following discussions with the users group (Friends of Newman) and the City Controller Steve Thayer. It appears that we may have over shot the market with last year's 20% increase. Steve's comment to me was that the weather was good and the revenues were poor. He will recreate the 10 year summary of budgeted, expenses and revenues for us. The table listing the Newman 2010 and recommended 2011 rates also contains rates for other local courses. I was reminded that all the other courses are 18 holes, and that ours, while a nice course, is as flat as a billiard table (a beginner's course). W.J. Gray, P.E. Superintendent of Public Works March 18, 2011 Page 3 9.2 Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Railino — Discussion �d CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York t4850 -6590 OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER Co9PokelEO x� Telephone: 607 /274 -6530 Fax: 607/274-6587 MEMORANDUM To: Board of Public Works From: Addisu Gebre, Bridge System Engineer Date: March 18, 2011 Subject: Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project- Fencing Discussion In response to on going public discussion regarding means restriction on public infrastructures, project consultants (La Bella engineering and TWLA) and the city are working on alternatives for restoring pedestrian fencing on the out side of the proposed Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge railing system. The consultants are in the process of evaluating railing modifications for approval by the city to determine the alternative designs, related additional project costs and their impact to the structural integrity of the bridge. While the consultants work on the alternatives, staff requests that the Board of Public Works discuss and give direction whether to proceed with the detail alternative design investigation or not as part of this project -if it is the Board's preference to restore fences as part of this project, Staff also needs to know what the Board needs to incorporate with the design considerations. In the meantime, the railing fabricators are on hold. (Please find attached picture, rendering and plans for the existing and proposed bridge fence and railing) Project Description The rehabilitation of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge project over Six Mile Creek includes 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. The work also includes water and sanitary sewer main removal and replacement and modifications to other existing utilities. The project is funded through the city of Ithaca, Cornell University, and the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Page 4 Fig. Existing Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Fencing. V N O m x VT 02 2 ao ti. �g S:F de`e [I III oil r zr oac x ra "�' ,rylt�,Yptyp� n r ��,�5� y ��' MNOAM3N'MJtlNlI AAUN'VO n ,� v I + CC t`: aw \.l N33tl03lIW kI5 H3A0 Z-SlItl130'JNllltltl f ~ V 1 lusnann �•� '�" u � v a tl° ¢aggy ¢ yya S35a a C E aI s -YP Sa ¢s X eaa � y T�yyy Y iY �] • VIE pb¢.aA. � S1Yi Y� IIj y° �ti � CgtgQ� 3 b Sy`y Y �61 � i k �YV¢ � e .e I I `- t -ul t A X 3 �0 c k Ett L O 'a Y m c Y Fai S i YYE CS ¢ .�'I 8 - d� `I f 9� H U Q- �� r�- .(2128/2011) Kathrin Gehring - Fwd; BPW Agenda Item Page 1 From: Bill Gray To: Gehring, Kellam Date: 2/28/20114:03 PM Subject: Fwd: BPW Agenda Item Kathy, Would you put this in cor suspense file for agendas Thanks, Bill »> J9Ann Cornish 7,/28 12011 12:10 PM >> Bill, Could you please put this on a DPW agenda for discussion and approval? I thought the applicable meeting minutes would help with the discussion. When it is scheduled, we need to let Holly Hollingsworth know. I don't have an a mail for him but his phone number is 539 -7656. JoAnn DeWitt ParkPmuosal Al the February 8, 2011 Parks Commission Meeting, Holly Hollingsworth presented a proposal to install a decorative chain in front ofthe Civil War, World War 1, and World War II monuments in DeWitt Park. The monuments have recently been cleaned and at was removed. Rust is transferred to the monuments from the wheals of skateboards. The Veterans' Organization hopes the chain will discourage people from skateboarding, climbing, and sleeping m the monuments and will help signify their importance. The chains will be Imaged approximately one foot in front of the monuments and will be approximately30" tall. The stanchions will be installed into the concrete. H. Hollingsworth has spoken with the Presbyterian Church and they support the proposal. He has also spoken with R. Benjamin, and he does not have any objections. While no quorum was present, there was unanimous support of those present for the proposal. The Parks Commission decided not to recommend a specific chain and will allow the group to present its recommendation to the Board of Public Works. Commissioner Hobbie asked if this will actually deter people from using the monuments inappropriately. H.HOIIingsworth stated that it will definitely deter the skateboarders because they will not be able to get a running start and he hopes it will deter others from sleeping and climbing m the monuments. Commissioner Van DeMark suggested that H. Hot l ingsworlh contact Jake Husain, who has been involved with the skate park, to make sure the proposed chains will actually prevent skateboarders from using the monuments as skating elements. With all ofthe work and money going into this proposal, it should be effective. Parks Commissioners agreed that this would be a good idea. H. Hollingsworth passed around two chain samples: one of linked chain and one of linked chain with diamond -shaped metal pieces. The group discussed cone ms that the diamond - shaped "spikes" could be a danger to small children. However, it will deter people from playing and jumping on the chain. Commissioner Moudry suggested that the chain be installed only in front of the World War I and World War II monuments and not in front of the smaller Civil War monument. Other Parks Commissioners stated that this could encourage skateboarders to use the Civil War monument as ao element since the others are now unavailable. In terms of the Veterans' Organimtion's adoption of DeWitt Park, H. Hollingsworth noted that with the recent staffing changes in Parks & Forestry, there has been more of a team approach to the care for the park. He commended Dave Hoaglin for his work and his cooperation with the veterans. JoAm Cornish Director of Planning and DevOopment City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, Nov York 14850 607 -274 -6550 hm8 co F i Inclusion Through Diversity January 25, 2011 Tompkins County Department of Administration COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Joe Mareane 125 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 DEPUTY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Phone: (607) 274 -5551 Paula E. F. Younger Fax: (607) 274 -5558 , Promming "cell ..... ie Cmmry o,emtiom while respecting the needs ofthe people we .verve. " Mr. William J. Gray, P.E. Superintendent of Public Works City of Ithaca 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re: Cayuga Parking Garage Agreement Dear Mr. Gray, RECEIVED JAN 2 8 2011 Office of the Supt. and Engineering Thank you for the opportunity to discuss a successor to the November 2000 Memorandum of Understanding between the City and County regarding parking arrangements intended to support and sustain the County's Library and Mental Health Building. The agreement contains numerous provisions, including the allocation of up to 100 spaces in the Cayuga Parking Garage at a monthly rate equal to the "lowest paid rate the City charges for monthly parking permits in any of its off -street facilities." Until the agreement lapsed in November 2010, County Library and Mental Health employees paid a monthly rate of $44.90. Based on information you provided, the monthly rate in the Cayuga Garage for the general public is $57.50 per month. The City bas indicated that after nearly 20 years, the discounted parking rate incentive provided to the County as a part of the Library and Mental Health building developments should be discontinued in favor of having County employees pay the market rate for parking, pointing to the fact that the posted monthly rate for the general public in the Cayuga Garage is the lowest among all City garages. The County has expressed a concern that the abrupt increase in rates will present a hardship to County employees, who must may for their own parking, and has noted that the County employees are not displacing others who would pay the higher public monthly rate. Therefore, the monthly income produced by Couny employees is an addition to, rather than a subtraction from, the revenue the City receives from the Garage. In an effort to find a balance between the two positions, I am proposing a five -year plan to phase -in the adjustment of rates paid by County employees. Specifically, I propose the following: 0 2010 (baseline) $44.90 = 80% of general public rate of $56.00 0 2011 84% of general public rate (which is now $57.30) 0 2012 88% of general public rate 0 2013 92% of general public rate 0 2014 96% of general public rate 0 2015 100% of general public rate The "general public rate" shall be defined as the lowest monthly parking rate charged to the general public in any City-owned off -street parking facility. In addition, it appears that less than 100 County employees are actually parking in the facility. Accordingly, we are prepared to reduce the maximum number of spaces affected by this agreement to 60. We also agree that the November 2000 agreement contains provisions unrelated to the rate paid by County employees that should be updated as a part of a successor agreement and are committed to working with the City to addressing those items. I would appreciate the City's consideration of this proposal at its earliest convenience. Since ly, . /7 Joe Mareane ounty Administrator Cc: Carolyn Peterson, Mayor Steven Thayer, City Comptroller Jonathan Wood, County Attorney Anita Fitzpatrick, Commissioner of Personnel Martha Robertson, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature (2/2812011) Kathrin Gehring -Notes from 2123/11 Inlet Island Parking Meeting - Page 1 From: Nels Bohn To: Benjamin, Ray; Comish, JoAnn; Gray, Bill; Hoffman, Daniel; Kusznir,... CC: Andrew, Jody; Gehring, Kathrin; Peterson, Carolyn; Sherman, Annie; T... Date: 2/24/20112:15 PM Subject: Notes from 2/23/11 Inlet Island Parking Meeting Meeting Notes Topic: Inlet Island Parking follow -up meeting 2/23/11 Location: Island Health City: Gray, Benjamin, Kusznir, Cornish, DeSarno, Bohn, Hoffman Inlet Island: Terry Ciaschi, Tim Ciaschi, John Rudd & Sandy from Chemung Canal City presented analysis of 4 basic options for managing the Inlet Island municipal parking & recommended contract in- lieu -of- metering parking approach as the best fit to meet both City and business owners' objectives. Business owners expressed some interest in lease option, but concluded contract in- lieu -of- metering, at approx. $25K /year, was the best option if they could gain buy -in from all major parking generators who use municipal parking for their customers or employee: Island Health, CMC, Boatyard Grill, Carubia (Castaways). Business owners would like the contract term to be for 3 -5 years. Bill added that unless there is some agreement in place generating parking revenues to the City soon he plans to meter Inlet Island lot and the 15 -space municipal "triangle" lot at the intersection of Rt. 89/01d Taughannock. He indicated that this smaller parking lot could be included in the agreement as part of an approximately $25K annual payment. Business owners would like any agreement to authorize them to hire private snow plowing /maintenance to augment City snow plowing so the parking lot would be ready to receive parkers early in the morning. Dan indicated that this could be possible under the contract if the City were indemnified. City officials made clear that any agreement would require approval by City policy makers. The next step is that Terry Ciaschi will get in touch with Paul Carubia and Steve Flash and see if they could all come to agreement on how to divide up a $25K annual payment & get back to Bill by mid - March. Bill indicated that he expects to bring some implementation action to achieve $25K of parking revenues from Inlet Island parking to the BPW in the month of March. MP NEWMAN GOLF COURSE: Rationale for Proposed 2011 Rates and Fees Last year, BPW authorized a 20% across - the -board increase in rates and fees. While the increases in Membership prices were tolerated fairy well, there was a significant decline in the number of Greens Fees and in greens fee revenues. Based on the results, and comparing Newman rates and fees with those of the other public courses in the area, it is recommended that Membership Rates be kept as they are, and that Greens Fees and Cart Fees be reduced so that Newman's fees may be made more comparable to the fees charged by other local courses. The 2011 proposed Fees are not less than the lowest nor more than the highest rates charged elsewhere in the County. In fact, the other public courses have Weekday and Late Afternoon specials priced well below their standard fees and ours. The proposed Fees for Newman are calculated with the intent of appealing to City residents, youth, college students, and lower income golfers, as well as visitors and vacationers who come to Ithaca. The 2011 proposed Membership Rates, especially for non - residents, fall somewhere in the middle between the highest and lowest rates charges by other public courses in the County. Total membership continued a downward trend in 2010. PROPOSED RESOLUTION: Whereas in 2010, the Board of Public Works raised both the Membership Rates and the non - Member Greens Fees and Cart Fees by 20 percent, and Whereas Membership numbers were less in 2010 than in 2009, continuing a downward trend; and Whereas higher Greens Fees and Cart Fees resulted in a decrease in rounds of play by non - members; and Whereas a List of Rates and Fees for 2011 has been proposed by DPW Staff with input from Friends of Newman, now, Therefore be it resolved that the proposed List Rates and Fees for 2011 is adopted Newman $15.60 !kday 18 $24.00 Newman 2010 T -burg $18.00 Elm Tree Stonehedges Hillendale 2011 ENS FEES per person May 9 $15.60 !kday 18 $24.00 $20.40 !kend 9 $18.00 !kend 18 $24.00 T FEES for two players $350.00 9 member $225.00 $14.40 18 member $825.00 $26.40 9 non $30.00 $18.00 18 non $31.20 ibined Greens Fees and Cart per person: !kday 9 w /cart $22.80 !kday 18 w /cart $33.60 !kend 9 w /cart $27.00 !kend 18 w /cart i $36.60 ABERSHIP rates Adual non resident $660.00 Adual city res $600.00 or Indiv non res $600.00 or Indiv city res $540.00 pie non res $924.00 pie city res $840.00 or Couple non res $924.00 or Couple city res $756.00 or non res $264.00 or city res $240.00 ily non res $1,008.00 ily city res $924.00 !kday Only non res $432.00 !kday only city res $390.00 !kday only couple non $624.00 Way only couple res $576.00 !ge (18 -22) $330.00 employee $330.00 child or grandchild each $15.00. $12.00 $20.00 $16.00 $16.00 $14.00 $24.00 $20.00 $12.00'' $24.00 $14.00 $16.00 $28.00 $28.00 $21.00 $28.00 $32.00 $30.00 $23.00 $42.00 $38.00. $48.00 $700.00 $500.00 $635.00 $24.00 $975.00 $700.00 $885.00' $13.00 $350.00 $225.00 $20.00 $825.00 $350.00 $115.00 $12.001 $14.00 $18.00, $19.00 $15.00 $16.00 $23.001 '.. $21.00 $16.00 $24.00 $16.00 $13.00 $24.00 $26.00 $20.00 $27.00 $30.00 $28.00 $23.00 ''.... $29.00 $35.00 $38.00 NO $700.00 $619.00 $1,162.00 $1,022.00 $423.00 $1,275.00 $ $15.00 $432.00