HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2016-04-11BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:52 p.m. April 11, 2016
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (5) – Darling, Greene, Jenkins, Warden
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin
Director of Engineering – Logue
Director of Parking – Nagy
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
Executive Assistant – Servoss
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Goldsmith
City Attorney – Lavine
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Asst. Supt. Whitney requested the addition of voting items 12C-D, entitled, “Additional Budget
Authorization for “Water Supply Project” – Resolution” and “Authorization for “Water Supply
Project” to Augment Construction Phase Engineering Services and Control System Integration
Budget Lines with a Transfer of Funds from Project Budget Contingency Line – Resolution”
and discussion item 13D, entitled, “Recommendation to Establish a Capital Project and
Funding to Replace the Watermain and Sanitary Sewermain on the 200 block of Dryden Road
– Proposed Resolution”
No Board member objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
David Nutter, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board to request a liaison from the Board of Public
Works to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council; repainting the bike lanes within the City;
the Bicycle Boulevard Plan and installing bike lanes on North Tioga Street; and redesigning the
parking system in Downtown Ithaca, stating that “planning for the future is now.”
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
No response was provided.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Approval of the March 28, 2016, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 28, 2016 Board of Public Works meeting be
approved proposed/with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS
Council Liaison
Council Liaison Fleming reported that Common Council approved a $25,000 contribution
toward the purchase of the watershed property by Finger Lakes Land Trust.
Superintendent and Staff
Director of Eng. Logue reported that the following projects had been issued a Notice to
Proceed:
1. Cass Park Rink Roof Phase II Project
2. Stewart Avenue Bridge Painting Project
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Regular Meeting
He further stated that the Fuel Island Construction Project and the Sidewalk Construction
Contract would go out to bid this week.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the snow crew had to work this past weekend but now
crews were going back to street cleaning; City crews are finishing the sidewalk on Ferris Place;
City Forester Grace attended a meeting in Geneva to prioritize the trees to be saved in the
natural areas; asphalt plants would open on April 25, 2016; crews will begin working on South
Aurora Street above Hillview to the city line, with the hope of completing the paving before
Ithaca College’s Commencement in May.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported the following: water main cleaning on Osmond Place was
conducted at the end of March; crews cleaned the southerly block of Richard Place; a water
main was replaced on Floral Avenue; crews were working on the 500 block South Plain Street
to upgrade water services; and additional water and sewer services were being installed
throughout the City.
Director of Parking Nagy reported that revenue was up for the first quarter of the year and
issuance of tickets are down compared to last year, which was exactly what was wanted.
Commissioner Warden asked if the Mayor had any applications for new members of the Board
of Public Works. Mayor Myrick responded that he was still accepting applications.
Supt. Thorne reported that beginning April 19, 2016, regular construction meetings would be
held with City staff and the utility companies regarding the construction on Dryden Road. He
further reported that boat rental concession proposals were due Friday, April 15, 2016, and a
meeting about Forest Home Drive would be held this week.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT:
Bench Donation, Six-Mile Creek Natural Area – Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Ruoff family desires to install and maintain a memorial bench in the Six-Mile
Creek Natural Area, and
WHEREAS, the Natural Areas Commission is supportive of the request and upon consultation
with the City Forester, have selected an appropriate style and location of the bench, and
WHEREAS, funds for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the bench will come from
the “Ruoff Memorial Six-Mile Creek Natural Area Trust Fund”, which was specifically created
for this purpose, and from additional funds from the Ruoff family as needed, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports the installation of the memorial bench in
the Six-Mile Creek Natural Area, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works or designee work with the City
Controller’s office to access the trust funds, and that the City Forester ensure that the bench is
properly installed at the accepted location.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
Authorization to Begin a Scratch-Off Parking Card Pilot Program – Resolution
By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the City has received many complaints about the newly installed on-street pay
stations from mobility-impaired and senior citizens, and
WHEREAS, the request has come from many senior citizen associations asking for an easier
way to be compliant and pay for parking on the street, and
WHEREAS, to accommodate those groups, and anyone else who wishes to use this system,
City staff have suggested offering a one-time use scratch card that would be pre-sold and
placed on the dashboard or hung from the rearview mirror during the time the vehicle is parked
on the street, and
WHEREAS, City staff will work with local businesses so that the scratch-off cards could be
sold at any location that currently distributes the City’s trash tags, and
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Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, the scratch-off cards will be sold in the following denominations of time:
¼ of an hour (15 minutes) $0.38 each
½ of an hour (30 minute) $0.75 each
1 Hour (60 minutes) $1.50 each
1 ½ Hours (90 minutes) $2.25 each
2 hours (120 minutes) $3.00 each
3 hours (180 minutes) $4.50 each
4 hours (240 minutes) $6.00 each
8 hours (480 minutes) $12.00 each
and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed beginning a two-year pilot program to sell
pre-paid scratch-off cards at their meeting on March 28, 2016, and expressed their support,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does hereby authorize the Superintendent of
Public Works and the Director of Parking to initiate a two-year pilot program in the City of
Ithaca to sell scratch-off cards for on-street parking, to begin June 1, 2016, with reviews of the
program to be completed annually.
Mayor Myrick stated he really liked this idea for those that have difficulties with the new parking
system.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the ability for people to purchase multiple
increments of time.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Declaration to Act as Lead Agency for the Environmental Review of Brindley Street
Bridge Replacement Project – Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, State laws and regulations and Section 176.6 of the City Code of the City of
Ithaca require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of certain
proposed actions, in accordance with applicable law, and
WHEREAS, State regulations and the City Code specify that the lead agency shall be that
agency which has primary responsibility for undertaking, approving or funding the action, and
WHEREAS, the existing Brindley Street Bridge (“the Bridge”) is a single span, single lane
multiple steel girder bridge carrying Brindley Street over the Cayuga Inlet, and
WHEREAS, Brindley Street Bridge Replacement Project (“the Project”) involves the
construction of new roadway and bridge on a relocated horizontal alignment that would
connect Taber Street with the West State Street/Taughnnock Boulevard intersection, and
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2016, the Board of Public Works concurred with the preliminary
project scope as presented by the consultant during the meeting, and
WHEREAS, on February 8, 2016, the Board of Public Works voted on a resolution that notify
the Board’s intent to act as a lead agency for environmental review of the project focused on
Alternative 2; now, therefore be it
WHEREAS, it has been requested that [Common Council, City of Ithaca Planning and
Development Board, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), New York
State Department of Environmental Protection (NYSDEC), Army Corps of Engineers, City of
Ithaca Disablity Advisory Coucil (DAC), City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council (CAC),
City of Ithaca Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC), and Tompkins County Planning
Department], all potentially involved or interested agencies consent to the City of Ithaca Board
of Public Works being Lead Agency for this project, and
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Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, it was agreed by the involved agencies that the Board of Public Works be
designated lead agency for the environmental review for Brindley Street Bridge Replacement
Project; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself Lead
Agency for the environmental review of the Brindley Street Bridge Project.
Carried Unanimously
Babe Ruth Baseball Storage Shed Approval – Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
WHEREAS, Ithaca Babe Ruth Baseball League is proposing to fund and install a new 12’ x 12’
storage shed next to Field 9 in Cass Park, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission has reviewed the proposal and supports the installation of
the new shed, and
WHEREAS, City staff support installation of the new shed so long as staff approves final
location of the shed, staff is allowed access to the shed, Ithaca Babe Ruth Baseball provides
insurance and maintains the shed in good condition for the duration of the license, and that
ownership of the shed transfers to the City at the end of the license, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to City Code Chapter 170 “Use of City Real Property”, any non-transitory
use of City parkland requires a license, and Section 170-5(G) vests in the Common Council
sole authority to grant approval of any license to use City parkland, and
WHEREAS, Ithaca Babe Ruth League serves the area’s youth by providing social and athletic
recreational opportunities for its members and guests through baseball leagues, clubs and
games, and
WHEREAS, should Council approve the license for this use, the license agreement shall
require Ithaca Babe Ruth League to:
1) submit documentation ensuring that participation in its activities is available to all
members of the public via membership application and payment of fees, which may not
be unreasonably large, said unreasonableness to be evaluated after accounting for
discounted or income-sensitive opportunities for participation in the Babe Ruth League’s
activities, and
2) file with the City Clerk an annual report on:
a) the then-current fee structure for membership,
b) the reasonableness of said fee structure, and
c) community participation opportunities and events being offered by the League.
Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports entering into a license agreement
charging an annual fee based on the Marine Commercial appraisal category of $0.48 per
square foot for the installation of the shed and use thereof with the following conditions:
1) City staff approve the location,
2) City staff are allowed access,
3) Ithaca Babe Ruth Baseball League maintains the shed in good condition for the duration
of the license,
4) Ithaca Babe Ruth Baseball League provides proper insurance as required by the City,
and
5) Ownership of the shed be transferred to the City at the end of the license agreement, or
if the City prefers, the group will remove the shed from the premises and return the site
to its original condition.
6) Carried Unanimously
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Regular Meeting
Resolution to Approve Scope of Work for Repairs in Columbia Street Park
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, Common Council authorized Capital Project #798 in the amount of $81,000 for
repairs in the Columbia Street Park, and
WHEREAS, though this funding seems to be sufficient to restore most of the walkways and
stairs to a state of good repair, it is not likely to be enough to do so for the entire park, and
WHEREAS, Engineering staff prepared a recommended scope of work for the park for that
budgeted amount, which includes repairing 6 stair sets and hand rails, replacing approximately
55 linear feet of sidewalk, removal of a staircase and a segment of walkway, and a curb cut for
Public Works access, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission reviewed this proposal at their meeting on March 8th and
those in attendance were in support of the scope of work, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works reviewed the proposed scope of work at their meeting
on March 28, 2016, and supports the project as such, and
WHEREAS, repairs in kind are a Type II action in SEQR and CEQR and as such require no
further environmental review; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the scope of work for this project as
presented to the BPW on March 28, 2016, which is outlined in a memo from Engineering
Technician, Leland O’Connor, dated February 10, 2016.
Carried Unanimously
Fuertes Overlook Restoration – Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
WHEREAS, Friends of Stewart Park has received two grants totaling $15,000 with a goal of
raising $20,000 to restore the Fuertes Overlook, and
WHEREAS, Friends of Stewart Park will coordinate work with Jeanne Grace and Bryan
McCracken, and
WHEREAS, this funding will be used to repair stone walls and landings, replace metal railing,
install plantings along the swan pond edge adjacent to the overlook, design and install an
interpretive panel, and create a trail link to the Waterfront Trail, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports utilizing the funding towards the
restoration of the Fuertes Overlook.
Carried Unanimously
Large Pavilion Fee Waiver – Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
WHEREAS, Friends of Stewart Park is hosting two events to raise awareness and funds for
the Large Pavilion window and door restoration project, and
WHEREAS, The Board discussed a request to waive the pavilion rental fee for these events
that benefit the city park, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves waiving the rental fees for the Large
Pavilion on Friday, July 27, 2016, and Saturday, September 24, 2016.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER:
Appeal of Water Bill for 309 Center Street – Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, utility billing and liens on property are addressed between buyer and seller before
the transfer of real property, and
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Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, the water and sewer billing account balance information as well as the municipal
lien certificate for this property were available at the Office of City Chamberlain when the real
property at 309 Center Street changed ownership in December of 2014, and
WHEREAS, no requests for this information was made of the City of Ithaca prior to closing for
settlement between the buyer and seller, and
WHEREAS, the first request the Water & Division received to remove the water meter and turn
off the water was March 3, 2015, and
WHEREAS, the contractor had in violation of City Code removed the water meter in January
without communication with the City, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca BPW denies the Water and Sewer Billing appeal for 309
Center Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the City Chamberlain not charge interest or late
fees on this bill for a period of 30 business days from the date of this resolution.
Commissioner Warden asked if any recourse was brought against a plumbing contractor when
non-licensed work is completed within the City. Discussion followed on the floor regarding this
topic. Commissioner Warden agreed to contact the City Attorney and the City’s Plumbing
Inspector.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Appeal of Water Bill for 1109 North Aurora Street – Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
WHEREAS, no request for change in billing address was received by the City, and
WHEREAS, the water and sewer billing was sent to the property management company
designated by the owner, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca BPW denies the Water and Sewer Billing appeal for 1109
North Aurora Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the City Chamberlain not charge interest or late
fees on this bill for a period of 30 business days from the date of this resolution.
Carried Unanimously
Additional Budget Authorization for “Water Supply Project – Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, within the original design and contract for the Water Supply Project was for City’s
two clearwells at the Water Treatment Plant both to be relined and made watertight. The 1929
clearwell was successfully sealed and relined. The 1903 clearwell because of its condition
cannot be sealed or relined, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to the function of the Water Treatment Plant and Water Distribution
System that 1903 clearwell be replaced in that it both provides for balanced and efficient
operation of the membrane filters and the required storage for emergency supply and fire flow,
and
WHEREAS, the City’s Engineering Consultants for the project, O’Brien and Gere have
estimated the maximum budget for replacement of the 1903 clearwell to be $1,250,000.00,
and
WHEREAS, the projected June 2016 contingency remaining in the project budget for Contract
4 under Capital Project 510 is $927,667.00, this includes expenditure of $50,000.00 to be used
for Engineering design and construction phase services for the 1903 clearwell rebuild, and
WHEREAS, The Assistant Superintendent for the City of Ithaca DPW Water and Sewer
Division along with staff Engineers have reviewed, discussed, and determined that the
additional project construction and engineering costs are in line with best practices, are
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Regular Meeting
necessary, and recommend to the Board of Public Works authorization of an additional budget
authorization in the amount of $1,200,000.00 with the understanding that at the close of
Contract 4 the balance of the contingency line will be all applied first towards this additional
work to minimize the amount of the additional funds expended, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby recommends to the Common Council an
additional project budget authorization for contract 4 under Capital Project 510 in an amount
not to exceed $1,200,000.00.
Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that a clearwell was an underground storage tank, and the City
had a 1.5 million gallon capacity on East Hill and 1.2 million gallon capacity on West Hill. He
stated that there were state laws that require the City to have a full day’s worth of water in
storage at all times, which the City of Ithaca uses about 3 million gallons each day. New York
State Health Dept. inspected the existing clearwells and found that one did not pass
inspection.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding funding for the rebuilding of the clearwell, and the
ability to utilize leftover contingency funds from the Water Supply Rebuild Project.
Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that the clearwell built in 1929 was made of concrete. The
clearwell built in 1903, the one needing to be rebuilt, was originally made mostly of brick. The
new tank would be built using concrete inside the brick tank.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Authorization for “Water Supply Project” to Augment Construction Phase Engineering
Services and Control System Integration Budget Lines with a Transfer of Funds from
Project Budget Contingency Line – Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, additional time has been necessarily added to project construction schedules due
to the timing of regulatory approvals associated with the commissioning of the completed
membrane systems, coordination of start-up, testing, preparations for the demolition of existing
facilities, and the need for heated structures for temporary process chemical supply, and
WHEREAS, additional efforts were needed for Control System Integration to address
temporary systems, flow metering, and coordination of the wide-area-network with the City’s IT
Department, and
WHEREAS, the City’s Engineering Consultants for the project, O’Brien and Gere estimated the
budget need for Construction Phase Engineering Services to meet the extended Construction
Schedule will be an additional $465,000.00, and
WHEREAS, the City’s Engineering Consultants for the project, O’Brien and Gere estimated the
budget need for the additional Control System Integration will be an additional $185,000.00,
and
WHEREAS, this total of $650,000.00 is available to be transferred from the project budget
contingency line leaving a balance of $927,667.00 in the contingency, and
WHEREAS, The Assistant Superintendent for the City of Ithaca DPW Water and Sewer
Division along with O’Brien and Gere and Water & Sewer staff Engineers concur that
remaining project budget contingency balance of $927,667.00 should be an adequate reserve
for the value of the balance of the work, and
WHEREAS, The Assistant Superintendent for the City of Ithaca DPW Water and Sewer
Division along with staff Engineers have reviewed, discussed, and determined that the
additional project Engineering and Control System Integration costs are necessary and
warranted, and recommend to the Board of Public Works authorization of a budget transfer
from the project contingency line in the amount of $465,000.00 to Engineering and
$185,000.00 to Control System Integration with the understanding that an addendum to
O’Brien & Gere Engineers contracts will be prepared and executed properly documenting
these changes, now therefore, be it
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Regular Meeting
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes a transfer not to exceed
$650,000.00 from the contingency line of Contract 4 under Capital Project 510 to the
Engineering and Control System Integration lines.
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A Resolution to Direct Staff for Implementing a Portion of the Bicycle Boulevard Plan
along North Tioga Street between the Commons and Court Street
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works adopted a Bicycle Boulevard plan, as amended, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has proposed a repaving project in the 300 and
400 blocks of North Tioga Street, which could include implementing the rest of the Bicycle
Boulevard plan along Tioga Street, and
WHEREAS, after considering public comment and parking data collected, the Board would like
to modify the action called for in the plan between the Commons and Court Street, at this time;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to continue similar Bicycle Boulevard
pavement markings, wayfinding signs and speed limit signs as used along other portion of the
Boulevards on the segment of North Tioga Street between the Commons and Court Street,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Vehicle & Traffic Schedules be thus to reflect a 25mph speed limit along
North Tioga Street between Seneca Street and Farm Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to proceed with the traffic calming
proposed by staff in the March 14th BPW agenda, in a memo from the Director of Engineering
dated March 9th, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board is open to reconsidering the implementation of this plan,
specifically, the installation of bicycle lanes and the removal of some parking between the
Commons and Court Street at a future date.
Commissioner Darling recommended that the City put together a task force to create a city-
wide Comprehensive Parking Plan. He stated that it seemed that parking changes have been
made by piecemeal, not considering impacts of parking city-wide. Mayor Myrick responded
that there are three parking committees that currently meet regularly: Parking Advisory Board,
Marketing and Education Ad Hoc Committee and Pay Station Placement Ad Hoc Committee.
Commissioner Darling suggested the Board charge the Parking Advisory Board with
researching the parking in the City and drafting a city-wide Comprehensive Parking Plan.
Director of Parking Nagy noted that the City had already paid for four parking studies prior to
his employment in 2013.
Commissioner Warden asked about conversations with the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins
County about opening up their parking lots for short term parking rather than employees.
Mayor Myrick state he had a discussion with both, but it doesn’t look like they are amenable to
the idea. He is not sure if City took away on-street parking that the Town or County would
make their parking lots available.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Bicycle Boulevard. Director of Eng. Logue noted
that there are other options to connect the bike lanes to the Commons. One option was to
extend the bike lanes south on North Cayuga Street all the way to the Commons.
Commissioner Darling stated that there does need to be some changes. He noted that if you
want to get to the Commons on a bike from anywhere in the City, you have to make some
decisions and put yourself into traffic two blocks from the Commons. There isn’t the ability to
ride a bike directly to the Commons.
Commissioner Darling stated that he wanted to continue the bike lanes along the boulevard,
however, right now, parking is needed, especially near the courthouse. Commissioner Warden
suggested that general education for the driving public might get them more bike friendly;
European cities are much friendlier toward cyclists.
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Alderperson Fleming suggested removing parking on the west side of North Tioga Street and
keeping parking on the east side. The Board discussed this option, with keeping parking next
to the post office, noting the parking garage was 100 feet from Town Hall, and how to shift a
bike lane around the new bumpout on the west side of 200 Block of North Tioga St. Director of
Eng. Logue offered to provide a drawing for this option to the Board to discuss at their next
meeting.
Mayor Myrick suggested that staff look at this “Fleming Compromise” and provide the Board
with designs to compare to the current option of continuing Sharrows and speed humps.
Stewart Park Ash Project
Senior Planner Megan Wilson joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. She explained
the proposal from local artist Jack Elliott, who has identified an Ash tree that could be pulled
out of the ground, cleaned and made into a sculptural art piece. She stated that the roots of
the tree would have long screwdrivers and other small tools attached to them, but the tree
would be under 24 hour surveillance to record interaction with the public.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that Mr. Elliott previously worked in the golf course to remove
a stump, but did not complete his project; City crews ended up pulling the stump out after Mr.
Elliott did not return. He expressed concern that Mr. Elliott wants to rely on volunteers to pull
out the tree and that Mr. Elliott does not follow through with his projects.
Mayor Myrick suggested that the Board send a message stating that Mr. Elliott must contact
City staff to move forward with this project by providing details and not requiring any staff time
to complete. He must also provide a proposal of what he plans to do with the art piece.
Alderperson Fleming stated she did not feel this is a project the City should pursue.
Commissioner Jenkins asked about the work site and how it would be set up. Senior Planner
Wilson stated that the area would be roped off, which would not prevent visitors from entering
the site. For safety reasons, Commissioner Jenkins expressed concern about this project.
Approval of Sites for the Public Art Commission’s Rainwater Art Project – Proposed
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Public Art Commission (PAC) is interested in creating rainwater art at several
locations in and around downtown Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, this type of artwork is created by placing a stencil on an area of sidewalk that is
then sprayed with a paint that seals the concreate to moisture; during wet weather, the area
surrounding the stenciled design changes color from the moisture while the stenciled area
remains dry, revealing the artwork, and
WHEREAS, the artwork is temporary and will wear away in less than a year after installation,
and
WHEREAS, the members of the PAC will seek input from the community on possible designs
and will contact adjacent property and business owners prior to installation; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the following City-owned sidewalks as
potential sites for the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission’s rainwater art project:
North side of E. Seneca Street (between N. Aurora St. and N. Tioga St.)
West side of N. Aurora Street (in front of Seneca Street Parking Garage)
East side of N. Tioga Street (between E. Seneca Street and the Post Office)
North side of E. State Street (at the intersection near Viva)
South side of E. Green Street (between S. Cayuga St. and the Tompkins County Mental
Health Building)
East side of S. Cayuga Street (between E. Green St. and E. Clinton Street)
Six Mile Creekwalk
Entrance to the Alex Haley Pool
South side of W. Court Street (in front of GIAC)
Senior Planner Wilson explained the project, how the Public Arts Commission was already
obtaining stencils, that all of the materials were biodegradable and not harmful to the
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Regular Meeting
environment. She further stated that the products that would be used do not change the
texture of the sidewalk. Senior Planner Wilson noted that it was hoped that the sealant would
last throughout the summer.
Mayor Myrick expressed full support of this project.
The Board generally agreed with this public art project. The resolution will be considered at
the next Board meeting.
Recommendation to Establish a Capital Project and Funding to Replace the Watermain
and Sanitary Sewermain on the 200 block of Dryden Road – Proposed Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the City’s watermain on the 200 block of Dryden Road is 106 years old, originally
constructed in 1910, and the City’s sewermain is 120 years old, originally constructed in 1896,
and
WHEREAS, the current redevelopment of two parcels located in the 200 block of Dryden Road
includes overhead electric and communications being moved to underground installations as
well as the addition of a medium pressure natural gas main underground, and
WHEREAS, the cost of replacing the City’s water and sewer would be significantly higher if
done after the new underground electric, communications, and gas have crowded the available
space in the street right-of-way, and
WHEREAS, the street surface, curb, and drainage are all in need of replacement and will be
further disturbed necessitating a full depth street rebuild, and
WHEREAS, in order to take advantage of a substantial cost savings the Department of Public
Works Water and Sewer Division is requesting funding to perform this work which entails
replacement of 385-feet of sanitary sewermain and 377-feet of watermain, and
WHEREAS, City Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division staff have estimated the
maximum cost for replacement to be $236,000.00, reference attached estimate, and
WHEREAS, City Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division staff estimates our
Crews would complete this work in six to eight weeks to be scheduled during the time frame
from June 2016 to August 2016, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that Common Council
establishment of a capital project with funding not to exceed $236,000.00 to facilitate the
construction of a replacement watermain, sewermain on the 200 Block of Dryden Road.
Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that the sewer main needs to be increased in size to handle the
expected increase in need on/near Dryden Road. He further stated that the water main would
not last many more years, and with the construction of Dryden Road being planned, staff
would like to tear up the road only once.
A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Alderperson Fleming requested a confirmation that a tour of the new Water Treatment Facility
was scheduled for April 18, 2016, and asked if she could invite members of Common Council.
Asst. Supt. Whitney responded in the affirmative.
Alderperson Fleming further asked about the Board’s previous discussion about establishing a
new restaurant on the golf course. Supt. Thorne stated that a discussion was supposed to be
included in the Facilities Master Plan discussions.
Commissioner Darling asked about the City repainting crosswalk pavement markings.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding different types of pavement marking paint that could
used, such as thermoplasty, or if staff could use epoxy paint. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the
epoxy system was expensive and a nasty mess to use. Supt. Thorne stated he would like to
get a quote from the contractor to replace the markings and compare it to the cost to upgrade
the City’s equipment. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the City had not been able to find worthy
Board of Public Works Page 11 April 11, 2016
Regular Meeting
alternatives for crosswalk markings. He further noted that he is hoping to build an inventory of
existing pavement markings in the near future. Due to staffing constrictions, staff is unable to
cover a lot of the city when repainting pavement markings.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor