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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2016-01-11BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:51 p.m. January 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 – West Director of Parking – Nagy Acting Common Council Liaison – Brock Executive Assistant – Servoss Bridge Systems Engineer - Gebre EXCUSED: Commissioner Goldsmith City Attorney – Lavine Common Council Liaison – Fleming DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Tessa Rudan, City of Ithaca, expressed support of the outdoor natural c lassroom in Strawberry Field, asking City to consider installing drainage, fencing, and traffic calming leading up to and around Belle Sherman Elementary. She further thanked the Board for considering the students’ request. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was provided. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the December 14, 2015, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Greene RESOLVED, That the minutes of the December 14, 2015, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as written. Carried Unanimously Appointment of Board of Public Works Vice Chair for 2016 By Mayor Myrick: Seconded by Commission Warden RESOLVED, That Commissioner Claudia Jenkins be appointed as the Vice Chair of the Board of Public Works for 2016. Ayes (4) Darling, Greene, Myrick, Warden Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Jenkins Carried Unanimously 2016 Board Meeting Calendar The 2016 meeting calendar was provided for information only. Board of Public Works Page 2 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting NEW PROJECT PRESENTATION: Belle Sherman Nature Trail at Strawberry Field Ms. Randi Reckman, First Grade Teacher at Belle Sherman Elementary School and City of Ithaca resident, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic, explaining how the idea of using Strawberry Field for an outdoor natural classroom came to be, noting that New York State had new science standards and the school district was requesting the teachers teach through interdisciplinary units, considering all subjects through science, social studies, English language arts, and math in an investigatory manner that would improve the world or give back to the community. Several teachers worked together on case studies where several ideas from different grades were mentioned that included going into Strawberry Fields and doing field work and studies with the students. Allison Trudan, Second Grade Teacher, and Monica Lange, Third Grade Teacher, explained the project summary by creating a natural classroom for Belle Sherman School. Ms. Trudan noted that Belle Sherman had adopted Strawberry Fields over ten years ago, so there is a tie between the school and the field. Ms. Trudan explained the project divided into the following phases: 1. Phase 1 included clearing bush to make the trails less hazardous and more accessible for the students, mulch the trails, and removing hazards. 2. Phase 2 included improving the area by building a supplemental trail to provide access to the creek, building pavilion seating for students to gather with their students for discussions, and include other elements to promote learning such as signage. Ms. Trudan described the map that was distributed to the Board, noting the location of the proposed natural area and the existing deer trails. She stated that the forest and meadow would not be changed and would be kept in its natural area. She noted that the natural area would be available and usable by the community and other organizations, such as Primitive Pursuits. Ms. Lange stated she had taught at Belle Sherman for 28 years, and that she, along with many teachers, had a strong commitment to use the environment to teach her students, and had previously had to take her students on a dangerous walk down to Six Mile Creek which included crossing Route 79 that did not have sidewalks. She was very excited for this project. She stated that her students created a proposal that was presented to the Parks Commission that identified specific areas of the natural area. Committees of three or four students were provided with iPads and cameras to go out into the natural area to take photos of their areas and wrote why it was very important that this area was developed as a nature trail. The statements were combined into an essay that explained their reasons why this area should be presented. The following third grade students addressed the Board: Ryleigh Bowman, Harper Cohen, Eh Lay Htoo, Hyunmin (Hellen) Park, Solomon Shapiro, and Parker TenEyck. The students read the following into the record: Board of Public Works Page 3 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting Board of Public Works Page 4 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting Dan Brienman, Belle Sherman Elementary School Principal, explained the funding the school had been awarded from the IPI Classroom Connection Grant, to provide teachers time for planning and learning, purchase supplies, and it was a multi-year, multi-phase request. The teachers wanted to present the project to residents accept feedback from the community. Mayor Myrick thanked all who addressed the Board, especially the children, and noted that there would be a record of this presentation with the students names listed alongside his name in the minutes. Commissioner Warden noted a couple of issues that might need to be considered was funding and maintenance. Principal Brienman responded that the school had already obtained funding, and the students, teachers and parents were willing to maintain the trails they created. Mayor Myrick noted that the City had not been using Strawberry Fields and the City considered it as surplus property. It was not considered a good location for development, but he thought it was a good property. He asked if the school district be interested in taking over ownership of the property. Principal Brienman stated he had a general discussion with the Chief Financial Officer Amanda Verba and Facilities Department, but nothing had been decided. Alderperson Brock expressed support for the trail, but noted that the property was parkland and it could not be sold without the same amount of land being designated as parkland. She expressed appreciation to the school for bring this project forward. Principal Brienman noted that IPI had requested a Memorandum of Understanding. Mayor Myrick responded that the City would be willing to enter into an MOU, noting that the request was not unusual. Discussion followed on the floor regarding keeping the park a natural area with as low maintenance as possible, accessibility through the private drive owned by the school, changing the signage to be more welcoming for members of the public. Mayor Myrick stated that City staff would work with school staff, parents and the City Attorney’s Office to create an agreement. Principal Brienman thanked the Board for their support. Mayor Myrick requested photos of the children with the Board of Public Works. The Board discussed the area of the property that was actually designated as parkland, which, according to Google Maps, only included the open field within the natural area. REPORTS Council Liaison Alderperson Brock reported that the County was running a pilot program for curbside food scrap recycling, and the rules would change as of April 1st to not allow compostable paper items. An educational outreach program, working with commercial vendors and festivals, to redesign the compost program. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that staff would host a public information meeting about the Stewart Avenue Bridge over Cascadilla Creek painting project on January 25, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. and the topic would be on the Board’s agenda that evening. Supt. Thorne noted that the bridge had been yellow flagged by the State for one of the abutments and stated that abutment should be included in the project. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that today’s snowfall during the morning rush created quite a problem as the snow turned directly to ice; a tree had fallen across Brindley Street Bridge the previous night, causing the bridge to be closed until a rail could be fixed and the tree removed; and he was trying to fill staff vacancies. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that staff was busy replacing broken hydrants, water/sewer service requests, hiring new staff, and moving along on the water treatment plant project. Dir. of Parking Nagy reported that the next Parking Advisory Board Meeting would be held on Friday, at which time subcommittees would be established for the placement of the newly Board of Public Works Page 5 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting ordered on-street pay stations and for marketing parking options to older residents. He stated he was also filling vacant positions and revenues were up by $10,000 over last year. Alderperson Brock stated that Dir. of Parking Nagy had reported to Disability Advisory Council recently and the council was thankful for the short bases that were ordered for the pay stations, making the screens easier to read and more accessible for those in wheelchairs . They also expressed a desire to not change the fine structure for those that do not remove snow in a timely manner, and for property maintenance violations. Supt. Thorne reported that interviews for the new Manager of Fiscal Operations were held last Friday, references were being checked and he would make offer by next week. He stated interviews for the Transportation Engineer position would be held soon, and staff was working on the 2016 work plan, which would include dates. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Request for Encroachment Agreement/License for use of Little Bank Alley behind 146 and 148 East State Street – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, in response to the City’s request to organize use of the alley referred to as “Baby Bank Alley” (here, “Alley”), which runs perpendicular to the Tioga Street section of the Commons, Alexis Randall, owner of Waffle Frolic, a business located at 146 East State Street in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment license from the City into the adjacent Alley; and WHEREAS, the proposed use of the Alley would consist of approximately 23.5 square feet comprised of the following uses:  Three 50-gallon totes for compost bins, measuring approximately 42.75” x 22.0” x 18.0” each  Up to four 35 pound fryer sealed and clean oil jugs, measuring approximately 9” x 9” x 16” each, and WHEREAS, Waffle Frolic has submitted that it has used the Alley for five years prior to clarification of the City’s ownership, and detailed measures to control pests, odors, and other nuisances related to the use of the Alley; and WHEREAS, Public Works staff and the Fire Department reviewed the proposal, and provided comment on the proposal, namely, that combustibles should not be stored under any fire escape and should be limited to the southern end of the Alley to facilitate City snow removal; and WHEREAS, City staff have requested the following conditions on the license: - containers shall not be stored or placed under any fire escape; - containers may be stored along the southern wall of the Alley; and - in the event that containers are stored along the northern wall of the Alley, Waffle Frolic shall be responsible for all snow removal within the Alley. WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs; and WHEREAS, the 2013-14 schedule of fees for use of City-owned property requires an initial application fee of $100 for new licenses, but stipulates that the annual use fee shall be waived for minor encroachments, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment into the Alley, as proposed, contingent upon the execution of a license/agreement and submission of the required application form and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent terms) and proof of required insurance, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code. Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works Page 6 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Proposed Resolution – Discontinuance of Northern Portion of Lake Avenue and Eastern Portion of Adams Street By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, presently before the Board of Public Works is a proposal to discontinue the northern section of Lake Avenue and eastern section of Adams Street, and WHEREAS, the proposed discontinuance involves portions of Lake Avenue and Adams Street, which collectively are referred to as the “Street Parcels” and are more particularly described as follows: That portion of Lake Avenue commencing at the western corner of Lake Avenue and Hancock Street, running northeast approximately 37 feet, then 393 feet to the northwest to meet the eastern corner of Lake Ave and Adams Street, then 173 feet to the southwest to meet the eastern curb face line of Alice Miller Way, then southeast approximately 73 feet, then northeast approximately 167.5 feet, and then southeast approximately 327 feet to the beginning, and WHEREAS, the portions of Lake Avenue and Adams Street subject to this discontinuance are depicted on the survey map titled “No. 210 Hancock Street and No. 423 First Street”, prepared by Darrin A. Brock, L.S. of T.G. Miller P.C. on August 12, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and WHEREAS, upon the City’s decision to discontinue the above-described Street Parcels as City streets, the Street Parcels will be used for green space, pedestrian and bicycle space, and a public use playground, in accordance with the approved Site Plan dated August 25, 2015 and the Agreement executed between Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) and the City on September 4, 2015, and WHEREAS, New York’s General City Law, Section 20(7), grants to cities the authority “to lay out, establish, construct, maintain, operate, alter and discontinue streets;” and WHEREAS, City Charter Section C-71 grants the Board of Public Works the authority to “lay out, alter, discontinue, regulate, straighten, widen, pave, curb, clean and sprinkle the streets, highways, bridges and crosswalks,” and Charter Section C-61 provides that the Board shall “have control” of the City department pertaining to “Streets and Sidewalks” and its property, albeit “subject to the limitations herein contained and the direction and review of the Common Council,” and WHEREAS, to the extent that the Planning and Developm ent Board of the City is required to have an opportunity to comment upon the proposed discontinuance of a City street, such opportunity was provided in this case, and such comments were provided in a mem dated November 30, 2015 supporting the proposed discontinuance; and WHEREAS, the City Charter requires that a public hearing be conducted before a street is discontinued, and the City conducted such duly-advertised public hearing on November 9, 2015; and WHEREAS, environmental review of the proposed discontinuance has been completed by Board of Public Works acting as lead agency for purposes of specifically assessing the environmental impact of the discontinuance on the Street Parcels, and in which the Board reviewed the Planning Board’s Full Environment al Assessment Form dated May 4, 2015 and the Planning Board’s SEQR record, and on November 9, 2015 independently adopted the findings contained in the May 26, 2015 negative declaration of environmental significance issued by the Planning Board; and WHEREAS, the Board in considering the usefulness of the Street Parcels, considered how discontinuance of these portions of Lake Ave and Adams Street would impact the following: - area’s market values; - fire and police department’s ability to respond; - water, sanitation, and other environmental factors; - use by residents in emergency situations; - use by residents in daily travel; and Board of Public Works Page 7 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the Board in considering these factors, finds that the discontinuance of the Street Parcels is found to have no negative impact; and WHEREAS, the Board finds that the interests of the public, and specifically, residents of Alice Miller Way, will be reasonably protected, notwithstanding the discontinuance of the Street Parcels as City streets, as the non-discontinued portion of Adams Street and Franklin Street provide reasonable access to and from Alice Miller Way for purposes of daily travel and in cases of emergency; and now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board hereby determines that discontinuance of the Street Parce ls will not negatively impact the immediate surrounding community or the City in that: - it is not expected that market values will decline due to discontinuance, and the construction of INHS improvements may enhance market values within the neighborhood; - the City’s agreement with INHS preserves Fire and Police emergency access through the discontinued Street Parcels so that public safety and emergency access will not be impaired by discontinuance; - the Board finds that less vehicular traffic and increased green space will likely benefit Cascadilla Creek; - by the terms of the Agreement with INHS, INHS will be responsible for maintaining improvements, trash removal, and general sanitation of the discontinued portions of street, and if INHS fails to perform, the City may perform the work and charge INHS for its work; and RESOLVED, That the Board therefore finds the Street Parcels “useless” as City streets, as that term is defined in State law; and RESOLVED, That the Board further determines that the proposed discontinuance, and the corresponding agreement executed with INHS, will result in the beneficial development of a landscaped pedestrian and bike way along Cascadilla Creek and playground accessible to the public, installed without cost to taxpayers, and will lessen the workload for the Department of Public Works as a result of INHS’ commitment to maintain the discontinued Street Parcels and avoiding the need to reconstruct or repair either portion of the discontinued Street Parcels; and RESOLVED, That pursuant to the authority granted to cities, under Section 20(7) of the General City Law, and as delegated to the Board of Public Works by the City of Ithaca, in Section C-71 of the Charter of the City of Ithaca, the Board hereby discontinues as City stree ts the Street Parcels, and RESOLVED, That this determination be sent to Common Council for its direction and review as indicated in Charter Section C-61. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC: Updates to the Vehicle and Traffic Schedules – Resolution By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of public Works is authorized by Section 346 -4 of the City Code to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and WHEREAS, the establishment of the Bicycle Boulevard network (in accordance with the Bicycle Boulevard Plan adopted by the BPW in 2012) has resulted in sign changes related to speed limit reductions and stop sign adjustments, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the amendments below: Schedule II: Speed Limits. In accordance with the provisions of §346 -6, speed limits other than 30 miles per hour (and not associated with School Speed Limits) are hereby established as indicated upon the following described streets or parts thereof: Board of Public Works Page 8 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting The City of Ithaca has established speed limits of 25 MPH along the Bicycle Boulevard routes on the following street segments: 1. E. York St. between N. Cayuga St. and N. Tioga St. 2. N. Tioga St. between E. York St. and Farm St. 3. King St. between Linn St. and N. Tioga St. 4. Lewis St. between N. Tioga St. and Auburn St. 5. Adams St. between Auburn St. and Willow Ave. 6. Willow Ave. between Adams St. and Madison St. 7. Madison St. between Willow Ave. and Fourth St. 8. Fourth St. between Madison St. and Cascadilla St. 9. Plain St. between Cascadilla St. and Elmira Rd. 10. W. Court St. between Plain St. and N. Albany St. 11. Wood St. between Plain St. and Meadow St. Schedule VIII: Stop Control Intersections. In accordance with the provisions of §346-12, the following described intersections are hereby designated for control by an all-way stop as follows: Lewis Street and Utica Street The following intersecting streets or locations are hereby designated for control by stop sign(s) (not “all-way”): Intersection Direction of travel Auburn St and Adams/Lewis St eastbound/westbound northbound/southbound Lewis Street and Utica Street northbound/southbound Madison St and Second St eastbound/westbound northbound/southbound Madison St and First St eastbound/westbound northbound/southbound Director of Engineering Services Logue stated that this modification was related to the Bicycle Boulevard project, but the Board had not discussed this specific resolution. Mayor Myrick stated he was comfortable with the changes. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed changes. Director of Engineering Services Logue noted that the changes have already been made as part of the project; the resolution just formalizes the changes. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding reducing the speed limit on specific streets versus area wide reduction of speed limits. Director of Engineering Services Logue stated that New York State does not allow the speed limit to be reduced in large areas, but on specific streets only. Commissioner Greene noted that he would like to change the speed limit around Belle Sherman Elementary School, especially on Mitchell Street. Director of Engineering Services Logue noted that changing the speed limit on a street is significant. To do so says that those streets are special streets because of being the Bicycle Boulevard. Commissioner Warden suggested that guidelines be created for neighborhoods to know the criteria for reducing speed limits and the Board could review requests for speed limit reductions efficiently. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: 2016 Newman Golf Course Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, a List of Rates and Fees for 2016 was discussed by the Board of Public Works on December 14, 2015, from a proposal by Golf Course Manager Mike Addicott, and WHEREAS, setting the membership rates well in advance of the beginning of a new season seems like a prudent course of action to help increase membership, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the following List of Rates and Fees for 2016 for Newman Golf Course: Board of Public Works Page 9 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting Membership Fees 2015 Rates 2016 Rate Individual $ 630 $630 Senior $ 567 $567 Domestic Couple $882 $882 Senior Domestic Couple $827 $827 Junior Individual $140 $140 Family (up to 4, dependents 18 years old and under) $966 $966 Weekday Only, Individual $410 $410 Weekday Only, Domestic Couple $609 $609 College Membership (Ages 18-22) (*Restricted weekdays before 4 p.m. w/ college ID and weekends after 12 noon) $347 $347 City Employee $347 $347 Daily Greens Fees 9 Hole *per player 18 Hole *per player WEEKDAY Walking $14.00 $18.00 With Pull Cart $17.00 $23.00 League Fee $14.00 N/A WEEKEND Walking Until 2:00 p.m. $16.00 $22.00 After 2:00 p.m. $14.00 $18.00 With Pull Cart $19.00 $25.00 Foursome Special After 3:00 p.m. N/A $80.00 Motorized Cart Rental Fees 9 Holes 18 Holes Member $7.00 $ 11.00 Non-Member $8.00 $ 12.00 Alderperson Brock noted that there were two types of carts: pull and motorized. She requested that the type of cart be delineated in the table. The Board agreed to add “Pull” between “With” and “Cart” under Daily Green Fees and add “Motorized” before “Cart Rental Fees.” Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Signage in Ithaca City Parks Dan Krall and Maraget Hobbie, Parks Commission representatives, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Mr. Krall stated that the Parks Commission was in support of the Belle Sherman School using Strawberry Fields. He explained the project the Parks Commission had been working on regarding signage in City parks. He reported on the types of signs, where signs were placed, and noted that most people did not know which parks were owned by the City. He stated that the proposed signs would be simple, not elaborate, and probably made by City staff. Ms. Hobbie stated that signs should include the name of the park and the hours the parks were open. The Parks Commission would like more information than that, but did not want to clutter parks with signs. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the number of city-owned parks, some parks were not used due to inaccessibility, and controlling inappropriate activities by posting closing times, etc. Alderperson Brock mentioned that a budget request to Common Council would be needed since funding would be necessary. Commissioner Greene noted that this would be a great opportunity to brand the City with consistent logos and images. Mayor Myrick noted that the Chamber of Commerce was working on a wayfinding project that might be something the City could tap into. Board of Public Works Page 10 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting Request for Variance regarding Water & Sewer Lines at 701-705 North Aurora Street Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that the two properties had clear, separate ownership and the City did not encourage sewer lines crossing properties. He wanted to install separate meters. Commissioner Warden expressed his opinion that many problems had occurred when water and sewer lines have crossed properties. The best solution would be to install separate lines and separate meters. He further noted that each property needed a separate water meter. Mayor Myrick stated City Attorney Lavine would look at the documents provided by the property owners’ attorney, and would bring the topic back to the Board for a vote. Cascadilla Creekway Project Addisu Gebre, Bridge Systems Engineer, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic and explained the options for the railing along Cascadilla Creekway including estimated costs for each option. Mayor Myrick explained his feelings were different about this railing, and he would like a less restrictive railing. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the NYSDOT’s thoughts about the railing options, and how a railing could change just by choosing a different material (iron vs. wood). Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that any change to an improved railing system would require approval from the state. Commissioner Darling expressed support for the shorter railing that was proposed. Further discussion followed regarding other types of walls and railings that would be more aesthetically pleasing and durable to ensure it blocked vehicles from falling into the creek. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that staff was comfortable with a pedestrian railing along the creek because very few vehicles travel down Cascadella Creek Road. Supt. Thorne noted that the City could choose to not use state funding, which would give the city more flexibility in the type of railing that was installed. He believed the height of the railing was required because the trail would be part of the Bike Boulevard. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that the NYSDOT had revised their original requirement of a 54” railing, stating that a standard 42” railing would be appropriate. Commissioner Greene suggested taking the approved railing systems from the State and modifying one to make it less intrusive and more ae sthetic. Dir. of Eng. Logue stated that the City could tell the State that the trail was pedestrian only, then any railing system could be used, but residents would not be able to drive on the street, which would be a big problem. Commissioner Darling questioned the alignment of the railing and whether it could be aligned with the sidewalk on Sears Street. Alderperson Brock stated she was intrigued by Options 4 and 5, and expressed her support for redefining the scope of the project and possibly removing the pedestrian bridge. If the project was no longer tied to the NYSDOT grant, the City could designate some funds to improve the intersection of Cayuga Street and Cascadilla Street. She noted that some council members were interested in making the intersection safer. The Board agreed to forward the options to the Planning and Economic Development Committee for their input, and possibly to Common Council. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor