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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2018-04-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:05 p.m. April 17, 2018 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (3) – McCormick, Morache, 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 Common Council Liaison – McGonigal Executive Assistant – Servoss EXCUSED: Commissioners (2) - Greene, Jenkins City Attorney – Lavine ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: The following topics were added to the agenda: 1. Item 6A – Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program Presentation 2. Item 13A – Stewart Park Field Rentals for Regular Usage 3. Item 12A – Appeal of Water Bill for 540 North Taylor Place – Resolution 4. Item 13B – Endorsement of Boat Storage in Titus Triangle Park – Resolution No Board member objected MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was necessary. REPORTS Council Liaison CC Liaison McGonigal reported that he received information from a member of the Conservation Advisory Council regarding effects of LED lights on wildlife, which will be shared with the Board via e-mail. Mayor Myrick suggested including City Forester Jeanne Grace in the e-mail. Supt. Thorne responded that 3,000 kelvin lights are the warmest color available for LED lights, but the consultant suggested the City install 4,000 kelvin for the main streets because those lights are brighter. He further suggested that the Board might want to create a working group to determine the areas of the city that should have warmer lights (yellowish) and those areas that need brighter (bluer) lights. Superintendent and Staff Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported the following: 1. Construction projects were way behind schedule due to the ongoing winter weather, but street cleaning was going well. 2. The columns in the Seneca Garage were curing. 3. Crews were hoping to start on the Hector Street project next week. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported the following: 1. Water and sewer services were installed for Canopy Hilton and crews repaired the storm sewer in the same area. 2. Services were also installed in several other locations. 3. Crews were getting ready for the large sewer replacement project on East State Street. Board of Public Works Page 2 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting Dir. of Eng. Logue reported the following: 1. Staff would open bids for the Albany Street Reconstruction Project on Friday. 2. The contract for the wading pool would be awarded in the near future. 3. The advertisement went out for the Stewart Park Large Pavilion Roof Replacement Project, which won’t begin until after Oct. 15th. 4. The contracts for Spencer Road and sidewalk improvements were moving forward. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the sidewalk issue at the new Chapter House. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that no substantial or acceptable alternatives had been submitted yet, and that he was waiting for the developer to figure out plans for the sidewalk. Supt. Thorne reported that interviews for Parking Director were held last Friday, he was checking references for two promising candidates and was hoping to make an offer next week. NEW PROJECT PRESENTATION: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program Presentation Gary Ferguson, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, joined the Board to provide background regarding the new Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program that began this month. Mr. Ferguson explained that a grant for $170,000 from NYSERDA had been obtained to start a TDM program in the City. He stated that Cornell University already had a successful TDM program. The main goal of a TDM program was to get people out of their cars and get them biking, walking, sharing cars, using public transit, etc. The minimum goal for the Ithaca’s downtown program would be to move 100 people out of the parking garages during the year, which began in April 2018. He stated that DIA staff have already met with three major downtown businesses, hotels and Tompkins Trust Company, to identify how the goals could be met, and have received positive feedback. TDM Plans would be written for the downtown in general, and for individual businesses. In other cities throughout the nation offer one day free parking per month to members of a TDM program in case individuals need their vehicle during the day. Mr. Ferguson would like the City of Ithaca to do the same, noting that it would be an annual investment of $4,200. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the estimate assumed that 100% of individuals would use their one-day pass every month, when in reality a certain percentage would not. Supt. Thorne presented an alternative view, stating that the City would incur a new expense which was designed to reduce revenue, and he expressed c oncern about the additional administrative burden the City would have. He stated that the same result could occur by raising the parking rate in the garages by $.25 per hour, which would free up parking spaces and would not cost the City anything. CC McGonigal noted that two very large apartment buildings and an additional hotel are being built. He’s been told there was plenty of parking, but with this presentation was wondering what the parking situation really was. Mayor Myrick responded there are about 450 parking spaces in the garages and many more on-street parking spaces. He further noted that we also need to compare daytime usage vs. nighttime. He stated that roughly 50% of downtown apartment dwellers have vehicles. Supt. Thorne noted that several garages were on the verge of failure, needing major structural repairs. He stated he was in full agreement in trying to resolve capacity issues, but there were different of ways to handle them. Commissioner McCormick responded that where pricing encouraged people to not park in the garages, TDM Programs encouraged people to take another mode of transportation. Changing pricing could cause people to simply park out in the neighborhood more. Mr. Ferguson stated that the DIA would distribute the free one-day passes. The goal was to distribute them on a monthly basis, not more than one month at a time. Discussion followed on the floor regarding negative revenue fluctuations, downtown bus iness participation, concerns about funding for garage repairs, increasing the number of parking spaces available for transient parkers, and creating Park-N-Ride locations outside of the City. Board of Public Works Page 3 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting CC McGonigal expressed his support of the TDM goal and opening up parking spaces for people to come downtown to shop, but he stated it seemed beneficial for large businesses to free up employee parking spaces for their customers. Mr. Ferguson responded that they think businesses are working to provide incentives for employees. Mayor Myrick stated he thinks it’s worth a shot and asked for a resolution to be put on next month’s agenda. He also would like to explore raising rates along with providing an incentive to not drive. Commissioner McCormick expressed support for the TDM Program. Gary noted that after the pilot phase, which lasts through the first quarter of 2019, if the program was successful, the program would be expanded. Commissioner Warden expressed support for the program. CC McGonigal asked Mr. Ferguson to help figure out the amount of support city staff would need to provide. Supt. Thorne stated that the data the City had was a bit sloppy, and he felt this program should be held off until good baseline data was obtained. If the Board was all for the carrot and stick approach, the stick (raising rates) was a much longer conversation. The Board agreed to keep the two alternatives separate, possibly implementing a rate increase at the end of the year. Supt. Thorne further noted that new parking equipment was being installed which would gather a lot more detailed data. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the February 20, 2018 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 20, 2018, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as amended. Exec. Asst. Servoss noted that the name of the representative from Finger Lakes Land Trust is Andy Zepp, not Zeppelin. She would address the change with Sarah Myers in the Clerk’s Office. Carried Office Special Board Meeting Mayor Myrick asked if a special meeting would need to be called due to the lack of quorum. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that he would have to check with the Sidewalk Program Manager regarding the Hector Street resolutions. Supt. Thorne noted that the watershed resolution was time sensitive. Mayor Myrick suggested taking an informal vote of the Board, then it could be member filed by CC McGonigal at the next City Administration Committee meeting. The Board agreed. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Request for Reduced License Fee to Cover Maintenance of Golf Course Boat Slips Mayor Myrick explained the request from business owner Steve Flash, who joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. He explained that boat slips have been rented out, but the inlet is at a point where boats are bottoming out so he would like to dredge the boat slip areas. He offered to obtain all necessary Dept. of Environmental Conservation permits, and to put in a storm drain into the lake. Supt. Thorne responded that if Mr. Flash could get the permits and install a maintenance drain, it would benefit the City, even if some costs had to be paid by the City. Asst. Supt. Benjamin noted that the storm drain would help reduce the need for pumping of the golf course when it floods. Supt. Thorne offered to draft an agreement with the attorneys if the Board was supportive of the proposal. CC Liaison McGonigal asked if this would open the City up to favoritism issues. Supt. Thorne responded that if the City was doing the project, the effect would be the same with it being an economic development project. If someone else was willing to take on the permitting headaches, Supt. Thorne was supportive. Commissioner Warden noted that the City would need to identify the benefits the community would get out of the project. Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 232-236 Dryden Road – Proposed Resolution WHEREAS, Chris Petrillose on behalf of 232 Dryden Road LLC, owner of the property at 232- 236 Dryden Road (Tax Map Parcel No. 64.-2-18), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an Board of Public Works Page 4 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting encroachment agreement/license from the City into the adjacent street right -of-way for Dryden Road; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: A stair way and bike rack approximately 17 feet in width, encroaching in the City property to the northeast by approximately 7 feet, thereby encompassing an encroachment of no more than 126 square feet, which is shown on the materials included and referenced as Exhibit A; WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed encroachments are inside the current location of the existing public sidewalks and will not interfere with the sidewalks as currently constituted; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs; and WHEREAS, the 2018-19 schedule of fees for use of City-owned property requires an initial application fee of $100 for new licenses, and stipulates that annual use fee for Collegetown license fee category shall be calculated at $3.56 per square foot resulting in an annual use fee of $446.99, with such rate thereafter subject to adjustment by the consumer price index and property taxes assessed against the City, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment 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, r evocable 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. Mayor Myrick explained the easement request, noting that the stairs would improve accessibility and the area would allow for a bike rack. The stairs would not be intended for public access, though people would probably use them, and the stairs would not necessarily interfere with the sidewalk, though the sidewalk could be widened. The Board generally agreed to approve the request at their May meeting. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review of Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment and S. Aurora St. Sidewalk project. This topic was not discussed. Environmental Review for Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment and S. Aurora St. Sidewalk Project – Resolution This topic was not discussed. Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review of Hector St. Complete St. Project. WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR), Section 176 of the City Code, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, SEQR and CEQR both provide for a coordinated review for “Unlisted” projects that involve more than one agency, and WHEREAS, the proposed construction of the Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment project is a “Unlisted” action under SEQR and is an “Unlisted” action under CEQR; now, therefore, be it Board of Public Works Page 5 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed construction of the Hector St. Complete St. Project. Dir. of Engineering Logue explained the project and suggested providing a presentation of the project at next month’s meeting. Commissioner Morache noted the lack of crosswalks at Hopper Place and Sunrise Road, though he was not sure there were any sidewalks to cross to. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the lack of space for bike lanes. A resolution would be provided in May. Environmental Review for Hector St. Complete St. Project – Resolution This topic was not discussed. CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: Resolution for payment to help in the cost associated with a perpetual conservation easement on a 171-acre property, owned by Charles and Jane Walcott, located within the Six Mile Creek Watershed in the Town of Dryden. Due to a lack of quorum, a straw poll was conducted: Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, The City has received a request from Andrew Zepp, Director of the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT), for a commitment of $11,250.00 from the City of Ithaca’s Six Mile Creek Watershed Protection Fund to support work associated with the donation of a perpetual conservation easement on the Walcott property, in the Town of Dryden, Tompkins County, and WHEREAS, the application meets the four criteria established in the Common Council Resolution “City Watershed Conservation Easements Processes” passed on March 4, 2015, and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works and Assistant Superintendent of Public Works—Water and Sewer have reviewed the application and believe that the property is of high value for protection of the watershed, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the request on 02/20/18 for the provision of $11,500.00 to support work associated with the donation of a perpetual conservation easement to the FLLT by Charles and Jane Walcott, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby supports Common Council’s authorization of the Mayor, on advice on the City Attorney, entering into a funding agreement with the FLLT by which the City provides $11,500.00 to the FLLT and the FLLT contractually commits to the preservation in perpetuity of the Walcott property, thus protecting the water quality of the watershed flowing into the City’s water filtration plant, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes funding in support of the same to be drawn from the Water Fund, Water Shed Accounts account number F8321-5700, in an amount not to exceed $11,500.00. Carried Unanimously Resolution to Approve New Roots Charter School’s Adopt-a-Park Application for Thompson Park WHEREAS, New Roots Charter School has submitted an adopt -a-park application for Thompson Park to assist with park clean ups and routine maintenance as well as the creation of new gardens in coordination with the City Forester, and WHEREAS, participation in the City’s adopt-a-park program will provide the New Roots students with an experiential educational experience and a volunteer opportunity in the community while helping the City with basic care of the park, and WHEREAS, the City’s Parks Commission reviewed New Roots Charter School’s application to adopt Thompson Park and agreed that the park would be a good fit with the school’s objectives for participating in the program and the City’s needs for volunteer activities, and Board of Public Works Page 6 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the Parks Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Public Works approve New Roots Charter School’s adopt-a-park application for Thompson Park at its meeting on October 10, 2017; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves New Roots Charter School’s adopt-a- park application for Thompson Park for a period of two years, commencing upon the signing of an agreement with the City, as approved by the City Attorney, and be it further RESOLVED, That New Roots Charter School shall coordinate all work in Thompson Park with the City Forester or her designee. The Board agreed to approve this resolution at their meeting in May. Approval of the Ithaca Skate Park as a Location for Future Murals – Proposed Resolution WHEREAS, in 2010, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls with in the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase their work, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several City-owned sites for inclusion on the list of potential sites in the City’s Mural and Street Art Program by resolution on May 19, 2010 and has approved additional sites for inclusion in the program since that time, and WHEREAS, as a result of this approval, the PAC worked with more than 50 artists to install murals on City-owned property throughout the city, and the response to the new murals has been overwhelmingly positive, and WHEREAS, the PAC discussed the idea of creating a mural at the Ithaca Skate Park several times in the past few years and the recent vandalism at the Skate Park has renewed interest in a mural at this location, and WHEREAS, after collaborating with neighborhood residents and other skateboarders, local artist and skateboarder Sean Chilson has submitted a mural proposal for the Ithaca Skate Park; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works approves the Ithaca Skate Park for inclusion on the list of potential sites for the Mural and Street Art Program; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Community Life Commission will work with Planning Department staff to conduct a mutually acceptable public input procedure for engaging nearby businesses, residences, and/or business and neighborhood associations for each specific project, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Community Life Commission will work with the City Attorney to ensure that any art mural RFP or contract with a participating artist reflects and accommodates the needs and constraints of the City. Mayor Myrick explained that offensive graffiti was recently found painted at the skate park; Good Samaritans painted over the graffiti shortly after it was found. Suggestions from painters were to paint murals on the skate park to prevent more graffiti. Andrew Douglas, owner of the local skate shop, addressed the Board regarding the e-mail and letter that he sent to the City. He explained his two main concerns were that any additional artwork, either legal or not, would send signals to others that art was okay, but actually painting the surface of the skate park would make it slippery for skate boards and altering the terrain was not advisable. He stated that there used to be someone from City that would put good paint over the skating area if there was any graffiti, but it was rare, maybe once per season. Commissioner McCormick noted that the recent graffiti was on the short walls, which were not skating areas. Mr. Douglas responded that when one surface is painted, it invites painting on all other spaces. CC Liaison McGonigal found Mr. Douglas’ reasoning compelling. Commissioner Warden suggested keeping the skate park surface as is and the users could keep the park clean. Board of Public Works Page 7 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting Mayor Myrick expressed his opinion that there were enough non-controversial locations within the City for public art that this location should be denied. However, the Community Life Commission could readdress the topic if the issue comes up again in the future. Asst. Supt. Benjamin noted that the paint wears off quicker in areas that have had graffiti painted over. The Board agreed to vote to deny the request at their May meeting. Standardizing Carousel Pricing The Board generally agreed with the suggested new fees for the use of the Carousel in Stewart Park. A resolution will be made available for the Board’s approval in May. Proposed Additions to the City of Ithaca Special Event Policy City Clerk Julie Holcomb joined the Board to discuss recommendations from the Special Events Team that the City charge a field rental fee for big ticket events that charge participants for tickets. She explained that two large events occurred in 2017, with best case scenario weather conditions, but park still sustained damage because of the number of people, and to tree roots from vehicles. She stated that event organizers want to set up early and clean up late. Though they received a permit for a single day event, they ended up using Stewart Park for a week. Last year, Ithaca Reggae Festival was estimated to draw 500 people, but 3,500 people showed up. At the same time as the festival, a wedding was being held in the large pavilion, which was disrupted by the festival. City Clerk Holcomb explained that the team wanted events to pay additional fees for the restoration of the park, so the funds would be put into a special account for use by the City Forester for park repairs and maintenance. She noted that the suggested fees came out to be about $1/ticket. Events that expect 500 or more people would be required to rent the pavilion closest to their event; if over 1,000 people are expected, both pavilions need to be reserved for the entire time equipment is in the park. The hope is that will avoid conflicts with other events and will get equipment out of the park quicker. She explained that a policy for markings along Cayuga Waterfront Trail will be put in place about cleaning up spray chalk or paint, and ticketed events need to make a donation to a non - profit organization. NYS law prohibits for-profit entities to use public property, so the city will be paying closer attention to this by requiring a letter from the non-profit organization. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed fees, concerns about requiring the rental of pavilions that would prevent others from using them, the number of people Stewart Park can accommodate (10,000), noting the City does not have a good venue for large scale events unless we shut down the downtown areas. City Clerk Holcomb noted that community events bring in a lot of people for local businesses and hotels, but the City is becoming a victim of its own success. Events are becoming more popular, but staffing is too low for monitoring and ensuring everyone follows the rules. Mayor Myrick expressed support for the new rates to protect our property and allow events to go on. Due to a lack of quorum, a straw poll was conducted in order to make the fees effective immediately. The resolution will be available for a final vote in May. Resolution By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, in recent years there has been an increase in the use of Stewart Park for large scale Special Events that are sponsored by not-for-profit organizations but require the purchase of a ticket to actively participate in the event, and WHEREAS, The City of Ithaca Special Event Team has been studying ways to promote the park as an attractive event venue while protecting the fields, trees, waterfront, facilities, and other park features, and WHEREAS, The Special Event Team unanimously supports the following proposed additions to the City’s Special Event Policy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby endorses the following recommendations of the Special Events Team to create a revenue stream that will foster restoration and improvements efforts in the park in order to protect its unique features and nat ural beauty for future generations: Board of Public Works Page 8 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting For ticketed events in Stewart Park: Proposed Daily Use Fees:  Events with attendance up to 500 people = $500  501-1,500 people = $1,500  1,501 – 3,000 people = $3,000  3,001 – 5,000 people = $5,000 *These revenues would be deposited into an account that is dedicated toward Stewart Park improvements as directed by the City Forester. An event with an expected attendance of 500 people would be required to rent the pavilion located closest to the event to avoid event conflicts. An event with an expected attendance of 1,000 people would be required to rent both pavilions to avoid event conflicts. *Pavilions need to be rented for each day that event equipment is left in the park Signs advertising/promoting an event may be placed in the park 1 day in advance of the event and must come down at the conclusion of the event. Markings on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail are strictly prohibited. Minimal use of chalk may be approved with the condition that it is removed at the conclus ion of the event. Detours of the trail and vehicular traffic within Stewart Park may be approved with appropriate signage requirements. A letter from the Not-for-Profit Agency sponsoring the event is required. If a portion of the proceeds will be donated to another organization, a letter from the recipient confirming the receipt of donations would be required prior to any future permit approvals. If the City is sponsoring an event, a letter from the appropriate Department Head affirming the sponsorship is required. If Stewart Park is not restored to its prior condition after an event, City crews will perform any needed services and an invoice will be sent to the event organizer for the time, materials, and any other associated costs. No further permits will be issued to the event organizer until all bills are paid in full. All required event documents must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of the event for permit approvals, and, be it further RESOLVED, That future changes to the City of Ithaca Special Event Policy will be forwarded to the Public Safety and Information Commission for review and recommendation. Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Appeal of Water Bill for 540 North Taylor Place – Resolution WHEREAS, in 2011 Kellie and Chris Hummel purchased the residence at 540 North Taylor Place, and WHEREAS, based on usage the previous Owners had a 1-inch “commercial” water meter installed with accompanying minimum bill for 3,200 cubic feet. Note: the standard residential water meter is the 5/8-inch water meter with an accompanying minimum bill for 1,200 cubic feet, and WHEREAS, this particular situation is an anomaly which the purchaser of the property cannot reasonably be expected to have knowledge of, and WHEREAS, the current customers took ownership of this property and water & sewer account in December of 2011 and have been paying the 32-hcf minimum for their quarterly water and sewer bill since the first quarter of 2012, and Board of Public Works Page 9 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, upon recently learning from our Water Meter Techni cian that they had an unusually large water meter and corresponding minimum bill for their actual usage, the Owners immediately opted to have the 1-inch water meter replaced a 5/8-inch water meter and inquired of remedy for their long term payment of highe r than needed water and sewer bills, and WHEREAS, the difference between the minimum water & sewer bill for the 1 -inch water meter and the actual usage or minimum water & sewer bill for a 5/8 -inch water meter is as follows over the last 6 years: 2012: $525.80 (41-hcf, 3 quarterly bills) at 2012 combined w&s rate of $9.56/hcf 2013: $795.60 (50-hcf) at 2013 combined w&s rate of $10.20/hcf 2014: $846.40 (48-hcf, minimum bill) at 2014 combined w&s rate of $10.58/hcf 2015: $887.20 (48-hcf, minimum bill) at 2015 combined w&s rate of $11.09/hcf 2016: $936.00 (48-hcf, minimum bill) at 2016 combined w&s rate of $11.70/hcf 2017: $978.40 (48-hcf, minimum bill) at 2017 combined w&s rate of $12.23/hcf 2018: $254.80 (12-hcf, minimum bill) at 2018 combined w&s rate of $12.74/hcf Total: $5,224.20 (*note: water meter physically changed to 5/8-inch meter prior to second quarter bill 2018), now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Customer at their option be either refunded or credited to their account the sum of $5,224.20. Asst. Supt. Whitney noted that the bills had already been paid and this resolution could wait until the May meeting for a full vote. The Board agreed. New Business Endorsement of Boat Storage in Titus Triangle Park Commissioner McCormick explained the resolution that indicated endorsement of storing boats in the park. He stated that Rusty Keeler had contacted residents and found no objectives. He further indicated that Mr. Keeler would put up signs to notify r esidents how to apply to utilize the boat storage. Mayor Myrick stated that this was a good use of a small public space and it might encourage more people to use the park. Commissioner McCormick noted that Mr. Keeler and his group of boaters would manage and fund the boat storage facility. The Board expressed interest in placing the boat storage racks in the park rather than in the parking lane, as initially requested. General agreement was indicated for approving the resolution which would be sent to City Administration Committee with Board’s positive straw poll. CC McGonigal agreed to member file the resolution at the next City Administration Committee meeting. Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, neighborhood residents use the creek access ram p to enter Six Mile Creek and have expressed interest in storing boats nearby, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes the value of providing residents access to recreational opportunities, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has previously allowed these uses in other City Parks, and WHEREAS, local resident, Rusty Keeler, has proposed to help fund and build a 12’ x 8’ boat rack to store 9 canoes or kayaks in the eastern corner of the Titus Triangle park, and WHEREAS, construction materials and designs will be based off existing racks built by the City with regular inspection by City staff and residents. In addition, nearby residents have pledged to contribute funds to store boats and maintain the rack, and WHEREAS, local residents will be provided a boat storage space on a first come, first served basis, and WHEREAS, additional approval of the boat rack must be provided by Common Council, now therefore be it Board of Public Works Page 10 April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works endorses the use of City property to build a rack for storage of canoes and kayaks for use in nearby waterways with the understanding that the racks may be required to be removed by residents if the upkeep is more than residents can manage or there are some currently unforeseen issues that cannot sufficien tly be managed regarding the use or maintenance of the Boat Storage. Carried Unanimously Stewart Park Field Rentals for Regular Usage Supt. Thorne explained the request from Deputy Director Jim D’Alterio regarding the volleyball group that plays in Stewart Park on Wednesdays. The group seems to have become a more official, organized league that does not pay for the use of the fields. Staf f believed the volleyball group has grown large enough that they should be charged rental fees, and they were concerned the games would create conflicts with other events. Discussion followed on the floor regarding Common Council’s resolution from 2013 regarding special event fees. Now that Ithaca Youth Bureau was willing to manage park field rentals, Deputy Director D’Alterio wants approval from the Board to go ahead with charging field rentals fees. The Board agreed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor