Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-18 Board of Public Works Meeting AgendaBPW Meeting Board of Public Works Topic AGENDA ITEMS Voting? DATE: June 19, 2018 TIME: 6:00 pm LOCATION: 3rd Floor, City Hall, Council Chambers 108 E. Green St., Ithaca Time Presenter(s) Allowed 1. Call to Order/Agenda Review 2. Mayor's Communications 3. Communications and Hearings from Before the Board 4. Response to the Public 5. Reports A. Special Committees of the Board B. Council Liaison C. Board Liaisons D. Superintendent and Staff 6. New Presentations 7. Administration & Communications Persons 8. Buildings, Properties, Refuse & Transit No No No Mayor Myrick Mayor Myrick Public No Commissioners No Various 5 min. 15 min. 9. Highways, Streets & Sidewalks A. Environmental Review for Street Redesign of Yes Dir. of Eng. Logue 5 min. University Avenue between Linn Street and Lake Street Project — Resolution The resolution is provided for Board's consideration, per the discussion on May 15, 2018 B. Release of Willow Ave Right of Way Easement — No Supt. Thorne 10 min. Proposed Resolution The developer of the City Harbor development on Pier Road is requesting that the City release the railroad easement that exists along Willow Drive. See enclosed e-mail for more information. 10. Parking & Traffic 11. Creeks, Bridges & Parks A. Approval of the Ithaca Reggae Festival Request Yes Supt. Thorne 5 min. to Re -Route Cayuga Waterfront Trail through Stewart Park and Close the Road within Stewart Park — Resolution A resolution is provided per the Board's discussion on May 15, 2018. B. Approval of Plaque Placement at Stewart Park Spraypad — Resolution C. Friends of Stewart Park Playground Update D. Wharton Studio Museum Update Friends of Stewart Park has received a private donation for the replacement of the spraypad in Stewart Park and request that a plaque be authorized. In addition, Rick Manning and Diana Reisman will provide an update on the whole playground project and the Wharton Studio Yes Supt. Thorne 5 min. No Rick Manning 10 min. No Diana Reisman 10 min. If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in order for you to fully participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 607-274-6570 at least 48 hours before the meeting. The Board of Public Works meets on the second and fourth Mondays at 4:45 p.m. All meetings are voting meetings, opening with a public comment period. Meeting agendas are created from prior public input, Department operating, planning issues, and requests made to the Superintendent. The Board reserves the right to limit verbal comments to three minutes and to request written comments on lengthy or complex issues. This information may then be used to create committee agendas, with the speaker or author invited to attend. Topic Time Voting? Presenter(s) Allowed Museum project. 12. Water & Sewer 13. New Business No 14. Adjournment Date: June 13, 2018 Page 2 of 6 Yes 9A. Environmental Review for the Street Redesign at University Avenue between Linn Street and Lake Street Project — Resolution WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the environmental review for a project ("the Project") entitled "Street Redesign at University Avenue between Linn Street and Lake Street" in accordance with Section 176 of the Ithaca City Code (CEQR) and in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (SEQR), and WHEREAS, the Project includes construction or reconstruction of roadway, water main, stormwater and sanitary sewer conditions on University Avenue between Lake Street and Linn Street, and WHEREAS, the Project is a Type 1 action according to CEQR and SEQR, and WHEREAS, a Full Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for SEQR, and WHEREAS, on , 2018, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for a coordinated environmental review for CEQR/SEQR, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on , 2018, reviewed and accepted as complete Full Environmental Assessment Forms and Project plans prepared on behalf of the City by Erdman Anthony engineers, and other project materials, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the project for University Avenue Redesign Project located in the City of Ithaca will result in no significant negative environmental impact for purposes of Article 8 of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Section 176 of the City Code be filed in accordance with the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance. Page 3 of 6 9B. Release of Willow Ave Right of Way Easement — Proposed Resolution WHEREAS, presently before the Board of Public Works is a proposal requesting that the City release its rights to an easement located immediately to the west of Willow Ave, recorded by deed dated December 31, 1909 reserving for the City a 34 foot wide "...right of way for a railroad track along the west side of said 66 foot strip ...", and WHEREAS, City Harbor, LLC, the property owner of 101 Pier Road, tax map parcel 17.-1-1.2, has requested that the City release its rights to such easement for the three Willow Avenue properties subject to the easement right of way, namely 101 Pier Road, 702 Willow Ave, tax map parcel 16.-2-1.1, and 726-30 Willow Ave, tax map parcel 17.-1-2; and WHEREAS, on some of these tax parcels, permanent structures have already been constructed within the easement area; and WHEREAS, the City has no interest in constructing a railroad track, and City staff are supportive of releasing the easement, and WHEREAS, in consideration for the City's release of this easement of limited value to the City, City Harbor, LLC has offered $6,500; and now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board finds that the above-described City easement right of way adjacent to Willow Avenue is surplus for municipal purposes, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Board recommends that Common Council authorize the Mayor to complete the easement right of way release. Page 4 of 6 Kathy Servoss From: Krin Flaherty Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 3:04 PM To: Kathy Servoss Cc: Michael Thorne Subject: F W: Release of Easement Categories: BPW Kathy, Below please find the e-mail describing the request — thanks! Krin Krin Flaherty Assistant City Attorney 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tel: (607) 274-6504 Fax: (607) 274-6507 This e-mail contains information that may be privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify us immediately by reply email, or at (607) 274-6504. -Forwarded message From: Steven E Agan <sagan i,saylesev.i I &corn> Date: Tue, Apr 17, 2018 at 4:03 PM Subject: Release of Eas ent To: Aaron Lavine <ALavin-@cityotithaca.org> Cc: Linc Morse <lino o se i iail,com> Ar, I have attached a Release of Easement (the "Release") that I .t requesting the City of Ithaca execute in co i ection with the City Harbor development at Pier Road. I have also attached copies of the two deeds des 'bed in the Release. The eas ent described in the Release was for the construction of railroad tracks along the westerly 34 feet of Willow Drive (the "Easement"). Willow Drive is the 66 foot right of way des 'bed in the Deed by which the Eas ent was created. It is my und tanding that the original purpose for the Eas ent was the possible need for rail service in co ection with any industrial development of the property that was owned by the Newman Trust, which property was subsequently conveyed to the City of Ithaca (the "City Property") by deed recorded in Liber 209 of Deeds at page 35 (the "City Deed"). The City Property described in the City Deed is now Ne an M icipal Golf Course. The rights under the Easement were never exercised and the tracks were never developed. Based upon the current use of the use of the City Property as a golf co e it se s highly likely that there will never be a need for railroad tracks leading to and from the golf course. If not released, the Eas ent will have a detrimental effect on the proposed building and parking 1 area at the City Harbor development since it would enc ber a strip of land that is 34 feet wide adjacent to Willow Ave. The Easement also affects buildings constructed on properties adjacent to the City Harbor property. My goal is to get the title cleaned up and thus the Bas ent released. Therefore, request is made that the City execute the attached Release of Easement. Please let me know if you have any questions or are in need of additional info ation. Steven E. Agan, Esq. Sayles & Evans One West Church Street Elmira, 14901 Tel: (607) 734-2271 Fax: (607) 734-1754 Sayles & Evans Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission may contain information that is confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient or you believe you have received this transmission in or, please be aware that any reliance on or disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this transmission is prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us by telephone at (607) 734-2271 or by reply ail. Thank you. 2 341 WIDE STP; P RESERVED FOR RAILROAD TRACK SEE DEED BK. 171 PG. 106 11A. Approval of the Ithaca Reggae Festival Request to Re -Route Cayuga Waterfront Trail through Stewart Park and Close the Road within Stewart Park — Resolution WHEREAS, the Ithaca Reggae Festival will be held in the west end of Stewart Park on June 23, 2018, with proceeds going to local non-profit organizations to benefit Cayuga Lake, and WHEREAS, event organizers have requested to close the road within Stewart Park west of the tennis courts in order to fence off the festival area, and WHEREAS, the Special Event Committee recommends that the Cayuga Waterfront Trail remain open during the event, which will require the trail to be re-routed around the fenced area, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the request to close the road and re-route the trail within Stewart Park on May 15, 2018, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the closure of the Stewart Park access road west of the tennis courts, contingent upon the Cascadilla Boathouse and Paddles - N -More concessions sites remaining accessible to members and customers, and be it further RESOLVED, That the organizers will work with the Director of Engineering Services to create a detailed detour plan to re-route the Cayuga Waterfront Trail through Stewart Park for the Ithaca Reggae Festival on June 23, 2018. Page 5 of 6 Kathy Servoss From: Ben Marlan <ben@ithacareggaefest.com> Sent: Monday, June 04, 2018 7:23 PM To: Kathy Servoss; Julie Holcomb; Ray Benjamin; Jeanne Grace Subject: Ithaca reggae fest re -drawn map and redefined boundaries Attachments: imageljpeg; ATT00001.txt Hello Julie, Kathy, Ray and Jeanne! Here is the redrawn map showing the re-routing of the Cayuga waterfront trail, as well as our festival boundaries. Apologies for the difficulty in defining our intentions, boundaries and visual map. We are working with a large staff and trying to keep all the information as accurate as possible. To make things much more clear - we are not attempting to restrict any traffic or public access to any part of the park, aside of within our festival boundaries. We will definitely Not restrict any traffic flow or public access to the large parking lot on the north side, bathrooms & parking lot next to the large pavilion, as well as the traffic circle near the pond. I walked through the park and discussed in detail the safest way to redirect the foot traffic & handicap traffic for the rerouting of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and have total confidence in it's safety and easy of use. Signs will be printed this year for easy to read directions. Please call or email me with any questions. We will be in attendance for the next DPW meeting. Thank you, Benjamin Marian (607) 280-2803 1 11B. Approval of Plaque Placement at Stewart Park Spravpad — Resolution WHEREAS, the City and Friends of Stewart Park are in the planning phase of the Stewart Park playground project; and WHEREAS, in support of the project, Friends of Stewart Park has offered to fundraise and donate towards this project; and WHEREAS, Friends of Stewart Park has received an offer of a donation in the amount of $30,000 to support the construction of a spraypad area; and WHEREAS, the donor has requested a small plaque in the spraypad area that reads "Katie's splash party" or similar wording, and Friends of Stewart Park recommends such a plaque; WHEREAS, General City Law §20(3) empowers the City to accept gift, grants, or donations upon terms and conditions between the donor and City; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That, contingent on Planning Board's review of the final appearance of the plaque, the Board of Public Works supports and authorizes the City's placement of the requested plaque. Page 6 of 6 Friends of STEWART PARK A. Playground for All The Stewart Park Inclusive Playground, scheduled for construction in fall 2018, is Friends of Stewart Park's (FSP) first major park revitalization project following six busy and productive years of significant, but smaller -scale park improvement projects. With sights set on completing several major park revitalization projects by Stewart Park's centennial on July 4, 2021, FSP looks forward to the building this new playground, a cornerstone project in the broader revitalization of our lakefront gem. The new Stewart Park Inclusive Playground will be like no other in the region: innovatively and creatively designed by local award-winning playground design firms as an accessible playground for children of all abilities. This new playground is an important upgrade for these reasons: • The park's existing play equipment and splash pad are woefully out of date and do not meet current minimum safety or accessibility requirements. • The current Stewart Park Playground was not designed with accessibility in mind. Like many traditional playgrounds, the equipment and terrain at the current playground introduce navigation impediments for children with disabilities or mobility impairments. Instead of encouraging inclusivity and social interaction, traditional playgrounds like Stewart Park's can be isolating, leaving some children watching play instead of actively participating. Chelsea and Karina's Story "The Stewart Park Inclusive Playground is important for giving my daughter Karina independence as she plays alongside her friends, Currently, our family becomes separated when we visit the Stewart Park playground, my husband carrying Karina to slides and swings while I'm involved in separate activities with my other daughters. Karina's wheels sink into the surface of grass and wood chips, so even at 6 years old her dad has to carry her from play structure to structure. It's almost like we are not even at the playground together as a family. As a mother, this also limits me; I cannot bring her to the playground without my husband because I can't physically carry her around for as long as she wants to play. A new and accessible playground in Stewart Park would mean my husband would not need to carry Karina, and! could bring her to the playground on my own. She could move around freely next to her peers and sisters and would not have physical barriers; she could just go to the playground and PLAY! This playground would mean no limits - just a place for Karina to be HERSELF, FREE in her own body." -Chelsea Hill, an Ithaca resident whose daughter, Karina, uses a. wheelchair The new Stewart Park Inclusive Playground will feature: • A new, more water efficient, accessible, interactive, and fun splash pad. • Pre-school and school age play areas. • An accessible berm with pathway leading to the Pinnacle, a 5' high Cayuga Lake Overlook that provides children in wheelchairs with a view they seldom experience. The Play Pinnacle will be a starting point for many exciting play experiences for ALL children. • The use of native plants and sustainable building materials and site design strategies to make the playground a model for green playground design. • Educational opportunities to interpret the natural environment of the park — the vegetation, birds, fish and wildlife that make this site so special. • Natural play areas including a music garden and sand play area. • Numerous swings and climbing structures, shaded seating areas and many benches for relaxing and watching the children play and socialize. • New accessible bathrooms adjacent to the playground and carousel. • A restored and accessible Carousel (already completed) and a new "roof" for the carousel so the carousel needn't be dismantled every winter. • Accessible walkways and paths linking to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and other areas of the park and Ithaca's waterfront. This beautifully -designed inclusive playground, to be built collaboratively by contractors and community members, will dramatically enhance Stewart Park as a regional destination for families, individuals, children of all ages and abilities, and visitors. - 2 - About Friends of Stewart Park Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) was founded in 2011 to enhance, revitalize and maintain Stewart Park in partnership with the City of Ithaca for the enjoyment of Ithaca residents and visitors to our community. With this goal in mind, FSP plans, designs, fundraises, and oversees the implementation of a variety of park building and landscape restoration projects. FSP is leading this effort to revitalize Stewart Park in anticipation of the park's Centennial Celebration on July 4, 2021. FSP has an excellent working relationship with the City of Ithaca, which owns Stewart Park. The Common Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing this public/private relationship on June 7, 2017. The Park Ithacans are fortunate to have such a beautiful and historic park overlooking Cayuga Lake. Individuals, families, and groups continue to come to Stewart Park to enjoy the natural setting, beautiful views of the lake, and festivals, music, picnics, and parties that take place here. Friends of Stewart Park and the City of Ithaca have completed many park revitalization projects since 2011: • Creation of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail -- final phase completed 2015 • Restoration of the Mayor Stewart Memorial Flat ipole Garden -- completed 2012 • Design and installation of new plantings at the parks entrance garden -- completed 2014 • Rebuilding of the historic Tea Pavilion -- completed 2016 (Historic Ithaca Preservation Awards winner 2017) • Restoration of 1934 Fuertes Swan Pond Overlook - completed 2017 (Historic Ithaca Preservation Awards winner 2018) • Design and installation of interpretive signage for each of the park's main pavilions and buildings -- project led by Wharton Studio Museum and completed in 2015 • Restoration of the Stewart Park Carousel, including new fence -- completed in 2015; accessible ramp completed 2017 g the Playgrou d The new Stewart Park Inclusive Playground will be tett,t, built in the fall of 2018, in partnership with the City aut ,ttt of Ithaca, and with involvement and oversight from the playground's three design firms. The construction process involves three phases: Phase 1 -- site demolition, e• i work, and infrastructure improvements beginning in late summer; Phase 2 -- a major Community Build of one section of the playground in early September, 2018; and Phase 3 -- manufactured play equipment and pathways. I installation of new bathrooms, splash pad, Alok,31, Hundreds of volunteers will be involved in the Community Build, and recruitment and organization have already begun in preparation for the build. Project Team Friends of Stewart Park will oversee the playground project's planning, design, fundraising and construction efforts. Follow are key FSP personnel including staff, consultants and board members: • Rick MI "ng, ASLA, Executive Director of FSP and Playground Project Manager. • Diana Riesm: , Chairperson of FSP's Board of Directors and Executive Director of arton Studio Museum. • Lucas ey, Playground Build Coordinator. Ithaca is a center for playground design and Friends of Stewart Park is fortunate to be working with a talented, locally based and nationally renowned team of playground designers including: • Parkitects - ww a oundinfo.com: Steve Lauzun, President of Parkitects, has been working with FSP on the Stewart Park Playground for more than four years. He is a Registered Landscape Architect and former design with Leathers and Associates. Steve works with communities throughout New York State and represents Landscape Structures, the leading manufacturer of high quality playground equipment in the United States. • Play by Design - http:// bd laygrouncls.com: Lee Archin and Dave Iannello, Play By Design's Co -Founders and Designers for Stewart Park for the pre-school play area and other specialized playground features. Lee and Dave have worked with Leathers and Associates and communities all over the world on community -built playgrounds. Michael Cohen, who specialized in Adult Wellness and Elder Playgrounds is also involved in the project. • EarthPlay - www,earthulay,net: Rusty Keeler, Founder and Designer for E play, works with communities nationally and internationally to design and build natural and adventure playgrounds. Rusty is providing design oversight for the Sand and Music Gardens and guidance to maximize natural play opportunities throughout the playground. - 3 - The Playground Leadership Com 'ttee is comprised of dedicated volunteers and FSP supporters serving in the development capacity of the campaign. Committee members include: • Greg H Tompkins Trust Company (President) • Laura Hunsinger, Cornell University (Development Staff) • Nancy Malina, Franziscka Racker Center (Board) • Meloney McMurry, Village of Cayuga Heights (Trustee) • Diana Riesman, FSP Board Member (Ch. person) & Wharton Studio Museum (E.D.) • Alicia Wittink, Park Foundation (Board) Projt, tt Cost Playground Cost Estimate Following are the key elements of the playground and their respective costs: * New interactive spray play area (replacing existing splash pad) $350,000 • Pre-school play area (community build play area for infant to 5 year old) $200,000 • School Age Play Area (equipment purchased and installed) $200,000 • Safety surfacing for all areas (rubber and fiber surfacing) $200,000 • Natural Play Areas (Sand Play, Music Garden and other natural elements) $100,000 * Accessible bathrooms $150,000 • Accessible berm with pathway to Pinnacle and climbing and slide equipment $200,000 • Maintenance Fund $100,000 TOTAL CONSTRUCTION $1,500,000 Design and permitting (12% of playground cost) $180,000 TOTAL ESTIMATE COST $1,680,000 - 4 - Pr` Through Friends of Stewart Park's efforts and commitment, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton has nominated the City of Ithaca for $l,0OOU00ioNew York State funding.F8PbuonudertukeothioCupitalCuozpaiQo»x raise the $680,000 balance needed to build the inclusive playground we envision for the park which includes a new splash pad and new accessible bathrooms. Public Funding Source The City of Ithaca has indicated its willingness to create a capital project for $1.000,000 to front the funding from New York State since this is a reimbursement grant that requires the City to spend the funding before being reimbursed by NYS. Private Funding Sources Friends of Stewart Park has undertaken a capital project to raise the $680,000 balance needed to complete the playground as planned. We are inviting the partiiudouofloculuodnegiuoulConodudoou.uoqxoomioom, businesses and individuals. To date we have raised $472,502 in contributions and piedges. • Park Foundation. -----------------------------------$lOO,O0O • Anonymous Family Foundation ----------------------------.$50'0U0 • Elmira Sings Buob----------------------------------�30'08O • Anonymous---------------------------------------830,��� • Cornell University . .$25,000 • Diana Riemozuuand Fred Cowe¢----------------------------$25,00) • Tompkins Trust Company -------------------------------.$25,0)O • 9Yo8omaoomfIthaca ------------------.----------------..$25,000 • NickyRick� uudI�k---------------------------------..$20OUO • Anonymous Family Foundation ----------------------------.$2O.��� • Legacy Foundation .$15,000 • Sarah and Stephen Wicker. ------------------------------�$l0J)0O • Terry and Jim Byrnes ''''—_----'-----'--'''—''—'---'---$l0,0X0 • CFCU Community Credit Union $10,000 • Mary and Bradley Grainger ------------------------------..$lO,)DO • Miller Mayer, LLP. $10,000 • Fran Litboand Chuck Tuuuk—'--'''''''----.—'—'—.—'--'----�$lO,0}0 • Margaret McDougall. • 0�eloueyand David D�cD�oz�'------------------------------$5/00O • Volunteer . $5 ,000 • Tompkins�6u���l Gift Fund. • Cayuga Sound. -------------------------------------�S3,0K%] • WiuiukFamily. '-----_'—''—''''--------'—'------.--'$%,50O • Ithaca Garden Club -----------------------------------..$2,000 • Mary Egan and John Guteobccgcr--------------------------.—.$l/)00 • M&cTB $1, • Nancy and Joel Mu6ou--.-----._—'--'—'—'—'—.—'---'_—.$l,00O • Ithaca WalmarSupercenter. $1,000 • Warren Real Estate . $1,000 Additional minor gifts .$15,002 TOTAL TO DATE public -5- $1,47I,582 Donor Recognition Opportipnities Donor recognition will be provided in a variety of ways. Donors can be recognized on special elements and features of the playground as listed below. Designs for donoplaques are to be deoped in consultation with the City of Ithaca's Parks Commission and Board of Public Works. General giftsto the project will be acknowledged at the playground entry gateway feature, the design of which is also subject to City approval. The following is a list of possible donor recognition opportunities to be discussed and customized as needed to suit the interest of prospective donors: • Berm & Accessible Pathway tmPinnacle. —.-------.--.—.------'$l50,0XX) • Splash Pad $[00,00} • Bathrooms. $100,000 • Carousel (shared recognition available) $100,000 • Playground Loop Trail $50,000 8 School Age Play Area --_.'_-----_--_.--.—.--_—.--._..—..$50,000 8 Sand Play Area. _--------~.--,--..-------.--------....$%5,0OO • Music Garden. $25,000 • Merry GnRound '----.--~---_'-----.---..------._--.$25,)VO e Swings . $25,000 • Benches and Other Small Play Elements —.-------.--------.-----$5,000 • Pre -School Play Area (spoaxoned)—.------..---.---.-------...$50,0U0 • Climbing Net (spnzxnrro)--.------~-----_-------_.-----.$1&(x)O o Apollo Spinner (sponsored). $5,000 - 6 -