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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2018-05-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:08 p.m. May 15, 2018 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (4) – Jenkins, McCormick, Morache, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – Logue Director of Parking – Messmer Common Council Liaison – McGonigal Executive Assistant – Servoss EXCUSED: Commissioner Greene Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney City Attorney – Lavine ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Supt. Thorne requested the addition of item 13A, “Request to Reroute the Cayuga Waterfront Trail in Stewart Park during the Ithaca Reggae Fest 2018.” The Board had no objections. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor did not have any communications COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Mariah Pieretti, 320 University Ave., addressed the Board regarding the University Avenue Redesign project, expressing her number one concern was parking. She stated the current structure slows people down, but the project proposal reduces parking spaces to 44. University Avenue is unique in that it does not have any side streets. She noted that the proposal to move power lines will alter the street, and the option to use a Cornell parking lot is not allowed if residents do not work at Cornell. Having more parking spaces slows traffic down. Mike Pieretti, City of Ithaca, is an avid bike rider; and the way the proposal is for University Avenue, there would be a 66% reduction in parking, which is too much. He noted that the street needs to be repaved, but removing the parking and going to bigger lanes will cause speeding. Moving the bus stop might add spaces on either side of the stairs. Lindsay Garner, 101 Oakwood Lane, addressed the Board regarding the Hector Street Project, stating she went door to door along her street to talk to her neighbors about safety. She has seen accidents with tractor trailers. If sidewalks are put in, residents would be required to remove snow, which would be unsafe. She listed several vehicle accidents that have occurred along Hector Street. The following residents addressed the Board to express concern and opposition to the University Avenue and Hector Street Projects:  Genie Husme, 330 Hook Place  Ian Shapiro, 4088 Garrett Road  Greg Perreault, 138 Campbell Avenue  Pat Dolson, 422 Taylor Place RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Mayor Myrick thanked everyone for addressing the Board, noting that he noticed a theme: residents want to ensure city streets are safe and quiet. He’s never seen this Board ignore opposing viewpoints, or bike lanes being rubber stamped. Enormous amount of time was spent on both projects to create an acceptable design. He addressed Ms. Gardner, stating her concerns about safety were real and should be taken into consideration. He stated that the City should consider what residents are expected to do related to projects. He said we could do better because there were residents that are not physically able to shovel snow. He suggested finding a way to socialize sidewalk maintenance. Board of Public Works Page 2 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting Dir. of Eng. Logue provided timelines for each of the following projects: 1. University Avenue – Environmental review discussion tonight, vote in June. This project was not in a super hurry. Staff was not planning on construction next year, so there is some time to talk about options. 2. Hector Street – Early in preliminary design, construction planned for next year. Maintenance of sidewalks was a concern that came up in the public meetings. He is willing to talk about adding a guiderail or barrier to keep pedestrians safe. The project is 6-7 months away from final design and public comments are still being accepted during that time. 3. Route 79 Bridge – the project has been put out to bid, awarded, and the contracts are being signed with construction starting possibly in July 2018. 4. Brindley Street – final touches are being put on the bidding documents and will be advertised in June with construction beginning in the Fall 2018 but mostly done in 2019. The plan is to rehabilitate the existing bridge for pedestrians. REPORTS Council Liaison CC Liaison McGonigal reported on the public meeting that was held regarding the Hector Street project, noting that the engineer sent out postcards to residents. One suggestion was that a second public meeting be held with more notice to residents, with or without the consultant in attendance, with the hope of getting more input from the neighborhood. He noted two things came up at the meeting: 1) the round curve at top of hill was a concern and it was suggested that a guiderail be installed; 2) some property owners do not have access to sidewalks so there should be an exception for them to be required to shovel sidewalks. He further stated that the City was concerned about safety, but a lot of people were walking in the street. Another possibility was cutting some of the curves to increase visibility. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. Logue reported on the following: 1. W ork had begun on the GIAC pool expansion project; it will hopefully will be completed by Memorial Day 2. Sidewalk projects were underway 3. Sewer projects have begun on lower East State Street, and DDS Utilities had a permit to close upper East State Street past Mitchell Street Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported: 1. Crews had finished end of season projects and installed a chair lift at the Alex Haley Pool; 2. Staff cleaned up the concession stand building in Stewart Park; 3. The street crew was progressing on the Hector Street storm pipe project, which was evening out the width of the road. Supt. Thorne introduced Peter Messmer as Director of Parking. He started with the City on May 8, 2018, and he was getting up to speed on the conditions of the garages and collecting parking data. Dir. of Parking Messmer provided a short background for himself. Mayor Myrick stated that parking should be clean and available, and it should pay for itself. Supt. Thorne further reported: 1. It was the beginning of the budget season with looking at capital project requests; 2. He was working on a water system analysis to do long term planning for replacing water pipes; 3. A meeting was held at the Wastewater Treatment Plant regarding sludge pressing operations. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Licensee’s Request for Authorization to Dredge Boat Slips on Cayuga Inlet – Resolution By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, Steve Flash, on behalf of 730 Willow Ave LLC, owner of the property at 726 -30 Willow Ave (Tax Map Parcel No. 46.-7-10), in the City of Ithaca (“Licensee”), has requested the City’s assistance in dredging the area within the Inlet upon which Licensee currently licenses 20 boat slips from the City; and Board of Public Works Page 3 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, Licensee proposes to seek and obtain all necessary permits from DEC to dredge, dredge, secure a suitable station for dewatering, and restore the City’s property after completion of the project, and has requested a $6,500 credit against the license fee for boat slips; and WHEREAS, City staff is supportive of the project as described including installation of a drainage pipe to serve the golf course, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes Licensee to secure all applicable permits and proceed with the work described above inc luding installation of drainage piping under the golf course, and be it further RESOLVED, As part of such permitting process, and prior to commencement of the work, Licensee shall submit the following for the City’s approval: 1) a suitable dewatering stat ion, which in no event shall be on the golf course or other City property adjacent to the slips; 2) a plan for the dredging work and installation of drainage piping including a breakdown of costs; 3) contractor’s proof of insurance naming the City as an additional insured; 4) Licensee’s execution of a new license agreement containing the usual terms and conditions, including those specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes that upon completion of the work, the City agrees to credit Licensee a one-time credit of an amount not to exceed $6,500 for dredging plus additional costs for installation of the golf course drainage pipe not to exceed $3,000. Carried Unanimously Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 232-236 Dryden Road By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins 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 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 resulti ng 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 en croachment 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. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the square footage calculation in the resolution was not consistent with the calculation in the license agreement. He believed the proposed license Board of Public Works Page 4 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting agreement was correct, and wanted to make sure the Board was amenable to changing the number if it’s found to be needed. Attorney Lauren Baron, representative for the property owner, responded that the area was approximately 126 square feet. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that he believed that calculation might be off. Commissioner McCormick expressed his agreement that the numbers could be changed if it’s found to be necessary. Supt. Thorne no ted that he was unsure where the right-of-way line was on the survey. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously 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. By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Morache 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 RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereb y declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed construction of the Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment and S. Aurora St. Sidewalk project. Carried Unanimously Environmental Review for Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment and S. Aurora St. Sidewalk Project – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the environmental review for a project (“the Project”) entitled “Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment and the S. Aurora St. Sidewalk Project” 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 walkways, driveways, intersections, and bus stops to enhance conditions for people walking and biking in the corridor, and WHEREAS, the Project is an Unlisted action according to CEQR and an Unlisted Action according to SEQR, and WHEREAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for SEQR, and WHEREAS, on May 15, 2018, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for a coordinated environmental review for CEQR/SEQR with Ithaca City School District, and WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council has received a copy of the CEQR/SEQR short forms and a set of plans for the project, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on May 15, 2018, reviewed and accepted as complete Short Environmental Assessment Forms prepared by Board of Public Works Page 5 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting staff, and Project plans prepared on behalf of the City by Delta Engineers, and other project materials, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the pro ject for Elm and Chestnut Street Realignment and S. Aurora St. Sidewalk project located in the City of Ithaca will result in no significant negative environmental impact and that a Negative Declaration 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 Revie w Ordinance. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the review documentation was included in last month’s agenda, and no environmental impacts were found. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously CC Liaison McGonigal asked if neighbors were being contacted about the Elm Street/Chestnut Street intersection realignment. Sidewalk Program Manager John Licitra responded that property owners adjacent to the intersection had been contacted. Construction was not planned for at least another year, so there was plenty of time to contact residents. Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review of Hector St. Complete St. Project. By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner W arden 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 environmen tal 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 unde r CEQR; 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 proposed construction of the Hector St. Complete St. Project. Carried Unanimously Environmental Review for Hector Street Complete Street Project – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the environmental review for a project (“the Project”) entitled “Hector Street Complete Street Project” 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 walkways, driveways, intersections, and bus stops to enhance conditions for people walking and biking in the corridor, and WHEREAS, the Project is an Unlisted action according to CEQR and an Unlisted Action according to SEQR, and WHEREAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for SEQR, and Board of Public Works Page 6 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting WHERAS, on May 15, 2018, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for a coordinated environmental review for CEQR/SEQR, and WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council has received a copy of the CEQR/SEQR short forms and a set of plans for the project, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on May 15, 2018, reviewed and accepted as complete Short Environmental Assessment Forms prepared by staff, 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 Hector St. Complete St. Project located in the City of Ithaca will result in no significant negative environmental impact and that a Negative Declaration 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. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the City’s ability to make design changes outside of the environmental review of the project, and the need for safety for residents and pedestrians. Commissioner McCormick suggested that the City try to socialize sidewalk maintenance (snow removal). A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Environmental Review for the Street Redesign at University Avenue between Linn Street and Lake Street Project – Proposed 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 May 15, 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 May 15, 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. Transportation Engineer Eric Hathaway joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Dir. of Eng. introduced the project and stated that the Board, as the potential lead agent, could make changes to the environmental review forms. Board of Public Works Page 7 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting Discussion followed on the floor regarding the project being discussed in June by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee, and working with a consultant who found that the utility poles could be moved closer to the rock wall on the east side of the street. Transportation Engineer Hathaway explained that University Avenue residents Mike and Mariah Pieretti had done a lot of work on this project, and he did not want to lose any parking spaces. He provided a history of the project, stating that a public meeting was held to present three options for the street. The option that moved the poles and added a bike lane was overwhelmingly chosen. Matt Yarrow from TCAT Bus joined the Board, stating that he completed an informal study on the number of people that use the bus stop on University Avenue, and found that there were more park and riders than students riding the bus from that location. On a weekly basis, the ratio of people that park and ride vs. University Avenue residents was 6:1. It was a well-used stop, which was nothing but a sign at a steep grassy patch. He further stated that TCAT did support the proposed bike lane, which would go behind the bus stop. This configuration would improve safety as bikes would be easily seen by bus drivers. He noted that the idea of moving the bus stop down to the stairs was not suitable as the stairs were not ADA compliant. Transportation Engineer Hathaway distributed some photos, explaining that it all came down to the issue of space. Does the City want a continuous bike lane on University Avenue as the Board had already agreed to? One option was to install a bike lane that stopped at the stairs and picked up again on the other side of the bus stop. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the width of travel lanes with the bike lane, issues of space, the need for parking spaces, and there was an average of about 60 vehicles that park overnight on University Avenue, which would not be met if the number of parking spaces were decreased to 45 spaces. Further discussion followed regarding installing pay meters on Stewart Ave nue and working with a residential parking permit system on Universit y Avenue, making it clear to residents what their options were, and performing a test on Stewart Avenue by bagging the meters to see if the spaces would be used. CC Liaison McGonigal noted that the parking area on University Avenue was very important as there are university employees that do not make a lot of money and could not pay for parking. Mayor Myrick responded that it was not fair for Cornell University to expect the City to provide public spaces for their employees to park. There are other people that live in the City that can’t pay for parking either because their taxes are so much higher. Cornell should be able to make accommodations for University Avenue residents. Transportation Engineer Hathaway requested direction from the Board. Mayor Myrick expressed his desire to include a bike lane, but stated he was sympathetic to losing so many parking spaces, and he was leaning toward keeping the parking. Commissioner Morache stated he would like to keep a bike lane, but there must be a balance with the parking spaces. Every curb cut loses two parking spaces, which should be considered if driveways were installed. Typically, historic neighborhoods were built before cars were invented. Commissioner McCormick suggested installing raised crosswalks that would slow traffic. He did not have a particular preference where the bus stop was located but ADA compliance was important. Commissioner Morache responded that the roads themselves were not ADA compliant due to the steep grade. Supt. Thorne noted that this project had a $3.2 million price tag and he did not know how the City would be able to afford it in the next 3-4 years. There were a number of things to look at, but the issues did not need to be solved anytime soon. The City would need to save money for many years in order to complete this project. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the environmental review resolution would be in the June agenda for approval. 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. By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache Board of Public Works Page 8 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting 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 Pub lic 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 $11,250.00 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 approves this application and authorizes that Mayor, on advice on the City Attorney, to enter into a funding agreement with the FLLT by which the City provides $11,250.00 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 $11,250.00. Carried Unanimously Resolution to Approve New Roots Charter School’s Adopt-a-Park Application for Thompson Park By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner McCormick 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 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. Carried Unanimously Denial of the Ithaca Skate Park as a Location for Future Murals – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner W arden WHEREAS, in 2010, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within 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 Board of Public Works Page 9 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting 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 a t 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; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the proposal at a regular meeting on April 17, 2018, taking into consideration comments and opinions from those regularly that use the skate park, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public W orks appreciates the work and consideration by the Public Art Commission, but denies 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 Board, working with the Community Life Commission, is willing to revisit this proposal in the future if graffiti continues to be a problem at the Skate Park. Commissioner McCormick noted that there was quite a lot of graffiti that had been painted over and asked if the City wanted to formalize an agreement with the skaters to paint over any graffiti if it should occur before voting? Mayor Myrick responded that he thought that it would be okay to vote on this resolution. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Approval of Fees for the Carousel at Stewart Park – Resolution By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner W arden WHEREAS, the Carousel at Stewart Park is a cherished element for park visitors of all ages, and WHEREAS, a large amount of interest has been shown in using the Carousel for special events and small family parties, including prepaying for Carousel tickets or paying a fee to open the Carousel at no cost to riders, and WHEREAS, the fee for a single ride on the Carousel has not changed since at least 2004, when the rate went from $0.50 to $0.75 per ride, and WHEREAS, as the Carousel ages, it requires additional maintenance and repairs, causing additional expenses, as well as increased wages for the operators, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed this issue at their regular meeting on April 17, 2018, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the following rates and fees for the use of the Carousel in Stewart Park, effective June 1, 2018: Fee Rate Single Ride $1.00 each Prepaid Tickets (quantities over 30) $0.75 each Full Day Rental (11:00 am to 7:00 pm) (No exclusive rental; open to all riders) $350 per day Carried Unanimously Proposed Additions to the City of Ithaca Special Event Policy – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner W arden 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 Board of Public Works Page 10 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting 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 approves 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 natural beauty for future generations: 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 pavili ons 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 even t. 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 conclusion 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: 540 North Taylor Place Water Account – Resolution By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner W arden WHEREAS, in 2011 Kellie and Chris Hummel purchased the residence at 540 North Taylor Place, and Board of Public Works Page 11 May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting 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 & sewe r 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 WHEREAS, upon recently learning from our Water Meter Technician 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 higher 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. Carried Unanimously NEW BUSINESS: Request to Reroute the Cayuga Waterfront Trail in Stewart Park during the Ithaca Reggae Fest 2018 Benjamin Marlon, Director of Ithaca Reggae Festival, joined the Board , and explained that this was the second year of detouring the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. He stated that this year, more signs would be made to help trail users navigate around the event. He further stated they had spoken with Paddle-N-More about closing part of the park, but maintaining access to the concession and Cascadilla Boathouse. Commissioner McCormick suggested that the Board create a policy that cars were not allowed to park parallel to the tennis courts on the wider road between the playground and tennis courts if the trail was detoured. He suggested that the City needed to be very clear where the trail was, not just for the Reggae Festival. Supt. Thorne suggested that Mr. Marlon contact Asst. Supt. Benjamin to figure out a specific trail location. Commissioners McCormick and Warden expressed their support of the request to reroute the trail during the event. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor