HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2018-11-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:04 p.m. November 20, 2018
PRESENT:
Vice-Chair - Jenkins
Commissioners (4) – Blalock, 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
Director of Parking – Messmer
Common Council Liaison – McGonigal
Executive Assistant – Servoss
EXCUSED:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioner Greene
City Attorney – Lavine
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Supt. Thorne added a resolution of Declaration of Surplus Property to New Business. The
Board had no objections.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor was not present.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Marjorie Olds, city of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding traffic calming near the South Hill
Recreation Trail. She stated that traffic had increased over the years near the crosswalk at
Hillview Place at Hudson Road; children have to dodge cars to cross the street. She
requested a stop sign at the intersection.
Russ Maines, representing Mr. Pirro, addressed the Board, stating Mr. Pirro was ready to
proceed with topic of 1006 W est Seneca Street. He further noted that the Tuning Fork
intersection was dangerous for pedestrians due to the construction site blocking the sidewalk,
and pedestrian light seemed to be on a slow rotation.
Sheryl Swink, city of Ithaca, asked that the water and sewer rates be listed separately from the
amount of the bill that was designated for infrastructure on the quarterly bills. Hopefully, the
costs to improve infrastructure would be spread out over many years and future residents.
She further noted that a 14% water rate increase was very hefty as rate increases have usually
been 7-10%.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Commissioner McCormick asked if the Hillview/Hudson intersection had been analyzed. Dir. of
Eng. Logue responded that the Transportation Engineers had been performing an
assessment, and he would request a report for the Board .
Commissioner McCormick further mentioned that pedestrians do not have access to the
pedestrian light button at the Tuning Fork due to the blocked sidewalk. Dir. of Eng. Logue
responded the staff would investigate and report the situation to NYSDOT, who owns the
intersection.
Supt. Thorne responded regarding the proposed water rate increase, stating that the reasons
for the increase were (1) debt service on the Water Treatment Plant facility, and (2) funding for
more crews to address infrastructure improvements. The City was beginning a 50 year plan to
replace pipes, and this year was a large bump to catch up to the level of staffing the City
needed to make noticeable improvements .
Board of Public Works Page 2 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
REPORTS
Board Liaisons
Commissioner Blalock, Planning and Economic Development Board liaison, reported that a
special environmental review was scheduled for the North Campus housing project. He further
stated the Ithaca Gun project was still on the list of projects, but was delayed because the
project was trying to add a second ADA parking space, but topography may not allow more
than one space.
Superintendent and Staff
Dir. of Eng. Logue reported the following:
The West Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor Enhancement Project had won the 2018
Project of the Year from the Central New York Branch of the American Public Works
Association;
Bridge Systems Eng. Addisu Gebre had applied for a $2.1 million grant to help build the
new Brindley Street Bridge;
JP Vico, a resident at the intersection of Spencer Road at Stone Quarry Road, was
really unhappy about the dead-ending of Spencer Road; and
New York State Dept. of Transportation changed the alignment of the travel lanes on
Seneca Street at Meadow Street, changing it from three lanes to two lanes.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported:
The collapsed culvert on Warren Place had been replaced and the road wa s open.
Crews were planning to repave Warren Place in 2019.
The snow watch crew began working on the night shift just before snow storm. Winter
started out heavy and strong, and he believe d it would continue.
Staff was working with the Ithaca Fire Dept. to create better access to Southwest Park
for emergency services.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported on the following:
The 100 block of College Avenue closed next week to run storm sewer, water and
sewer lines;
The 30 foot dam access road would be rebuilt due to a washout;
NYSDEC would conduct a dam inspection of both the 30 foot and 60 foot dams;
Staff was working with Town of Ithaca on new interceptor; and
Staff was finalizing the large project at Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Dir. of Parking Messmer reported that new equipment installation was complete at Dryden
Road Garage, the equipment installation at Seneca Garage was about half-way complete, and
they were anticipating the installation at Green Garage to begin by mid-December; the panels
on the outside of Seneca Garage have been secured; and a structural inspection of the
Seneca Garage was anticipated to be completed soon.
Supt. Thorne reported the following:
Common Council has approved funding for two new crews in Streets & Facilities
Highway Division and in Water and Sewer, which means hiring 12-14 new employees.
These new crews would be valuable in updating infrastructure and repairing roads.
Management staff was working on a plan for hiring and training the new employees;
Staff was working on a capital project for obtaining permanent permission to move
affluent material from the Wastewater Treatment Plant into Cascadilla Creek to help
with ice jams
A stormwater presentation regarding flood mitigation was scheduled for December 12,
2018, at the Common Council meeting by Barton & Loguidice. Though the USGS used
a realistic and accurate model in their report, this presentation would provide the best
representation if the City was to flood; and
Current dredging projects include Cascadilla Creek, the 60 foot reservoir and the silt
dam. Staff was continuing to work on the plan to dredge the inlet in 2020-21, but
needed to find a location to put the dredging spoils.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT:
Proposal for Public Recycling Site on Hancock Street
Nancy Webster, representative for Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management,
joined the Board and provided a summary of the proposal. She stated that there are already
nine recycling bins located throughout Tompkins County, several of them are in the City. The
Board of Public Works Page 3 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
Public Space Recycling Program has grown by one bin at a time by placing recycling bins next
to trash bins to help people recycle on the go. She further explained that the County contracts
with Casella to service the trash bins and the County services the recycling bins. Staff ensures
bins remain clean and are locked to prevent vandalism. Additionally, this new proposal
partners with TCAT to place a unit near the new bus shelter on Hancock Street.
The Board generally agreed to the proposal and requested a resolution for the December
meeting.
2019 Trash and Yard Waste Tag Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner McCormick
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed and discussed information from the Solid
Waste Division and the Chamberlain’s Office regarding trash tags and yard waste tags, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has accepted the recommendation in the Mayor’s 2019
Budget Narrative stating that trash tag rates should increase by $0.75 per tag, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adjusts the purchase price of the 35 lb.
trash disposal tag from $3.75 to $4.50 per tag, effective January 1, 2019, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby retains the purchase price of the yard
waste disposal tag at $1.50 for each bag or bundle of not more than 50 lbs. of yard waste,
effective January 1, 2019, and that these rates will stand until changed.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained the rate changes, noting that City facilities, such as GIAC,
Ithaca Youth Bureau, Fire Departments and the Police Station, are the biggest trash
generators. Supt. Thorne noted that trash rates have not been raised in several years and
other communities charge roughly $5.50 per tag. The increase reduces subsidies from the
general fund.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding public notification of rate changes, and that the rate
increase in 2019 will end the general fund subsidy for trash removal.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
2019 Proposed Parking Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered the proposed 2019 rates for municipal
parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2019 budget revenue projection, and
WHEREAS, the following chart contains the entire rate structure for all rates within the City for
2019, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the proposed 201 9 parking rates
as follows in the attached table; and, be it further,
RESOLVED, That all rates shall go into effect January 1, 2019, and shall remain until the
Board of Public Works directs otherwise.
Monthly Permits
Actual
2018 Rates
Effective
1/1/18
Proposed
2019 Rates
Effective
1/1/19
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, Full Access (24/7) $100.00/mo $100.00/mo No increase
Contract with Hotel1 $57.56/mo 58.95
2.42% increase
CPI
Contract with Cascade Plaza, LLC $100.00/mo $100.00/mo No increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, Full Access $100.00/mo $100.00/mo No increase
Contract with Cascade Plaza, LLC2 $56.73/mo $58.10
2.42% increase
CPI
Board of Public Works Page 4 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
Cayuga Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, including long-term storage $71.00/mo $73.00 3% increase
Worker’s Special (M-F/10 hrs/day,
210 hrs/mo) $58.00/mo $60.00 3% increase
Contract Cornell Rate $54.22/mo $55.80
2.42% increase
CPI
Contract with County (Library)3 $71.00/ mo $73.00 3% increase
TC3 $64.24
Premium Area Rates $127.00/mo $131.00 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage
Full Access (24/7) $200.00/mo $200.00/mo No increase
Worker’s Special (210 hrs/mo) $159.50/mo $159.50/mo No increase
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) $86.50/mo $86.50/mo No increase
Overnight Only Special (M-F/6pm-9am/ Free
Weekends) $159.50/mo $159.50/mo No increase
Primo Part time Special (24/7, 68 hrs/mo) $56.50/mo $56.50/mo No increase
Other Non-Meter Permit Parking
Contract with County (DSS)3 $52.00/mo $54.00 3% increase
611 Buffalo St. Parking Lot Permit $30.00/mo $30.00/mo No increase
Weekly Rates
Actual
2018 Rates
Effective
1/1/18
Proposed
2019 Rates
Effective
1/1/19
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night $33.00 $33.00 No increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night $33.00 $33.00 No increase
Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours $61.00 $61.00 No increase
Hourly Rates4
Actual
2018 Rates
Effective
1/1/18
Proposed
2019 Rates
Effective
1/1/19
Amount
Changed
Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street Garages5
Per hour $1/hour $1/hour No increase
Maximum $7/day $10/day 43% Increase
Dryden Road Garage
0 – 24 $1/hour $1/hour No increase
Maximum $15/day $15/day No Change
Special Event Rate (weekend day entrance fee, 24 hour parking limit)
Downtown garages $5 $5 No Change
Parking Meters and Pay and Display
Surface Lot: Green Street Garage
$2.25/hour
No max.
$2.25/hour
No max. No Change
Downtown $1.50/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.50/hr
2 hr. max. No Change
Collegetown $1.50/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.50/hr
2 hr. max. No Change
Thurston & Stewart Ave. & Edgemoor $0.75/hr
9 hr. max.
$0.75/hr
9 hr. max. No Change
Foot Notes
1 – Volume discount rate for 104 spaces – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate adjustment annually on 8/1
based on average increase in other rates, but not more than 3%
2 – Up to 100 permits in Seneca Street Garage at posted rate (except handicap permits, are at special Cayuga
Garage rate); up to 20 permits in Green Street Garage (these permits will not be usable at any other garage), up
to 150 permits in Cayuga Street Garage, total not to exce ed 250 permits. Right to purchase additional 150
permits at posted rates – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate to change for first 250 permits after August 1,
2007, “from time to time” based on percentage change in the CPI between adjustment dates.
3 – The County’s Mental Health/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street Garage (and/or Lot D) has
expired. The Board of Public Works agreed to transition the rate charged to County employees to the full market
rate over a period of five years. Commencing in 2015, the rate is 100% of the market rate. County’s DSS
Board of Public Works Page 5 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
agreement for 20 spaces on West State Street (in “Fire Station lot”) expires December 31, 2016 (needs to be
negotiated).
4 – Fees charged: Downtown garages, 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday: Dryden Road garage, 24
hours / 7 days.
5 – The City has an agreement with TC3 that allows TC3 to issue passes for students, clients, and customers, for
which the City charges TC3 88% of posted rates for the accumulated parking fees.
Dir. of Parking Messmer summarized the modifications to the parking rates, including the
contractual increases, noting that would not be any changes to the standard monthly permit
fees associated with the City garages. He explained that the main changes included
increasing the daily maximum for the Seneca and Green Street Parking Garages from $7 to
$10 per day, and extending the hours from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for charging for parking. He
estimated nearly $150,000 in increased revenue from those two changes.
Commissioner McCormick asked why change the charging hours just to 11 p.m. and not go to
24 hours. Supt. Thorne responded that taking smaller steps would be better for the public. Dir.
of Parking Messmer stated that the new comprehensive parking study could have
recommendations for further changes so staff did not want to make too many changes before
the study was complete.
Pete noted that another parking lot attendant will be added to help in the garages. Rob asked
about increasing the area of metered parking downtown. He knows there are a number of
people that park several blocks away and walks to downtown because they can park for free.
Dave asked about the contracted rates. Pete responded that each rate is a different contract
with different terms and conditions. City is locked into the rates.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding parkers needed to use the automated equipment
between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. and that the garages were not staffed 24/7. Commissioner
Blalock suggested that the metered parking area on Stewart Avenue that was $0.75/hour be
raised to $1.50/hour, which was the same rate Cornell University charged in their adjacent lots.
He suggested synchronizing the City’s parking hours and rates with Cornell University’s hours
and rates in the comprehensive study. Supt. Thorne responded that any changes the City
made must be justified.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Dir. of Parking Messmer explained two new types of permits he would like the Board to
consider for the city-owned parking garages. These new permits would be created due to the
number of developments nearing completion that would need parking:
1. Premium Zone permits – only 100 permits sold for 100 spaces, though there were no
reserved spaces for a specific permit. A developer could buy the permits then resell the
permits to residents or businesses in their buildings. Monthly fees range from $250 to
$300 for premium parking zones.
2. Off-Peak Hour permits – parking 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. for people that commute out of the city
but live downtown and need to park their vehicle overnight. Monthly rates would be
lower and more affordable.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the zones, and flexing the number of premium zone
permits according to the number of permits that were actually sold, up to 100 spaces. Concern
was expressed by the Board that leaving blocks of empty spaces that were reserved would
frustrate other parkers. The Board suggested selling premium zone permits directly to
residents, removing the developers out, since the developers could not predict the number of
people in their buildings that would want permits. Another suggestion was to place residential,
overnight parking spaces higher in the garages, so that the lower level spaces were reserved
for short term transient parking.
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the planned Comprehensive Study for
Parking, and the potential for hiring a parking consultant to comple te the study after staff
gathered most of the data. Dir. of Parking further noted that staff was considering park and
Board of Public Works Page 6 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
ride locations, long term storage locations, and working with TCAT to adjust bus routes in
order to offer frequent transportation from the park and ride locations to downtown .
WATER AND SEWER:
2019 Water and Sewer Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Charter, the Board of Public Works has the authority to
set water and sewer rates, and
WHEREAS, staff has provided water and sewer usage projections for 2019, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the following water and sewer rates and
fees starting for bills due on or after January 1, 2019, and the rates are effective until changed:
Basic Rates (per 100 cubic feet):
Existing 2018 2019
Water $6.94 $7.88
Sewer $5.80 $5.80
Minimum Billing (per quarter year)
METER
SIZE
CU FT
ALLOWED WATER SEWER TOTAL
Small 1,200 $ 94.56 $ 69.60 $ 164.16
1" 3,200 $ 252.16 $ 185.60 $ 437.76
1.5" 5,500 $ 433.40 $ 319.00 $ 752.40
2" 11,200 $ 882.56 $ 649.60 $ 1,532.16
3" 16,000 $ 1,260.80 $ 928.00 $ 2,188.80
4" 24,100 $ 1,899.08 $ 1,397.80 $ 3,296.88
6" 42,100 $ 3,317.48 $ 2,441.80 $ 5,759.28
Other Services
Unmetered sprinkler service: $12 per inch diameter per quarter
Metered water for circuses, carnivals contractors, etc., through suitable conne ction at
hydrant installed by Water and Sewer: charged by use, with minimum bill of $200 per day
for the first 7 days and $50 per day thereafter.
Bulk Water for street sweepers, tank trucks, spray rigs, etc., available at the Water building:
$100 per load up to 500 gallons, and $25 per thousand over 500 gallons.
Meter removal, meter resetting, turning water off, or turning water on at curb stop: $40 per
event.
Residential Meter Testing: $75 if meter is found to be within industry tolerances; no charge
if out of tolerance.
Replacement of frosted or damaged residential meter:
During business hours – cost of the meter plus $50
After hours without a call-in – cost of the meter plus $125
After hours with a call-in – cost of the meter plus $220
Replace damaged AMR meter head, caused by owner/occupant negligence: cost of new
meter plus $60.
Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $45 per special read.
Data Logs: the first obtainable data log is free, delivered electronically in a PDF format.
Paper copies will be printed upon request at the cost of duplication. All additional data logs
shall be charged at $45 each delivered electronically. If a City issue is found as a result of
a data log, there shall be no charge.
All other special services: To be billed at cost (including overhead) with supporting bill
documentation.
Board of Public Works Page 7 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
Commissioner Warden confirmed that only the water rate would change, not any of the
additional charges listed in the resolution. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the
comments made by Ms. Swink and ensuring transparency about rate changes. Asst. Supt.
Whitney responded that the water rate was not separated between water flow vs. infrastructure
maintenance and it would be very difficult to calculate individual costs, and no other city or
municipality listed individual charges in their water and sewer bills.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding concerns that the extra funding awarded to Public
Works would be incorporated into other areas of the City, and keeping the funds separate.
The water rate increase would help fund a new crew to work on water and sewer
infrastructure. Commissioner Blalock suggested that the memo Supt. Thorne had written as
justification for additional funding be sent around to local media as information for residents.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Declaration of Surplus Property – Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, in 2017, the City of Ithaca identified Elm St. and Chestnut St. intersection for
certain pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety improvements, and in 2019, the City plans to
construct sidewalk on South Aurora Street bordering South Hill Elementary School to provide
improved and safer pedestrian access on South Aurora Street; and
WHEREAS, in order to accomplish these safety enhancements, the City is interested in
acquiring certain portions of Ithaca City School District land, namely fee title to a 3,385 square
foot parcel of land adjacent to Lehman Alternative Community School to support the
intersection improvements depicted in the drawing attached and incorporated here as Exhibit
A, and a permanent easement of 3,070 square feet along South Aurora Street as depicted in
the drawing attached and incorporated here as Exhibit B (hereafter, referred to as Parcels A
and B, respectively); and
WHEREAS, Ithaca City School District (the “District”) and the City require that divestment of
land be for fair market value; and
WHEREAS, the City has proposed an exchange of certain rights to the Parcels A and B, as
described above, for a deeded transfer of a section of Linn Street comprising an area of
approximately 8,717 square feet located behind Fall Creek Elementary, currently used by the
school (shown in the drawing attached and incorporated here as Exhibit C, and hereafter
referred to as the “Linn Street Parcel”); and
WHEREAS, in 1965, the City discontinued the relevant portion of Linn Street comprising the
Linn Street Parcel and authorized the District’s use of the same, but never transferred title to
the District as was intended; and
WHEREAS, the District remains interested in acquiring title to the Linn Street Parcel in
exchange for transferring title to the City for Parcel A and providing a permanent easement
over Parcel B; and now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board finds that the City owned Linn Street Parcel is surplus for
municipal purposes, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that Common Council authorize the Mayor to
exchange the City’s rights in the Linn Street Parcel reserving an easement for the existing
water main running below the parcel for the rights described above to Parcels A and B.
Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that there are two projects the city wants to do that affects two
parcels of land owned by Ithaca City School District (ICSD), and the City owns a parcel of land
on Linn Street by Fall Creek Elementary School that ICSD currently uses. The school has
agreed to swap ownership of their parcels if the City gives the school its parcel. He noted that
the parcel the City is giving the school is valued at as much, if not more, than the parcels the
school is giving the City.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Board of Public Works Page 8 November 20, 2018
Regular Meeting
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor