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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2018-12-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. December 18, 2018 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (4) – Greene, 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: Commissioners - Blalock, Jenkins City Attorney – Lavine ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Attorney Russ Maines, representative for Mr. Pirro, stated the lawsuit against the City of Ithaca had been dismissed, and he had notified the City Attorney’s office. He noted that Mr. Pirro was disappointed, and Mr. Maines was concerned that Mr. Pirro was not treated as equitably as his neighbors. He further stated he did not believe the outcome was fair. Mr. Pirro, trustee of Maria Pirro’s Estate, stated his family had been giving to the community since 1959, and expressed his mother’s opinion that the community had taken from her. He further stated that the City’s decision to remove the driveway apron had hit his mother hard. He stated he was not asking for a lot, and noted he never was given a fair chance to save the apron. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was provided. REPORTS Council Liaison CC Liaison McGonigal reported from First Ward that there were nasty potholes at the bottom of Hector Street where a water main broke. He further reported that he was cornered by city resident JP Vico, who expressed extreme unhappiness with the Spencer Road project. Mr. Vico had stated a city truck and a school bus had recently backed into his garage. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded to CC Liaison McGonigal, stating that the contractor for the Spencer Road Project had not paved properly, making the road too flat, which caused water to pool and drain into Mr. Vico’s property. Asst. Supt. Benjamin stated his crew made a temporary fix for the winter and would make a more permanent fix in the spring. Board Liaisons Commissioner Warden, Special Joint Committee liaison, reported there was a possibility that the Wastewater Treatment Plant may be reprocessing solid product by an outside company, which would upgrade it to a Class A product. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. Logue reported on the following: 1. Transportation Eng. Hathaway received traffic counts at the intersection of Hillview and Hudson Streets, noting that the average speed was 24 mph. There was no side street Board of Public Works Page 2 December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting delay and low pedestrian delay in crossing Hillview. However, there was much more traffic on Hudson Street; staff had already changed pedestrian crossing signage, was looking at reducing the speed limit to 25 mpg, painting road markings and increasing signage in the area. He further noted that staff was talking with the school district about getting additional crossing guards for that area. 2. Consolidated Funding Application awards were recently announced: Historic Ithaca received an award for $360,000 for the Cascadilla Boathouse rehabilitation. The City did not get a grant for the Cass Park Enclosure, but Downtown Ithaca Alliance did receive a grant to expand the Transportation Demand Management program. Asst. Supt. Whitney followed up on what Commissioner Warden spoke about, explaining that the solids would go through a pyrolysis process, heating it up to create a char. He further reported four water leaks in the past month; crews had installed two storm tubes at the dam access road and replaced water/sewer pipes; and the City was retiring the water and sewer services on Pier Road and College Avenue. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that a new storm sewer line was installed, crews were working on leaf pickup, and staff was working with homeless services to allow access for emergency services in Southwest Park. Supt. Thorne reported that he was working on dredging issues with three projects: the Inlet, Cascadilla Creek, and the silt pond at the 60 foot dam. He further reported working on finding an appropriate location for the dredging spoils. He stated staff had recently met with NYSDEC, showing them where the de-watering facility might be, and had samples of sediments from the different dredging locations. He further stated he was working with TG Miller Engineering to come up with a schedule to dredge Cascadilla Creek in 2019. He further noted that NYSDEC was planning to dredge Cayuga Inlet in 2020-21, and a presentation of the flood hazard study was recently provide to the Planning Committee, with a public presentation planned for April. Supt. Thorne further reported on the street light purchase project, indicating that NYSEG had been notified that the City was going to purchase the lights. He thought the City could negotiate on the price, but it seemed NYSEG was dragging the negotiations out as long as they could because the City paid $17,000 per month in maintenance charges, even though NYSEG was not maintaining the lights. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the dredging projects, the recommendations from the flood hazard study, and mitigation options to prevent flooding. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the July 17, 2018 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner McCormick RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 17, 2018, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Approval of Use City Property for a Public Space Recycling Station – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner McCormick WHEREAS, Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management seeks to expand its Public Space Recycling Program by locating recycling bins in public areas that have high pedestrian traffic, and WHEREAS, County staff visited sites to explore potential sites and recommend placing recycling bins near the TCAT Bus Shelter at 210 Hancock Street, and WHEREAS, the County will be responsible for servicing the recycling center, including trash and recycling removal and maintaining the area around the center, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the proposed location at its meeting on November 20, 2018, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves Tompkins County’s request to locate a Recycling Center in the public right of way near the TCAT bus shelter at 210 Hancock Street, Board of Public Works Page 3 December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting and directs City staff to work with County staff to determine the best location within the right of way. Carried Unanimously Approval of the Installation of a Mosaic Mural on the Southside Community Center Building – Resolution By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Warden 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 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, more than 50 artists have installed murals on City - owned property throughout the city, and the response to the new murals has been overwhelmingly positive, and WHEREAS, the Southside Community Center has asked the Board to consider installing a mosaic mural on the exterior of the building, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the proposal in October 2018, requesting additional information, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the installation of the Southside Mosaic Mural Project on the Southside Community Center Building contingent upon (1) a recommendation of support from the Community Life Commission; (2) final approval of the artwork by Common Council; the (3) the issuance of a Building Permit; and (4) the execution of an agreement between the Artist and the City (as reviewed by the City A ttorney) prior to installation. Commissioner McCormick noted that the Community Life Commission had provided a letter of support for this project. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the original plan for installation of the mosaic was to attach it directly to the brick, but there were concerns about maintenance and the potential of having water get behind the artwork. Supt. Thorne noted that the artist provided plans for standalone frames, which was what the Board had asked for. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Resolution to Deny an Appeal for a Driveway Curb Cut on West Martin Luther King Jr. Street/ West State Street at 1006 West Seneca Street By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is sponsoring a project entitled, “West Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements,” PIN 395050, and WHEREAS, as a part of this project, staff proposed and the Board of Public Works approved, a street design that removed a driveway on West MLK Jr. Street for the property at 1006 West Seneca Street, leaving the property with an existing driveway on West Seneca Street, and WHEREAS, the driveway was within the City’s right of way with no existing eas ement or other titled right to maintenance of the driveway within the West MLK Jr. Street right of way, and WHEREAS, as a part of the public outreach effort for this project, in addition to other efforts, staff went door to door in the corridor to discuss the scope of work with each business in the project limits, , and WHEREAS, the property owner at 1006 West Seneca Street has appealed the decision to remove the driveway on the West MLK Jr. Street frontage, and Board of Public Works Page 4 December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, BPW agreed to reopen the design c onsiderations and consider the driveway as if the appeal was heard during the design phase of the project, based on the merits of the appeal, and WHEREAS, the property owner submitted written and oral comment at the BPW meetings in August and September of this year, and WHEREAS, at the BPW’s direction, staff had prepared sketches of two different sized driveways to accommodate various vehicles, and WHEREAS, City staff prepared a memo to the BPW, dated September 16th, recommending a denial of the appeal, WHEREAS, on September 27th, two Commissioners of the BPW met at the property with the property owner, a prospective tenant, and staff to consider the appeal, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works finds that the proposed driveway is not in the public interest on this frontage of the property, has not otherwise heard a compelling rationale from the property owner why a driveway is so critical at this location, and feels that the property is not only adequately served and accessible to motor vehicles from the West Seneca Street side of the property, but also that there are benefits to the property without the W. MLK Jr. St. driveway (e.g., additional parking, potential outdoor dining or landscaping, etc.), now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That after hearing the appeal from the property owner and duly considering the stated reasons for and against the driveway, the Board of Public Works hereby denies the appeal from the property owner of 1006 West Seneca Street to allow for a driveway on the West Martin Luther King Jr. Street frontage of the property. Commissioner Greene restated that the property was visited by City staff along with the tenant and the owner, who discussed the idea of figuring out a way to improve the pedestrian experience along the edge of the property. Mayor Myrick stated this was a tough appeal since the City had not given proper notice to the family, and he would like to make that corner property more integrated with the rest of the City as a gesture of good will. He thought there must be some way to work with the owners to improve the property and the public experience. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the appeal, alternative options, and having to choose the best solution that would create the fewest conflicts. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Proposed South Aurora Street Sidewalk Alignment Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that there was some leftover CDBG funding that needed to be under contract by March 2019, and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency had approached the Engineering Office regarding extending the sidewalk on South Aurora Street to the city/town line. The project was brought to the Board to determine which side of the street the sidewalk should be placed. He further provided a summary of the report Sidewalk Program Manager John Licitra had written. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the location options, the land geography, locations of guardrails, and impacts to the adjacent properties. It was noted that property own ers and the school district had provided their support for the sidewalk being installed on the east side of the street. The Board generally agreed with that recommendation. CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: 2019 Newman Golf Course Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, the Rates and Fees for the Newman Golf Course was last adjusted for the 2016 season, and WHEREAS, a List of Rates and Fees for 2019 was discussed by the Board of Public Works on December 18, 2018, from a proposal by Golf Course Manager Mike Addicott, and Board of Public Works Page 5 December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, setting the membership rates in advance of the beginning of a new season seems like a prudent course of action to help increase membership, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public W orks hereby adopts the following List of Rates and Fees for 2019 for Newman Golf Course: Membership Fees Current Rates Proposed 2019 Rates Individual $630 $660 Senior $567 $595 Domestic Couple $882 $925 Senior Domestic Couple $827 $865 Junior Individual $140 $150 Family (up to 4, dependents 18 years old and under) $966 $1,014 Weekday Only, Individual $410 $430 Weekday Only, Domestic Couple $609 $640 College Membership (Ages 18-22) (*Restricted weekdays before 4 p.m. w/ college ID and weekends after 12 noon) $347 $347 City Employee $347 $347 Retired City Employee $460 Daily Greens Fees 9 Hole (per person) 18 Hole (per person) Current 2019 Current 2019 WEEKDAY Walking $15.00 15.00 $19.00 19.00 With Cart $27.00 24.00 $32.00 32.00 League Fee $14.00 Removed N/A N/A WEEKEND Walking Until 2:00 p.m. $16.00 Removed $22.00 Removed After 2:00 p.m. $14.00 Removed $18.00 Removed Walking 17.00 22.00 With Cart $19.00 26.00 $25.00 33.00 Foursome Special After 3:00 p.m. N/A N/A $80.00 Removed Cart Rental Fees Member $7.00 8.00 $ 11.00 12.00 Non-Member $8.00 9.00 $ 12.00 14.00 Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Request for Removal of Penalties on the Water Bill for 221 South Geneva Street Asst. Supt. Whitney explained the request, noting the property owners had been in contact with the meter division. A new meter would be installed, which was expected to indicate that the usage would be approximately what the estimated bills were. Commissioner Morache and Mayor Myrick expressed their preference would be to waive the penalties, noting that if the bills were over-estimated, the City would have to reimburse the owners. The Board generally agreed to waive the penalties. A resolution would be provided for the next meeting. Appeal for Sewer Use Billing from GreenStar Cooperative Market - Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Greene WHEREAS, at the Owner’s request, a new 4-inch combined fire and domestic water service line was completed on 10/30/2013. A new 1-inch domestic water meter was subsequently installed on 1/7/2014 and account 4514924701 was activated, and WHEREAS, upon activation of the account, an error occurred and only the water billing was activated, and WHEREAS, during a periodic review of all existing accounts in 2018, the missed sewer billing for this account was noted and a bill for $28,498.74 along with a memo detailing the bill was Board of Public Works Page 6 December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting sent to the Owner of the account on March 23, 2018. At that time, the account was also corrected to include the sewer part of the billing from then on, and WHEREAS, from the existing historical record of water meter readings for this account, the sewer billing was calculated using the rates that were in effect at the time of usage, as follows: 2014 Annual Metered Consumption 526-HCF X $5.47 = $2,877.22 2015 Annual Metered Consumption 1,015-HCF X $5.47 = $5,552.05 2016 Annual Metered Consumption 1,463-HCF X $5.69 = $8,324.47 2017 Annual Metered Consumption 1,677-HCF X $5.80 = $9,726.60 2018 Metered Consumption thru Feb 348-HCF X $5.80 = $2,018.40 Total Unbilled Sewer Due $28,498.74 ,and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca missing the billing for the sewer portion of the water and sewer services does not change the fact that the sewer service was used, and WHEREAS, since the sewer service was used, the City of Ithaca is obligated to bill the Owner of the account. Otherwise the costs would be distributed and paid for by all other City sewer customers, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Owner of this water and sewer account is responsible for the sewer bill totaling $28,498.74 without late fees or interest accrued to the account to date, and be it further RESLOLVED, That the Owner has the option to set up a payment plan with the City of Ithaca Chamberlain with from one (1) year up to five (5) years of regular quarterly payments. Commissioner Morache confirmed with Asst. Supt. Whitney that late fees would not be added to the account after the payment plan was set up, unless the scheduled payments on the plan were late. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor