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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2019-03-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:07 p.m. March 19, 2019 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) – Blalock, Greene, Jenkins, Morache, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – Logue Common Council Liaison – McGonigal Executive Assistant – Servoss EXCUSED: Commissioner McCormick City Attorney – Lavine Director of Parking – Messmer 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: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was necessary. REPORTS Council Liaison CC Liaison McGonigal reported that the group of residents that had installed a bench on Cascadilla Street memorializing the birth of author Alex Haley in a house on that street had approached him about installing a commemorative sign in the tree lawn. The residents had found a grant program that would pay for the sign, but the application required that the host city actually install it. Mayor Myrick stated it was a great idea. The Board had no objections. Dir. of Eng. Logue stated this sign would be like other historic markers, and the residents would just need to work with Asst. Supt. Benjamin to install the po st. Board Liaisons Commissioner Blalock, Planning Board Liaison, reported that environmental reviews had been completed for the Chainworks Project and Immaculate Conception Project, in which Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services was turning the former school into residential apartments. He noted that the City would have a significant increase in residential housing with these two projects. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that work had begun on the Brindley Street Bridge Project and th e North Aurora Street Bridge Project was out to bid. The roof of the large pavilion in Stewart Park was being replaced, the bid was advertised for the repairs to Dryden Road Garage, and a public meeting was scheduled this week at St. Luke’s Church about the design of the 5 corners in Collegetown. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that staff was working on mandated training, preparing trucks for the construction season, promotions and hiring seasonal workers, and street clean would begin April 1st. Board of Public Works Page 2 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the City had 21 water main breaks so far this year, and 1 sewer main break that was caused by NYSEG. Crews were in week 2 of the rebuild of the 200 Block of North Cayuga Street. Water and sewer crews should be done on that block b y mid- April; Highway crews would take over after that to rebuild the street. He further reported that staff was also interviewing to fill new positions. Supt. Thorne reported that the street light purchase agreement was under attorney review and negotiation of details with NYSEG. The Cascadilla Creek Dredging Design had begun, with staff coordinating with the City Harbor Project, hoping for dredging in November 2019. A public presentation of the Local Flood Hazard Analysis had been scheduled for April 30 , 2019, at Tompkins County Public Library. Design of College Avenue had begun; work on that road would begin after college graduation. The Request for Qualifications for a Comprehensive Parking Study was advertised with proposal due April 12, 2019. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution to Repeal DPW Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Statement By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Department of Public Works has a Policy Statement for Drug and Alcohol Testing, adopted by the Board of Public Works on December 11, 2002, which follows US Department of Transportation regulation 49 CFR Part 40 for employees who are required to hold Commercial Drivers Licenses, but which also imposes additional penalties on DPW employees who have positive test results, and WHEREAS, the additional penalties imposed by the DPW policy statement have the potential to penalize the Department of Public Works and the City of Ithaca as well, by placing the employee who tests positive on unpaid leave for an undefined period of time (typically 1 to 2 months), thereby leaving the DPW workforce shorthanded, and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works, in consultation with Human Resources and the City Attorney’s office, is desirous of developing new penal ties for employees who test positive on random drug tests, and which such process shall be consistent with USDOT 49 CFR Part 40 and the Tompkins County Consortium Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Policy, the latter of which was adopted by the City of Ithaca in 2010, and WHEREAS, adoption of a new DPW policy, implemented and modified as needed from time to time by the Superintendent of Public Works, requires the repeal of the current policy, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca, Department of Public Works Omnibus Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Statement adopted by the Board of Public Works on December 11, 2002 is hereby repealed, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works shall adopt a new and similar policy and, in consultation with Human Resources and the City Attorney’s office, will develop new penalties thereunder for employees who are required to participate and subsequently fail random drug and alcohol tests. Carried Unanimously Resolution to Authorize Execution of a License Agreement for Installation and Maintenance of TCAT Bus Shelters within the City Right of Way By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT), a not-for-profit corporation, has received funding to install certain bus shelters within the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, the current proposed site to utilize an existing concrete pad, installed by the City, and within the City’s right of way east of the Salvation Army building, locat ed at 150 North Albany Street; and WHEREAS, the installation and maintenance of bus shelters provides a benefit to City residents; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs, due to the existing use of City owned property at this location; and now, therefore, be it Board of Public Works Page 3 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Mayor, upon the advice and counsel of the City Attorney, to enter into a revocable license agreement with TCAT f or installation of the above-referenced bus shelter. Carried Unanimously Resolution to Approve the 2019 Traffic Calming Program Work Plan By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received twenty (20) traf fic calming requests in accordance with the Traffic Calming Program application requirements, and WHEREAS, the Engineering Office has evaluated said requests and has established a recommended work plan outlined in the accompanying memorandum and table, no w therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does hereby approve the proposed 2019 Traffic Calming work plan with the understanding that the final design may differ somewhat from the proposed plan and that some of the work may be pushed into the 2020 season. Carried Unanimously Resolution to Add a 15 minute Parking Zone in Front of CFCU Community Credit Union on Esty Street By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted October 6, 2010, for implementation of a Schedule of Traffic Regulations, which was established by Common Council by Ordinance No. 2010-08, and WHEREAS, the south side of Esty Street, from its intersection with Meadow Street, to a poi nt approximately 210 feet to the east, is now regulated as No Parking Anytime, and WHEREAS, the north side of Esty Street, from its intersection with Meadow Street, to a point approximately 50 feet to the east, is now regulated as No Parking Anytime, and WHEREAS, No Parking Anytime can be used for Standing but does not allow the driver to leave the vehicle, and WHEREAS, the No Parking Anytime zone on the south side of Esty Street mentioned above, is consistently used by clients who park, leave their vehicle, and do business at the Cornell Federal Credit Union adjacent to this No Parking Anytime zone, and WHEREAS, the No Parking Anytime zone on the south side of Esty Street could also be used as a short term parking zone, with no impact to the current traffic flow on the street, and WHEREAS, the two aforementioned No Parking Anytime zones on Esty Street mentioned above are incorrectly listed in Section 346-64 Schedule XIV: No Standing, now, be it RESOLVED, That Section 346-64 Schedule XIV: No Standing be amended as follows: Remove the following entry from this schedule: Name Side Location Esty Street Both From a point 50 feet east of Meadow Street to a point 125 feet west thereof Now, be it further RESOLVED, that Section 346-62 Schedule XII: Parking Prohibited at All Times be amended to include the following for Esty Street: Name Side Location Esty Street North From its intersection with Meadow Street, to a point approximately 50 feet east thereof And be it further Board of Public Works Page 4 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That a 15 minute parking zone be established on the south side of Esty Street beginning at a point located three (3) feet east of the east edge of the Cornell Federal Credit Union parking lot entrance driveway to a point located 100 feet east thereof and, now, be it further RESOLVED, That Section 346-68 Schedule XIII: Time Limit Parking be amended to add the following for Esty Street: Name Side Time Limit: Hours/Days Location Esty Street South 15 min: All/All Beginning at a point located three (3) feet east of the east edge of the Cornell Federal Credit Union parking lot entrance driveway to a point located 100 feet east thereof. Carried Unanimously Resolution to Establish No Parking Anytime on Both Sides of the Full Length of Pier Road By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted October 6, 2010, for implementation of a Schedule of Traffic Regulations, which was est ablished by Common Council by Ordinance No. 2010-08, and WHEREAS, Pier Road is only 22 to 24 feet wide, this pavement width being insufficient to accommodate parking a vehicle fully on the paved roadway without obstructing the traveled way to an unacceptable degree, and WHEREAS, in order for vehicles to park on Pier Road, without obstructing traffic, the vehicles would have to be parked off the edge of pavement, and WHEREAS, there are no paved or gravel shoulders that can be utilized for parking, and the roadsides are mostly grass turf which cannot sustain repeated instances of parking without excessive damage; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby designates both sides of Pier Road, for the full length of the road as a “No Parking Any Time” zone, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Section 346-62 and Schedule XII be amended to include the following for Pier Road: Name Side Location Pier Road Both Entire Length Carried Unanimously Resolution to Establish 15 minute Parking on the North Side of East Court Street Adjacent to Temple Beth El By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted October 6, 2010, for implementation of a Schedule of Traffic Regulations, which was established by Common Council by Ordinance No. 2010-08, and WHEREAS, there exists an approximately 50 foot “No Parking Any Time” zone located on the North Side of East Court Street adjacent to Temple Beth El, which is not presently listed in Section 346-62 Schedule XII Parking Prohibited at All Times for Court Street, and WHEREAS, Temple Beth El operates a pre-school from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and parents need curbside short term parking to drop off and escort pre-school children into and out of the Temple, and Section 346-62 Schedule XII Parking Prohibited at All Times Board of Public Works Page 5 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, The current No Parking Any Time zone allows parents to stand to drop of children, but does not allow parents to leave the vehicle and escort pre-school children into and out of the Temple for school, and WHEREAS, Section 346-68 Schedule XVII, must be updated to add this zone; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby changes the designation of the No Parking Any Time zone on East Court Street adjacent to the Temple Beth El to be 15 minute parking, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Section 346-68 Schedule XVII Time Limit Parking for East Court Street be amended to read as follows: Name Side Time Limit Hours/Days Location Court Street (Added 11-16-11) North 15 mins. 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Between the driveways for 720 West Court Street and 710-712 West Court Street Court Street North 15 mins. All/All From a point 20 ft. west of Tioga Street to a point 70 ft. west of Tioga St. Carried Unanimously Resolution Accepting Title to Portions of Brindley and Taber Streets and Assuming Maintenance Responsibility By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, a Project for the Brindley Street Bridge Replacement over Cayuga Inlet, P.I.N. 375611 (the “Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs such program to be borne at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-Federal funds; and WHEREAS, the project involves the construction of new roadway and bridge on a relocated horizontal alignment that will connect Taber Street with the West State Street/Taughnnock Boulevard intersection, and WHEREAS, on June 7, 2017, the City of Ithaca Common Council authorized the City of Ithaca to pay in the first instance 100% of the federal and non -federal share of the cost of Right-of- Way Acquisition phase of the Project; and WHEREAS, Congdon & Co. Inc. has facilitated the acquisition of 1098 square feet of real property located at 120-140 Brindley Street on behalf of the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, in accordance with the City of Ithaca Charter Section 53, “The Board of Public Works may enter upon any lands for the purpose of survey and examination; otherwise, in the name of the City of Ithaca all lands, water rights, easements, privileges and franchises and all other real and personal property whatsoever, either within or outside of the corporation limits of the City of Ithaca, which are necessary, in the judgment of the Board, for any of the purposes herein set forth and shall have the right to enter upon, take possession of and appropriate all such property and to do any and every act or thing that may be necessary to carry ou t the full intent and purpose of all the provisions contained in this Charter;” now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca, through its Board of Public Works, agrees to accept real property acquired by Congdon & Co. Inc. for the project and a grees to maintain same, and it is further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Carried Unanimously Paragraph 346-68 Schedule XVIII Time Limit Parking Board of Public Works Page 6 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Denial of Appeal of Water Service Installation Billing for 926, 930, 936 Hector Street – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, on April 4, April 11, and April 13, 2018, the Water and Sewer Division of the City of Ithaca DPW installed new water and sewer services at the request of the Owner of 926, 930 and 936 Hector Street, and WHEREAS, the property owner states he was not aware the he would be responsible for costs associated with the installation, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the appeal at their regular meeting on January 15, 2019, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the appeal to dismiss the bills associated with the installation of new water and sewer services for these three properties, and be it further RESOLVED, That any balance on the bills not be subject to late fees or interest until 30 days beyond of the date of this Resolution, and that the owner may also, at his option, contact the City of Ithaca Chamberlain’s Office to arrange an extended repayment plan for the amount of the invoices. Carried Unanimously ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That the minutes of the following Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed:  August 21, 2018  September 18, 2018  October 16, 2018  November 20, 2018  December 18, 2018 Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: Resolution to Amend the Revocable License for Use of City Real Property between Ithaca Babe Ruth and the City of Ithaca By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Greene WHEREAS, Ithaca Babe Ruth utilizes Union Field 8 at Cass Park to operate the Cal Ripken Youth Baseball program and currently licenses from the City certain storage spaces to support its public recreational activities; and WHEREAS, the current shed at Union Field 8 provided by Babe Ruth is old, has sustained damage over the years and is no longer weather and/or rodent proof; and WHEREAS, the existence of this shed assists Ithaca Babe Ruth in offering qua lity affordable youth baseball opportunities to local youth; and WHEREAS, Ithaca Babe Ruth is currently in the “Agreement/Revocable License for Use of City Real Property” that will be adjusted for the additional 36 square feet of shed space; and WHEREAS, Ithaca Babe Ruth will provide a new 12’ by12’ shed and remove the existing 9’ by 12’ shed at their own expense; and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau and the PRNC are both supportive of this proposal, and the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs; and WHEREAS, City Code Chapter 170 “Use of City Real Property” vests in the Common Council sole authority to grant approval of any license to make non -transitory use of City parkland, now therefore be it Board of Public Works Page 7 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That the Board finds that Ithaca Babe Ruth’s proposal to replace the existing shed continues to support the broader public recreational activities in Cass Park provided by Babe Ruth under the above-referenced Agreement/Revocable License for Use of City Real Property; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that Common Council authorize Babe Ruth to replace their existing 9’ by 12’ shed with a 12’ by 12’ shed in the existing location at Union Field 8; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that Common Council authorize the mayor to amend the license agreement to permit installation and maintenance of the same. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor