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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2019-08-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:07 p.m. August 20, 2019 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) – Blalock, Greene, Jenkins, McCormick, Morache OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – Logue Common Council Liaison – McGonigal Executive Assistant – Servoss EXCUSED: Commissioner Warden City Attorney – Lavine Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Director of Parking – Messmer ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Commissioner McCormick requested the addition of a discussion regarding the Play Street Project as item 8B. Executive Asst. Servoss requested the addition of item 8C entitled “Concerns about the Repair and Maintenance of Stewart Avenue from Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission .” No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor did not have anything to communicate at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Gossa Tsegaye, city of Ithaca, addressed the Board to express concerns about traffic on West Seneca Street between Albany Street and Meadow Street. He asked for traffic calming measures in that area due to the increased number of accidents. His main concern was the frequency of accidents at the intersection of Plain and Seneca Streets, and suggested putting in a traffic light at that corner. Mario Hernandez, Stone Quarry Road, read the following statement to the Board: I think the dead end on Spencer Road is the product of poor decision-making, and I would like to suggest that the cheapest way out of the developing complications the dead end has caused would be to reopen public access to route 13 from Stone Quarry Road. The connection between Rt. 13 and Stone Quarry Road (SQR) was a vital artery of traffic in Ithaca and has been for decades. Residents of Stone Quarry Road, residents in Danby and beyond, cab drivers, and many businesses making food deliveries to Ithaca College used it regularly. Now no one but the residents of the Stone Quarry Apartments complex can use it. That means all the traffic that was normally relieved by the connection between Rt. 13 and SQR going up to IC and Danby will have to be diverted to the already congested 96B intakes on Clinton and State Streets. It is unfair that the residents at the base of SQR were allowed to make a decision that would affect the traffic routines and daily lives of the majority of users of SQR, who live in the Town of Ithaca and Danby. Even though technically access to SQR (minus the connection to Rt. 13) remains open, it is no longer convenient—now it’s complicated and partial—and that convenience was important in this case. Residents and deliverers would take SQR via Rt. 13 instead of 96B because it was an easy and fast alternative. It was worth everyone’s while. Now it isn’t worth anyone’s while—not even the disgruntled residents of Stone Quarry Road, who are forced to use it, because they live there. Although I agree that closing off Titus or Cleveland is a simple inconvenience everyone can learn to live with, SQR is a very different thing. When Albany Street or Geneva Street is closed, I can Board of Public Works Page 2 August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting take many other alternative roads to the same destinations with very little effort. The fact that Seneca and Green are one-way streets is no problem, precisely because there are a lot of other Ithaca roads that provide the same access to the same places at a minimal sacrifice. That isn’t true when Rt. 13 is cut off from SQR. The only other obvious road into Ithaca College and Danby is 96B—a considerable distance away, and already congested enough without the new traffic. It seems gratuitous to me that time-honored, direct, and socially valuable public access to Stone Quarry Road from Rt. 13 has now been privatized by the Stone Quarry Apartments development, to the detriment of a large plurality of Ithacans. What was once the right of all to use has now become the possession of a select few. That would be fine on most streets in Ithaca—on 99% of them—but I maintain that the connection from Rt. 13 to SQR is a different case entirely, because very few Ithaca routes permit direct passage between downtown and Danby, and because the hardships suffered by commuters on SQR are different and more significant. SQR is a mountain pass—a narrow road with no off-ramps. Because of this, any obstruction on that street has urgent consequences for those who live on it. I go up and down SQR into the city several times a day, and loss of access to 13 at the intersection of SQR and Spencer has extended the closed tunnel of SQR (with no possible right or left turns) all the way to the traffic circle (since Spencer Road allows no right or left turns). This is a daily burden when I’m trying to get to the commercial areas on Rt. 13, because I have to travel in the wrong direction into the traffic circle and then retrace my path all the way back on Old Elmira Road. This senseless hairpin route is perennially irritating and counterintuitive, and would not result from blocking any other Ithaca street. I am further concerned that there is an effort coming from the Spencer Road community to obstruct and police the commuters who traditionally have utilized SQR with speed bumps and an increased police presence. Increased likelihood of contact with the police is not an improvement in quality of life in anyone’s neighborhood. What’s happening is that the city’s doubling-down on the ill-conceived policy of blocking the SQR/Spencer intersection is resulting in more investment of manpower and materials than the decision to reroute traffic is worth. Instead of policing SQR to enforce a new and controversial inconvenience to commuters in the city and town of Ithaca (and areas outlying), the intersection could simply be opened up again. The Spencer Street community’s new initiative to calm traffic ignores the importance of the connection of Rt. 13 and SQR at that intersection as a vital and indispensable commuter artery in Ithaca. The intersection is an urban collector because there is an unmet traffic need in Ithaca and its surrounding towns that was satisfied by the Rt. 13-to-SQR route. Policing and obstructing traffic will not eliminate the traffic needs of the population of motorists who once enjoyed an outlet to 13 from SQR, and have been given no convenient alternative to substitute for the access they have now lost. Rerouting, policing, and speed bumps will only sow division in what had been a united community, and will only exacerbate a problem of unmet traffic needs in Ithaca, not alleviate it. I think the dead end on Spencer Road is the product of poor decision-making, and I would like to suggest that the cheapest way out of the developing complications the dead end has caused would be to reopen public access to route 13 from Stone Quarry Road.” Hannah George and Ty Moeller, PRNR Commissioners, addressed the Board to provide an update of the City of Ithaca Memorials Policy. They stated that the next steps to getting the policy approved would be to be placed on the next Board of Public Works agenda to discuss it further and consider a resolution to put the policy in place. Pam Lang, city of Ithaca, addressed the Board to express her opposition to the closing of South Titus Avenue for the Play Street Program. She stated that she witnessed an average of seven people in the park during the street closures and did not feel closing the street every Sunday was worth the inconvenience. She noted that people couldn’t get through the neighborhood and complained about the inconvenience of having to drive around the closure. She hoped the street closure was not just for two or three families. She stated that there were plenty of parks in the neighborhood that had plenty of space to play, and expressed her belief that South Titus Avenue was not the right street. Rich Rogers, city of Ithaca, addressed the Board to express support for the Sunday events in Triangle Park on South Titus Avenue. He stated he had been out in the street with his family every week and thought the events brought the community together. He noted that drivers had to drive only three blocks to get around the street closure. Board of Public Works Page 3 August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Mayor Myrick responded to the PRNR Memorials Policy, stating it was an excellent policy. He asked Supt. Thorne if the City was able to accept donations. Supt. Thorne responded that a system was needed to accept donations, and staff would need to consult Controller Steve Thayer and City Forester Jeanne Grace. He further stated he would like time to review the policy in more detail, and it was appropriate for the policy to be brought back next month. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the capabilities of the city to maintain an endowment or consistent donations. Mayor Myrick responded to the concerns about West Seneca and Plain Streets. Commissioner Jenkins expressed concern about bushes and large trucks parking on the corner that would obstruct the vision on drivers on Plain Street as they crossed Seneca Street. Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that a request would need to be submitted to New York State Dept. of Transportation, and then staff would be able to gather data. He further stated that the City would need to obtain permission to be a sponsor for a project to install traffic calming on the state road. However, the first step was for Mr. Tsegaye and his neighbors to submit a traffic calming program application. Commissioner Morache requested that City crews be sent out to ensure the shrubs were cut back. CC Liaison McGonigal responded to Mr. Hernandez’s concerns about Stone Quarry Road and Spencer Road, stating that there were many neighborhood meetings about how dangerous Spencer Road was, the accidents that occurred at the intersection itself, and the fact that people were in danger just checking their mail because vehicles drove too fast. He noted that the change improved three intersections significantly, making the area much safer. He further stated that the 300 block of Spencer Road had some issues that were being worked on, and asking people to go ½ mile out of their way in exchange for improved safety was a fair trade- off. Mayor Myrick agreed. REPORTS Council Liaison CC Liaison McGonigal thanked the Board and Asst. Supt. Benjamin specifically for giving so much attention to Spencer Road. He noted that they listened to the neighborhood to fix the drainage issues the contractor didn’t complete, and improved the 300 block of Spencer Road. He stated the neighbors had reported to him that there had been a noticeable reduction in speed since the 25 mph signs had been installed. He further noted that the sidewalk on South Aurora Street looked really good. Commissioner McCormick asked that, since the speed limit had been reduced, would there be a new traffic count? Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that a new traffic count could be conducted. Commissioner Greene suggested utilizing additional signage to remind people to slow down. Supt. Thorne reported that an internal meeting of staff was scheduled to discuss additional traffic calming measures for Spencer Road, but it was an awkward intersection due to topography. Staff would consider all available options and choose two or three achievable solutions for the Board’s review. Board Liaisons Commissioner Blalock, Planning Board liaison, reported that the Chainworks project would be continuing with Phase 1. He suggested the Board look at the aerial map for this project and notice just how large the property was. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that the City was ready to break ground for the next phase of the Stewart Park Playground, which would take rest of summer to complete. He further reported that staff opened bids for Fuel Island project; the sidewalk on South Aurora Street had opened ahead of schedule; Dryden Road Garage repairs were under way; and a proposal was being put together for another intercity bus stop near the Starbucks on Seneca Street. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews milled and paved the 200 block of Spencer Street and was beginning the 300 block of Spencer Road. He further stated that crews were working on the suggestions that could do to help the situation on Spencer Road, such as clearing out vegetation, realigning the curb, and modifying the turn-around at the intersection with Stone Quarry Road. Supt. Thorne reported that he would be asking for funding for the comprehensive parking study. He stated that staff decided to hire Stantec to conduct a city-wide parking study, and if Board of Public Works Page 4 August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting funding was approved, the study could begin in September. He further reported that the street light purchase was still tied up in legal review, and the sediment management project was delayed due to high bids. Commissioner McCormick mentioned the newly painted crosswalks and asked about repainting the Bike Blvd. Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that crews were going through their list and that they would repaint the Bike Blvd. stencils as soon as they could. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the June 18, 2019 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Rob: Seconded by Commissioner CJ RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 18, 2019, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Request for Late Night Mobile Vending on the Commons Executive Assistant Servoss explained the request from former IPD Officer Nelson, who has partnered up with Lou Cassiniti with his hot dog stand. Mr. Nelson submitted a request for permission to vend on the Commons until 2 a.m. Executive Assistant Servoss e xpressed her approval of the request, noting that one more vendor on the Commons during “bar dump” would take some pressure off the other food businesses that stay open late. Supt. Thorne noted that the current late night vendor was doing well and was not receiving any complaints. He also expressed his approval of this request. Mayor Myrick agreed and expressed approval of the request. The Board generally agreed to approve the late night vending request. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: 2020 Sidewalk Improvement District Work Plan and Budget – Resolution By Commissioner CJ: Seconded by Commissioner Rob WHEREAS Section C-73 of the City Charter creates five Sidewalk Improvement Districts (each a “SID”) for the construction and repair of sidewalk, and provides for an assessment against each property located in each SID for the benefits received by the property from such construction and repair; and WHEREAS the Board of Public Works is responsible for recommending to the Common Council a budget and schedule of work for each SID district for each fiscal year, following a public hearing; and WHEREAS the Board has received a proposed SID assessment roll, budget, and schedule of work for Fiscal Year 2020; and WHEREAS the City provided public notice of the SID a ssessment roll, budget, and schedule of work in July 2019; and WHEREAS owners of assessed properties were provided an opportunity to file written objections with the City Clerk, and present evidence to the Board at a public hearing on July 16, 2019; and WHEREAS the Board has given due consideration to the objections, if any, presented by the property owners in accordance with Section C-73; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board recommends, subject to amendment and approval by the Common Council, the 2020 budget and schedule of work attached hereto, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board finally approves the schedule of increased assessments or as a less preferred alternative the base rate assessments, constituting the 2020 assessment roll, which are reflected on the assessment roll kept on file with the City Clerk, which roll the Superintendent of Public Works shall on behalf of the Board file with the Common Council in the form of an upcoming Committee agenda thereof, and which roll shall there after be confirmed, as amended, by the Common Council by local law after a public hearing, creating a lien upon the real property so assessed. Board of Public Works Page 5 August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting Sidewalk Program Manager Licitra explained the process of public outreach for the 2020 sidewalk work plan. He pointed out some of the main projects planned for each sidewalk district, and noted that the budget showed a slight increase due to recently added projects. Dir. of Eng. Logue added that the resolution includes an approval of an increase of the Sidewalk Improvement District fees that was calculated to cover the increased number of projects. CC Liaison McGonigal responded that the increased fee for residential homes was minimal, but the commercial property fee was not minimal. He wanted to make sure people knew about it. Sidewalk Program Manager Licitra responded that the fees were provided during all public outreach meetings and were posted on the website. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the specific plans for the sidewalk on Hector Street, and the sidewalk project on Cecil A Malone Drive. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Play Street Project Rusty Keeler, Play Street Project organizer, joined the Board to provide an update on the pilot project that closed a block of a street on a regular basis rather than one block party each year. He showed photos of the events on South Titus Avenue and Madison Road. He reminded the Board that there was one more event on South Titus Avenue on Sunday, August 25th as part of the pilot, and invited the Board to stop by. He indicated that next year, there was a suggestion that the events be held once a month rather than weekly. Mayor Myrick gave Mr. Keeler kudos for organizing the program. He further stated that “there are those who curse the dark and those that light candles. Rusty lights candles.” Supt. Thorne expressed a concern that several neighborhoods would follow suit, and it might become confusing. He noted that the City did not have a good policy for approving special events, and there was a lack of consistency in what people were told. He would like to create a policy that was approved by the Board that indicated how small special events could be approved. He wanted to make sure there was a policy to point to that explained what was and wasn’t allowed. The goal was to have this policy in place by next summer. Commissioner McCormick agreed and suggested creating a street use structure to help manage these types of requests. Commissioner Greene thanked Mr. Keeler and Commissioner McCormick for putting together the pilot program. He suggested rotating through different neighborhoods who self -select to work with Mr. Keeler’s organization to ensure each event was managed properly and organized. Mr. Keeler displayed the policy from the Seattle Play Street Program, and stated he would be willing to think through a policy for Ithaca. Concerns about the Repair and Maintenance of Stewart Avenue from Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission Bryan McCracken, Historic Planner, and JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Economic Development, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Mr. McCracken explained the resolutions that were distributed to the Board regarding preservation of bricks from city streets. He explained that Stewart Avenue was paved over with asphalt in early May 2019, and shortly afterward he received calls from Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) members to find out if he had approved the project. In addition, some members of the public expressed concerns about retention of the brick as the City had promised it would do when it took ownership of the street. He requested that the City continue to retain historic brick streetscape as they were historic, and asked that the ILPC be included in decision making for properties within the historic district. Mayor Myrick responded that he had given approval to pave Stewart Avenue with asphalt because it was the most complained about street in the city. He was supposed to contact the Planning Department and didn’t follow through. Commissioner Morache reminded the Board that the asphalt was supposed to be a temporary fix because the brick street was tearing up cars and buses. Asst. Supt. Benjamin noted that the base under the bricks had deteriorated, which caused the street to deteriorate and cause other problems with damaging vehicles. Supt. Thorne noted that the City was planning to rebuild the Board of Public Works Page 6 August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting road in the next few years, one block at a time, including the brick, water and sewer lines, and taking into consideration the cost of future maintenance. Dir. of Planning Cornish stated that procedurally, there hadn’t been any communication in this instance, and noted that the City held residents’ feet to the fire, yet the City itself didn’t follow its own procedures. It was disheartening. Mayor Myrick responded that the message was received, and he took responsibility for not communicating with ILPC. Supt. Thorne indicated that crews had been given a short window in which to pave the street. He had heard from people that the bricks were permanently ruined due to the asphalt paving and couldn’t be reused, which was untrue. The asphalt actually preserves the bricks. He further noted that staff would follow the correct process in determining what to do with Stewart Avenue. WATER AND SEWER: Request to Connect to the West York Street Sump Station Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained the request and noted that a new underdrain system was installed in the area several years ago. He stated that Mr. Fabronni’s request was to tie into that system and noted that all of the other properties in that area was already connected. He does not have any problems with the request. Supt. Thorne noted that was a win-win for the City to approve this request, but the Board does not need to officially vote on it. The Board generally agreed to approve the connection request. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor