HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-05-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. May 12, 2014
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (6) - Jenkins, Darling, Morache, Warden, Goldsmith, Acharya
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Benjamin
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer — Whitney
Common Council Liaison — Fleming
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Director of Engineering — West
Transportation Engineer — Logue
EXCUSED:
DAC Liaison — Roberts
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Supt. Thorne requested the addition of a brief Executive Session to Discuss the
Proposed Acquisition or Lease of Real Property, The Publicity of Which Would
Substantially Affect the Value Thereof
Supt. Thorne further requested the addition of a time sensitive request from the Friends
of Tompkins County Library to Hang a Temporary Banner at Wood Street Park.
No Board Member Objected
MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
No one appeared to address the Board.
REPORTS:
Planning and Development Board Liaison:
Commissioner Acharya reported that the Board is currently reviewing and discussing a
proposed project at 7 Ridgewood Road in Cornell Heights that has attracted a lot of
attention and input from the public. The request is going to a special meeting of the
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 20th for a certificate of
appropriateness; once that request has been approved then the rest of the process
should proceed smoothly. He stated that it is a beautiful project that will be located in a
beautiful area of the City.
Commons Advisory Board:
Commissioner Darling reported that he attended the May 2, 2014 Commons Advisory
Board meeting at which there was no quorum. The members that were there discussed
trash collection and policy changes for the Commons after the reconstruction is
completed.
Natural Areas Commission:
Commissioner Darling reported that the Natural Areas Commission has reviewed the
proposed Lake Street bridge project. They are very interested in seeing if the project
could be extended to meet the existing trail in that area.
Director of Engineering West responded that if the City were to extend that work to the
trail it would be outside the scope of the allocated funding through the Transportation
Improvement Project program. To extend the project would require a significant outlay
of money to do both design and construction. The City plans to request some additional
money from the local tourism fund so that the little park area near Ithaca Falls can be
developed a little better for visitors to the area to take photographs and enjoy the area
safely away from the street and vehicles.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes
Joint Sewer Committee:
May 12, 2014
Commissioner Warden reported that amazing bio- generation work is underway which
produces a significant amount of methane. The committee is searching for sources for
products to generate using methane. The plant hopes to be 100% self sufficient, and
use methane in city vehicles because they will have more than enough capacity for that
and then some.
Superintendent and Staff:
Supt. Thorne reported that New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
is finally moving ahead with the dredging of Cayuga Inlet. The City may bring in a
consultant to provide advice on the most cost effective way to handle and dispose of the
dredge material. They may also discuss other permit issues related to future dredging of
the inlet with the consultant.
Supt. Thorne further reported that discussions on garbage disposal related to food
waste will begin in June.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews are surveying the layout for new sidewalks on
Court Street, and then will proceed to Esty Street to do the same. They are also
repairing open throat catch basins at Cornell Street and North Titus Avenue /South
Cayuga Street. In addition, crews are flushing and washing the salt off bridges around
the City in an effort to help preserve them.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin further shared that today the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing
Services presented the Streets and Facilities Division of Public Works with the "Lucy
Brown Annual Leadership Award" for their efforts to protect both private and public
property during the Ice Jam in January 2014.
Mayor Myrick extended his congratulations to the department and noted that it was well
earned. The crews did an extraordinary job. The Board also extended its'
congratulations and applauded both Asst. Supt. Benjamin and his crews for a job well
done.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that during the week of May 19th, they will try to pressure
clean water mains on Woodcrest Avenue and Homestead. That work should take about
a week to remove all the rust and iron from the mains.
Asst. Supt. Whitney further reported that the aeration system at the Waste Water
Treatment Plant is currently being replaced with high efficiency system. He stated that
his crews have been extremely busy with an unusually high amount of new service
requests.
Director of Engineering West reported that bids are due for the Seneca Street Parking
Garage work on Wednesday, May 14th, so he will be back to the Board on May 19th with
a resolution to award the bid.
He further reported that he was recently apprised of deterioration and repairs that are
needed at the Cass Park pool. Staff is working with Cass Park Recreation Supervisor,
Jim D'alterio, on repairs. The work will need to be completed in a short period of time
since the pool has to be open for swimming season and summer camps. The
deterioration has a lot to do with both the weather and the affects of the pool's age; it is
between 40 -45 years old.
In addition, a Request for Proposals was issued for design work at the Cass Park Ice
Rink.
Another Request for Proposals is scheduled to be released soon for the design of fuel
lines at Streets and Facilities on Pier Road.
Alderperson and Liaison to the Board Fleming arrived at 5:04 p.m.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes May 12, 2014
Director of Parking Nagy reported that the last month has been spent working with the
Ithaca Farmers' Market and parking related issues. He stated that this past weekend
1,429 cars were parked in 200 spaces at the market in four hours by 4 workers on site
to oversee parking. He has a meeting with representatives from the Farmers Market on
May 14th to go over some different concepts and ideas for parking in the future, as well
as what to do for the rest of this year.
He further announced that there would be a Parking Advisory Board meeting on May
23, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. with the head of transportation from Cornell University at City Hall.
He invited Board members to attend the meeting if they're able and interested. He is
trying to bring together the community of parking to discuss parking needs, concerns,
and ideas for parking in and around the City.
Director of Parking Nagy stated that at the joint meeting on May 28th between Common
Council and the Board of Public Works additional parking information will be shared and
concerns discussed. He stated that License Plate Readers are being installed on the
Community Service Officer's vehicles, and they all should be installed by end of this
week. After that, they will need to make sure the GPS settings are accurate, data will
be collected and problems addressed.
He stated that parking related items are proceeding in a good direction at this point;
revenue is up in all the parking garages since the automated pay stations have been
installed, and right now it appears that the parking revenue is 25% above what it was
last year at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the April 7, 14, and 28, 2014 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes -
Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 7, 14, and 28, 2014 Board of Public Works
Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS:
A Resolution to Create a Heritage Permit within the Street Vending Policy
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes the historical significance of Louie's
Lunch Wagon and the Hot Truck to the City of Ithaca and supports their continued
operation in their current locations, and
WHEREAS, the Street Vending Policy of the City of Ithaca, approved by the Board of
Public Works on January 25, 2014, does not include any recognition of these existing
businesses, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works now desires to recognize these historic
businesses by creating and granting a "Heritage Permit;" now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Street Vending Policy of the City of Ithaca be amended in the
following manner:
"IV. Vending Permits
A. Types Available
4. Heritage Permit is available only to Street Vendors that have operated
under previous City issued permits in their current location prior to October
1, 2003, and apply only to that previously permitted location. Vendors
must complete the Permit Application process and pay a one -time
application fee of $100. The Annual Fee will be determined by the
Superintendent of Public Works and approved by the Board of Public
Works prior to April 1st of each year. Heritage Permit holders are subject
to all parts of the Vending Policy with the exception of participating in the
lottery, and will be allowed to occupy and operate in the permitted location
at all times. [Exempted Rules: VII. Operations B. (4, 6) C. (1 -4) D. (1 -4)]"
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2014
Alderperson- Liaison Fleming questioned whether this type of permit could pass from
one owner to the next if they kept the food truck at the same location and nothing was
changed except for the owner.
Commissioner Darling responded that would be at the discretion of the Supt. of Public
Works and the Board of Public Works; but, it could happen.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
Award of Bid for Traffic Signal Upgrade - Phase 2 - Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, bids were received on April 9, 2014, for the Traffic Signal Upgrade — Phase
2 project, CP 765, PIN 375464, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the three bids received and made a recommendation for
award, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation has reviewed the bid
package and low bidder information and has authorized the City to award the contract;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract
for the Traffic Signal Upgrade — Phase 2 to Power and Construction Group, Inc., 96
West River Road, Scottsville, NY for their low bid meeting specifications of $884,574.50,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute
and administer such contract according to standard procedure.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
Authorization to Hang a Banner at Wood Street Park - Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya
WHEREAS, the Family Reading Partnership has requested to hang a banner from the
basketball court fencing at Wood Street Park promoting reading to children, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Parks Commission has reviewed the request and
expressed support for the banner, along with comments regarding the maintenance of
visibility into the park and the need to develop a policy for the types of signage allowed
in public parks, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works also supports the Family Reading Partnership
banner, but is concerned with consistency for granting or denying future sign requests in
parks, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, as the property owner of Wood Street Park, must grant
permission to hang the banner; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants permission to hang the
Family Reading Partnership banner from the basketball court fencing in Wood Street
Park in accordance with the City of Ithaca Sign Ordinance, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Parks Commission
develop a comprehensive policy for the types of signage to be allowed in City Parks.
Carried Unanimously
N
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes May 12, 2014
Resolution Supporting Projects in Stewart Park:
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Friends of Stewart Park presented updated plans for various projects
within Stewart Park at the April 28, 2014 Board of Public Works meeting, including plans
for planting a garden at the entrance to Stewart Park, installing an interpretive panel
sign on the history, habitat and birds of the Renwick Wildwood, and installation of
historical information signs at the Large Pavilion, Public Works Building, and Cascadilla
Boathouse, and
WHEREAS, the City Forester and City Parks Commission have provided input and
review during design development, resulting in final approved designs for the entry
garden, interpretive panels, and historical signage; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works is in support of the installation of the entry
garden, the interpretive panel, and the historical information signs at the Large Pavilion,
Public Works Building, and Cascadilla Boathouse.
Carried Unanimously
Resolution to Hang a Temporary Banner in Wood Street Park
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library have requested to hang
a temporary banner from the fencing along the sidewalk at Wood Street Park promoting
their spring Book Sale, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Parks Commission has viewed the request but has
provided no comments related to the banner, and
WHEREAS, the banner will be displayed for less than 10 days, being removed by May
20, 2014, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, as the property owner of Wood Street Park, must grant
permission to hang the banner; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants permission to display the
Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library banner from the fencing along the
sidewalk at Wood Street Park in accordance with the City of Ithaca Sign Ordinance.
Mayor Myrick agreed with previous statements that the Parks Commission needs to
develop a set of criteria for responding to requests of this nature. In the meantime, he is
comfortable with the Board approving this request for a temporary banner at Wood
Street Park from the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library.
Supt. Thorne stated that this topic would be discussed at the Parks Commission
meeting this week, and noted that Wood Street Park seems to be a very popular
location for banners.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) Coltivare Culinary Program,
Cayuga Green - License to Permit Installation of Grease Trap within Cayuga
Street Right -of -Way
Director of Engineering West explained that TC3 has requested permission to install a
grease trap within the right -of -way on South Cayuga Street.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding what a grease trap entails, restoration of the sidewalk
after installation of the grease trap and keeping the sidewalk clean and grease free in the future.
Concerns raised will be incorporated in a resolution for the Board to approve authorizing the use
of the City's right -of -way for this purpose and authorization to enter into a license agreement
with the applicant. The reason this is coming before the Board is because the grease trap will
be located under the sidewalk similar to underground vaults around the City, so it requires a
license for the use. Director of Engineering West will provide a resolution for the Board's May
19th agenda and meeting.
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Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes May 12, 2014
Process to Assess a Portion of New Sidewalk Costs alonq Cornell Street and
Hancock Street to Adioininq Owners - Discussion
Transportation Engineer Logue explained Under the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement
policy and direction from the Board of Public Works, the Department of Public Works in
2012 and 2013 installed new sidewalk along Cornell Street and along Hancock Street,
abutting the following addresses:
1120 E. Martin Luther King Jr. /East State Street (side yard abuts Cornell St.)
10 Cornell Street
702 Hancock Street
710 Hancock Street
711 Hancock Street
622 Cascadilla Street (rear yard abuts Hancock Street)
At the Board of Public Works March 10, 2014 meeting, in the context of forming the
Sidewalk Improvement District (SID) work plans and budgets, the Board indicated its
preference to apportion half the sidewalk related costs to the adjacent property owners
and half the costs to the Sidewalk Improvement Districts (SID District 2 for Cornell
Street work and SID District 3 for Hancock Street work). The SID budgets were adopted
by Common Council on May 7, 2014. In order to assess the other half of the new
sidewalk costs, the Board of Public Works now needs to follow the process spelled out
in the City Charter. This process includes holding a duly advertised public hearing and
then adopting an assessment to be forwarded on to Common Council for final approval.
The details are in sections C -73.1 and C -89 of the City Charter.
With the Board of Public Works' concurrence, staff will publish an advertisement for a
public hearing at the Board's June 9th regular meeting, contact the six affected property
owners to alert them to the hearing date, and prepare a resolution to approve the
apportionment /assessment of costs also at the June 9th meeting.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he would prefer to vote on the resolution at the
Board's June 16th meeting; rather than at the same meeting at which the public hearing
is held.
The rest of the Board members supported that idea as well.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he would like to propose that the Board not vote on
items at the same meeting where a public hearing is held. He would prefer the vote be
taken at the next meeting of the Board. He shared his reason (related to the rebuild of
the Water Plant and the topic of the requested executive session later in the meeting)
for the request, which was that recently a public hearing was held, the public expressed
a lot of opposition and staff were not at the meeting to comment. In response, he voted
in wrong way and would have voted differently had he heard staff comments; it was a
very emotionally and politically charged meeting /public hearing.
Mayor Myrick responded that his idea is a point well taken, and it is a good process to
follow. However, now there is a time crunch — even though this is an idea that has been
in place for at least 10 years so, the pressure on the Board to act right away is not fair.
Commissioner Acharya noted that he does not necessarily disagree with the idea of
splitting up when the vote is taken from the public hearing; however, it is somewhat
unfair to split the public input from Board's decision. The public hearing is held at an
open meeting with a lot of comments; then, at next meeting no one is there and the
Board takes action on the item. He stated that items related to public works are political
and that it is not a bad idea to slow down the decision making process.
Commissioner Darling expressed his support for discussion or public hearings to take
place at one meeting and the Board vote on the item at its next meeting — if time allows.
Commissioner Warden supported the comments that have been made above. He
noted, though, that the Board does have to juggle all the information it is given and
make a decision based upon the best thing for the community as a whole. He agreed
that sometimes that it's a hard balance.
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Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2014
Mayor Myrick also noted that if there are two sides to a topic, the other won't necessarily
show up at same meeting so it is a good idea to provide plenty of opportunity for
everyone to comment.
Mayor Myrick stated that he would like to adjourn the meeting prior to the Board
entering into executive session since no formal action would be taken afterwards. The
Board agreed.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick
Information Management Specialist Mayor