HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-07-14BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:48 p.m. July 14, 2014
PRESENT:
Vice -Chair — Jenkins
Commissioners (4) — Darling, Goldsmith, 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 — West
Director of Parking — Nagy
Common Council Liaison — Fleming
Executive Assistant — Gehring
Assistant City Attorney — Pittman
Planner — Megan Wilson
EXCUSED:
Mayor Myrick
City Attorney — Lavine
DAC Liaison — Roberts
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Morache reported that he would recuse himself from the discussion of Item 9.4,
"Mixed -use Development Proposed for 323 Taughannock Boulevard," due to a conflict of
interest.
MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor was not present.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Albert Smith, owner of The Hot Truck, thanked the Board for passing the resolution authorizing
the heritage permit for existing food trucks. He further stated that the Hot Truck may need to
be replaced in the near future due to the age of the truck. He asked the Board that he be
allowed to transfer the Heritage Permit from his current location on Stewart Avenue to the
location at Eddy Street at Dryden Road. He stated he would be happy to increase the number
of nights he is open if he is allowed to relocate.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Commissioner Darling responded that the Board would take Mr. Smith's request under
consideration.
REPORTS
Special Committees of the Board
Parks Commission Recommendations
Planner Megan Wilson joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Commissioner
Goldsmith, Parks Commission liaison, reported that the Parks Commission reviewed the
requests for the donation of a bench to the City.
Planner Wilson stated that the bench being donated was not a memorial so it would not fall
under any memorial policy. She explained that Cornell students had created the bench which
currently sits in a temporary location on campus, and they would like to donate it to the City for
a permanent location.
Commissioner Goldsmith noted that the Board was reluctant to accept gifts that the city would
have to maintain. He stated the mayor's suggestion having a gift registry for items the City
would like was a great idea. Supt. Thorne responded that the registry suggestion was still
good and he would work on creating the registry.
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Planner Wilson responded that maintenance of the donated bench was discussed, and the
students agreed that an agreement would be created specifying responsibilities and
maintenance.
She then redirected the discussion to the requests the Parks Commission was asked to
review: the Stewart Park Playground and a request to allow face painting in the parks. She
stated the Parks Commission supports both the proposed design for a new playground in
Stewart Park and the request to allow face painting in the parks as long as a certificate of
liability insurance is provided and the vendor is charged a fee.
Board Liaisons
Commissioner Warden, Special Joint Committee liaison, reported that the Committee had
voted on upgrades to the plant, costing $5 million that had already been set aside and would
be mostly reimbursed by a large grant.
Superintendent and Staff
Supt. Thorne reported that the city put in an offer on the house at 967 East State Street and
was waiting for a response. He further reported that a retaining wall in Six Mile Creek had
collapsed but there was no immediate emergency. He would like to work with Engineering to
create a plan for future replacement of creek walls that pass New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation requirements.
Director of Parking Nagy reported that parking revenues for June 2014 totaled $105,012, the
License Plate Recognition (LPR) vehicles were working well and training would begin within
the week. He expects the LPR vehicles to go public on August 1, 2014.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that certificates of substantial completion for the Water Treatment
Plant rebuild contracts 2 and 3 would be issued soon, and bids for general building
construction, contract 4, had been received and are being reviewed. He further reported that
the water quality at Woodcrest was continually increasing with only intermittent complaints,
and capital funds were requested for water main cleaning in that area of the City. He further
stated that crews were working on Clinton Street to replace the 4 inch water main with a 12
inch main, along with fire service line replacements.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews were installing new curb on Esty Street, park crews
have been busy cleaning up trees and debris from the recent storms, and a few large trees fell
into Six Mile Creek during the storms, but because of their locations, the city would have to
contract out the work of removing them. He further stated that the Fall Creek area would
receive spraying for hydrilla in the near future.
Director of Engineering West reported that the Phase 3 repairs in Seneca Street Parking
Garage had begun, one lane of Aurora Street should be opening this week near Simeon's, and
staff was working on cutting 1 % from the department's budget. Commissioners Darling and
Goldsmith agreed that the Board should hold a discussion and working session regarding the
2015 budget at a future meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the April 8, April 22, June 3, 2013, and June 23, 2014, Board of Public Works
Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 8, April 22, June 3, 2013, and June 23, 2014, Board
of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed.
Carried Unanimously
VOTING ITEMS:
Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit:
Approval of Dryden Road Parking Garage for the Public Art Commission's Mural and
Street Art Program — Resolution
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among
other duties, review and advise Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of
public art in City spaces — buildings, facilities, and infrastructure — and to review development
proposals for decorative elements in the city's public spaces, and
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WHEREAS, in 2010, the 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, including the Green
Street and Seneca Street Parking Garages, for inclusion on the list of potential sites in the City
of Ithaca Public Art Commission's Mural and Street Art Program by resolution on May 19,
2010, and
WHEREAS, as a result of this approval, the PAC has worked with nearly 50 artists to install
murals on City -owned property throughout the city, and the response to the new murals has
been overwhelmingly positive, and
WHEREAS, Parking Director Frank Nagy attended the PAC meeting on June 25, 2014 and
asked the PAC to consider murals for the Dryden Road Parking Garage to brighten up the
area and deter graffiti, and
WHEREAS, the PAC determined that the Dryden Road Parking Garage would be an ideal
location for future murals and would like to seek mural proposals for the garage upon Board of
Public Works approval of the location; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the City's Dryden Road Parking
Garage for inclusion on the list of potential sites for the PAC's Mural and Street Art Program;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the PAC will continue to work with Planning Department staff to conduct a
mutually acceptable public input procedure for engaging nearby businesses, residences,
and /or business and neighborhood associations for each specific project, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the PAC will work with the City Attorney to ensure that any mural, Request
for Proposals, or contract with a participating artist reflects and accommodates the needs and
constraints of the City.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Board's approval of the site and Common
Council's approval of the designs.
A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Creeks, Bridges, and Parks:
Approval of Installation of Sculptural Bench in Titus Triangle Park — Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann would like to donate a sculptural bench,
titled "Lightwave ", to the City for the use of and enjoyment by the community, and
WHEREAS, the bench's design was inspired by waves and a waterfront location would be
preferred for the installation, and
WHEREAS, on June 25, 2014, the Public Art Commission unanimously recommended that the
City accept the donation for installation in an appropriate City park, as identified by the Parks
Commission, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission reviewed the request at its meeting on July 8, 2014, and,
while a quorum was not present, those members in attendance unanimously recommended
that the City accept the donation of the sculptural bench and that the bench be installed in
Titus Triangle Park, adjacent to the recently re -built ramp to Six Mile Creek, and
WHEREAS, the sculptural bench would be transported by Ms. MacDonald and Mr. Schumann
and installed on sidewalk remnants provided by the City, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the donation of the sculptural bench
"Lightwave" to be installed in Titus Triangle Park for community use; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the sculptural bench may be installed upon the execution of an agreement
with the City as reviewed by the City Attorney.
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Commissioner Warden expressed concern about potential maintenance costs to the city,
noting that the photos show the bench had already begun splitting and deteriorating.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the reason the artists wanted to donate the bench to
the City. Planner Wilson explained that the bench's current location was a temporary location,
and the artists were looking for a permanent spot.
Commissioner Darling expressed discomfort in accepting the donation without having financial
support for the maintenance of the bench. Discussion followed regarding public art
installations, when they may be removed, and liability issues that may come up. The Board
requested more details of the request and to have the Parks Commission discuss the request
further.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Ayes (0) —
Nayes (5) — Darling, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Morache, Warden
Abstentions (0)
Motion Failed (0 -5)
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Request for Credit for Road Repair at 105 Cascadilla Park Road
Margherita Fabrizio, co -owner of 105 Cascadilla Park Road, joined the Board for the
discussion of this topic, and explained the repairs to the road that her husband completed.
She stated that the road was in disrepair, causing visitors to "bottom out" when entering and
exiting their driveway. She distributed photos of the driveway and road.
She requested that she be reimbursed or credited for the cost of the materials, which was
approximately $200, on future charges such as the sidewalk district fee. She stated the
estimate from McPherson Builders was over $2,000 for the same work.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that the potholes in the road were close to the property, but
the repair of this particular location was not on the work list for this year, nor did the City have
the manpower to make the repairs.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the process that should be followed for creating a
new process /policy for reimbursing homeowners, who would be responsible for authorizing the
credit or reimbursement, and requesting that Common Council discuss the topic further after
staff has reviewed the request and made a recommendation. Commissioner Warden warned
that the City should watch what type of precedent it was creating.
Alderperson Fleming encouraged the Board to create a new policy to allow credits for this type
of work. The Board agreed to refer the request to Common Council.
Carey Building Renovations Discussion
Frost Travis and Jason Henderson, owner and developer of the Carey Building, joined the
Board for the discussion of this topic. Mr. Travis explained the project's preliminary plans for
renovating and expanding the building, and noted a signed agreement with the City had not
been executed for the use of the adjacent property. He stated that the building was originally
created to support more stories than was originally created, so he is planning to add three
additional stories. He requested use of city property for a construction staging area. He
further requested feedback from the Board as to how to proceed.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the height of the proposed building; the timeframe of
the project, which it is hoped to begin work in late September 2014; and how long the
scaffolding would be set up over the sidewalk. Director of Engineering West requested that
the developers submit the plans to the Engineering Department and apply for a street permit.
Conveyance of City Land to Sciencenter
Asst. City Attorney Jared Pittman and Sciencenter Director Charlie Troutman joined the Board
for the discussion of this topic. Asst. City Attorney Pittman explained the existing lease that
the Sciencenter has with the City, which contains an option to purchase the city -owned
property. In addition, he stated the Sciencenter has been utilizing another portion of City
property adjacent to the building where the mini golf course was built.
Alderperson Fleming left the meeting at 6:16 p.m.
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Discussion followed on the floor regarding the current easement, adding the additional parcel
of city property to the existing easement, and formalizing the agreement. Further discussion
followed regarding potentially selling the property to the Sciencenter, possible future plans for
the property, and accepting fair value for the easement.
The Board requested a resolution recommending the easement for its next meeting on July 28,
2014.
Commissioner Morache left the meeting at 6:19 p.m.
Mixed -use Development Proposed for 323 Taughannock Boulevard
Steve Flash, property owner, and Noah Demerest, developer, joined the Board for the
discussion of this topic.
Mr. Flash explained his proposal to build a new mixed -use building at 323 Taughannock
Boulevard. He stated the building would have 20 apartments along with commercial space.
Mr. Demerest explained the plan for access to the building and reconfiguration of the city -
owned parking area. He stated the reconfiguration would increase the number of parking
spaces in the city -owned lot, and requested feedback on the proposal from the Board.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding property lines, the height of the proposed building,
existing easements that would remain intact, proposed parking changes, and project staging.
The Board expressed general approval of the proposed project. Staff was requested to
discuss the details of the project after it goes through site plan review.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring
Executive Assistant
Claudia Jenkins
Vice -Chair