HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-07-28BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. July 28, 2014
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Darling, Morache, Warden, Goldsmith
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Benjamin
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer — Whitney
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Director of Engineering — West
Director of Parking — Nagy
Transportation Engineer — Logue
EXCUSED:
Common Council Liaison — Fleming
DAC Liaison — Roberts
Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:
Supt. Thorne requested the addition of the following items to the agenda:
8.5A Award of Bids for Water Supply Project: Water Treatment Plant Contracts 4A,
4B, 4C and 4D - Resolution
9.4 Hot Truck Discussion
No Board Member Objected
Mayor's Communications:
The Mayor had no communications at this time for the Board.
Communications and Hearings from Persons Before the Board:
No one appeared to address the Board.
Reports:
Supt. Thorne reported that a lot of his time recently has been spent working on the 2015
budget for the Department of Public Works. Staff finalized a Request for Proposals for
the Six Mile Creek wall design. They are hopeful for a solution that will provide for a
good temporary fix, as well as one that city crews can take care of.
Director of Engineering West reported that the City received permission to proceed with
the Old Elmira Road work. Staff reviewed the project further to determine what could be
done to get the project within its budgeted amount. They found a math error in the bid
package because the amount of asphalt required for the project had been doubled by
mistake. They will also pursue elimination of drainage improvements from the former
Lucatelli's restaurant to the traffic circle and eliminate the sidewalk there. This will save
a lot of money, and can be done at some point in the future, if desired. Some changes
have also been made to the planting areas such as removal of the granite curbing from
the back of the planters, and the elimination of curbing in that same stretch of road
noted above. They will narrow the street width to match the width of the traffic circle. By
making these changes to the project it can bring in the project cost to almost $1.8
million, which is close to the budgeted amount. It was noted that a bike lane will be
maintained in this stretch of road, even with it being narrowed.
Director of Engineering West further reported that he and Transportation Engineer
Logue have been working on the Request for Proposals for the Spencer Street /Stone
Quarry Road intersection, the Cascadilla Creek Walk, the walkway at Hudson
Street /Coddington Road, and a small project in the Columbia Street park which should
be ready for release in about a week. In addition, staff opened the one bid document for
the bump -outs on Green and Seneca Streets which were advertised state wide, and still
resulted in only 1 bidder. The bid came in at close to twice what the budget for the
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project is. Staff is working to negotiate with the bidder, but it appears that it will be a
long negotiation. Staff will discuss and may decide to rebid the project during the Winter
for Spring construction.
Director of Engineering West reported that a crew from Streets & Facilities and Water
and Sewer are working with NYSEG to move the work on West Clinton Street along,
and hope to put together a contract to bid the work for the street to be milled and paved
this year. More information on that project will be forthcoming to the Board in the near
future. He further reported that a second contractor crew has been hired to work on the
Commons reconstruction project back in an effort to get it back on schedule after the
accident at Simeon's. Additional NYSEG crews are also working on the project but they
are behind schedule as well due to storm and weather related work that has taken them
away. In addition, a Saturday work crew has been hired to help move the project along
faster; the goal is still to have the majority of the it completed by the end of November
2014 — but that is a very ambitious goal.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that most of the concrete work has been completed on
Plain /Esty Streets; they still need to work on the tree pits, which will be a lot of work. In
addition, a crew is working on a sidewalk project in District 1 on Thurston Avenue.
There was a sink hole on Hook Place that needed repair, and another sink hole was
reported on South Titus Avenue where the retaining wall failed because of water from
South Hill during a heavy rain recently. They hope to incorporate this work into the Six
Mile Creek retaining wall redesign work. He, also, has been buried in 2015 budget
preparation work.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that one crew is working on water service replacements on
West Clinton Street; 20 water services have been swapped out there, with the
remaining 6 to be done in the coming weeks. One crew is clearing the storage area and
helping to move records, and tools from water plant as the City gears up for
construction of the new water plant. In addition, crews are out working on fire lines and
services for Cornell, and is pretty busy that way. He, also, has been very busy working
the budget.
Director of Parking Nagy reported on the past month's revenue for all three parking
garages, how construction in the Seneca Street garage is impacting parking in the other
garages, and how the upcoming construction in Collegetown will have a positive impact
on revenue for the Dryden Road garage. He further reported that 1 license plate reader
is up and running well - with positive responses from staff. They are great for 2 hour
time zones and make enforcement easier than chalking tires. The other car with the
license plate reader is in the shop as it seems to have transmission problems from the
installation of the license plate reader system. The transmission determines how fast
the reader runs; it was installed incorrectly. He hopes to have both cars up and
operating by end of this week. He hopes to have a start date of August 15th for the
system, and wants to make sure all the bugs are worked out first. He has been working
on his budget as well.
Board Liaisons:
Youth Bureau Advisory Board:
Commissioner Warden, liaison, reported to that the Youth Bureau Board was
approached by the roller derby league, which uses the Cass Park Rink for their derbies
about the possibility of selling alcohol during their events. Commissioner Warden
reported that the Board is working to get information /comparisons from other cities
about how they handle similar requests. He wanted the Board of Public Works to be
aware of the request, because if the Youth Bureau Board denies the request, the appeal
would come to them. They made the request as a way to raise money for the roller
derby league.
Buildings, Properties, Refuse, and Transit:
Conveyance of City Land to Sciencenter - Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the City entered into a lease with the organization now known as
Sciencenter Discovery Museum ( "Sciencenter ") on February 6, 1993 ( "Lease "), under
which the Sciencenter had use of the property known as 601 First Street ( "Property ") to
construct the Sciencenter science museum, and
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July 28, 2014
WHEREAS, the Lease granted the Sciencenter an option to purchase the Property,
which the Sciencenter now wishes to exercise, and the City Controller has confirmed
that the Sciencenter has made all necessary payments to exercise the option, and
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has requested an easement for a portion of City -owned
land bordering the Property on the east, which land is the right -of -way for a portion of
Lake Avenue that no longer exists, onto which the Sciencenter's miniature golf course
has extended for a number of years, and
WHEREAS, various City boards have previously expressed their interest in granting the
Sciencenter permission to use this land, and
WHEREAS, the easement would not be transferable to any other party without the
City's consent, and the Sciencenter has agreed to carry sufficient insurance to protect
the City's interests and indemnify the City against all claims arising from the
Sciencenter's use of the City -owned land, and
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter previously installed and maintained improvements on City
land (such as installation and operation of lighting, benches, trash and dog waste
receptacles in the area alongside Cascadilla Creek), the value of which exceeds the net
present value of the license fees that the City would charge to grant a license to use the
area in question; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board finds that the City -owned land on which the miniature golf
course is presently located is surplus for municipal purposes, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that Common Council authorize the Mayor to
sign the necessary paperwork to complete the sale of the Property and grant the
easement to the Sciencenter.
Carried Unanimously
Water and Sewer:
Award of Bids for "Water Supply Project: Water Treatment Plant — Contracts 4A,
4113, 4C, and 4D - Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, as a vital component of the City of Ithaca Water Supply Project, demolition
of the City's 1903 Water Treatment Plant and reconstruction of the water treatment
plant structure, installation of new membrane treatment equipment, renovation of the
Water Street Pumping Station and Clearwells and completion of the electrical work at
the Sixty Foot Dam are necessary to replace an aging facility, enhance efficiency, and
improve functionality, and
WHEREAS, City Engineering Consultants, O'Brien and Gere, prepared design
drawings, specifications, and bid packaging, and
WHEREAS, four (4) sealed bids were received for the Water Treatment Plant, Contract
4A, General Construction; ten (10) sealed bids were received for Contract 4B, Electrical
Construction; three (3) sealed bids were received for Contract 4C, HVAC
Construction; two (2) sealed bids were received for Contract 4D, Plumbing
Construction; and all bids were opened publicly and read aloud on July 1, 2014 at 2:00
p.m., and
WHEREAS, our Engineering Consultants and Staff have reviewed said bids and have
concluded that the offers submitted by Welliver McGuire for Contract 4A Base Bid and
the Alternate, Shuler -Haas Electric Corporation for Contract 4B Base Bid and the
Alternate, Kimble Inc. for Contract 4C Base Bid and the Alternate, and Ackerman
Plumbing Inc. for Contract 4D Base Bid and the Alternate have been identified as the
apparent low bidders, and
WHEREAS, on April 3, 2013 Common Council provided project funding by amending
Capital Project #510 Water Treatment Plant Improvements /Reconstruction by an
amount not to exceed $30,700,000 for a total project authorization of $36,700,000; now,
therefore, be it
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RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby award the bid for Contract 4A to
Welliver McGuire, 250 North Genesee Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865 for the low
Alternate Bid a total amount not to exceed $13,928,000.00 for general construction
services, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby award the bid for Contract 4B to
Schuler -Haas Electric Corp., 240 Commerce Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 for the low
Alternate Bid a total amount not to exceed $1,882,500.00 for electric construction
services, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby award the bid for Contract 4C to
Kimble, Inc. 1004 Sullivan Street, Elmira, NY 14901 for the low Alternate Bid a total
amount not to exceed $1,060,500.00 for HVAC construction services, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby award the bid for Contract 4D to
Ackerman Plumbing, Inc. 678 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14150 for the low
Alternate Bid a total amount not to exceed $605,500.00 for plumbing construction
services, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to execute the respective contracts with Welliver McGuire, Schuler -Haas Electric
Corp., Kimble, Inc., and Ackerman Plumbing, Inc. upon review and approval by the City
Attorney.
Rick Gell, from O'Brien & Gere, joined the Board for discussion of this item. A brief
discussion followed on the floor regarding the alternate pricing bids, and the decision
that was made regarding possible use of 967 East State /Martin Luther King, Jr. Street
during construction of the new water plant.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Discussion Items:
Stewart Park Inclusive Playground and Spray Park Presentation:
Rick Manning, representative from Friends of Stewart Park, and Diana Reisman,
representative from Ithaca Motion Picture Project, joined the Board for discussion of this
topic.
Mr. Manning explained the playground renovation proposal for an all inclusive
playground, which will be a children's playground fully accessible to children of all ages
and abilities, and will also include an upgraded spray park facility. The playground and
spray park will be divided into sections by age — for infants, children, teenagers, adults,
and elders. The price tag is about $750,000, which is a huge amount to raise but which
they feel is very possible because they have access to good fund raising advice, and a
board that is very engaged in the project — as are others in the community. They are
here today to obtain permission to present the proposal, including the conceptual
design, to the public in the Fall. He explained that at some point they will need to take
the proposal to the Planning and Development Board to discuss in more detail, as well
as to the Parks Commission. They will also need to come back to the Board of Public
Works for final design approval. They do anticipate adjustments as the project moves
forward.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposal and the Board's support for it.
Board members and staff did express concern over future maintenance of the
playground and spray park.
Mr. Manning stated that the Friends of Stewart Park are very conscious of having to
build their organization to capacity in order to help the City build the things it wants.
Towards that goal, they are working with Cornell Cooperative Extension. They realize
they can't just build the playground, and then expect City to take care of it. They know
that it is hard to raise money, but it is even harder to raise the money to maintain it.
They explained that the question of maintenance is absolutely integral to the planning of
the playground, and the Friends of Stewart Park plan to fund raise with maintenance
costs in mind - so that is a component of the fund raising efforts as well. They feel that if
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the money for maintenance is raised before the playground is built that it will be much
better for maintenance issues in the future. They both feel the playground will be an
excellent addition to the park, especially the water feature since the park is so close to
water that can't be used.
Mr. Manning further explained the schedule and process for the project as follows:
• Approval & Design Development (Parks Commission, BPW, Planning Board &
Public):
Summer 2014 -Fall 2014
• Fundraising Campaign (form committee, select chairpersons, quiet phase,
grassroots /public campaign):
Summer 2014 - Summer 2015
• Volunteer Organizing (Build logistics, fundraising, materials and other donations):
Summer 2014 - Summer 2015
• Playground Build: Fall 2015 or Spring 2016
Brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the location of certain elements of the
playground /water feature, location of accessible pathways, and parking. Mr. Manning
stated that they hope to complete the Cayuga Waterfront Trail loop through the park
with the project, and create an endowment of sorts for maintenance in the future.
Conveyance of City Property to the IURA:
Mr. Scott Whitham, architect for the project, joined the Board for a presentation and
discussion of the request. He provided the following information about the project for
the Board:
"On June 26, 2014, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) unanimously passed a
resolution that the project "satisfies the IURA sponsor criteria - including qualifications,
capacity and experience- to be designated a "qualified and eligible sponsor" to
undertake ...an urban in -fill hotel project on the 300 block of East Martin Luther King,
Jr. /East State Street and further resolved that "the IURA recommends that the Common
Council and the Board of Public Works make the City -owned portion of the parking lot
(tax parcel #69.- 1 -6.2) available for redevelopment and approve the transfer of the
parcel to the IURA for the purpose of structuring the proposed sale for consideration by
Common Council." By this memo, we would like to request the conveying of this
property from the City to the IURA for purchase by the developer, as so recommended
by the IURA.
The proposal seeks to redevelop a parking lot in the heart of downtown Ithaca where
the former Strand Theater once stood, and to reinvigorate the public realm in this core
area of downtown. The project is a 6 -story building located at the eastern portion of
downtown Ithaca on East Martin Luther King, Jr. /East State Street. The project will
include a breakfast room, day /night bar and lounge, a meeting /conference room, pool
and fitness areas, and approximately 2,000 sf of retail space on the 13,165 gsf ground
floor. Floors 2 -5 are 11, 215 gsf and Floor 6 is 11, 095 gsf, with 24 guestrooms per floor.
The total gross square footage of the project is 69,120 with 120 total guestrooms. The
6 -story building is 70' -6" tall, which is comprised of a 18' -0" ground floor, and 10'6" for
the typical floors. The height to the mechanical penthouse /screen is 82' -6'; assuming
the screen is 12' -0" high. Currently, exterior facade materials on the ground floor will be
stone veneer, metal and glass canopy at porte- cochere, use an aluminum storefront
system, metal panel, and brick veneer. Other typical floors will use metal siding,
punched aluminum windows, aluminum window wall system at the comer, metal
panel, and brick veneer."
Mr. Whitham provided the Board with a power point presentation of the project, and
explained in more detail the access points to the hotel and provided the Board with an
opportunity to ask questions.
Discussion followed regarding parking needs for patrons of the hotel. Director of Parking
Nagy explained that currently there is 62% parking occupancy downtown with 190
spaces available, so there is capacity in the parking garages to handle parking needs
downtown and then some with the project. Further discussion followed on vehicular
issues such as garbage and delivery truck pull -offs and access to the building. Mr.
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July 28, 2014
Whitham indicated that vehicular issues are being developed as discussions progress
with the project.
Director of Engineering West noted that the neighboring property is being developed by
Travis Hyde, and they have an easement with the City that carried with property. Mr.
Whitham responded that they are currently in discussions with them; the easement is a
small part of the proposed hotel area. There is a need for bike racks, and this area
could possibly be used for that purpose and pedestrian access as they want to make
accommodations for everyone with the project.
Mayor Myrick asked Board members for their thoughts on the conveyance of the
property to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA). Board members responded that
they support the proposal and would recommend the transfer of the property to the
IURA.
Hills and Truck Safety within the City of Ithaca:
Mayor Myrick explained that he asked Transportation Engineer Logue to provide a list of
items that might be done to address the issue of safety in this area due to the hills and
trucks entering the City. He further stated that a press release would be forthcoming
that he has put together a larger group made up of representatives from Tompkins
County, New York State Representatives such as Barbara Lifton, New York State
Department of Transportation, and the City of Ithaca to discuss the larger issues outside
the City that should be addressed.
Transportation Engineer Logue provided the following memo for the Board's information
and consideration to begin discussion of the topic:
At the Mayor's direction and in the wake of the Simeon's incident, I am providing this
memo as a way to begin a City conversation about the fact that we have steep hills, that
not all drivers or vehicles are prepared to negotiate their way safely to the bottom, and
what, if anything, the City ought to do about it. This memo is not intended to be a final
list of options or even comprehensive in any way, instead, the intent was to brainstorm a
list, present it to the Board and then, through discussion, decide a course of action. The
Board may also want to solicit broader input or feedback, such as from Common
Council, other departments (e.g., Police or Fire), trucking companies, or the general
public.
Most of these ideas are just that, I don't claim that they are all feasible, effective or cost
effective. Many of the ideas would require significant engineering and coordination with
other agencies. Most of them will require a budget authorization from Common Council.
After some discussion and direction, staff can help formulate a recommendation for a
course of action. These ideas are generally listed in order from simple to complex, but
they are numbered just for convenience.
1. Evaluate existing signage on all State numbered routes, potentially including
signage outside of the City limits, related to hills and trucks. Are all signs in good
condition, properly mounted, and in compliance with the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices?
2. Could we augment existing signage with additional truck or hill related signage?
Do we need more standard hill warning signs? Should we add grade & distance
information? Should we add "trucks use lower gear" signs, too? NYSDOT
installed some truck/hill warning signs with flashers on a few approaches to the
City a while back. Do we need more?
3. What information exists on Google Maps, Map Quest, Apple Maps, other on -line
mapping or GPS programs? Does anything identify routes for heavy vehicles?
Does anything indicate taking "short cuts" like Rt 366, instead of just staying on
Rt 13? Can we modify any of this to keep people on Route 13? Or avoid Ithaca
and stay on the Interstate system? A quick internet search indicates there are
plenty of truck mapping applications available suggesting truck routes.
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4. Could we set a different, lower speed limit for trucks, similar to what you might
see on the Interstate when the general speed limit is 65 mph, but the truck speed
limit is 40 mph? We would need special authorization from New York State to set
official speed limits below 25 mph, but likely the truck speed limit would be 20
mph or 25 mph. The Federal Highway Administration developed a Grade
Severity Rating System that might be useful in determining safe descent speeds
for heavy vehicles and, therefore, posted truck speed limits. We would probably
ask NYSDOT for assistance with this.
5. New York State has a truck route system for special dimension trucks, including
53 foot trailers, tandem trailers, auto carriers, and more. It is called the NYS
Qualifying and Access Highway System. Currently, in the City of Ithaca, the
following roadways are included in the system:
a. Route 13 (entire length)
b. Route 79 (entire length, including Green and Seneca Streets)
c. Route 96 (west of Route 13)
d. Route 96B (from State Street to Emerson Power Transmission)
e. East State Street from (Aurora St to East Green Street)
Should we remove any segments? For example, now that Emerson is closed,
should Rt 96B be removed? Route 79, west of Route 13, was added a few years
ago; is that a decision we want to revisit? Any changes will need to be
coordinated with the New York State Department of Transportation.
6. Should we have some sort of pull -off or truck station outside of the City, at the
top of the hill(s) ? This could be a truck check point of some sort, a weigh station
or a brake check area; information about the hills could be provided. To take that
a step further, with some sort of automatic weight or truck detection system,
dynamic (changeable) warning signs or dynamic speed limit signs for trucks
could be used to inform truck drivers. A detection system that triggered dynamic
signs could be used to reinforce existing regulations, such as the 9 ton limit on
South Aurora Street (Rt 968), directing trucks to turn around, say at King Road.
Or, they could be used to just provide information or warnings. Automatic
detection systems, including license plate recognition systems might also be able
to be used to automatically notify law enforcement.
7. Last year, an opportunity presented itself to upgrade the functional classification
of Route 79, from Route 13 to Interstate 81, from a minor arterial to a principal
arterial. The motivating factor was to recognize its importance in connecting
Ithaca to the Interstate system, but also to make it eligible for a federal funding
source called the National Highway Preservation Program (NHPP). With the
federal transportation law, MAP -21, approximately half of the available federal
funding for surface transportation has been allocated to the NHPP, which funds
only projects on the National Highway System. In Tompkins County, the only
roadway currently on the National Highway System is Route 13. By upgrading
Route 79 to a principal arterial, it would become eligible for NHPP funding.
However, including a roadway in the National Highway System might also tend to
encourage truck traffic. Should we rescind our request to upgrade Rt 79, from Rt
13 to 1 -81, to a principal arterial? This would require coordination with the Ithaca
Tompkins County Transportation Council and NYSDOT.
8. Do we need and could we get more enforcement, local, state or other, of existing
truck related ordinances or laws? There are many regulations, including, but not
limited to vehicle performance components such as brakes and tires, weight
restrictions on certain streets (e.g., Aurora St is 9 ton limit by local ordinance),
length restrictions based on NYS Access & Qualifying Highways, etc. The Ithaca
Police Department has a truck enforcement detail in partnership with NYSDOT
that is quite successful given resources. Should that program be bolstered? To
what extent are the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department and New York State
Troopers involved? Should we ask for additional assistance?
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9. Could Eddy Street somehow be transformed into a runaway truck ramp?
Probably not. Without taking property or radically repurposing our street right -of-
way, 1 can't think of any other locations that provide space.
10. Should we construct raised islands, a roundabout or a berm in certain locations
to provide something to crash into? How would we have to design them to make
them effective? Locations to consider might include the East State /MLK Jr. Street
& Aurora intersection or at the Tuning Fork. A limiting factor currently is the
limited space available.
11. Should we consider installing bollards or some sort of vehicle arresting devices?
We would need to do some research about what type of devices might be
effective, have a relatively small footprint (presumably this would be important in
our downtown), and fit into our urban landscape. These may have significant
negative aspects. Concepts could be developed by Public Works either with in-
house research or by a request for proposals, but there might also be other
groups that could gather this information, such as Cornell engineering students.
12. Consider changing traffic patterns in the downtown to make it more difficult for a
truck to reach the intersection of Aurora & State /MLK Jr. Streets. For example, if
the 100 block of North Aurora Street was just southbound instead of northbound,
then all traffic coming down Rt 968 would then need to turn right onto the 300
block of East State /Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. This might allow for a large
berm, impact attenuator, a raised island, a wall or something to crash into.
Likewise, if all traffic coming down the hill on East State /MLK Jr. Street was
forced to turn right onto Seneca Way, this would allow for a large berm or impact
attenuator or something in the Tuning Fork to crash into. This idea would need a
traffic study to see how it would affect traffic. There would also be costs to design
and convert streets, signals, meters and other things for the different patterns.
And, of course, there would still be the question of what the thing would be to
crash into and its pros & cons.
13. Similar to the aircraft arresting gear system on an aircraft carrier, what about a
cable and hook system that would catch the axle(s) of a truck if a weight sensor
or speed detector was triggered? How would you identify a runaway truck?
Would it just rip off the axle?
Transportation Engineer Logue further reported that he had a couple recent phone calls
from the public with other suggestions such as:
1. Could the City educate more trucking companies about routes through Ithaca
2. The need to work with law enforcement on education rather than tickets
3. Address where trucks are traveling to as they enter the City
He further noted that there are so many different sources of information for truckers and
trucking companies that it makes it very confusing for them to determine the appropriate
routes to take to reach their destination.
Mayor Myrick stated that, process wise for this topic, would be for the Board to identify a
couple of ideas to explore further, and then a couple Board members volunteer to work
with staff to explore those ideas further and make a recommendation to the Board.
Once the Board has chosen the direction they would like to proceed, then funding could
be proposed for inclusion in the budget.
Mayor Myrick voiced support for suggestion #11 - the installation of bollards, and how to
incorporate them into the new Commons redesign. This is an idea that the City could
take care of itself without any help from the County or State. He is also interested in
changing traffic patterns downtown, and restoring Aurora and Cayuga Streets to two -
way traffic. It would slow down traffic, but it would be safer.
Transportation Engineer Logue responded that by not allowing certain traffic
movements through Aurora and State /MLK, Jr. Streets, and at the Tuning Fork, it would
force drivers to turn right onto State /MLK, Jr. Street from Aurora Street. It would result in
additional space on the street, which might be used to install crash barriers. The traffic
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pattern would look like it did when fences were up by Simeons.
Commissioner Morache noted one issue with that would be the crash barriers or gravel
beds or truck ramps would be installed on the two blocks with most pedestrian traffic,
and outdoor dining — it would be like inviting disaster into the core of the City. His
suggestion would be to maybe move the traffic flow changes away from that area.
He further noted what it might look like if parking were removed by Sage House,
barriers installed on East State /MLK, Jr. Street, and moving the bike lane over, which
might slow traffic down. If a truck ramp is not possible by Sage House then maybe an
area to ditch a truck might be created.
Supt. Thorne stated that item #12 is hard to visualize but it would provide room for
whatever is decided. An added benefit would be that it might improve traffic circulation
downtown so it might be something to put money towards to do a traffic study.
Commissioner Warden stated that traffic flow can be a pretty complex issue. Once it is
changed in one area it will affect many other areas - especially as people come down
the hills. Whatever is decided will affect congestion, create slower traffic, and traffic
jams /congestion; it's a complicated issue.
Commissioner Morache noted that when NYS Route 13 was worked on in 1990's truck
traffic increased because the road was improved. So, if traffic slowed enough
downtown, trucks might take alternate routes or they would learn the first time they drive
through to avoid it in the future because of the delays it can cause.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that the City could implement these suggestions, at a
cost, but there is nothing that can be done about a company that doesn't fix its brakes
and /or the driver is lost. He thinks making people know more ahead of time that they
shouldn't come down these hills is the key — Route 96B does have turn around to check
brakes, and he presumes it works. Mayor Myrick responded that enforcement is key to
that suggestion. Commissioner Goldsmith would also support re- arranging traffic
patterns downtown, which would make it more difficult for trucks passing through the
City.
Director of Engineering West noted that idea #7 is an interesting one. He stated that
there are two competing things to consider with it — one, is the funding source and the
other is that by putting NYS Route 79 on the Federal highway system is it then becomes
one of the many truck routes across the country; is that what the City wants to do? He
further stated that Green and Seneca Streets are part of the State arterial system, and
the City approached New York State Department of Transportation about the possibility
of swapping those two portions to the State for Route 79, and 1 portion of Route 13; the
City currently owns both. The State expressed a lot of interest in that and actually
initiated the beginning steps of that swap. The benefit of that swap would be that the
City could make some of the proposed changes being discussed today. Currently those
two streets (Green and Seneca) are not in the City's control. He would suggest that the
request to NYS DOT be rescinded, that way the roads won't be included in the national
highway service registry. The City doesn't know what it would mean if the routes were
on the national registry as far as where trucks would choose to travel since there are so
many GPS applications that can be used by truckers to determine the best and shortest
routes.
Commissioner Jenkins questioned what would happen if the City made State /MLK, Jr.
Street into two -way traffic, and removed the Commons? Mayor Myrick responded that is
a very bold suggestion; however, the City is too far along in the Commons
reconstruction project to consider such an option.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding increasing truck safety inspections in the
City. Mayor Myrick noted that upwards of 30% of those stops result in tickets, and the
City is looking at increasing enforcement prior to entering the City. It was also noted that
signage is very important, especially on the hills instructing truckers to switch to low
gear instead of using their brakes; if brakes are used, the trucks run out of air and then
can't stop. It was also noted that if the request to the State were rescinded it would
make those routes look less attractive to truckers. The City of Ithaca is a nice short cut
to certain destinations. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the fact that
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Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes July 28, 2014
there are towns along certain routes known as "speed traps ", could the City become a
"truck trap" whereby it gets the reputation of regular safety inspections of trucks entering
the City? It was noted that it would be good to have that conversation with the Police
Department, and other agencies to see if we have that reputation.
Transportation Engineer Logue stated that staff could run through some of the proposed
ideas to see which are faster to implement;, he would be interested in setting different
speed limits and discussing that with NYSDOT. In addition, it would be good to reinforce
the idea, through signage, that there is a steep grade, how long it is, and to use low
gear. He noted that the City has seen more longer and bigger trucks lately, and it would
be good to know information about what routes allow special length vehicles. His
understanding is that if the driver is off route and gets stopped for over - length violations
that the fines are significant. He questioned whether the City should try to close Route
96B to truck traffic since the factory on South Aurora Street is closed. Do we want
trucks traveling west on Route 79, or find other ways to get to Watkins Glen? The City
does have some ability to work with the State to remove certain routes from the registry
and those changes might be low cost and have significant benefits.
Commissioner Morache stated that the City should not presume that the former factory
building /site will not ever require that type of truck traffic again because it is being
developed, with a potential for industry type use. Transportation Engineer Logue
responded that not all trucks would be prohibited on Route 96B, just the oversize ones.
Mayor Myrick stated that he would like to have a sub - committee that includes
Transportation Engineer Logue, and Board members to review all the suggestions to
see what things the City's Engineering Department could pursue now, and to provide
recommendations to the Board on other longer term options. Commissioners Morache
and Darling volunteered to serve on the committee.
Mayor Myrick thanked Transportation Engineer Logue and the Board for the
information, and discussion of this topic. He stated that everyday is an opportunity to
heal the wound, and every idea should be aired. It is also important to the public that
every idea they thought of is also being discussed and considered by the City as well.
He reported that Aurora Street re- opened to traffic today, and that the sidewalk is now
open in front of the building. The building will be painted red to match the color of the
bricks. Staff from the Building /Engineering Divisions is working with the property owners
who have announced their intention to rebuild the facade. As a result of the accident,
the reconstruction work on the Commons has been pushed back a little bit; however,
the contractors hope to be substantially done by Thanksgiving.
Hot Truck Discussion:
Hot Truck Owner, Albert Smith, spoke at the Board's last meeting, and submitted the
following request to the Board for consideration:
Please accept this letter as a request of the Ithaca Board of Public Works. We request
that the Board allow us to move our Heritage Permit rights from our current location on
Stewart Avenue to the Eddy Street, at Dryden Road, food truck location that you have
established in the new City Food Truck Policy.
The reason for this request is that the Stewart Avenue location no longer works for the
Hot Truck. To keep the 50 plus year Hot Truck tradition going will require us to replace
the truck in the next few years. Operating on Stewart Avenue does not even begin to
generate enough business to finance a new food truck.
We have submitted an application for the year for our permit on Stewart Avenue for
three (3) late nights per week at your established rate of $702.00 per year. If allowed to
move our Heritage Permit privileges to Eddy Street we would be willing to pay for any
and all day parts that you would allow and at today's established rates this could
generate over $6,000.00 in annual permit revenue. We would also pay for any and all
expenses incurred in moving to this location.
We believe that the Eddy Street location would allow The Hot Truck to continue to serve
the Greater Ithaca and Cornell Community for many years to come.
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Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes July 28, 2014
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the request. Some of the items of
concern included the fact that the Board created a special heritage permit for the Hot
Truck in lieu of the new food truck vending policy, the fact that the truck does not move
easily, the inclination of some of the Board members that Mr. Smith follow the rules and
participate in the lottery system for food truck spots and times, the need to move the
truck and provide his own power, the possible annual revenue to city of $6,000, the
need to determine when the Hot Truck will be at the proposed location, and how it will
play against the other rules; the Board does not want the truck to be parked there 24/7,
installation of electric service off the pole being problematic since the City is trying to get
rid of the poles and wires in Collegetown -- not sure how he can do that if he doesn't
own property. In addition, it was discussed that he should compete in the lottery and
see how it works, maintain the heritage permit and see how it goes and move back and
forth if he wants.
Mayor Myrick asked if the sense of the Board is to deny the request? Commissioner
Darling asked if the Hot Truck Task Force could be reconvened to reconsider the
request, and ask Mr. Smith to meet with them before a decision is made.
It was noted that no one has applied for a hot truck permit since the new system put into
place.
Adjournment: -
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick
Information Management Specialist Mayor
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