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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-10-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:50 p.m. October 6, 2014 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (4) – Darling, Goldsmith, Jenkins, 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 Bridge Systems Engineer – Gebre Acting Director of Youth Bureau – Vance Deputy Director of Youth Bureau – Green EXCUSED: Commissioner Morache City Attorney – Lavine DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Commissioner Warden requested that the topic of plumbing permit violations and a fine system for incorrect plumbing work be scheduled for a future meeting. Mayor Myrick requested that Commissioner Warden work with City Plumbing Inspector Marc Albanese to suggest a proposal for a new policy and/or fine system. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was necessary. REPORTS Council Liaison Alderperson Fleming reported that several merchants located on the Commons spoke to Common Council regarding the impact the Commons Project has had on their businesses. She noted that staff has responded to the concerns expressed by Council. Commissioner Goldsmith responded that the Board of Public Works has no authority over the Commons Project since the Commons Advisory Board oversees the Commons. He further expressed frustration at the expanse of the project and the immense impact on the businesses. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the impact on businesses, the length of time the project has taken, and the meeting that has been scheduled with merchants for Thursday morning, October 9, 2014. Superintendent and Staff Supt. Thorne reported that staff had created a paving program for 2015 for city crews: Board of Public Works Page 2 October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting City of Ithaca Department of Public Works 2015 Workplan Summary—Draft ROADS & PAVING Remaining Work 2014 Road Section Scope Work Performed By 100-400 W. Clinton St. Prep for Mill and Pave DPW 300-500 S. Aurora St. Patch for Winter DPW 100 S. Albany Patch Southbound Lane DPW Old Elmira Road Paving—Meadow to Plain Contractor Various Locations Utility Patches DPW 400-500 Stewart Ave. Temporary Leveling Course? DPW Planned Projects for 2015: Road Section Scope Work Performed By Cost Estimate 100-400 W. Clinton St. Mill & Pave DPW $150,000 300-500 S. Aurora St. Rebuild DPW $150,000 600-800 N. Tioga St. Mill and Pave DPW $100,000 400 S. Plain St. Mill and Pave DPW $50,000 500 S. Plain St. Reconstruct DPW $100,000 500-1000 N. Cayuga St. Mill and Pave Contractor $200,000 200-1000 Giles St. Patch, Mill, Pave Contractor $300,000 Old Elmira Road Paving—Plain to Spencer Contractor N/A Total$1,050,000 Available CHIPS Funding$750,000 Capital Project Funding$300,000 The DPW will have a Cornell Local Roads Program intern next summer, to perform a city-wide pavement condition survey. The intern will interact with S&F staff and GIS staff to help plan our long-term pavement maintenance program. SIDEWALKS Planned Projects for 2015: Sidewalk Improvement District Design Construction Cost Estimate 1 750 lf 1700 lf $120,000 2 1500 lf 1050 lf $115,000 3 -- 2600 lf $189,000 4 2150 lf 850 lf $104,000 5 1800 lf 725 lf $91,000 Totals 6200 lf 6925 lf $619,000 WATER & SEWER Remaining Work 2014  Wastewater Treatment Plant—Aeration Basins  Miscellaneous Service Connections  Valve replacements  Hydrant replacements Planned for 2015  Water Treatment Plant Construction  Complete water main loop on Kline Road  Vine St./Worth St. Water Main Loop back to Mitchell Street  Construction of Hardfill Site  Rebuild Wood Street Pump Station  High Pressure pipe cleaning—Woodcrest/Homestead/Eastwood  Water and Sewer replacement on S. Plain Street  Cornell Street Water Tank fencing ENGINEERING Planned for 2015: Construction:  Complete Old Elmira Road Project  Complete Commons Project  Complete repairs on Seneca Street Garage  Skate Park Expansion project  Stewart Park Large Pavillion restrooms Board of Public Works Page 3 October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting  Stewart Park Maintenance Building Roof Replacement  Streets and Facilities Roof Replacement  Above ground Fuel Station at Streets and Facilities  Lake Street Bridge  Six-Mile Creek Wall Repair  Waterfront Trail Phase 2  Route 13 crossings Design:  Spencer and Stone Quarry—Road and sidewalk  Brindley Street Bridge  Cecil Malone Bridge  Giles Street Pavement Repair  N. Cayuga Street Pavement Repair ALL DPW  Scoping and award of Stormwater Modeling Consultant and Dredging Consultant  Collegetown Utility District  Cayuga Inlet Dredging Coordination (DEC Project)  Develop Commons Maintenance Program Discussion followed on the floor regarding the work plan for the near future, which includes overlaying Stewart Avenue south of Cascadilla Creek to help level the street. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that utility patching on Clinton Street has begun and should be completed next week, then move to Stewart Avenue, and patching on North Aurora Street. Director of Engineering West stated that it was interesting to hear heart-felt concerns from the merchants about the Commons Project, but not all merchants are having a difficult time. He explained that, unlike the City’s relationship with our contractor, which is direct oversight, the City does not have the same oversight of NYSEG crews, meaning the City has no authority to push NYSEG to complete their work. Now that NYSEG has completed their utility work, the general contractor has begun pouring concrete in Bank Alley, the first step to putting in new pavers. Unfortunately, the delays caused a domino effect that the contractor will not be able to recover from in 2014. He stated that the meeting with the merchants will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that city water and sewer crews will work with the highway crews next year to replace older water mains before streets are paved, several water main leaks have recently been found through leak detection equipment and repaired, crews are installing aeration equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, more crews were staging the site at the Water Treatment Plant before full construction begins, Rick Gell from O’Brien & Gere would like to present an update on the Water Treatment Plant Rebuild Project to the Board on October 27, 2014, and the Environmental Protection Agency has contacted the City about properties that have illegal sump pumps directly connected to the sanitary sewer system. He noted that the City does not currently have enforcement ability. Director of Parking Nagy reported that for Apple Festival, 2,377 cars parked in city garages for $11,885, 20% above last year’s event, in September, garage revenue was as follows: Green Street Garage – up 49%, $23,000 increase Seneca Street Garage – up 97%, $20,000 Dryden Road Garage – up 35%, 24,000 Total revenue is up 55%, $24,330 Director of Parking Nagy further reported that the Dryden Road Garage has been occupied at 81-86%, which is a large increase over last year, indicating the decreased permit fees have increased the number of permits purchased. On-street parking violation issuance decreased by 25% due to short staffing, revenue down $3,793, year to date, revenue decreased by 2% or $14,690. Once the vacant positions are filled, it is expected that revenue and violation issuance will increase. Collection revenue for September 2014 was $62,000, down $6,000, or 10%, from last year. Year to date, collection is down 1.5% but the collection ratio is at 86%, which is very good for the industry. Board of Public Works Page 4 October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the September 22, 2014, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 22, 2014, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed. Carried Unanimously VOTING ITEMS: Parking and Traffic: A Resolution to Deny a Hardship Request for a resident of 218 Delaware Avenue for the Residential Parking Permit System By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted June 9, 2004 and amended on March 24, 2014, for implementation of the Residential Parking Permit System (RPPS), which was established by Common Council on May 6, 1998, after an act of the New York State Legislature, and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 260-4 of the City Code and in accordance with the BPW regulations, the BPW may grant hardship requests, and WHEREAS, on September 22, 2014, the Board of Public Works reviewed a request from Mr. Paul Balestrieri, a resident at 218 Delaware Avenue, for a hardship case to allow him to purchase a RPPS permit when he would otherwise not be eligible, as well as a recommendation from staff, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the hardship request from Mr. Balestrieri to purchase a permit for the Residential Parking Permit Systems, in accordance with the above-mentioned regulations. Carried Unanimously Creeks, Bridges, and Parks: Brindley Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project Design Alternative Decision – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, currently, the City of Ithaca and project consultant (Delta Engineers, Architects, & Land Surveyors, P.C.) are working on the Brindley Street Bridge Replacement Project over Cayuga Inlet (“the Project”), and WHEREAS, the project involves the replacement of the Brindley Street Bridge with a two lane structure with additional accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians including necessary approach and intersection improvements, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca established Capital Project #764 in the amount of $205,000 to cover scoping and development phases of the project, and WHEREAS, Brindley Street Bridge replacement on existing horizontal alignment (Bridge Alternative 1) and new roadway and bridge construction on relocated horizontal alignment (Bridge Alternative 2) are alternatives being considered for this project including the “Null Alternative,” and WHEREAS, Board of Public Work preferred new roadway and bridge construction on relocated horizontal alignment (Bridge Alternative 2), and WHEREAS, the preferred design alternative will involve the relocation of Brindley Street by connecting Taber Street with the West State Street/Taughnnock Boulevard intersection together with the necessary intersection improvements, and WHEREAS, Taughannock Boulevard Extension Project was included in the “Six Point Traffic Plan” (City of Ithaca, 2001) and recommended as an alternative which has the greatest Board of Public Works Page 5 October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting potential for helping to mitigate traffic impacts on neighborhoods south of the creek, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby recommends the design of a new roadway and bridge construction on relocated horizontal alignment together with the necessary intersection improvements contingent upon funding by Common Council. Mayor Myrick provided a summary of the Board’s discussion that was held at their previous meeting on September 22, 2014. He confirmed that the Board’s preference was for Bridge Alternative #2, which would relocate Brindley Street Bridge, connecting Taber Street with East State Street and Taughannock Boulevard. Members of the audience addressed the Board regarding the Brindley Street Bridge resolution. The Board agreed to allow a member of the public to address the Board for public comment: Cindy Winstead, owner of Ithaca Grain and Pet Supply located near Brindley Street, addressed the Board to express opposition to Bridge Alternatives #2 and #3, which would take a lot of the current traffic flow away from their business. She stated that small businesses rely on traffic flow, pedestrian and vehicular, for business. A good portion of her success has been due to the traffic going by her business. She further stated that her entrance on Brindley Street is very important for deliveries and customer parking. Commissioner Warden expressed concern as to whether large trucks would be able to make deliveries to the local businesses if the bridge were relocated and wondered if the roadway entry from Seneca Street could be modified to accommodate more trucks. Bridge Systems Engineer Addisu Gebre joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. He stated that the design team has addressed the same concerns expressed by Ms. Winstead and Commissioner Warden. Commissioner Darling responded to the expressed concerns by stating that the Board’s preference was Design Alternate #2, but the Board did mention the need for truck access for the local businesses that would be affected. Discussion followed on the floor regarding other design options, improving the existing street and keeping the bridge where it is, and the reasons for relocating Brindley Street Bridge, which is expected to improve traffic flow on Fulton Street. Alderperson Fleming added that the design would offer a solution to connecting the southwest area of the city with Taughannock Boulevard, which is included in the most recent Transportation Plan. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the bridge’s current weight rating and its condition rating. Staff explained that there is a 20 ton weight limit now, and the condition is currently rated at 3.7, out of 7, by state inspectors, indicating that the bridge is in very bad condition and is approaching instability. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Design Services for Six Mile Creek Wall Replacement – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, proposals were received on Friday, August 15, 2014, for the Six Mile Creek Wall Replacement, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the six proposals received, conducted two interviews and made a recommendation for award, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract for Professional Services for the Six Mile Creek Wall Replacement to: LaBella Associates, D. P. C. Bank Tower Building 202 The Commons, Suite 303 Ithaca, NY Board of Public Works Page 6 October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting for their low submitted proposal with a Not-to-Exceed Fee of $30,102, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be and hereby is authorized to enter into and administer this contract. Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Recommendation to Fund Utility Upgrades in Neighborhoods with Growth Potential – Proposed Resolution Supt. Thorne explained the proposal for the City to request and fund utility upgrades in areas of the city that have development planned. He stated that utilities are currently being piecemealed as construction occurs. It would be much more cost efficient and easier to make many upgrades (i.e. an entire block) at one time. Supt. Thorne stated staff had spoken with NYSEG, developers, other utility companies, and the Building Department, and the majority approve of the concept. Director of Engineering West explained the issue of having power lines that crisscross the street that cause issues for firefighters, and the requirement that high power lines cannot be closer than ten feet to buildings under construction. He noted that putting the utility lines underground would free up the space around the buildings and along streets. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the impact to property owners that are not planning any type of development or construction. Supt. Thorne responded that the utility work would be charged to the property owners as they make upgrades to their properties. The bill for the utility work would be triggered by the issuance of a building permit. Commissioner Darling suggested looking for grant opportunities for preventative public safety upgrades from outside funders like FEMA since Collegetown is a high density populated area. The Board agreed to consider a resolution supporting this request at its next meeting. Request to Increase Pavilion Reservation Fees Ithaca Youth Bureau Director Liz Vance and Deputy Director Allen Green joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Mayor Myrick explained the request for increased reservation fees. Deputy Director Green noted that the Parks Commission supported the request. He explained that this request was a little different because the City has never had resident/non-resident differential before. He noted that the higher fees would be charged to non-residents and all organizations, rather than having to distinguish between organizations that are located within and without the city. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the mechanism to determine which reservations are made by city and non-city residents, and whether the Town of Ithaca would continue to contribute to the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Mayor Myrick noted that if the Town of Ithaca continued its contribution, the resident reservation fees would apply to residents of the City and Town of Ithaca. Commissioner Goldsmith, liaison to the Parks Commission, reported that the Parks Commission does support the fee increase. The Board agreed to consider a resolution approving the fee increases at its next meeting. Request for Short Term Parking on Cornell Street for Belle Sherman Elementary School Mayor Myrick explained the request and Transportation Engineer Logue’s recommendation to install short term parking signs across from Belle Sherman Elementary School. Discussion followed on the floor regarding whether the City should install meters for the area, allowing only 15 minute parking without meters, safety issues that are caused by busses and vehicles, and enforcement of a 15 minute or one hour parking limit. Commissioner Goldsmith noted that parents do visit the school to spend time in classrooms, and there is no parking available in the area, so one-hour parking might be a good idea. He further stated that during school pickup and drop off times, parking could be changed to a 15 minute parking limit. Board of Public Works Page 7 October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting Mayor Myrick suggested returning the request to Transportation Engineer Logue and Director of Parking Nagy to address the concerns expressed by the Board. No Board member objected. Proposal to Convert Green Street Garage Trash Room to Storage for Parking Equipment Director of Engineering West explained that between the Commons Reconstruction Project and the Seneca Street Garage Rehabilitation project, the city realized that more storage space is required in downtown to store equipment and outdoor furnishings. He stated that staff have looked at the area under the Green Street Garage, and suggest enclosing the current storage area under a block roof, moving the trash facilities out of its current location and enclosing that portion under a roof and installing roll-down doors for both storage areas. He suggested that the trash facilities could be enclosed in a chain link fence much like it is now, just moved to the west under the garage. He provided another option that the City could discontinue trash and recycling collection. He noted that the City has broken even for trash collection after the Board approved the sale of specific trash bags, but recycling disposal is still being subsidized by the City. Director of Engineering West further suggested utilizing other alleys around the Commons for the collection of recycling if the Board would like to discontinue collecting trash. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the new cleaning equipment that will be purchased for the Commons. Supt. Thorne noted that the suggestions provided are the quickest to implement. Commissioner Goldsmith suggested making the storage rooms aesthetically pleasing for pedestrians, including adding lighting and pleasant murals. The Board expressed support for the options provided by staff to relocate the trash facilities and enclose two storage rooms under Green Street Garage. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor