HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2013-06-24BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. June 24, 2013
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (6) - Jenkins, Darling, Morache, Leccese, Goldsmith, Acharya
OTHERS PRESENT:
Acting Superintendent of Public Works - Benjamin
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Director of Engineering - West
Alderperson Proulx
EXCUSED:
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
The following people addressed the Board on the following topics:
Joe McMahon, Chair of the Natural Areas Commission, announced that the Natural
Areas Commission changed their regular meeting date to the first Tuesday of each
month so that the liaison from the Board of Public Works could attend their meetings.
Currently, the liaison had to miss the meeting due to the conflict with the regular Board
of Public Works meeting. They really want to allow for the liaison to attend their
meetings to help with communication and information sharing between boards. He
further expressed his thanks to Asst. Supt. Whitney for inviting members of the Natural
Areas Commission to the weekly contractor meeting for the water plant rebuild project.
Due to the huge disruption on the natural area during the rebuild it is very important that
the Natural Areas Commission be informed of the work and be able to provide input. He
also voiced concern for the safety of pedestrians on East State/Martin Luther King Jr.
Street, Quarry Street, and Stewart Avenue during the construction of the Collegetown
Terrace Project. He noted that the safety concern will only increase as the apartments
are filled and encouraged the Board to make efforts to ensure pedestrians can safely
access their destinations in that area.
Andrew Zepp, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the proposed
improvements to the Cascadilla Park Walkway. He explained the safety hazards that
should be addressed and encouraged the Board to include repair work mid-slope as
well as at the top of the walkway.
Marguerita Fabrizio, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the repair work
needed on the Cascadilla Park Walkway, and to express her support for comments
made by Mr. Zepp.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
Commissioner Acharya announced that the Planning and Development Board would be
meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 to do environmental review for a lot of upcoming
development in the City of Ithaca, including the proposed addition to Purity Ice Cream
and the new housing development on East Clinton Street. He encouraged anyone who
might be interested to attend the meeting.
REPORTS:
Acting Supt. Benjamin introduced Frank Nagy, the new Director of Parking, to the
Board. Mr. Nagy began work for the City last week, and is currently working out of the
engineer’s office at City Hall. Mr. Nagy explained his employment history in parking
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management. His goals are to increase revenue for the City, accountability, and provide
checks and balances for the oversight of parking all over the City of Ithaca. Mayor
Myrick and the Board welcomed Mr. Nagy to the City.
Acting Supt. Benjamin reported that crews will soon begin the milling and paving on Elm
Street. After Elm Street is completed, work will begin on Floral Avenue that will require it
to be shut down completely.
Director of Engineering West reported that Contract #1 of the Commons Reconstruction
(demolition) will be complete in a few weeks, and bids for Contract #2 are due to the
City very soon. That contract is running a little late due to design issues. He also
reported that the gates to the garbage facility will be installed very soon as well. The
City Chamberlain will begin selling tags for those bags at $3.50 for each thirty pound
bag. He further reported that contracts for the work on the Seneca Street parking
garage are circulating for signature; the work should begin around July 12th. He further
reported that the Clinton Street bridge is scheduled to open around July 12th as well.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that work on a settling facility began for the water
treatment plant. The sewer main work has been completed for Seneca Way; it is open
temporarily until repaving commences. Crews began staging at Edgecliff Place for the
water main replacement project which will take three to four weeks. The new water plant
project is well underway and construction should begin in the next few weeks. Work on
the 60’ dam will begin next week and the Elm Street tank should be back up and
running within in the next two weeks.
Commissioner Jenkins asked what would be done with the art murals on the Commons
once the reconstruction is complete as some of the art work is very nice. Director of
Engineer West responded that crews will need to work on the best way to preserve
them throughout the winter so that they will be in good shape at the end of the
construction.
Acting Supt. Benjamin reported that the City Forester’s crew checked the hemlock trees
in the City cemetery in 2011 and then again today and there seems to be an infestation
affecting them. Cornell University has a treatment plan, which will be reviewed and the
City will probably follow for treatment of the hemlock trees in the cemetery.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
There were no minutes on the agenda for approval.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT:
Authorization for Use of City Property at 1013 West State Street – Resolution
No Resolution was available at the meeting; this item will be placed on a future agenda
for the Board.
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS:
Authorization to Enter in a Memorandum of Understanding with Cornell
University concerning Improvements to the Intersection of East State/Martin
Luther King Jr. Street and Mitchell Street – Resolution
By Commissioner Leccese: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the City has long sought to improve the safety and functionality of the
intersection of East State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street with Mitchell Street, which sees a
significant demand from pedestrians, automobiles, trucks, public safety vehicles and
bicycles, due to its proximity to Collegetown and Cornell University, as well as the
substantial residential neighborhood surrounding the intersection, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has established CP # 775, E. State/MLK Jr. Street and
Mitchell Street Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements, with the understanding that
Cornell University and Valentine Visions, LLC, the developers of the Collegetown
Terrace project, would both financially contribute to the project costs, and
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WHEREAS, on January 14, 2013, the Board of Public Works authorized the City of
Ithaca to enter into an agreement with Valentine Visions, LLC, who worked closely with
City staff to produce site plans that would not only accommodate city plans, but
promoted those plans by providing the necessary easements and offered a cash
contribution to help defray the cost of the completed project, and
WHEREAS, through its Cornell/Community Transportation Initiative, Cornell University
has agreed to contribute an amount not to exceed $150,000 toward the project, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University and City staff, and their respective attorneys, have
developed an agreement, which outlines the understanding between the two parties,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the Agreement between
Cornell University and the City of Ithaca concerning improvements to the intersection of
Mitchell Street and East State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street, following consultation with
the City Attorney and the Superintendent of Public Works.
Carried Unanimously
Authorization to Acquire Real Property at the Intersection of East State/Martin
Luther King Jr. Street and Mitchell Street – Resolution
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Charter §63, the Board of Public Works has the
authorization to acquire property in the name of the City of Ithaca for public works
purposes, and
WHEREAS, the City has long sought to improve the safety and functionality of the
intersection of East State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street with Mitchell Street, which sees a
significant demand from pedestrians, automobiles, trucks, public safety vehicles and
bicycles, due to its proximity to Collegetown and Cornell University, as well as the
substantial residential neighborhood surrounding the intersection, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has established CP # 775, E. State/MLK Jr. Street and
Mitchell Street Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements, and
WHEREAS, in the course of the project, it was discovered that the property at 904 East
State Street includes a portion of the street and sidewalk area, and that, though the City
of Ithaca and the owner of that property in 1924 had intentions to transfer the land to the
City, there are no records of that transaction transpiring, and
WHEREAS, the current owner of 904 East State/MLK Jr. Street is amenable to a lot line
adjustment in order to sell the corner of her parcel (approximately 190 square feet) to
the City of Ithaca to be included in the street right-of-way, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute
any and all documents in order to complete this transaction, following consultation with
the City Attorney, and that any compensation shall come from the authorized capital
project and to be negotiated by the Superintendent.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Professional Services (Construction Inspection) for East
State/MLK Jr. Street and Mitchell Street Traffic Signal – Resolution
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, a Capital Project for a new traffic signal and road widening at the
intersection of East State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Mitchell Street was
authorized in the City of Ithaca 2012 Budget as Capital Project #775 in the amount of
$450,000, and
WHEREAS, the Engineering Office received three proposals for construction inspection
services, and recommended Erdman Anthony as the consultant, and
WHEREAS, the scope of work for the construction inspection is acceptable to the City of
Ithaca and Erdman Anthony at a cost not to exceed $ 31,000 and
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WHEREAS, funds for the study are available from Capital Project 775, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to enter into contract with Erdman Anthony and Associates, Inc. for professional
services related to construction inspection services for the East State/MLK Jr. Street
and Mitchell Street Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements at a total project cost not
to exceed $31,000.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Award of Bid for a New Ice Resurfacer – Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, bids were received on June, 5 2013 from two vendors: Frank J. Zamboni &
Co., Inc. and LSK Enterprises, Inc. for one new ice resurfacer, and
WHEREAS, staff has determined that the unit bid by LSK Enterprise meets all
specifications, and
WHEREAS, staff has determined that the unit bid by Frank J. Zamboni has multiple
deviations and no supporting documentation, and
WHEREAS, staff had met and discussed those deviations in an attempt to not exclude
that unit, and
WHEREAS, staff has determined that the multiple deviations would have a negative
impact on the longevity and long term maintenance costs of the unit, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid for one (1) new
propane powered ice resurfacer to LSK Enterprises, Inc. for the apparent low bid
meeting specification of $99,895, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized to enter into
agreements (purchase order) for the bid award.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER:
Hangar Theater Water Account – Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Hangar Theatre has used an average of 18.5-Hundred Cubic Feet
(HCF) annually {4.6-HCF per quarter} since their building renovation project and the
installation of a new 2-inch water meter in 2010 with a corresponding minimum quarterly
billing of 112-HCF, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca DPW Water & Sewer Division provided the Hangar
Theatre’s plumber with the water meter and did not provide the City Chamberlain with a
water meter installation card which has resulted in no account activation and no billing
since June of 2010, and
WHEREAS, the 2-inch water meter which was installed in 2010 without the benefit of a
water meter size review by W&S Division staff has since proved to be oversized for the
facilities water use volumes and patterns, and
WHEREAS, the combination of the oversized meter and three years of water billing
would result in a very excessive bill, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca DPW Water & Sewer Division staff has now carefully
reviewed the meter sizing requirements and determined that a 1-inch water meter with a
corresponding minimum quarterly billing of 32-HCF would serve the facility adequately,
and
WHEREAS, the water meter for the Hangar Theatre should have initially been sized and
installed as a 1-inch meter, now therefore, be it
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RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby directs the City of Ithaca DPW
Water & Sewer Division to remove the existing 2-inch water meter and install a new 1-
inch water meter, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby directs the City of Ithaca DPW
Water & Sewer Division and Chamberlain to recalculate the water bill retroactive to
June of 2010 based on the actual use, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the City of Ithaca Chamberlain
to make arrangements with the Hangar Theatre and allow up to a year for payment
without penalty of their water bill.
Josh Friedman, Manager of the Hangar Theatre, joined the Board for discussion of this
request. He expressed his thanks to Asst. Supt. Whitney and his staff for working with
the Hangar Theatre staff to install the appropriate size water line. He also voiced
concern over the bill for water noting that the Hangar Theatre is a not-for-profit
organization which struggles to meet its debt and provide a service to the community.
He explained that the funds for the bill would need to come out of their 2013 budget,
and they had not anticipated the high water bill they would receive when preparing their
budget. He explained that if they have to pay the full amount of the bill that it would
result in a cut in staff for the theatre as well as loss of service to the community.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding how the wrong size water main was installed,
the past use of water by the theatre, why a bill wasn’t sent to them by the City nor had
they contacted the city because they had not received a bill, and their request to adjust
the amount they would pay to the city.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Cascadilla Creek Walk:
Transportation Engineer Logue joined the Board for discussion of this item. He
explained the history of the walkway and that the Board of Public Works asked staff to
look at the upper portion of the walkway where a fatal fall occurred earlier this year. The
Board asked staff to provide a recommendation on how the condition of the walkway
should be addressed. Staff offered four possible alternatives for the repair of the upper
portion of the walkway. He further explained that the resolution the Board supported
that provided a recommendation to Common Council on the need to fund the necessary
improvements went before Common Council at their June 5, 2013 meeting. He
explained that Council discussed the process this project followed and options that the
Board of Public Works considered. The question being asked of Council was how much
money should be spent on this project, and how can the needs of users of the walkway
be addressed. Different funding options were discussed such as paying for the
emergency repairs now and financing the remainder of the project through the Capital
Project process. Council members noted that the message that should be returned to
the Board of Public Works is: “the walkway needs to be repaired, the neighbors should
be involved in the discussion, and the project should be kept simple”. Common Council
tabled a decision on the resolution because they wanted more direction from the Board
of Public Works. He stated that a few of the affected neighbors did speak at today’s
meeting regarding their opinions on what work should be done and safety concerns.
Alderperson Proulx joined the Board for discussion of this topic as well, as chair of the
City Administration Committee.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the money that has been approved
for the repair of the walkway, staff recommendations for repair, neighborhood concerns
and recommendations, and the need to do something since the walkway is heavily
used. Discussion also followed on the floor regarding the need to consider future
maintenance costs in any decision that is made for repair of the walkway.
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Alderperson Proulx explained that members of Common Council and the City
Administration Committee had questions as to whether the $70,000 is the beginning or
end of something; and whether it includes the cost for a design study. He further noted
that residents are sending mixed messages as well. He stated that Common Council
needs some direction from the Board as well as information as to whether there would
be an ongoing goal to continue improvements to the lower area of the walkway.
Mayor Myrick stated that he has not heard that there is any problem with the current
design of the walkway other than problems with maintenance. He noted that it appears
that the stairs and width are fine and that neighbors and the board are okay with
keeping the path to four feet wide and include a railing – except for the top area of the
walkway. He suggested that the cost for the lower portion of the walkway be considered
as part of the City’s annual budget and future work program. He stated that it sounds
like the answer, at this point, is to maintain the trail as is, install the railing, and include
further work in City’s budget.
The Board expressed their support for that proposal. Transportation Engineer Logue
stated that he would revise the resolution that the Board approved for Common Council
to reflect today’s discussion and provide it to Alderperson Proulx for the June 26, 2013
City Administration Committee meeting – that way it can be placed on the July 3, 2013
Common Council agenda.
Appeal of Sidewalk Repair Requirement for 116 Kelvin Place:
The property owners for 116 Kelvin Place joined the Board for discussion of their
appeal. They explained that in the late summer of 2012 they contacted Lynne Yost in
the civil engineer's office about two major ruptures on the sidewalk in front of their
home: both were caused by city trees' roots buckling the cement. They were told they’d
be put on a tree removal list and that the city had "an informal practice of taking
responsibility for broken sidewalks."
After months of no response, they contacted Ms. Yost again. As time went on, one of
the trees began to tilt toward their home and it wasn't until they voiced concern, that the
city Forester one tree be removed, and then ordered the removal of the second tree
soon after. What's left are two sidewalks, destroyed by these city trees. The roots have
broken through and/or lifted the cement and they are very hazardous to pedestrians.
They have since received a summons threatening surcharges, etc., if they don’t repair
the sidewalks. When she inquired she was told that the city no longer had their "informal
practice of taking responsibility for broken sidewalks." How can that be? Why
wouldn't the former practice, the one she was told was in place, be grandfathered in to
allow for the city to fulfill their original policy? Why should they be penalized because it
took many months for the city to remove their trees?
Needless to say, these repairs would be a hardship for them, but they are having a real
problem with the principle of the request. If the city has taken responsibility for
their trees, and removed them before they caused more damage, then why isn't the city
also responsible for the damage their trees have caused?
Most of the city officials they have discussed this with have been thoughtful and tried to
help as best they could but now we are at a stalemate.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the condition of the sidewalk, the
time lapse in communication between the city and property owners, the past practice of
the city paying for sidewalks damaged by city trees, and the more recent practice of the
City following the City Charter which requires the property owner pay for sidewalk
repairs damaged by city trees.
Mayor Myrick reported that the Sidewalk Task Force would be doing a presentation
before the Board of Public Works in the near future, and outlined the following timeline
proposed new policy:
July 8 BPW agenda for discussion
July 17 Special Council Meeting as Committee of the Whole for discussion
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July 17-August 14 other advisory committees and the public can submit input to
GPA
August 21 GPA vote (at which other members of Council will likely choose to join
committee discussion, or perhaps Council will feel the need to again meet as a
Committee of the Whole to vote this on to Sep. 4 Council)
August 23 Lay Local Law on Table
September 4 Council Vote
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed new sidewalk policy
and how it might or might not affect the sidewalk situation at 116 Kelvin Place, and
liability issues for both the city and property owners.
Mayor Myrick stated that regardless of what was implied to the property owner, the
Board can decide whether or not to pay for the repair/replacement of the sidewalk at
this property. In this case, he feels the City should pick up the cost and doing an
informal straw poll of members a couple of other Board members expressed the same
opinion. Other Board members would like to see an engineer’s report of the sidewalk
and the inspection report. Mayor Myrick requested that Acting Supt. Benjamin conduct
an inspection of the sidewalks and report back to the Board on the scope of work
involved in repairing them. If the sidewalk policy changes, the problem will solve itself; if
not, the Board would still need to take action on the appeal. It was determined that the
Board would make its decision after it receives and reviews the inspection report.
Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) funding – BPW recommendation:
Transportation Engineer Logue joined the Board for discussion of this topic. He
provided the following information regarding recommendations from staff to put forward
for funding through the TEP program:
In mid-May, NYSDOT announced a call for new Transportation Enhancement Program
(TEP) applications that address one or more of five project types:
1. facilities for bicycles and pedestrians
2. scenic or historic highway facilities
3. landscaping and other beautification
4. preservation of abandoned railway corridors and conversion to use as pedestrian
and bicycle trails
5. environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff
As you are likely aware, the TEP is a competitive federal aid reimbursement program
where the sponsor is required to pay 100% of the project cost up front, and can then be
reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs (the sponsor is responsible for at least
20%). In this round of funding, proposed projects must cost at least $200,000 and
based on guidance from our regional NYSDOT office, the largest project is likely around
$600,000 of federal-aid, which would make for a total project cost of $750,000. The
local match needs to be approved with the application (contingent on award is ok), so if
the City is going to pursue a project, we need Common Council to commit the local
share.
Staff is looking for guidance on which project to pursue and will need a recommendation
to Common Council for funding. Workloads in the office are extremely high right now, so
if we do not pursue this opportunity, we can live with that. Applications must be
submitted by August 16th and project awards will likely be in late 2013. We would want
to make it on to the August Common Council agenda for approval. If the BPW can
provide us some direction on June 24th, that will give us a little time to better scope out
the project and to prepare cost estimates to present to Council.
Our top five project ideas (in order of what we think is most promising) are:
1. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements on West State/MLK Jr. Street, between
Floral Avenue and Fulton Street. The scope of work could include a new mid-
block pedestrian crossing signal across West State/MLK Jr. Street between the
bridge and Brindley Street, as well as a “road diet” along Rt. 79 between Floral
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Ave. and Taughannock Blvd, by reducing the 4 lane section to 2 lanes, plus turn
lanes, and adding bike lanes.
a. Pros:
i. This project would address the difficulty that pedestrians have in
crossing this busy (approx. 15,000 ADT), 4-lane-wide street.
ii. Improve bicycling conditions
iii. Reorganizing and reducing the driven lanes could improve safety
and operations as well, by reducing unnecessary weaving and
passing.
b. Cons:
i. New pedestrian/traffic signal will have long-term energy and
maintenance costs.
ii. This project would not contribute funds to any existing maintenance
needs
2. Creekway enhancements along Cascadilla Creek, between Cayuga Street and
Aurora Street. The scope of work would include replacing all of the pipe railings
(~1,600 lf) with attractive railings that meet current safety standards and repair
top edge of creek walls. Redesign of the driveways/intersections at Aurora St,
Tioga St, and Cayuga Street may allow for some enhancement, too. Different
paving materials might be possible, depending on budget. Interpretive signs
could be included, too.
a. Pros:
i. The existing pipe railings are woefully substandard and the large
openings afford little protection, particularly to children. This is an
existing deficiency that the City should plan to correct, yet funding
such improvements in a comprehensive manner with City funding
alone is unlikely.
ii. A new railing could include interpretive elements to recall the
history of this area including the original railing design.
iii. The new railing would enhance the beauty of this area.
iv. Improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists
v. Implement a portion of the City’s Bicycle Boulevard Plan.
b. Cons:
i. Though clearly substandard, it is unclear whether there is any
history of injuries related to this railing; therefore, this may not be a
priority at this time.
3. A new sidewalk project. Viable options for the scale and complexity of the
program could include:
Hector St from Vinegar Hill to Fallview Terrace, or possibly Oakwood Ave.
We would need a significant “over” match from the City to get to the City
line.
One side of Coddington Road and the 700 block of Hudson St
South Meadow Street Extension from Old Elmira Rd to Spencer Road
(and maybe the segment of Spencer Rd to Stone Quarry Rd)
a. Pros:
i. TEP funding would allow progress on a large new sidewalk
project where City funding alone is unlikely.
ii. The City’s required 20% match could be partially reimbursed by
sidewalk assessments to adjacent property owners.
iii. TEP funds could go to reconstructing an existing sidewalk
segment. This could be particularly useful where costly retaining
wall work is needed.
b. Cons:
i. The City’s required 20% match could be partially reimbursed by
sidewalk assessments to adjacent property owners.
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4. Advance a portion of the Stewart Ave. reconstruction project. Partnering with
Cornell, we might do a segment from Campus Road down to approx. Williams
Street. Or we could go after the first two blocks coming up from State/MLK Jr.
street (might get to Buffalo Street, but might need a larger match from the City).
a. Pros:
i. This project is in dire need of non-City funding due to its high
estimated costs. TEP funding would allow the City to make needed
repairs and would allow the City to construct the desired functional
and aesthetic enhancements.
ii. The fact that plans have already been drafted for this project will
likely increase its competitiveness.
b. Cons:
i. As the Stewart Ave. project is estimated to cost ~$6.5 million, the
TEP funding would only be able to address a short portion …
perhaps too short of a portion to be worthwhile.
Projects that we considered, but which do not seem to be good candidates include:
- Reconstruct the walkway along Cascadilla Park Rd. between University Ave. and
Stewart Avenue. The TEP requirement to meet federal walkway design
standards may be at odds with resident preferences.
- Construct the final leg of the Six-Mile Creek walkway from the recent stone dust
trail behind the Gateway Commons building, across Six-Mile Creek, to the base
of the stairs under the Columbia St. Pedestrian Bridge; at least one bridge would
be needed. This project leans more toward recreation than transportation … the
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) (administered in NY by OPRHP) seems like a
more suitable funding option. In any case, this trail project is probably a low City
priority.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the recommendations, the pros
and cons of each one, discussion of which might be more likely to be funded and
priorities for the City. Most Board members expressed their support for the city to put
forward options #1 and #2 as the two highest priority projects. Transportation Engineer
Logue stated that he would complete the application with the Board’s recommendations
and submit it as soon as he is able.
Proposal for Sixty Foot Dam – Dam Stability Analysis
Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that he needs the Board to take action on this proposal
since there are two projects converging at the same time. The Department of
Environmental Conservation is making more recommendations for work on the 60’ dam
after further review of them. They may need the report on the dam stability in order to
proceed with the water supply project, and he believes there is money in the City’s
contingency fund to cover the costs for the projects. He stated that he would like
O’Brien and Gere to proceed with a dam inspection and analysis and provide a solution
for the City to implement; however he wants to make sure that the work for both projects
is combined in a common sense and practical way. Director of Engineer West stated
that he would be interested in having former Supt. Gray critique the final analysis and
provide recommendations to the Board as well.
The Board requested that staff invite Rick Gell, from O’Brien and Gere, and former
Supt. Gray to the July 8, 2013 meeting to review and discuss these two projects.
Board Meeting Schedule:
Mayor Myrick explained that calendars for 2013 and 2014 are provided for the Board’s
review. Beginning in July 2013, the calendars are marked with two Board meetings per
month. There are two months each year that a Monday holiday falls on either the
second or fourth month, so only one Board meeting would be scheduled. He suggested
the Board consider scheduling an extra meeting for those months in advance.
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There will be no meeting on July 1, the next meeting will be July 8th and then July 22nd .
The Board will then try meeting twice a month (2nd and 4th Mondays) to see how it goes.
For the months of October and November when the 2nd Monday is a holiday, the Board
will meet on the 1st Monday.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick
Information Management Specialist Mayor