HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-03-26BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:47 p.m. March 26, 2012
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (6) – Acharya, Darling, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Leccese, Morache
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney – Lavine
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin
Executive Assistant – Gehring
EXCUSED:
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Mayor Myrick reported that Albert Smith, owner of The Hot Truck, withdrew his request to
relocate the truck at this time.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Myrick had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Betsy Darlington, Fairmount Avenue, expressed concern regarding resident responsibility for
sidewalk repairs within the city. She suggested that a sidewalk assessment could be
administered to everyone in the city, including tax exempt organizations.
Nick Sledzonia, representative for Occupy Ithaca, read the following statement to the Board
regarding finding another location in the city for the Occupiers:
“Ever since our relocation to the new area next to the First Baptist Church, we have had at least one
person spending the night in our encampment every night since the occupation had begun. We were
lucky that this winter was fairly mild as it was very difficult to maintain a security presence at night when
temps oftentimes dipped below freezing.
I personally have spent a great deal of time helping the occupiers to maintain a presence in the new
location, and I have spent a great deal of time attempting to work with the City in order to find a new and
more suitable location for the occupiers to move to.
The current feeling amongst the occupiers is that we feel we are stuck in a corner, which we literally are
at the present moment. Our current location is very small and it allows for extremely little visibility to the
general public. To say the least, the general feeling at the present moment is that of despair. We feel like
we are not able to let our voices and concerns to be heard, and this is why we need a more suitable
location.
Over the past few months, I have met personally with Mayor Myrick and Bill Gray in order to see what I
can do personally to find a more suitable location for the occupiers. The requirements we need are a
location that is highly visible, has plenty of room for people to gather, and allows for 24 hour occupation
of the location. In other words, it cannot be a city park where there is a curfew. This is why I have been
working tirelessly to try to obtain a permit to use the parcel of city land that is directly adjacent to
Friendly’s on Elmira Road. The location satisfies all of the necessary requirements, particularly our
visibility requirement.
I understand that this sort of permit application is not something the City has dealt with before, and this is
why I have put several specifics in the permit application request. For example, there will be no more
than three tents; one of the tents will be 10 feet by 10 feet, accompanied by two smaller tents to provide
overnight shelter for security personnel. I have also obtained an insurance quote for liability insurance for
the presence of no more than 49 people. In addition, I have submitted a request for use of this parcel for
30 days with the intention to renew the permit with permission of the City as long as we are satisfying
everything outlined in the permit application. I believe that my permit request is an agreement the City of
Ithaca can live with and at the same time it will satisfy all the needs of the occupiers. Personally, I am
trying to find a way that the City of Ithaca and the Occupiers can work together to come to an agreement
Board of Public Works Page 2 March 26, 2012
Regular Meeting
on a publicly owned parcel of land as opposed to working against each other. As I mentioned to Bill
Gray in our last meeting, I am trying to do everything in my own power to act as a mediator between the
two groups so we do not have to go through round after round of contentious meetings where nobody
seems to be working together to accomplish their own specific goals. The fact of the matter is the
Occupiers need the help of the City in order to thrive and I don’t see any reason why, in a city as liberal as
Ithaca, we cannot find a way to work together.”
John Graves, South Hill Civic Association President, addressed the Board regarding the
proposed detour during the East Clinton Street Bridge Replacement Project. He expressed
support for changing Aurora Street to two-way travel to better accommodate traffic flow during
the project.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Commissioner Acharya responded to comments regarding the city’s current sidewalk program,
expressing strong agreement with Mrs. Darlington’s statements. He suggested looking at
policies in other college towns, such as Burlington, VT, and Boulder, CO to see how
maintenance, repair, and construction of new sidewalks are managed.
Commissioner Goldsmith suggested that the Occupy Movement be located downtown for
maximum exposure. He disagreed with Mrs. Darlington’s suggestion that all property owners
fund the sidewalk program.
REPORTS:
Parks Commission:
Dan Krall, Parks Commission Chair, thanked the Mayor for attending the last Parks
Commission meeting. He reported that the Commission’s objective in 2012 is to update its
inventory, place memorials in parks, determine how funding for city parks is allocated, and
whether there are too many parks in the City to maintain. He stated there are 27-28 City
parks, which include the cemetery and open spaces, like VanHorn Park.
Board Liaisons:
Commissioner Acharya reported that the Planning and Development Board would be
discussing several development projects related to public works, including parking meters and
crosswalks, at their meeting on March 27, 2012.
Superintendent and Staff:
Supt. Gray reported that the Engineering Office is working closely with the Clerk’s Office to
inform the public about construction/development projects occurring in the city, and their
impacts to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians during this construction season.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the crews are moving forward on the small pavilion
reconstruction at Stewart Park and street cleaning. The Forestry Division is beginning to plant
new trees, a volunteer clean-up effort along the waterways is scheduled for Saturday, March
31, 2012, and yard waste pick up will begin on April 9, 2012.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported there have not been any water main breaks yet this year, which
is remarkable considering how many there were in 2011, and that there are normally one to
two dozen breaks during a winter season. He further reported that crews are replacing old fire
hydrants and working on utility services for new development projects. He stated that City staff
met with representatives from Region 7 New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation for a Stormwater Management inspection, and the City received a letter stating it
passed the inspection.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the March 6, 2012, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 6, 2012 Board of Public Works meeting be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works Page 3 March 26, 2012
Regular Meeting
VOTING ITEMS:
Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit:
Award of Contract for Construction of a New Salt Storage Building – Resolution
Supt. Gray stated that the budget for the project needs to be increased before the contract can
be awarded. The award will be contingent upon Common Council’s approval of the budget
increase. The resolution will be on the Board’s April 2, 2012 agenda.
Highways, Streets and Sidewalks:
A Proposed Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Floral Avenue Multi-Use
Facility
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and the City of Ithaca
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR), Section 176 of the City Code,
require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of
projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, SEQR and CEQR both provide for an uncoordinated review for “Unlisted”
projects that involve more than one agency, and
WHEREAS, the proposed construction of Floral Avenue Multiuse Facility project (PIN
375463, Capital Project # 770) is a “Unlisted” action under SEQR and is an “Unlisted”
action under CEQR; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself
lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed construction of the Floral
Avenue Multiuse Facility project.
Transportation Engineer Tim Logue explained the project and that the City is ready to submit
the final design report to New York State Department of Transportation for review. Discussion
followed on the floor regarding the Board declaring lead agency versus Common Council.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Environmental Review for the Floral Avenue Multi-Use Facility, PIN 375463 - Resolution
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the
environmental review for a project (“the Project”) entitled “Floral Avenue Multi-Use Facility”
(PIN 375463) in accordance with Section 176 of the Ithaca City Code (CEQR) and in
accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (SEQR),
and
WHEREAS, the Project includes construction of a multi-use trail and appurtenances between
Floral Avenue and the Flood Control Channel, including two spurs and midblock pedestrian
crossings, and
WHEREAS, the Project is an Unlisted action according to CEQR and an Unlisted Action
according to SEQR, and
WHEREAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for
SEQR, and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2012, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for an
uncoordinated environmental review for CEQR/SEQR, and
WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council has received a copy of the CEQR/SEQR short
forms and a set of plans for the project, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on March 26, 2012,
reviewed and accepted as complete Short Environmental Assessment Forms Part I and Part II
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Regular Meeting
prepared by staff, and Project plans prepared on behalf of the City by Erdman Anthony, and
other project materials, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the project for the Floral Avenue
Multi-Use Facility located in the City of Ithaca will result in no significant negative
environmental impact and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the NYS
Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the
State Environmental Quality Review Act and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of
Section 176 of the City Code be filed in accordance with the City Environmental Quality
Review Ordinance.
Carried Unanimously
A Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Green and Seneca Street Bulbouts
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and the City of Ithaca
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR), Section 176 of the City Code,
require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of
projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, SEQR and CEQR both provide for an uncoordinated review for “Unlisted”
projects that involve more than one agency, and
WHEREAS, the proposed construction of Green and Seneca Street Bulbout project
(PIN 375462, Capital Project # 769) is a “Unlisted” action under SEQR and is an
“Unlisted” action under CEQR; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself
lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed construction of the Green and
Seneca Street Bulbout project.
Transportation Engineer Tim Logue explained the project and why the Board should declare
lead agency rather than Common Council. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the
design of the bulbouts.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Environmental Review for the Green and Seneca Street Bulbout Project - Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Leccese
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the
environmental review for a project (“the Project”) entitled “Green and Seneca Street Bulbouts”
(PIN 375462) in accordance with Section 176 of the Ithaca City Code (CEQR) and in
accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (SEQR),
and
WHEREAS, the Project includes construction on curb bulbouts on Green and Seneca Streets
on the upstream side of the intersections with Plain Street and Corn Street, which should
improve conditions for pedestrians, and
WHEREAS, the Project is an Unlisted action according to CEQR and an Unlisted Action
according to SEQR, and
WHEREAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for
SEQR, and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2012, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for an
uncoordinated environmental review for CEQR/SEQR, and
WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council has received a copy of the CEQR/SEQR short
forms and a set of plans for the project, and
Board of Public Works Page 5 March 26, 2012
Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on March 26, 2012,
reviewed and accepted as complete Short Environmental Assessment Forms Part I and Part II
prepared by staff, and Project plans prepared on behalf of the City by Erdman Anthony, and
other project materials, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the project for Green and
Seneca Street Bulbouts located in the City of Ithaca will result in no significant negative
environmental impact and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the NYS
Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the
State Environmental Quality Review Act and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of
Section 176 of the City Code be filed in accordance with the City Environmental Quality
Review Ordinance.
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Recommendation for Detours during Clinton Street/Prospect Street Reconstruction
Project
Transportation Engineer Tim Logue remained with the Board for the discussion of this topic.
Mayor Myrick mentioned the suggestion from the public and Commissioner Acharya to make
North Aurora Street into a two-way street temporarily to assist in alleviating some traffic
congestion during the project. Supt. Gray responded that the one-way streets around the
Commons are not a product of urban growth; the north/south one-way street pairs were
created due to the impacts from the Commons.
Transportation Engineer Logue stated there are three issues related to the planned detour:
1. The impacts of cut-through traffic on South Hill;
2. Congestion of traffic on detour upon detour, next to construction sites; and
3. One-way streets going the wrong direction that people want to go.
He explained that the first few days of the implementation of a large detour is difficult as people
figure out where they are going. More information about the project and detour is being sent
out to the public through several different ways so public is informed, and can plan their travel
routes accordingly.
He further explained the expected impacts of the traffic detour, and the results of a traffic
model created by the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council. Because of the one-
way street system on South Hill, coming down the hill is much easier than going up the hill in
that area.
The City has attempted to work with NYSDOT to keep congestion down as much as possible,
especially at the Tuning Fork and the east end of the Commons. It is helpful to have
communication with the State and important that they respond quickly to timing requests for
the traffic signals on the detour route.
He stated that a traffic study was completed in 2001 on converting Cayuga and Aurora Streets
to two-way traffic, and reported that the idea of converting from one-way to two-way is more
complicated than just changing a traffic signal. It includes adding southbound traffic into now
northbound-only lanes, the expense of restriping and changing traffic signals. He suggested
that another traffic study could be completed if the Board requests, but it would cost
approximately $30-40,000 for a consultant to do the study and to implement any changes. He
further stated that the study would take approximately two years to complete.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the cost of installing traffic signal faces, traffic
counts, and creating a separate left turn lane for northbound traffic on Aurora Street turning
onto Seneca Street. Supt. Gray noted that changing Aurora Street to two-way travel would be
a long-term modification; it could not occur for a short period of time. Transportation Engineer
Logue agreed and stated that the City has the opportunity to make the necessary changes
during the traffic signal upgrade project this year.
Further discussion followed regarding other options the City could utilize to help alleviate traffic
issues during the construction, ensuring TCAT buses are given priority access to the bus stop
on Green Street, modifying the bus route to Ithaca College and steps Ithaca College is taking
to notify its employees and students of the bridge closure.
Board of Public Works Page 6 March 26, 2012
Regular Meeting
Mayor Myrick stated that an aggressive public communication program will begin to inform the
public of construction projects planned within the City this year.
Request to Relocate “The Hot Truck” from Stewart Avenue to 410 College Avenue:
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of the applicant.
Request for Commemorative Plaque on the Carl Sagan Bridge:
Emily Sullivan joined the Board and explained the proposal to place a commemorative plaque
on the Adam Street/Carl Sagan Bridge. She stated it was an opportunity to show the link
between Cornell University and the local community.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained that the bridge was built through cooperation between Cornell
University students and City crews. Commissioner Goldsmith expressed support and approval
for the plaque and the addition of Carl Sagan’s name due to the bridge’s proximity to the
Sciencenter and Discovery Trail. He further stated that information should be included on the
plaque to explain who constructed the bridge,
Commissioner Leccese noted that the Parks Commission had been discussing creating a
policy for handling memorials in and near City parks. She stated that the proposed location for
this plaque was near a City park, and should be presented to the Parks Commission for its
recommendation. She noted that the next meeting of the Parks Commission was April 10,
2012. The Board agreed that the proposal for the plaque should be presented to the Parks
Commission at its next meeting.
Appeal of Recycling Violation for 631 Hudson Street:
Property owner Tom Marino joined the Board for the discussion of this item.
Mayor Myrick explained the appeal and staff’s recommendation to deny the appeal.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the recycling fee.
Mr. Marino explained why he appealed the violation, and stated that he was not provided the
documentation he requested.
Commissioner Acharya expressed his opinion that the appeal be denied. Supt. Gray
explained the procedures staff follow before a fine is administered.
Motion to Deny Appeal of Recycling Violation for 631 Hudson Street – Resolution
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works deny the appeal for the recycling violation at 631
Hudson Street.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor