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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 Board of Public Works Page 4 March 26, 2012 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