HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-04-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. April 2, 2012
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (6) - Jenkins, Darling, Morache, Leccese, Goldsmith, Acharya
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Benjamin
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Transportation Engineer – Logue
Engineering Technician – Johnson
EXCUSED:
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Goldsmith requested the addition of item 9.5 under discussion items
entitled “Combined Heat and Power” related to a resolution to be considered by
Common Council on April 4, 2012.
Commissioner Morache requested the addition of item 9.6 under discussion items
entitled “Re-Painting of Bike Lane on E Green Street/E. State/Martin Luther King, Jr.
Street”.
No Board Member objected.
Mayor Myrick noted that item 9.1 on the agenda entitled “Request to Relocate “The Hot
Truck” from Stewart Avenue to 410 College Avenue” had been withdrawn.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Myrick had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
The following people addressed the Board to discuss:
JP Ulco – hot truck/mobile vending in the City of Ithaca. He encouraged the City to
reconsider its stance on not allowing hot trucks in the City of Ithaca.
David Nutter – bicycle and pedestrian issues in the City, the need for the bike lane on
East Green Street/East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street to be repainted, the possible
addition of another bike lane on Seneca Street, New York State’s Complete Streets law,
and the need to spread the cost of new sidewalk construction and maintenance of
current sidewalks to everyone, and not just the adjacent property owner.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
Supt. Gray responded to comments about the bike lane on E. Green Street/E.
State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, and the one proposed for Seneca Street. He noted
that these streets belong to New York State, and the City requested permission for a
bike lane on Seneca Street, but was turned down. He further noted that plans to turn
portions of Route 13 that the City maintains over to New York State Department of
Transportation in exchange for the State turning over Green and Seneca Streets to the
City. He thinks that might occur within the next couple of years, and then the City would
be free to put a bike lane on Seneca Street, after required studies are completed. New
York State’s Complete Streets law may not have an affect on the State’s denial of the
City’s request for a bike lane on Seneca Street. In the meantime, City staff will approach
the State again to make another request for one.
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Commissioner Leccese noted that compliance with New York State’s Complete Streets
law is only required when a street is completely redone, so the State many not
voluntarily comply with a request from the City for a bike lane on Seneca Street.
REPORTS:
Commissioner Morache, BPW Liaison to Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council
(BPAC) – Report:
Commissioner Morache provided the following update to the Board:
Persons interested in BPAC held an “ad hoc” meeting on March 27, 2012 for the
purpose of re-activating the Council. A free-flowing discussion covered the following
topic areas, as we explored what kinds of issues would interest the group at future
meetings:
Council composition and meeting times.
There was concern that the large size of the council (11) has limited its effectiveness in
the past, and would do so in the future, since 6 out of 11 members need to be present
for a vote. It has been difficult to assemble all members at the same time. Common
Council (CC) would need to approve a reduction in BPAC membership. The plan is to
proceed to fill the 2 remaining vacancies of the 11 member group, and see how it
performs. If necessary, the group’s size could be reconsidered at a later date.
The group is considering setting the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 (or 6:00 pm) as
its regular meeting time, in the 2nd floor conference room. The Planning Board liaison
position still needs to be filled, as does the Parks Commission liaison position.
Police interaction and incident reports.
Police interaction with BPAC dwindled off in the past, and members would like to
restore an effective working relationship. Of primary interest is the ability of BPAC
members to track incident reports so as to flag issues at problem intersections and
make recommendations. Adding to the difficulty of doing this is the nonsearchability
of the police database. It was suggested that somehow linking accident reports to the
GIS system, and training BPAC members on the use of the GIS would be helpful. BPAC
does not wish to burden staff with information gathering.
Traffic light timing to prioritize pedestrians.
There was concern raised about the utter uselessness of pedestrian crossing buttons
that do not give pedestrians enough time to cross before allowing turning traffic to
proceed. Problems were noted as especially bad at Rte. 13 intersections over which the
city has minimal control. BPAC would like to work toward examining and improving
crossing conditions at all intersections. One suggestion was to create more “all stop”
intersections, where pedestrians can cross from all directions simultaneously, to remove
the danger of turning traffic. In addition, allowing bikes to proceed through the
intersection during the pedestrian crossing period would reduce bike/car conflicts, since
slow moving bikes and pedestrians can interact safely.
There was interest in making it less difficult to get across Fulton and Meadow Streets by
prioritizing one or two lower volume intersections for pedestrian and bike crossing, with
such “all stop” signals. The idea is to get east/west bike traffic to the Waterfront Trail,
which is a safer north/south route. Intersections at State and Court, which also have rail
crossings, were suggested.
There is interest in the status of the Rte. 13 and 3rd Street intersection.
Common Council Resolution of Pedestrian Priority.
There was a discussion about a Council Resolution passed in Uppsala Sweden about
10 years ago, which officially de-prioritized the motor vehicle, and placed
accommodation of the pedestrian first, bicyclists second, transit third and private motor
vehicles last, with regard to planning, land-use, development and infrastructure
decisions. This resolution was the legal basis for a chain of actions that radically
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April 2, 2012
improved Uppsala’s walkability, bikeability and has boosted its transit ridership.
Vancouver B.C. has passed a similar resolution to re-align their planning priorities
toward pedestrians. There is interest in pursuing this type of resolution here, as a
catalyst for aligning public policy with the vision of a walkable city with sustainable
transportation options.
Bike Climbing Lanes.
The climbing lanes on State Street are faded or non-existent at curves due to motorists
straying from their lanes, creating a safety issue. REPAINTING NEEDS TO BE
PRIORITIZED. There is a full understanding of the limitations of our painting equipment,
but even the application of ordinary paint would be welcome. With the warm winter,
there is a desire to see a plan in place to get this done as soon as another warm stretch
arises. This should happen ahead of crosswalk and stop line painting, since there are
many other visual cues to motorists at crosswalk and intersection locations. In addition,
the lane should be repainted at the end of summer so it still exists at the beginning of
spring, 2013.
Comprehensive Plan.
BPAC is not even mentioned as a “stakeholder” and no members were interviewed by
Clarion. BPAC would like to provide some formal input in the next round.
A bike map, showing existing conditions and proposed bike routes may be useful to add
to the planning influences report, rather than just the written reference to the bike plan.
Bike Boulevard Plan.
This will be a major focus of the group over the next few months. The lack of a
significant east/west “boulevard”, as well as the lack of strategy for traversing the West
End, stands out as serious deficiency in the plan. There is an interest in the use of State
Street/MLK as a “greenway” (Martin Luther King Greenway) to serve as the primary
east/west part of the bike system and as a dedicated route for busses to the West
End. Devising a plan for the gradual implementation of this concept, as a virtual
Commons extension and a catalyst for new housing development along the West MLK
corridor, interests the group.
The idea of creating a future dedicated bus/bike route from the bus station north to the
Farmer’s market, possibly beside, or along the railroad right-of-way (depending on its
future status given the impending closure of AES Cayuga), was also introduced.
The meeting adjourned with agreement that the group would have a discussion of the
sidewalk program as a major agenda item at its next meeting. Also likely to be
discussed are the possible Council Resolution, the bike lane painting issue, and
greenway system in general.
Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 1, at 5:30 pm, in 2nd floor conference
room.
Staff Reports:
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews are busy with annual Spring street cleaning
and tree planting. He noted that the golf course is doing well this Spring because of the
great weather.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that crews responded to a sewer main blockage on
Cascadilla Park Road last Thursday, and had it cleared by that evening. He stated that
upon completion and inspection of lines in the area it was determined that other repairs
will be needed. It will be difficult to make some of them due to the topography of the
area, the road, and architecture of the homes.
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April 2, 2012
Supt. Gray reported that various capital projects are underway – solar panels at Streets
and Facilities, and a new generator for City Hall. He stated that the biggest issue
relates to the Clinton Street Bridge/Prospect Street rebuild project. He stated that New
York State has delayed their approval to the City to award the project due to a hang up
in a minority business requirement for the project. He further stated that if the approval
is delayed much longer the project may need to be put on hold for this year.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the March 12, 2012 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Leccese
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 12, 2012 Board of Public Works Meeting be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
A Public Hearing to Consider the Construction of Sidewalk in the 700 Block of
Hancock Street
Resolution to Open Public Hearing:
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Construction of Sidewalk in the
700 Block of Hancock Street be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
Sunit Lex Chutintaranond, owner of ZaZa’s Cucina on Hancock Street, addressed the
Board in opposition to the proposed construction of new sidewalk on the 700 block of
Hancock Street. He noted that his cost is estimated at $8,000 to $10,000, and as a
business owner it is very difficult to pay that in addition to all the taxes and utilities that
are paid to the City. He is not sure why the property owner has to carry this burden, and
suggested that the City consider tax credits, or lower property taxes to help the property
owner pay for the sidewalk. He would also like to see the City pay for the cost of the
construction of new sidewalk.
Mayor Myrick noted that the City received written opposition from Suburban Propane for
the proposed new sidewalk, a copy of which was distributed to Board members.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing:
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Construction of Sidewalk in the
700 Block of Hancock Street be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
A Public Hearing to Consider the Construction of Sidewalk on Cornell Street
between East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and Eastwood Avenue
Resolution to Open Public Hearing:
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Lecesse
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Construction of Sidewalk on
Cornell Street between East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and Eastwood Avenue
be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
Brenda Marsten, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board in support of the proposed new
sidewalk on Cornell Street. She stated that the neighborhood is very pleased that the
City is moving forward with this project, which will be as asset for the public. She does
not feel that the cost should be borne solely by the adjacent property owners, who will
also be responsible for its maintenance, and for shoveling it in the winter. She
encouraged the City to see if Cornell might be willing to provide some financial support
for it, as the sidewalk will benefit not only the neighborhood, and school children, but
also students and staff at Cornell. She also requested that a crosswalk be painted from
Bridge Street across East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street to connect to the sidewalk
on Cornell Street.
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April 2, 2012
Lori Anderson Moseman, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board as one of the property
owners who will be responsible for the proposed new sidewalk. She supports the
construction of sidewalk here, but feels the financial burden should be shared by the
community since it is a neighborhood sidewalk. Their cost is $9,000.00, and they will
pay it because they feel that there is a huge need for a new sidewalk here. She
encouraged the City to extend the school zone on Cornell Street to slow motorists down
because there is a blind crosswalk on a curve. She also would like to see the City
charge the property owner the rate per foot that they charge for repairing sidewalks, and
not a higher amount. She also is concerned about the finance charge of 12% that
property owners incur when they set up a payment plan for the work with the City, it
seems unfair to the property owner.
Marianella Casaola, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board in support of the proposed new
sidewalk on Cornell Street. She stated that it is needed here, but that it is an
overwhelming expense, with short notice to the adjacent property owners, to pay. She
also noted that it has taken a long time to get to this point, and wondered if the City
should rethink its approach to the construction of new sidewalks. She further noted that
these property owners aren’t indigent but it is still a big expense to incur. She feels there
should be more creative solutions to distributing the cost since the sidewalk will provide
safety for pedestrians, which is needed; as well as help to provide a more walkable,
healthy city for its residents. She feels that the 12% finance charge is unfair as well.
Garin Danner, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board as one of the property owners who
will be responsible for the cost of the construction of the new sidewalk. He noted that
they did not receive much notice about the proposed construction of the new sidewalk.
He supports what has been said already about the real need for a sidewalk on Cornell
Street to provide a safe walkway, especially for children on their way to Belle Sherman
School. In addition, he feels that the system in place for billing adjacent property
owners for the construction of new sidewalk is not equitable, and noted that repair costs
are very different than costs for new sidewalks. They will have more than 100’ of new
sidewalk that they will be responsible for. He noted that in some areas of the City there
are no sidewalks and those property owners will never incur the cost for construction or
maintenance of sidewalk adjacent to their properties, and that does not seem right.
Nancy Ramage, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board in support of the proposed new
sidewalk on Cornell Street which will provide the needed safety for school children.
However, she feels that the City’s rules regarding who should be financially responsible
for sidewalks should be changed so that property/business owners are not solely
responsible for that cost, since sidewalks provide a public amenity. The City’s sidewalk
construction process should be revised as well.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Lecesse
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Construction of Sidewalk on
Cornell Street between East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and Eastwood Avenue
be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Myrick asked what the next steps in this process should be. Supt. Gray
responded that the Board can direct that the following be done:
• The Board could require that sidewalks be installed
• The Board could decide to put off the construction of the new sidewalks
• The Board may want staff to provide additional information
Commissioners Goldsmith and Morache have been working on sidewalk policy and
procedures in a sub-committee of the Board. Commissioner Goldsmith reported that
they have collected information from other cities of similar size to Ithaca, and found that
the rules regarding construction and maintenance of sidewalks vary. He noted that one
city in California required property owners to pay for the sidewalks, then they required
property owners to pay 50% and the city would pay the other 50% - until the city ran out
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April 2, 2012
of money. In Ann Arbor property taxes were increased so the city would assume the
cost and responsibility for sidewalks; however, it was not clear how much sidewalk work
would be completed each year, if any. They found that in most cases it was unusual for
cities to pay for the cost. He stated that the City of Ithaca is facing financial difficulties
as well, and no one wants to pay increased property taxes or for sidewalks. In addition,
the City has a lot of tax exempt properties, not-for-profits, and religious institutions that
do not pay taxes, so raising taxes would not be fair because of that.
Commissioner Morache stated that they have been trying to work through creative
solutions for the problems with the current sidewalk program. He also noted that any
changes proposed to the sidewalk procedures for the City would require a change to the
City Charter, and would not become effective until November since charter changes are
required to go through referendum. He stated that currently most people see the current
system as unfair and unequitable.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that one idea floating around the Department of Public
Works is to bill 100% of the cost to the property owner, but a requirement for any sale of
the property would be the provision of a written agreement from the City that the
sidewalk for that particular property was in good condition; if not, the City could put a
lien on the property which could be taken care of through the sale of property – so that
either the current owner or new owner would be responsible for the construction or
repair of the sidewalk. He further stated that if the City of Ithaca were to do this, the
estimated total that property owners would be responsible to pay the City is $13 million
– based on a per square foot charge, if this were done at the time of the sale of the
property so costs could be included in the purchase/sale price.
Commissioner Morache stated that the 12% interest rate, per the City Charter, on any
payment plan property owners make with the City for the cost of the construction/repair
of their sidewalk is unfair, and that is being investigated. He noted again, that this would
require the change going to referendum, and not becoming effective until November.
He stated that another option worth exploring would be a yearly assessment so that not-
for-profits and the university would also have to pay into the fund instead of raising
property taxes.
Commissioner Acharya suggested the possibility of establishing a benefit improvement
district in neighborhoods to help spread out the cost of the sidewalks. He is not sure
what that would involve or whether it is even feasible, but it might be worth exploring.
Commissioner Goldsmith noted that the proposed sidewalks on Cornell Street will be
very expensive because of the topography of the area. He stated that previous Board of
Public Works minutes would reflect that the Board discussed this and did not feel it
would be unreasonable for the City to bear part of the cost for any new sidewalk in this
area because of that.
Commissioner Morache questioned what the cost to the property owners would be for
the construction of new sidewalks on Cornell Street.
Transportation Engineer Logue responded that the City cannot charge for the cost of
curbing or storm sewer work. He further stated that the cost also depends upon the
Board’s interpretation of the City Charter. If it took a very narrow reading of it, the only
charge to the property owner would be for the concrete. He also noted that NYSEG is
going to be doing gas work in the area, and the City might be able to coordinate some
of the work and cost with them.
Mayor Myrick asked whether or not the Board was interested in continuing this
discussion.
Commissioner Acharya responded that it is important to keep going with these
discussions, especially for safety reasons.
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April 2, 2012
Alderperson Fleming responded that, as 3rd Ward representative, she represents
several of the residents who spoke in support of the proposed new sidewalk on Cornell
Street. She thanked Commissioners Goldsmith and Morache for their work on the
sidewalk sub-committee. She noted that her vision for a better Ithaca includes more
public sidewalks (as well as mobile/hot trucks) and that she is willing to help in anyway.
Transportation Engineer Logue stated that the other option that Board could consider
would be to recommend that Common Council establish a capital project for sidewalk
work. He stated that he would be happy to provide written outline choices for the Board
to consider that would include: direct who would do the work, direct that the work not be
done, direct that the work be set aside and come back to it in the future, or establish a
capital project. The Board would like to see those options written out for their
consideration.
VOTING ITEMS:
Award of Contract for Building Materials Package for the Stewart Park Small
Pavilion Reconstruction Project – Capital Project 762 – Resolution
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, Quotes were received on March 9, 2012, for providing a building materials
package for the materials required to reconstruct the Small (Tea) Pavilion at Stewart
Park, and
WHEREAS, Capital Project 762 – Stewart Park Small Pavilion Reconstruction, includes
funding to purchase equipment and materials for reconstructing the pavilion, and
WHEREAS, Baker-Miller Lumber, Inc., Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc., 84 Lumber
Company, and Cayuga Lumber were all asked to perform a take-off from the drawings
and specifications and to submit a building materials quote, and
WHEREAS, Baker-Miller Lumber, Inc. has submitted the only complete materials list
and quote, and upon comparison of unit prices has the overall lowest cost to the City,
and
WHEREAS, Baker-Miller Lumber, Inc. has submitted a bid for Construction Materials for
the Stewart Park Small Pavilion Reconstruction work of $31,330.27, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for Construction Materials for the Stewart Park Small
Pavilion Reconstruction work is hereby awarded to Baker-Miller Lumber, Inc., and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to enter into
and administer this contract.
Carried (6-1)
(Commissioner Acharya absent from vote)
Resolution to Award Contract – Streets &Facilities Salt Storage Building – Capital
Project 710
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, bids were received on March 23, 2012, for the construction of a new Salt
Storage Building located at the Streets and Facilities complex, 245 Pier Road, and
WHEREAS, Park Lane Construction and Development Corporation, 10269 Old Rte.
31W, Clyde, NY, 14433 has submitted the apparent low bid for General Construction
work of $233,404.00, and
WHEREAS, Capital Project 710 – Streets and Facilities Salt Storage Building
Replacement was authorized in 2007 in the amount of $220,000, and
WHEREAS, a portion of the authorization has been expended upon consulting services
and in preparing the foundation for the new building, and
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April 2, 2012
WHEREAS, there is a remaining balance of $19,768.58 in Capital Project 729 – Streets
& Facilities Secord Building Demolition, and
WHEREAS, funding of $115,000 was authorized in 2009 for Streets & Facilities Warm
Storage Building, and
WHEREAS, the anticipated mitigation of bird infestation at the warm storage building
will not require the full amount of the authorization, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works recommends the transfer $19,768.58 from
Capital Project 729 as well as the transfer of $85,000 from Capital Project 750 to Capital
Project 710 for a revised budget authorization of $324,758.58, and be it further
RESOLVED , That the contract for General Construction for work related to the Streets
and Facilities Salt Storage Building is awarded to Park Lane Construction and
Development Corporation of Clyde, NY for the apparent low bid of $233,404.00,
contingent upon Common Council adjusting Capital Project 710, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to enter into and
administer these contracts.
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Request to Relocate “The Hot Truck” from Stewart Avenue to 410 College Avenue
This item was removed from the agenda.
Request to Relocate from Occupy Ithaca:
Supt. Gray explained that his office received a request from Occupy Ithaca (Nick
Sledziona) for use of city land located on Elmira Road. It is the old waste water pumping
station next to Friendly's Restaurant, across from the Wal-mart driveway entrance. He
stated that the Building Department will not approve a sleep in without proper sleeping
quarters and sanitary facilities. He will approach the Building Department for advice on
code issues. With respect to entering into a lease for use of the land, if all other issues
were resolved, he expects the City could agree to a short term lease. The land is on a
list of property being considered for sale and should not be encumbered with a long
term lease. He further noted that Mr. Sledziona has gone to great effort to work with the
City and comply with requests, and has provided to the City with a general liability
insurance certificate for an event on city land.
Mayor Myrick stated that he would very much like to find a way to allow the Occupy
Ithaca group to use the requested land. He stated that members from Occupy Ithaca
have been working. in good faith efforts, with the City since November to try to find
another location. He noted that the City has a respectful relationship with the members
of the Occupy Ithaca group, and they have complied with requests made by the City.
Alderperson Fleming questioned whether there would be a fee for the use of City land,
and if so what it would be. She further questioned whether there would be an expense
to the City to monitor the area (i.e. police monitoring). She noted that the City has a
new special event policy, and that she doesn’t feel the City is obligated to find another
site for Occupy Ithaca to use. Supt. Gray responded that for a short-term lease there
would be no fee, and noted that this is not a request for a permit but for use of city land.
Mayor Myrick stated that the City does not have a legal obligation to work with the
members of the Occupy Ithaca group; however, he does feel a personal obligation to
work with them to find another location for them to occupy. Discussion followed on the
floor regarding the request, concerns raised by the Building Department, and the
temporary nature of the request. The Board expressed its appreciation to the members
of the Occupy Ithaca group for their willingness to work with the City, their compliance
with requests from the City, and their patience. They would like to see the request
approved, and directed Supt. Gray to work with the Building Department to address
their concerns, and to handle the request administratively, and to work with the Occupy
Ithaca group on what the start date should be for the agreement.
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April 2, 2012
Clinton/Prospect Street Detour Planning:
Mayor Myrick announced that there would be a press conference on Wednesday, April
18th, at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss the proposed detour. He said after the press
conference there would be a walking tour and opportunity to video as needed. He also
noted that the City has hired a Public Information Intern to work on construction notices
for the public. They will be responsible for checking in with construction project
managers on a weekly basis, and updating the public with the status of all the City’s
construction projects.
Board of Public Works (BPW) Holiday Meeting Schedule for 2012:
Supt. Gray stated that the move to Mondays for BPW meetings insured that some
meetings of the Board would conflict with holidays that fall on Mondays. He wanted to
discuss with the Board whether or not they wanted to try to find a third meeting day
those months or not. The Board discussed the possibility, and decided to meet just
twice those months and schedule a third meeting as needed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Goldsmith - Common Council Resolution on Combined Heat and
Power (CHP) for the Commons:
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he e-mailed Supt. Gray just before today’s
meeting, and wanted a brief discussion of CHP for the Commons with the Board, as it
sounds like a public works issue to him. He explained that “Energize Ithaca” hopes to
develop CHP, which he thinks might be a great idea for the City to pursue. He does not
think that Common Council should back any particular group to explore CHP though.
As he understands it, “Energize Ithaca” has no experience in CHP development or in
creating a power utility. The resolution before Common Council (for their meeting on
4/4/12) would allow them to claim to federal, state, and private financial groups that the
City supports their efforts, at least to undertake a study. The results of the study might
then belong to “Energize Ithaca”. Based on the results, they might come back to the City
to ask to be the preferred developer for a district energy plant for the Commons. He
further explained that the partners seem to be David Parks (former Asst. District
Attorney), Peter Bardaglio (Pres. Black Oak Wind Farm), Anthony Guarneri (VP
Anodyne Solutions), and Herbert Dwyer (Pres. Anodyne Solutions). He stated that he
doesn’t know what experience, if any, they have individually or collectively with CHP.
Commissioner Morache explained why the requestors might need the City’s permission.
He would support the study but not the group, as the group does not have any
experience.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that Commissioner Morache’s disclaimer above would
be good to include in the proposed resolution – that if the City endorses it, the City
should share ownership or co-ownership of the study information.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the request, the Governor’s plans for energy
in New York State, and the current excess power available in the State, which is one
reason why our local AES is shutting down. AES has been providing excess energy not
being used locally to the east coast power grid, and now that natural gas is flooding the
power grid with cheap energy the problems that is causing.
Supt. Gray stated that he agrees with Commissioner Goldsmith that this is a public
works issue, but has been handled, so far, as an economic development private
investment. He had a question regarding the franchise use of city property for a private
individual or company, what would that involve or would it be allowed? Mayor Myrick
stated that this project connects to the Commons Redesign project, so it might be assist
the City in finding or qualifying for other funding options for it.
Commissioner Morache also noted that related to this being a public works issue are
the questions of who owns the piping and the burning of biomass fuel that the City does
not want downtown.
A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the pros and cons of the hydronically
heated sidewalks proposed in the resolution.
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April 2, 2012
The Board requested that Alderperson Fleming relay their concerns regarding this
resolution to Common Council at their meeting on April 4, 2012.
Commissioner Goldsmith – Request from BPAC for Repainting of Bike Lane on
East Green Street/East State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Commissioner Morache reported that members of BPAC are very interested in having
the bike lane repainted to help protect bicyclists.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding what weather conditions are needed for the
painting to occur, how striping/painting work is prioritized, and what can be done to get
this work completed sooner rather than later.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained what weather conditions are needed for paint to be
applied, that school crosswalks are the priority, and the lack of resources – staff and
equipment/materials to do this work. Commissioner Morache responded that the Board
then needs to either request that the Mayor and Common Council approve additional
staff/resources or find creative ways to fund and do the work. Commissioner Goldsmith
stated that the broader issue here, and for other public works projects is that the
Department of Public Works staff has been greatly reduced, in addition to their budget
for purchasing supplies and equipment. The sidewalk program is facing the same
situation. He stated that it will be important going forward to let the public know that the
City/Department of Public Works is having to do the same amount of work but with less
staff and resources so that is why some projects take longer to get done.
Commissioner Acharya questioned whether there was a way for the City to handle
donated funds to pay for the bike lane painting, and if so what would the total cost be.
Supt. Gray responded that he could have staff look into what the cost would be and let
the Board know.
Mayor Myrick reported that he has been holding Employee Forums regarding the city
budget, and that next he will be holding public forums so the public is aware of the City’s
financial situation as well.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick
Information Management Specialist Mayor