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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-04-23BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:49 p.m. April 23, 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 Transportation Engineer – Logue Junior Transportation Engineer – Johnson EXCUSED: Common Council Liaison – Fleming DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Commissioner Morache requested the addition of item 9.6 entitled “Discussion of public safety at the intersection of Cayuga and Cascadilla Streets”. No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Seph Murtagh, Alderperson for the Second Ward, addressed the Board to express concerns from constituents about the safety at the intersection of Cayuga and Cascadilla Streets. He noted that due to the growing popularity of Gimme Coffee located at the corner of these two streets, that foot traffic has increased substantially. He requested some sort of traffic calming device at that corner, such as stop signs to help improve safety. Richard Darlington, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board to express concerns regarding the Ithaca Road Improvement Project and the proposed design for the intersection of Route 366 at Elmwood Avenue. He explained that the design may result in motorists on Elmwood Avenue trying to cross Ithaca Road resulting in traffic speed being significantly lowered which may cause public safety issues. Betsy Darlington, City of Ithaca, expressed concern regarding the proposed design for the Ithaca Road Improvement Project and the new location for the dedicated crosswalk near the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and Route 366. Ellen McCollister, Alderperson for the Third Ward, addressed the Board regarding the Ithaca Road Improvement Project and expressed concern for pedestrian safety as they cross Ithaca Road. She noted that some residents on Ithaca Road are disappointed that on-street parking would be removed. She further expressed approval of the installation of sidewalk in Bryant Park along Ithaca Road. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: Commissioner Goldsmith responded to Alderperson Murtagh’s comments regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Cayuga and Cascadilla Streets. He explained that the Board has discussed the same concerns several times, and is interested in working to improve safety at that intersection as well. Supt. Gray responded to the comments about the design of the Ithaca Road project, stating that it was created to benefit pedestrians more than motorists. He stated that the engineers would work to redesign the project to make it a little more motorist friendly. Board of Public Works Page 2 April 23, 2012 Regular Meeting REPORTS: Parks Commission: Dan Krall, Parks Commission Chair, reported that the Commission is responsible for the oversight and care of twenty parks within the city, along with two large natural areas and two cemeteries. He stated that he wanted to recognize and express thanks on behalf of the Parks Commission and the City of Ithaca to the many volunteers who work and provide assistance in maintaining the parks so that they are attractive and inviting for use by the public. Superintendent and Staff: Supt. Gray reported that the Engineering Office received the initial approval signatures for the East Clinton Street Bridge/Prospect Street Reconstruction Project today. He stated that the project is scheduled to begin Monday, April 30, 2012. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that Streets and Facilities crews were supporting volunteer efforts to clean-up various areas around the city. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that Water and Sewer service was installed during the NYSDOT paving project on Green and Seneca Streets. He further stated that crews were completing a new valve exercise to replace old valves, and there was a partial sewer main collapse on Cascadilla Park Road that would be replaced on April 24, 2012. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the February 13, 27, and April 2, 2012, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Morache RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 13, 27, and April 2, 2012, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Traffic Signal Upgrade – Phase 2 Project – Presentation: Transportation Engineer Tim Logue and C&S Engineers Consultant Doug Stansbury joined the Board for the presentation on the Traffic Signal Upgrade Project. Transportation Engineer Logue explained that the traffic signals at both ends of the Commons and three signals along Court Street would be upgraded during this project. Mr. Stansbury explained the project, noting the objective of replacing the old signals with new equipment. He provided specification requirements and curb ramp designs to comply with ADA requirements. He explained that construction costs were expected to be approximately $913,000, with funding from the following sources: 80% Federal, 15% State, 5% local funding. Discussion followed on the floor regarding how this project would affect the proposed Bicycle Boulevard, adding curb bump-outs, design modifications, and pedestrian crosswalks. Further discussion followed regarding the choice to install traffic signals versus stop signs. Transportation Engineer Logue explained that signals could provide pedestrians a head start to cross the street, sense when vehicles are at the intersection, and could control the speed of vehicles through the city. Transportation Engineer Logue stated that a formal presentation would be provided to the Board at a future date. VOTING ITEMS: Highways, Streets and Sidewalks: A Proposed Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review of New Sidewalk Construction on Ithaca Road along Bryant Park By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya 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 Board of Public Works Page 3 April 23, 2012 Regular Meeting 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 new sidewalk along Ithaca Road in front of Bryant Park 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 new sidewalk along the Bryant Park block on Ithaca Road. Carried Unanimously Environmental Review for an Action to Direct New Sidewalk Construction along the Bryant Park block of Ithaca Road – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: 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”) to construct new sidewalk along the Bryant Park block of Ithaca Road 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, while most of the project includes a rehabilitation of the pavement of Ithaca Road and traffic control and parking changes, the Project also involves constructing approximately 270 linear feet of 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk in the City right-of-way for Ithaca Road along Bryant Park, which is owned by the City of Ithaca, and WHERAS, the Project is an Unlisted action according to CEQR and an Unlisted Action according to SEQR due to the new sidewalk construction only; the other components of the project are Type II actions, and WHERAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for SEQR, and WHERAS, on April 23, 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 sidewalk component of the project, and WHERAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on April 23, 2012, reviewed and accepted as complete Short Environmental Assessment Forms Part I and Part II prepared by staff, and Project plans prepared by staff, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the project to construct new sidewalk along the Bryant Park block of Ithaca Road 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 Approve New Sidewalk and an Uphill Bicycle Lane on Ithaca Road By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, Engineering staff have prepared plans for a pavement rehabilitation project on Ithaca Road, which also includes new sidewalk along the Bryant Park block and an uphill bicycle lane, and WHEREAS, Engineering staff have done outreach to the neighborhood through direct mailings and neighborhood email lists, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the project on April 9, 2012, and Board of Public Works Page 4 April 23, 2012 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, in order to make space for the uphill bicycle lane, parking needs to be removed from street, and WHEREAS, the Board of public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City Code to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and Traffic Law, WHEREAS, the BPW has conducted environmental review for the project and is in agreement with the project, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the plans for Ithaca Road, including the proposed new sidewalk along Bryant Park and the uphill bicycle lane, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby amends 1. Schedule XII, Parking Prohibited at All Times, to include both sides of Ithaca Road from Dryden Road to Mitchell Street, and 2. Schedule XVIII, Time Limited Parking, to remove the entries for Ithaca Road, and 3. Schedule XV, Parking Prohibited Certain Hours, to remove the entry for Ithaca Road. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Acharya expressed strong support for incorporating more bicycle lanes and improving the pedestrian experience whenever possible. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the current design for the project, the number of crosswalks that would be installed for pedestrians, and the possibility of adding additional signs for motorists to slow down for pedestrians that are crossing the street. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Cornell and Hancock Streets and the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement Policy: Transportation Engineer Tim Logue explained the three options the Board could choose from to install new sidewalk on Cornell and Hancock Streets: 1. Order the installation of the sidewalk and assess the charges to the property owners; or 2. The cost outweighs the benefit of installing the sidewalks, so residents will live without new sidewalks for a little while longer; or 3. The Board, through Common Council, could change the way sidewalks are assessed in the Charter. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the options, changing the charter, and how the City could take over responsibility of the sidewalks from the property owners in a fair and reasonable manner. Commissioner Morache expressed support for Option 1; Commissioner Acharya expressed his support for Option 3. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding moving forward with the installation of new sidewalks, treating new sidewalk installation differently than sidewalk repair, fee structures, increased tax assessment for properties once a new sidewalk is installed, and funding programs or grants that are available for low income neighborhoods for sidewalk repairs. The majority of the Board agreed to proceed with Option 1. Recommendation to Approve Solar Liberty Lease Program: This item was not discussed. Parks Commission Requests Relocation of Mobile Pagoda in Thompson Park: Dan Krall, Parks Commission Chair, explained Mr. Vogel’s 2011 request to place a mobile pavilion in Thompson Park as a memorial to his son, and stated that the Parks Commission recommended placing the pavilion more in the center of the park. Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained that very little notice was provided when the pavilion was delivered, which limited the location choices. Board of Public Works Page 5 April 23, 2012 Regular Meeting Mr. Vogel joined the Board to express his concerns about relocating the pavilion. He explained that several different locations were discussed for the pavilion and stated that he was afraid the community might become upset if it was moved. He stated the site it is currently at is level, has not sunk at all, and noted that residents in the area are quite content with the pavilion’s current location. He expressed concern about installing a ramp for disability accessibility because it would take away seating and would allow skateboarders to ruin the building. He requested to be involved in relocating the pavilion, if it was determined the pavilion should be placed in a different area. Discussion followed regarding when the gravel pad in the new location was created versus when the pavilion was delivered and what location the Board had approved for the pavilion . Further discussion followed regarding installing an ADA ramp and the possibility of needing to install a railing around the pavilion. The Board generally agreed to support the Parks Commission’s recommendations. Removal of “Ghost Bike” in Washington Park: Parks Commission Chair Dan Krall, explained that a “ghost bike” had been placed at Washington Park five years ago when a young bicyclist was killed near the park, but it had not been well maintained. The Parks Commission believes it should be removed and requested the Board’s approval to have it removed. Supt. Gray stated that he believed that memorials of this type serve a purpose, but it is not an enduring purpose and he would approve the removal of the “ghost bike” at this point. Commissioner Acharya noted that the “ghost bike” is not within Washington Park boundaries, but rather at the corner of Park and Court Streets. Discussion followed on the floor regarding a memorial policy, obtaining volunteers to maintain the “ghost bike”, and other memorials placed on the side of the road. The Board agreed to retain the “ghost bike” in its current location as long as it was appropriately maintained. Installation of an Informational Plaque on the Adams Street/Carl Sagan Bridge: Emily Sullivan, architectural graduate from Cornell University and petitioner for the informational plaque, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Parks Commission Chair, Dan Krall, explained that the Parks Commission suggested the plaque be more informational. Ms. Sullivan clarified that the memorial portion of the plaque could be removed as the bridge was only part of the Carl Sagan Walk, it was not in memory of Carl Sagan. Mayor Myrick recommended that Ms. Sullivan work with City Historian Mary Tomlan and Asst. Supt. Benjamin on the wording of the plaque and its installation on the bridge. Update on Street Permit Fees: Junior Transportation Engineer Johnson joined the Board for discussion of this topic, and explained the request to modify the fee for street permits. Supt. Gray explained that it was valuable at one time to keep permit fees very low, but the city is past that point. A short discussion followed regarding permit fees and inspection fees. Transportation Engineer Logue stated that the fee amounts are listed in the City Code, so the Board would have to recommend the change to the City Code to Common Council. The Board subsequently agreed to the recommended City Code change. Downtown Traffic Circulation Study, July 2001: This item was not discussed. Public Safety at Intersection of Cayuga @ Cascadilla Streets: This item was not discussed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor