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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-06-04BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. June 4, 2012 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Darling, Morache, 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 Plumbing Inspector – Albanese Civil Engineer – West Planner – Wilson Transportation Engineer – Logue Alderperson Brock EXCUSED: Commissioner Lecesse DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications for the Board. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: The following people addressed the Board on the following topics: Ithaca High School Government Class representatives: Addison Oates, Nikolas Lopez, James Shealy, Maung Phway, and Nikki D’Apris, explained that they have been working with a group of Cornell graduate students on a transportation study project. The end result of their work was to present their research to a government body. The research focused on safe routes to school utilizing bike lanes and traffic calming measures – specifically related to North Cayuga Street near Ithaca High School. Each student presented different ideas for implementing such a program and sources of possible funding available to municipalities. Jackie Richardson, Town of Ithaca, and J.P. Vico expressed concern for the lack of support for private individuals wishing to establish mobile food vending sites and opportunities in the City other than on the Ithaca Commons, which is cost prohibitive for individuals just starting out to obtain a mobile vending food permit. They encouraged the Board of Public Works to work on establishing a mobile food vending program for various locations in the City. Caleb Thomas, City of Ithaca, expressed his support for the creation of a mobile food vending program to help individuals and/or small businesses in their efforts to support themselves. He further expressed his support, as a member of the Public Art Commission, for the public art mural program in the City of Ithaca. Jan Evans-Tiller, City of Ithaca, reported that she recently replaced two sections of the sidewalk in front of her house, which she had never had to do before. She noted that she received good information from Streets and Facilities about what needed to be done to replace the sidewalk; however, she noted that it would be good to have a checklist of the things that need to be done and in what order to assist property owners in repairing or replacing their sidewalks. 2 June 4, 2012 RESPONSE TO PUBLIC: Supt. Gray thanked the high school students for their presentation on safe routes to school. He noted that the city Engineering Office has a lot of information on this topic that might have been useful in their research. Commissioner Goldsmith noted that it was great to hear from the members of the public, and thanked them for their comments. He further responded to comments made about sidewalk repair work and mobile vendors. He thanked the students for their work on the safe routes to school project. Commissioner Acharya thanked everyone for their comments and responded to comments about food vendors. He noted that the Board of Public Works has discussed mobile vending and are trying to determine the best approach to take with the program. He stated that the Board will be discussing this topic again soon. He further noted that strong traffic calming measures are needed near Ithaca High School, and thanked the students for all their research on safe routes to school. Mayor Myrick stated that the current hot truck vendor requested the removal of that item from the agenda, that it was not the Board’s request. He further stated that staff is researching possible locations for vendors and will be coming back to the Board soon to discuss their findings, as well as determine whether the planning staff/department should be involved in the possible establishment of a mobile food vending program. Commissioner Morache stated that currently Congo Square Market and the Farmers’ Market location in DeWitt Park are more like “Public Squares”, and noted that other possible locations for food vendors could be centrally located in different neighborhoods throughout the city that neighbors would have some say in selecting. Commissioner Darling encouraged the Board to review San Francisco’s mobile food vending program that utilizes public streets and public property. He also noted that the wheels of government can turn very slowly as well, that zoning issues may play into the establishment of mobile vending areas, as well as neighborhoods deciding what they want for a mobile vending program. Supt. Gray stated that he would place this topic on the June 11, 2012 Board of Public Works meeting agenda. He noted that the Board of Public Works would need to make a recommendation or proposal for the establishment of a mobile vending program in the City. Commissioner Darling stated that he would work with Commissioner Lecesse to pull information from their research on other cities mobile vending programs for the Board to review and discuss at their June 11th meeting. Mayor Myrick thanked the high school students for bringing a problem to the attention of the Board, as well a proposed solution. He noted that it is easy to bring problems to people’s attention, and the fact that they also brought a proposed solution to it was a sign of their maturity and initiative. Alderperson Fleming thanked the students for their research and survey work. She encouraged them all to consider involvement with municipal government in the future. REPORTS: Superintendent and Staff: Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that crews are working to complete the water and sewer service connections on East State/East Martin Luther King, Jr. Street for the Collegetown Terrace project. He noted that some of the apartments are intended to be occupied for the upcoming school year. 3 June 4, 2012 Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews have suspended work on the tea pavilion at Stewart Park so that work can be done to back fill openings on the new salt storage building. Crews will do asphalt patching on East State/East Martin Luther King, Jr. Street once work is completed by Water and Sewer department. He further reported that the Streets and Facilities department is short about 7 people each day in the highway department due to illness or injury, which is hampering the completion of projects in a timely manner. Supt. Gray reported that work is proceeding on the Clinton Street Bridge and the reconstruction of Prospect Street. They hope to have the bridge re-opened by the middle of November. He said the street widening work and construction of the retaining wall on Prospect Street on the northside is coming along nicely. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the March 26, 2012 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Darling RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 26, 2012 Board of Public Works Meeting be approved as published, and be it further Approval of the May 7, 2012 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 7, 2012 Board of Public Works Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS: A Proposed Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review of New Sidewalk Construction along the 700 block of Hancock Street. By Commissioner Acharya: 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 new sidewalk along the 700 block of Hancock St. is an “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 said sidewalk. Carried Unanimously Environmental Review for an Action to Direct New Sidewalk Construction Along the 700 Block of Hancock Street - Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the environmental review for a project (“the Project”) entitled “New Sidewalk Construction Along Hancock Street” 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 4 June 4, 2012 WHEREAS, the Project involves constructing approximately 264 linear feet of 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk in the City right-of-way along the 700 block of Hancock St. in accordance with the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement section of the City Charter, 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 June 4, 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 June 4, 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 the aforementioned new sidewalk along Hancock St. 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 Direct Sidewalk Construction along Hancock Street with the Intent to Assess a Portion of the Cost through the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement Program By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a recommendation from the Transportation Engineer to direct sidewalk construction along the 700 block of Hancock St., and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a plan and a cost estimate for the project, and WHEREAS, on April 2, 2012, the Board held a duly advertised public hearing in accordance with Section C-73 of the City Charter, and WHEREAS, costs associated with this project can be apportioned to the abutting property owners under the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement policy in accordance with Sections C-73 and C-89 of the City Charter, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves and adopts the plan prepared by the Office of the City Engineer and the standard specifications for said sidewalk, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs that sidewalks be constructed by City forces along the 700 block of Hancock St., in accordance with Uniform Sidewalk Improvement sections of the City Charter, pursuant to plans and specifications prepared by the Office of the City Engineer, and under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works. Carried Unanimously 5 June 4, 2012 Recommendation to Apply for Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Funding Opportunity for Multi-Modal Funds for Old Elmira Road - Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council will accept proposals for 2013 Multi-Modal Funding Opportunities until July 2, 2012 and WHEREAS, rehabilitation of Old Elmira Road from South Albany Street to South Meadow Street has been a priority project for the Department of Public Works, and WHEREAS, Old Elmira Road and the abutting commercial and residential neighborhoods will benefit from the construction of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, improved transit facilities and clearly demarcated vehicular travel lanes, and WHEREAS, rehabilitation of Old Elmira Road appears to meet all of the eligibility criteria for STREDC Multi-Modal funding, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs Public Works staff to develop documents in support of an application for this funding opportunity, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that Common Council authorize the implementation and funding of the State Multi-Modal Program-aid [and State administered federal program-aid] eligible costs, of a capital project, and appropriating funds. Commissioner Acharya noted that Elmira Road needs this work, and just because there may be anticipated controversy doesn’t mean the project should not be completed. Transportation Engineer Logue stated that the City needs a project that will be ready to go once the funding has been obtained. Commissioner Morache questioned whether the design is finished yet. Transportation Engineer Logue responded that it is not, and that the Board would need to approve the design. He further stated that this is an ideal area for smart growth zoning, and the need to set up the road for a walkable neighborhood. He further noted that this whole area will be ripe for new development in the coming years. Supt. Gray stated that the department of Public Works is trying to line up several of these types of projects for funding in an effort to offset the 10% cut in the Department of Public Works budget for 2013. A brief discussion followed on whether or the not the city had a staff member that focused on researching any grants that might be available for projects, which it does not. It was noted, however, that several departments do have staff that try to research grant opportunities as well as their other responsibilities. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Approval of Addendum VI to Water Supply Project - Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, O'Brien & Gere Engineers has submitted an addendum to the city's current Contract for Services Made By and Between The City of Ithaca and O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc. for City of Ithaca Water Supply Project, which is Addendum VI and is developed to include the work required to carry the project through design, bidding, construction including on-site continuous inspection, project closeout including plant commissioning, and a performance assurance phase during the first year of operation, and 6 June 4, 2012 WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed Addendum as presented in more detail contained in O'Brien & Gere's letter proposal dated May 23, 2012 which is Exhibit A to the Addendum providing an updated project schedule showing one year of design and three years of construction, as well as several attachments of supporting detail including a fee estimate breakdown for the $3.82 million in effort outlined for the addendum, and WHEREAS, the Board understands this work represents the final stages of effort required to bring this series of water system improvements into existence, as well as its undertaking the next step in rebuilding and upgrading the city's water treatment system to prepare that system for its second century of service to the community, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board approves Addendum VI as presented in the O'Brien and Gere letter proposal dated May 23, 2012 and authorizes the Mayor to sign the Addendum, following consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, and to incorporate any minor changes that may result from the City Attorney's review. Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Request for Easement from Time Warner Cable: Supt. Gray explained that Time Warner Cable is seeking an easement to put cable along the edge of the wastewater treatment plant. The other two owners of the plant are also reviewing the request. He does not have a problem with the request, but he rarely wants to sign any easement in the form that the utility presents it. In this case, he thinks the Board can leave it with the wastewater treatment plant staff and its attorney to strike the deal. If Time Warner doesn’t like the deal offered, he is sure they can get where they want to go by many different paths. The Board expressed its support for the Sewer Joint Committee to handle this request on behalf of the City. Request for Easement from Pier Road Properties: Supt. Gray stated that this item is shown as a place holder for a discussion that was started with Tom West. The topic was a “shared” round about that served their buildings and access road as well as the city’s golf course parking lot. Civil Engineer West, and project architects John Snyder and Scott Whitham joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Supt. Gray stated that with the proposed project emergency vehicle access in this area has been improved, and that the initial proposal seems reasonable to consider. He further stated that the Planning and Development Board needs the Board of Public Works to agree to consider the project so it can begin site plan review. Commissioner Goldsmith questioned whether this area is considered parkland, and whether it would interfere with the operations of the city golf course. Civil Engineer West responded that when he reviewed the deed for the property and the terms of acquisition of it, that there was no mention of it being parkland. He further stated that the access road would not be used as a through street. Changes to Water and Sewer Regulation and Local Ordinance for a More Restrictive Standard: Supt. Gray reported that proposed changes to the plumbing code have been requested by the City Plumbing Inspector. They are very specific and are a response to an immediate problem with vent piping in the recent New York State plumbing code brought out in 2010. He further stated there may be more changes, which may come up in discussion, but this proposal is currently focused on the issue of vent piping. 7 June 4, 2012 Plumbing Inspector Albanese joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. He noted that he has discussed all the proposed changes with Supt. Gray, Asst. Supt. Whitney, and the Examining Board of Plumbers. He outlined the proposed changes to Chapter 348 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled “Water and Sewer” section 348-29(E) and to add a new section (J). He stated that changes to (E) are grammatical and the deletes old verbiage, the new section (J) would codify the fact that the City of Ithaca requires house or building traps. The new legislation will go a long way in explaining to out of town contractors working on all our new development to better understand the code requirements. Discussion followed in more detail regarding current language in the city code, new state code language, and the proposed changes to the city code. Proposed additional changes to the code include whether or not it could be applied retroactively, adding the requirement for back flow devices where needed, and adding language that would give the City of Ithaca Plumbing Inspector more authority in requiring certain standards when plumbing work is done in the city. The Board requested that the proposed changes be updated to include the new suggestions from today’s meeting and to bring the legislation back to them for consideration at their next meeting. Public Art Commission’s 21 Electrical Boxes Project: Supt. Gray reported that the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission sent out a request for proposals to decorate 21 electrical boxes within the city. The Board’s resolution of May 19, 2010, approved this project, noting that it may proceed using a public input process and artist contracts that have yet to be developed. City Planner Megan Wilson joined the Board for discussion of this topic. She explained that the process is moving forward for this project which will consist mostly of painted murals, with some vinyl installations. The Board gave its approval for this project to continue to move forward and that the administration of it be handled through the Planning Department and Public Art Commission. The Board thanked Ms. Wilson for the information, and Mayor Myrick expressed his full support for the project moving forward as well. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick Information Management Specialist Mayor