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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-06-25BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:51 p.m. June 25, 2012 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) – Acharya, Darling, Goldsmith, Leccese, Morache OTHERS PRESENT: 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 City Chamberlain – Parsons Alderperson – Dotson EXCUSED: Commissioner – Jenkins City Attorney – Lavine Common Council Liaison – Fleming DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Supt. Gray requested the addition of item 8.5A to the agenda entitled “Lab Technician for Water Treatment Plant.” No Board member objected. Mayor Myrick requested that Item 9.3, entitled “Parking Systems Manager,” be moved up on the agenda. No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC There was no response necessary. REPORTS: Board Liaisons: Commissioner Acharya, BPW Liaison to the Planning and Development Board as well as Chair of the same, reported that the proposed development project for the Johnson Boatyard will be discussed at the next Planning and Development Board meeting. Superintendent and Staff: Supt. Gray reported that there are several construction and roadwork projects in progress, as well as installation of an electrical conduit at City Hall for its new generator. Asst. Supt. Benjamin stated that crews have completed most of the roof on the small tea pavilion at Stewart Park. He further reported that crews are working on projects on Ithaca Road and Geneva Street. He reported that another herbicide injection treatment will be done in the inlet for the treatment of Hydrilla, which will begin Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Board of Public Works Page 2 June 25, 2012 Regular Meeting Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that administrative staff has been working on the development of a list of proposed capital projects and the 2013 budget. He further reported that the design proposal for the water treatment plant is moving forward and crews are working on service requests. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the June 4, 2012, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Darling RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 4, 2012 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously VOTING ITEMS: Highways, Streets and Sidewalks: A Resolution to Amend Vehicle & Traffic Schedule IV: One-Way Streets to Make the Length of Williams Street a Two-Way Street – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya 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, and WHEREAS, the current one-way regulation along a portion of Williams Street unnecessarily causes westbound traffic to travel around the very narrow Highland Place, and WHEREAS, two-way travel along the length of Williams Street poses no particular problems in the opinion of the Transportation Engineer, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby amends Schedule IV, One-Way Streets, to remove Williams Street from the list of one-way streets and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs the Department of Public Works to modify the traffic control devices as necessary to make the full length of Williams Street a two-way street. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the history of Williams Street and why it was made into one-way traffic. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously A Resolution to Recommend Amending the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 342 entitled “Streets and Sidewalks” §342-8 entitled “Permit Application and Fee” to Request Authority to Set Such Fees – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the City Code currently states that Street Permits have a fee of $10, except for permits pertaining solely to sidewalk repair, which have a fee of $5, and WHEREAS, the DPW Engineering Office recommends increasing the fees to $50 and $25 respectively so as to better reflect administrative and operational costs, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works concurs, and WHEREAS, in order to simplify future rate changes, the Board of Public Works wishes to set the permit rates similar to the way it sets rates for the parking garages, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that Common Council amend City Code §342-8 (C), Permit Application and Fee, as follows: Board of Public Works Page 3 June 25, 2012 Regular Meeting C. Fee. No permit shall be issued until the applicant therefor shall have first paid in cash or by check payable other means acceptable to the City a fee of $10, except for sidewalk permits, which shall be $5 as set, and amended from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Public Works. and be it further RESOLVED, That contingent upon Common Council amending the City Code in such or similar fashion, the Board of Public Works hereby sets the fees for street permits as follows: No permit shall be issued until the applicant therefor shall have first paid in cash or by other means acceptable to the City a fee of $50, except for permits pertaining solely to sidewalk repair, which shall be $25. Carried Unanimously Recommendation to Create the Position/Title of Lab Technician for the Water Treatment Plant – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Leccese WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca DPW Water & Sewer Division Water Treatment Plant needs to provide for the regulatory required daily and periodic sample collection, laboratory analysis, reporting, process control, etc. for the water plant, the sludge drying lagoons, 6- water storage tanks, 2-booster chlorination systems, 100-miles of City of Ithaca distribution system piping, and 46.5-square miles of watershed tributary to our reservoir, and WHEREAS, increasing pressure on our natural water resources in local watersheds is consuming more staff time every year. Much time has been invested recently in dealing with the issues of hydrofracking, dredging, and hydrilla, all of which promise to be ongoing for the foreseeable future. Coupled consistently with increased demands to address water quality related to watershed protection, development, climate change, stormwater management issues, etc. and WHEREAS, regulatory requirements and the resulting sample collection and laboratory analysis are increasing steadily under the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) program. In 2013 the implementation of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) and Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR) will require additional benchmarking and monitoring for the control of Cryptosporidium, TTHM’s and HAA5’s, and WHEREAS, our drinking water quality and supply are dependent on the good health of all local watersheds, especially our Six-Mile Creek tributary watershed. Our investment in watershed environmental protection efforts and in fostering environmental stewardship of our water resources through public involvement is far more cost effective than investment in advanced treatment systems at the Water Plant. In recognition of this our Water Shed Coordinator/Lab Director for the City of Ithaca Water Treatment Plant plays many pivotal roles in coordinating and maintaining these relationships and efforts for the City. Efforts including building and maintaining a comprehensive water quality monitoring programs in the local watersheds. Collecting, and archiving long-term, internally consistent data sets which are essential to assess trends, and design, and implement policies to protect our water resources. Data sets include chemical, biological, microbiological monitoring along with the measurement of stream flows and meteorological data. Our partners include many volunteers, professionals, municipal and government representatives, private and public organizations, etc. We are partners with, members of, provide and receive support from, and work in collaboration to care for our local water resources with those listed below, and more, • Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom Project for “Community Stewardship for Cayuga Lake • Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization and Technical Advisory Committee • Cayuga Lake Watershed Network • Cornell University Board of Public Works Page 4 June 25, 2012 Regular Meeting • Cornell Cooperative Extension • Fall Creek Watershed Committee • Finger Lakes – Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FL-LOWPA) • Finger Lakes Institute • New York State Department Health (NYSDOH) • NFP Community Science Institute • Six Mile Creek Partnership • Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District (TCSWCD) & USDA • Tompkins County Planning Department • Tompkins County Health Department & NYSDOH • Tompkins County Solid Waste Division • Tompkins County Water Resources Council (WRC) • Town of Caroline • Town of Dryden • Town of Ithaca • United States department of Agriculture (USDA) • United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) • United States Fish and Wildlife Service • United States Geological Survey (USGS) – Gaging Stations • Wells College • Other Adjoining Local Municipalities • Etc. , and WHEREAS, this proposed new position has already been reviewed and approved by the Civil Service Commission with respect to the New Position Duties Statement, Job Title, and Job Description and by the Vacancy Review Committee with respect to organizational necessity. The Vacancy Review Committee’s approval was contingent on both the approval of the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works and City of Ithaca Common Council, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends to Common Council the creation of the Laboratory Technician title / position with the corresponding funding at the City of Ithaca Water Treatment Plant. Noting there may be some savings realized by a reduction in current overtime costs associated with the performance of these duties. Supt. Gray explained that this position has been funded for over a year, but before it can be filled, the Board must approve the request. He further explained that the position would assist the Water Treatment Plant in monitoring water quality issues within the watershed. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows: Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Parking Systems Manager Transportation Engineer Logue, City Chamberlain Parsons, and Alderperson Dotson joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Alderperson Dotson provided a short history of the Parking Ad Hoc Committee, and its recommendation for a Parking Systems Manager. Transportation Engineer Logue recognized that there are many different ways to manage on and off street parking. He explained that the committee realized it would be very beneficial to the City to have one person, within the Department of Public Works, whose priority was to ensure parking was managed efficiently and effectively. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the amount of money the City subsidizes the parking garages each year, possibly privatizing or selling the garages, , the next steps that are required before the position is filled. City Chamberlain Parsons explained that the city-owned garages could not be sold because the financing for the Cayuga Street Garage comes from the revenue from the City’s garages. She further stated that a Board of Public Works Page 5 June 25, 2012 Regular Meeting person is needed to review hardware for onsite pay stations, and treat on-street and off- street parking as a total system not as individual areas that different people are responsible for. Alderperson Dotson stated the Parking Systems Manager would also oversee day-to-day operations of the garages, parking meters, residential parking permits, etc., and would coordinate with all appropriate departments, including the Chamberlain’s office, Department of Public Works, Police Department, Mayor’s Office, Streets and Facilities, etc. She further explained that it is expected that the position will pay for itself, once the revenues from parking increase as it is expected to. Discussion followed on the floor regarding updating zoning to assist with parking regulations. The Board generally agreed to recommend the creation of the position to Common Council. Appeal of Water Bill for 119 Heights Court: Supt. Gray explained the temporary change of address form from October 2008 that was distributed to the Board. Discussion followed on the floor about the temporary address change, and whether the owner was properly notified of the leak report. Supt. Gray explained that the City has no legal obligation to notify residents/owners of perceived issues and that leak notifications are mailed as a courtesy. Supt. Gray provided a history of the account and when staff visited the residence. Commissioner Darling suggested that the City begin requesting a periodic update on addresses and phone numbers from residents and homeowners to avoid this type of situation in the future. Asst. Supt. Whitney stated that the tenants did notify the owner of the leaky toilet, but she was not concerned about it at that time. Motion to Deny the Appeal of Water Bill for 119 Heights Court – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Darling RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works deny the appeal of the water bill for 119 Heights Court. Carried Unanimously Application for Mobile Vending in Downtown Ithaca: Supt. Gray provided a brief history of the application for mobile vending and mobile vending within the city. He further stated that mobile vending has grown in other communities, resulting in Ithaca receiving numerous inquiries. He explained that he has referred vendors to private properties because the City does not have a mobile vending program set up. Mayor Myrick requested to know what grounds the current application is being denied Supt. Gray explained that because there isn’t a current policy, there is no way to regulate or monitor vendors, or a way to keep them away from brick and mortar restaurants. Commissioner Leccese noted that Mr. Vico, mobile vending applicant, is currently doing business on private property. Commissioner Goldsmith mentioned previous discussions the Board held regarding mobile vending programs in other cities. Mayor Myrick stated that he is in favor of denying the current application for mobile vending in downtown Ithaca; however, he would like a new mobile vending policy to be created promptly. Discussion followed on the floor regarding modifying the current application form to note where mobile vending would be permitted within the city (i.e. Cass Park, etc.). Mayor Myrick further stated he would request that staff create a draft mobile vending program for the Board to review. Commissioner Darling suggested that mobile vending requests could eventually become the responsibility of the new Parking Systems Manager. Motion to Deny the Appeal for Mobile Vending in Downtown Ithaca – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works deny the appeal for mobile vending in downtown Ithaca, but explain that a mobile vending program is in the process of being created. Board of Public Works Page 6 June 25, 2012 Regular Meeting Ayes (5) – Myrick, Morache, Leccese, Goldsmith, Darling Nays (1) – Acharya Abstentions (0) Carried (5-1) Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 309 East Falls Street – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the Law Offices of Mazza and Mazza, representing Barbara S. Gainey, the owner of the property at 309 East Falls Street (Tax Map Parcel No. 12-3-4), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City for an existing encroachment into the adjacent street right-of-way for East Falls Street; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: The eaves of the northern face of the building at 308 East Falls Street encroaches by a distance of approximately 2.3 - 3.6 feet, for a span of approximately 20 feet, which is shown on a survey map prepared by T. G. Miller, P.C., Engineers and Surveyors, dated May 25, 2012; and WHEREAS, it appears that the building in question has been in existence in its current location for many years, and that the encroachment is above the existing public sidewalks on the south side of East Falls Street and does not interfere with the sidewalks as currently constituted; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs, due to the existing encroachments at this location; and WHEREAS, the 2011-12 schedule of fees for use of City-owned property requires an initial application fee of $200 for new licenses, but stipulates that the annual use fee shall be waived for minor encroachments, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment at 309 East Falls Street, as proposed, contingent upon the execution of a license/agreement and submission of the required application form and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent terms) and proof of required insurance, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code, among which is a revocation clause. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor