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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-10-22BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:49 p.m. October 22, 2012 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (6) – Acharya, Darling, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Leccese, Morache OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Common Council Liaison – Fleming Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: City Attorney – Lavine DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Commissioner Goldsmith requested the addition of Item 9.4 entitled “Golf Course Discussion.” No Board member objected. Commissioner Goldsmith further requested an executive session to discuss a personnel matter after Voting Item 8.5. No Board member objected. Supt. Gray stated that a resolution was not available for Item 8.4A that captured the flexible seasonal operation, but a substitute resolution was distributed entitled “2013-15 Golf Course Rates.” He stated that a set of rates was adopted on September 24, 2012, but it was not as comprehensive and detailed as this new resolution. The Board agreed to vote on the new resolution. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. PUBLIC HEARING: Public Comment Regarding Public Works Use of Several City Properties Resolution to Open Public Hearing By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the public hearing regarding public works use of several city properties be declared open. Carried Unanimously Dan Hoffman, City of Ithaca, urged the Board not to recommend de-designation of the parcel of land at 1105 Giles Street that was part of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area in order to sell the property. He explained that a portion of the property serves a public works function, containing a ravine for drainage, and a Bolton Point water main crosses the property. Tom Hanna, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the parcel at 700 East Seneca Street, stating that the parcel was acquired by the City to serve as a green space and public gathering location within that neighborhood since the East Hill School property was sold. He requested that the property be upgraded and kept as green space for the neighborhood. Resolution to Close Public Hearing By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the public hearing regarding public works use of several city properties be declared closed. Carried Unanimously COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: The following residents addressed the Board objecting to the installation of the bike lane, and the removal of on-street parking, on Ithaca Road: Board of Public Works Page 2 October 22, 2012 Regular Meeting JoAnn Myer-Foland Judy Cope Efab Klinen RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Mayor Myrick agreed with Mr. Hanna about the need for a public gathering space in Collegetown, and stated that he had hoped to modify Eddygate into a plaza and public gathering place. Mayor Myrick further responded to Ms. Myers-Foland regarding temporary parking on Ithaca Road in order to switch vehicles, stating that the question would need to be addressed by the Chief of Police. Alderperson Fleming asked about a policy was for other streets that do not have on-street parking. Supt. Gray explained that the City follows a policy for handicapped parking spaces where there is room for them. Discussion followed on the floor regarding parking or stopping along the road for very short periods of time, possibly returning on-street parking to Ithaca Road, and exploring options that were suggested by residents. Supt. Gray stated that this topic would return to the Board after the suggestions were investigated. REPORTS Council Liaison Alderperson Fleming stated that after she spent a week in Lima, Peru, she had a new appreciation for public works and the work the Board does. Board Liaisons Commissioner Acharya, Planning and Development Board Liaison, stated there was a long agenda for the next meeting that included the proposed Marriott Hotel. He explained that after approval from the Planning and Development Board, the Marriott Hotel project would go to a special meeting of Common Council, then to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Superintendent and Staff Supt. Gray reported that there was a concrete deck on the Clinton Street Bridge. He stated that the concrete would take 28 days to harden and cure, and the anticipated opening date of the bridge was the Thursday before Thanksgiving. He further reported that portions of the Seneca Street Parking Garage had been opened, though more membrane work was being done. Supt. Gray noted that Ithaca Carshare had recently moved their office and provided some statistics about the use of Carshare, the growth in the number of memberships over the years, and that Ithaca had the largest Carshare membership per capita for a city our size. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews were finishing sidewalks along Cornell Street. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that water and sewer crews fixed the level sensor at the Buffalo Street Pumping Station at the Meadow Street intersection without difficulty. He further reported that engineering staff were busy with plans for the new water treatment plant. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor’s 2013 Proposed Budget – Discussion Mayor Myrick noted that the notes in the agenda, provided by Supt. Gray, summed up the proposed budget. Commissioner Goldsmith requested that this discussion be postponed until the executive session. No Board member objected. VOTING ITEMS: Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Request for Encroachment Agreement at 245 Pier Road – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, Joshua Adams, as President of the local Kiwanis Chapter in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City for one existing encroachment onto adjacent City-owned real property located at 245 Pier Road; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: Board of Public Works Page 3 October 22, 2012 Regular Meeting a 70’ x 28’ rectangular parcel sectioned off by a chain-link fence and located off Pier Road, near the City of Ithaca Streets & Facilities building, WHEREAS, the local Kiwanis Chapter provides valuable services to children within the City of Ithaca, and whereas Kiwanis will use the described City land to store mulch for its annual mulch sale fundraiser for six month periods of time prior to the sale; and WHEREAS, proceeds from the Kiwanis mulch sale fund local programs to help children in our community; and WHEREAS, the City land in question was deemed to be in the “Light Industrial” category, and to consist of approximately 1,960 square feet; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs, due to the existing encroachment or additional proposed encroachment at this location; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and the City Attorney, to sign a revocable encroachment agreement/license for the existing fenced in area, containing the usual terms and conditions; and be it further RESOLVED, That the license agreement shall be subject to a fee, per Chapter 170 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, but that such fee shall be calculated on the basis of a six month period of use running from April 1 through September 31 of 2013, and thereafter until the license agreement is terminated by either party. Carried Unanimously Recommendation for Lease Agreement of City Land on Linn Street for a TCAT Bus Shelter – Resolution By Commissioner Leccese: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT), a not-for-profit corporation, has installed and maintained, at its cost, a bus shelter located approximately ten feet south of the Cascadilla Creek bridge, between the sidewalk and curb, on the east side of the 100 block of Linn Street, in the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the site of the TCAT bus shelter is within the City’s right of way for Linn Street, and WHEREAS, the installation and maintenance of the bus shelter provides a clear and desirable benefit to City residents, and WHEREAS, the TCAT bus shelter is currently in use and the City wishes to finalize such agreement regarding the use of said City land for the shelter, and WHEREAS, Section 170-11 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, which is entitled “Form and Terms of Leases and Easements”, states that leases of City land shall be subject to approval by Common Council, and WHEREAS, the City’s streets and corresponding rights of way are within the Board of Public Works’ scope and authority, and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs, due to the existing use of City owned property at this location; and now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the Common Council authorize and direct the Mayor, upon the advice and counsel of the City Attorney, to enter into a lease agreement with Tompkins County for the lease of City owned land on Linn Street for its continued use as a TCAT bus shelter; and RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works refers its recommendation to enter into such an agreement with Tompkins County to the City Administration Committee for consideration and Board of Public Works Page 4 October 22, 2012 Regular Meeting decision by Common Council in accordance with Chapter 170 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code. Carried Unanimously Creeks, Bridges, and Parks: 2013 Newman Golf Course Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, a List of Rates and Fees for 2013 was adopted by the Board of Public Works on September 24, 2012, from a proposal by Tom Hanna and Friends of Newman, and WHEREAS, due to some confusion as to which proposed rates were adopted, this resolution serves to identify the 2013 through 2015 Rates and Fees for Newman Golf Course, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the following List of Rates and Fees for 2013, 2014 and 2015 for Newman Golf Course: Membership Fees 2012 City Resident Discount 2013 2013 2014 Discount2014 2015 Discount2015 Individual $600 $570 $630 $600 $662 $630 $695 Senior 540 513 567 540 595 567 625 Domestic Couple 840 798 882 840 926 882 972 Senior Domestic Couple 788 750 827 788 868 827 912 Junior (under 18) 240 140 252 240 265 252 278 Family 920 874 966 920 1,014 966 1,065 Weekday Individual 390 371 410 390 430 410 451 Weekday Couple 580 551 609 580 639 609 671 Weekend Only Individual 483 460 507 483 533 507 559 Weekend Only Couple 630 600 662 630 695 662 729 College ID 330 314 347 330 364 347 382 City Employee 330 314 347 330 364 347 382 This 3-year plan provides a 5% discount off the current membership for sign-ups by February 28th of the following year and a 5% annual increase in membership rates from year to year. Subject to annual review. Daily Greens Fees 2013 Rates Before 2 p.m. 2013 Rates After 2 p.m. 9 Holes Weekday $ 13.00 $ 10.00 9 Holes Weekday w/ Cart $ 16.00 $ 16.00 9 Holes Weekend $ 15.00 $ 13.00 9 Holes Weekend w/ Cart $ 18.00 $ 18.00 18 Holes Weekday $ 17.00 $ 14.00 18 Holes Weekday w/ Cart $22.00 $ 22.00 18 Holes Weekend $ 21.00 $ 17.00 18 Holes Weekend w/ Cart $ 24.00 $ 24.00 Guest Day (Select Wednesdays) $10.00 $ 15.00 Guest Day w/ Cart $ 16.00 $ 25.00 Cart Rental Fees 9 Holes 18 Holes Member $ 6.00 $ 10.00 Non-Member $ 7.00 $ 11.00 Carried Unanimously Tom Hanna and Mark Babbage, Friends of Newman representatives, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Mr. Hanna affirmed that Friends of Newman would work hard to take advantage of the discounted membership rates. He reported on the operation of the golf course, stating that the Board of Public Works Page 5 October 22, 2012 Regular Meeting topic of private management of the golf course had been discussed for many years by Friends of Newman and the managers of the golf course. He stated Friends of Newman would analyze and weigh options that were available for the golf course to remain under the City, or move it to private sector management, and would provide a recommendation to the Board. He requested that members of the Board work with Friends of Newman to analyze the report. Commissioners Leccese and Darling volunteered. Water and Sewer: Recommendation to Create Additional Water Treatment Plant Operator Title for the Water Treatment Plant – Resolution: By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division, Water Treatment Plant will have one operator, John Coggin, taking advantage of the City Retirement Incentive in December of 2012, and WHEREAS, this operator is the overnight shift operator and the need to create, fund, fill and train a replacement as close as possible prior to the retirement is an immediate need, and WHEREAS, using the recently filled float shift operator position to fill this vacancy is only a short term fix and leaves the plant short staffed again for operational coverage, maintenance capabilities and will result in an increase in overtime. The Water Plant is a 24/7 operation and having adequate staffing to cover for operations and maintenance is an essential need to assure proper production of water that will continue to meet state and federal requirements, and WHEREAS, funding for this new position is from within the existing 2012 budget, due to title and duty changes in 2012; the position was reviewed and approved through Vacancy Review on September 10, 2012, and Civil Service Commission on September 12, 2012. As part of the approval, this new title will be funded for 2012 and will remain on the roster unfunded for 2013 for an anticipated requirement for extra coverage and to reduce overtime, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the City Administration Committee approve this title and its requirements, and Common Council create the Water Treatment Plant Operator title/position with the corresponding funding at the City of Ithaca Water Treatment Plant. Carried Unanimously EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Matter – Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That the Board enter into Executive Session to Discuss a personnel matter. Carried Unanimously The Board entered into Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. Reconvene The Board reconvened into regular session at 6:25 p.m. with no formal action taken during the executive session. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Leccese left the meeting at 6:26 p.m. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 2013 Rates and Fees: Parking Rates This topic was not discussed. Trash and Yard Waste Tag Rates Mayor Myrick explained that Common Council was considering adjusting the revenue requirements for solid waste, resulting in the Board adjusting trash rates accordingly. Discussion followed on the floor regarding raising revenues, reducing costs, privatizing solid waste collection within the city, and possibly policing trash dumping. Board of Public Works Page 6 October 22, 2012 Regular Meeting Water and Sewer Rates This topic was not discussed. Repair of Cobblestone Portion of Ferris Place – Update Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that he had received an estimate to replace the cobblestone along the affect portion of Ferris Place that would cost the City $65,000 more in materials than if the cobblestone were to be replaced with asphalt. He further stated that the storm water pipes would need to be replaced, new granite curb would need to be installed, and the installation of pavers would be very difficult. He estimated that the total cost of installing new cobblestone would be at least twice as much as if the street were paved with asphalt. Discussion followed on the floor regarding paving the street with asphalt as opposed to replacing the cobblestone, locating funding for the project, and whether Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission would need to be involved. The Board generally agreed that the street should be paved with asphalt rather than cobblestone pavers. Asst. Supt. Benjamin suggested that the street be patched in some places to keep it passable. The Board agreed. Sidewalk Program Proposed Policy This topic was not discussed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor