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:
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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:
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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
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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
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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.
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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