HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-12-03BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. December 3, 2012
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (6) - Jenkins, Darling, Morache, Leccese, 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
Alderperson Dotson
Civil Engineer – West
Planner – Kusznir
Planning and Development Director – Cornish
Historic Planner – Truame
Transportation Engineer – Logue
Deputy Director for Economic Development - DeSarno
EXCUSED:
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Supt. Gray stated that there would be a public hearing at the Board’s December 10,
2012 meeting on the upcoming Commons Redesign Project and the Old Elmira Road
project. He explained that staff would like to do brief presentations on both for the
Board to provide details of the projects prior to the public hearing. If the Board
approves, staff is prepared to do both presentations today.
No Board Member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
The following people addressed the Board regarding the following topics:
Claudia Georgia and Margaret Sutherland, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board
regarding the proposed Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Project on Spencer Road, and
concerns about pedestrian safety, the need for sidewalks, and road improvements –
especially at the intersection of Stone Quarry Road.
Dave Nutter, City of Ithaca and Chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council,
addressed the Board to express thanks for the Clinton Street bridge replacement. The
improvements make it much safer for bicyclists, and everyone is looking forward to the
new bike lanes that will be built in the Spring. He expressed concern over the proposed
housing project on Spencer Road, the need for new sidewalks on Old Elmira Road to
connect to the project as well, the need to look at the creation of a walkway between the
City of Ithaca and Ithaca College, and the proposed amenities at the new Neighborhood
Pride grocery store on Hancock Street.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
Commissioner Goldsmith thanked the speakers for their comments and noted that they
were very informative.
REPORTS:
Planning and Development Board:
Commissioner Acharya reported that Planning Board members were provided with a
copy of the recent article in the Ithaca Journal regarding the need for a walkway
between Ithaca College and the City. He distributed it for the Board’s information.
Staff Reports:
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported to the Board on the following items:
2
December 3, 2012
• The City recently received approval for funding from FEMA to do work on the
access ramp on South Titus Avenue at Six Mile Creek.
• The City also received a grant recently from the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation for a Collegetown forestry project for the purpose of
installing cages around tree planters to help trees become better established.
• In 2011 the City collected 270 tons of yard waste at a cost of approximately
$10,000. This year the City collected 75 tons, and there have been more yard
waste tags sold than hauled, so the City did make some money from the sale of
the tags.
• Sidewalk Crews completed 1,900 linear feet of sidewalk (not including Cornell
Street and Ithaca Road) this season, and billed property owners approximately
$81,000 for the work in 2012.
• The weather today (beautiful, warm, sunny, 60’s) made for a great day to do
patch work on potholes. Crews had to use the City’s asphalt recycler since the
plants are closed for the season.
• Crews continue work on the Tea Pavilion at Stewart Park – wainscoting was
recently installed on the walls.
• He has been busy reviewing information and investigating notice of claims that
have been submitted for public works related damages to personal property.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that all seasonal staff is done so the department is down
to three crews now. Crews are working on replacing deficient fire hydrants, water main
valves, and service requests. The schedule for work in 2013 will be put together soon
and presented to the Board for its review.
Supt. Gray reported that the department has three projects it will be focusing on in the
near future. They consist of: the traffic signal redesign at Mitchell and East State/Martin
Luther King Jr. Streets, the Commons Redesign Project, and the Old Elmira Road
project.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Presentation of the Commons Redesign Project: Civil Engineer West and City
Planner Kusznir provided a presentation of the Commons Redesign project as proposed
by Sasaki Associates. They explained the timeline and history of the project, and
provided drawings of the redesign for the Board’s information. A time of questions and
answers followed.
Presentation of the Old Elmira Road Project: Civil Engineer West and
Transportation Engineer Logue provided an overview of the proposed project on Old
Elmira Road. The project will include two travel lanes, two bike lanes, sidewalks, new
drainage plans since the area is low and flat as well as curb cuts. There will be a public
hearing on the project next week since part of the cost can be assessed to adjacent
property owners, so their input and knowledge to and of the project is important to the
City. The City will also hold a public meeting in January or February 2013 for input and
to discuss access during the construction of the project. A time of question and answers
followed the presentation, as well as a discussion of the overall project and items of
concern to the Board such as improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, the possibility
of connecting sidewalks to the new Spencer Road residential project, and the need to
review the intersection of Stone Quarry and Spencer Road.
3
December 3, 2012
VOTING ITEMS:
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT
Acceptance of the 2012 Newman Golf Course Private Management Viability
Report – Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works requested a report on the viability of private
management of Newman Municipal Golf Course; and
WHEREAS, that report was developed by Friends of Newman Golf Course in
consultation with a sub-committee of the Board; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the report and found that it
provides a sound basis for continuing City management of the golf course under the
emerging management model outlined in the report; and
WHEREAS, the report has been presented in its final form; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the November 28, 2012 report
"Newman Municipal Golf Course: Is Private Management a Viable Option" and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the golf course be managed under the emerging management model
outlined in the report, and be it further
RESOLVED, That all efforts be made to hire a new Golf Course Manager and establish
a new food and beverage concession agreement as early as possible in the 2013
budget year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff be directed to provide the Board of Public Works with updates in
mid-June and the end of August, as well as a report in November 2013, on the status of
the golf course under the emerging management model.
Commissioner Morache stated that the report noted that Newman Golf Course was
parkland. He thinks it might be a good idea to understand the limitations placed on the
land’s use. He wondered whether there should be an inventory done of the City’s parks.
Commissioner Leccese responded that the Parks Commission is in the process of doing
an inventory of all City parks, but it is not final yet. She noted that Director of Planning
and Development Cornish has indicated that there are gaps in the inventory due to the
fact that more than one City Attorney was of the opinion that the golf course was not
parkland.
Mayor Myrick stated that he would request that the City Attorney’s office make a final
determination as to whether Newman Golf Course should be considered park land.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Call of Public Hearing for Authorization to Reconstruct the Commons –
Resolution
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes that the Commons is in need of
extensive repairs and reconstruction, and
WHEREAS, the City has conducted extensive public outreach and evaluation of various
reconstruction alternatives, and
WHEREAS, section C89-A of the City Code provides that the Board of Public Works
authorize reconstruction of a pedestrian mall including all matters relating to the type,
materials and method of construction thereof, and
4
December 3, 2012
WHEREAS, section C89-A of the City Code requires that the Board of Public Works
shall hold a hearing whenever such reconstruction is assessable, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby calls a public hearing regarding
the reconstruction of the Ithaca Commons for their meeting on December 10, 2012, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That staff be directed to publicize this public hearing as set forth in the
City Code.
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Transportation Improvements on Spencer Road:
Supt. Gray explained that the Planning and Development Board approved the following
resolution regarding the proposed project by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services
(INHS) on Spencer Road. The resolution includes information on the anticipated
impacts on the neighborhood, and directs the Board of Public Works to review and
provide recommendations for mitigating them.
“Resolution by Planning and Development Board to the Board of Public Works
(BPW) Urging BPW to Undertake Transportation Improvements on Spencer Road
On a motion by Jones-Rounds, seconded by Schroeder.
WHEREAS: on November 27, 2012, the Planning and Development Board granted final
site plan approval to the Stone Quarry Apartments Project, which will create 35 units of
permanently affordable rental housing at 400 Spencer Road, and
WHEREAS: the proposed project is proximate to shopping on Elmira Road and
Meadow Street, both of which have, or will soon have, sidewalks and designated
pedestrian crossings, and
WHEREAS: the applicant expects some of the residents will not have cars and is
proposing to install a sidewalk and tree lawn along the project site fronting Spencer
Road, which currently has no sidewalk. The installation of such sidewalk does not
address the issue of making a safe pedestrian connection to Elmira Road and/or
Meadow Street, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board is concerned about safety and traffic violations at the
intersection of Spencer and Quarry Roads. The applicant submitted a turning
movements diagram at the request of the City Transportation Engineer. The diagram
demonstrated that current turning movements are not affected by the proposed project.
The City Transportation Engineer has determined that any transportation issues at the
intersection are not the responsibility of the applicant. The Board understands that the
City is interested in redesigning the intersection and making a pedestrian connection
from the new sidewalk to Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS: several neighbors spoke at the public hearing for the project, raising
concerns about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety, particularly the need for
sidewalks on Spencer Road, and
WHEREAS: the project received the necessary variance from the Board of Zoning
Appeals, subject to the condition that “the applicant address with the city the problem of
foot and vehicular traffic,” and
WHEREAS: establishing a cost-sharing project for the installation of sidewalks on
Spencer Road is potentially an eligible expense for use of the City’s Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, administered by the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency (IURA), now, therefore, be it
5
December 3, 2012
RESOLVED: That the Planning Board urges the BPW, as expeditiously as possible, to:
(1) develop and implement a plan for providing pedestrian connections between the
project site area on Spencer Road and nearby transit stops and shopping areas; and (2)
develop and implement a plan for improving the operation of the Spencer Road and
Stone Quarry Road intersection, and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Planning Board suggests that the BPW, with Common Council
consent, investigate applying to the IURA for CDBG funds to develop a cost-sharing
project for the installation of sidewalks on Spencer Road. “
Supt. Gray further stated that the Planning and Development Board believes, and staff
agrees, that the project will have some impacts on the neighborhood. He further stated
that it appears that if they can anticipate impacts from a development, the impacts
should be a cost of the development, especially if they are getting exemptions from
zoning requirements to proceed with the proposed project. Perhaps this is more a
reflection of land use in transition. A long time ago Spencer Road was the road out of
Ithaca leading to Spencer and points south. It was bypassed in the late 1940's with the
original Elmira Road. Since that time it has slowly become more urban than its rural
beginnings. While he agrees that better urban improvements (like sidewalks) will be
needed in the neighborhood, as well as improvements to Spencer Road itself, and the
intersection with Stone Quarry Road, he believes it will be several years before the City
is in the financial position to undertake these improvements. He is told that INHS is
using the project approvals to apply for funds to build the project so maybe the time
lines provided will work for the project.
Commissioner Acharya, who is also liaison and Chair of the Planning and Development
Board, stated that concerns were articulated very well by the above resolution. The
Planning and Development Board is sympathetic to the need for pedestrian amenities,
and improvements are needed at the intersection of Stone Quarry and Spencer Roads.
He stated that there is no way to evaluate how this intersection could be improved
without engineer review and drawings. He stated that Stone Quarry Road is a
wonderful connection between downtown and Buttermilk Falls State Park, and is
underutilized currently by bicyclists. He feels that any plan proposed should incorporate
that aspect, which might also aid in traffic calming. He further stated that Planning and
Development Board members share the same concerns raised by residents of Spencer
Road regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety and the need to provide improvements for
their needs.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding extending sidewalks from the Old Elmira
Project to Spencer Road, and the challenges to be dealt with regarding the intersection
of Stone Quarry Road and Spencer Road.
Mayor Myrick requested that Engineering staff review the intersection and provide a
recommendation to the Board for consideration. Supt. Gray indicated that staff will
need time to incorporate this work into their schedules, and anticipated that it would be
February or March 2013 before the Board might expect a recommendation to come
back for their review and discussion.
Commissioner Goldsmith left the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
Request to Install Wireless Internet Equipment on the Cayuga Street and Seneca
Street Parking Garages:
Supt. Gray explained that a new company called Fiber Spark, which is a start up
internet provider, would like to offer the City of Ithaca a free demonstration project in
wireless internet that involves two downtown parking garages. It is on course to start
providing historically fast Internet service at a lower cost to the City of Ithaca using new
wireless technology. They have already set up a network successfully in Collegetown
proving that their network can operate within high interference environments. They plan
on starting with the Tomkins County Public Library and the Collegetown area before
expanding to the rest of the City, businesses, homes and even government buildings.
6
December 3, 2012
A description from Fiber Spark, explains that the City of Ithaca is in need of better
Internet service that can be provided at a lower cost than what is currently available and
employed. The Internet access provided to the public at locations like the Tompkins
County Public Library is essential for community members, especially those who do not
have broadband connections at their homes. Fiber Spark will provide the City of Ithaca
with more bandwidth at half of the current costs which will greatly benefit public
buildings, local businesses, and homes. Staff at the Tompkins County Library has
indicated that their Internet service comes to a crawl on a near daily basis, in large part
because of all of the mobile devices that automatically connect when they come in
range of the Library’s open Wi-Fi. In addition the library’s internet is crucial for lower
income families in Ithaca. Many residents of the City and surrounding areas do not have
broadband connections at home and depend heavily on what the library provides.
Fiber Spark uses advanced hybrid fiber wireless technology to deliver higher speed
Internet that utilizes a number of different bands of unlicensed (free-to-use) spectrum,
with the option of using licensed frequencies in high interference environments. They
boost reliability by creating redundant paths in the network and connecting to fiber optic
backbone in multiple locations where possible. Wireless radios are mounted behind
windows or on exterior walls or rooftops at each of our customers’ premises to link them
to other nodes on our network and/or one or more of our “head-end” points with fiber
optic availability.
In order for Fiber Sparks to deploy better Internet service for Ithaca quickly, they will
need access to two downtown municipal parking garages to put up wireless equipment
on their roofs. They need the Board of Public Works to grant them permission to set up,
and run cabling to a networking cabinet at the North Cayuga Street Parking Garage and
to place low-profile wireless radios at the North Cayuga Street and Seneca Street
parking garages.
The City of Ithaca will not have to cover any cost and Fiber Spark will assume all
liabilities. Furthermore, equipment used will not obstruct parking in either garage in any
way.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the request, and what would need to happen
in order to allow Fiber Spark to set up their equipment where requested for a test
period.
Director of Planning and Development Cornish stated that the City of Ithaca has a
telecommunications ordinance that this request would fall under. Therefore, they would
need to go through the Planning and Development Board for reporting requirements.
The elevated garage structures would allow delivery of services to multiple locations.
Supt. Gray stated that he would like to know what the legal ramifications of such an
agreement with Fiber Spark are for the City of Ithaca, and that this should be known first
before proceeding further.
The Board expressed their support for the request. Mayor Myrick will ask the City
Attorney’s office to research how the City could enter into an agreement with Fiber
Spark for a “test” period of perhaps six months, and then provide any recommendation
from the Attorney’s Office to the Board for its consideration.
Proposal for Street Modifications Around the Neighborhood Pride Grocery Store
on Hancock Street:
Supt. Gray explained that as Mr. Petito works on his redevelopment ideas for the
Hancock Street grocery store (Neighborhood Pride Grocery Store), he has some
suggested improvements for expanding green space along Cascadilla Creek adjacent
to his property. He further explained that after his very quick review, if the fire
department does not need to be able to drive around the structure, the idea is probably
a good one in the long run. He is not sure the City will have staff or time and money to
redevelop the property in the near future. He stated that the City does not need more
lawn to cut, park to maintain, and sidewalk to shovel until it has a budget that reflects
the staffing and current costs of the things the City owns and maintains. He thinks it is a
7
December 3, 2012
good idea to have a plan in place and to support the adjacent property owner, while
controlling the demands made on the City’s current staff and budget.
Property owner, Mr. Tony Petito, and his landscape architect, Mary Zebell, joined the
Board for the discussion of his request.
Mr. Petito explained that he would like to present two proposals for the Board’s
consideration. One concerns the 400 block of Lake Avenue (between Adams and
Hancock Streets) and the second is for the 200 block of Adams Street (between Lake
Avenue and First Street).
He stated that he would like to propose abandoning the length of Lake Avenue and its
sidewalk to make a pedestrian/bicycle pathway and landscape improvements, similar to
what is currently found in Conley Park.
Lake Street runs along the west side of Cascadilla Creek, with Conley Park to the north.
It is logical and natural to imagine the pedestrian/bicycle pathway and landscape
improvements in Conley Park continuing south to Hancock Street, along the creek. The
creek is a community asset, which is admired from the viewpoint of many bridges. The
pathway and landscape improvements in Conley Park really enhance the view and
experience of the waterway.
Vehicular traffic on this block of Lake Avenue is infrequent, and most often used as an
entry and exit from one curb cut to the Neighborhood Pride parking lot. That one curb
cut is no longer necessary since there are three new entrances/exits along Hancock
Street. It also could be said that the intersection of Lake Avenue and Hancock Street is
dangerous because of poor visibility on Lake Street of westbound cars on the Hancock
Street bridge.
Neighborhood Pride Grocery Store has plans to develop the Conley Park corner of their
property into an outdoor café. The outdoor café will include a large open patio space for
tables, stone barriers from the public space, plantings, a pergola and landscape lighting.
The remaining space along the east side of the building will be an open, grassy, park-
like space that will help highlight Cascadilla Creek.
On Adams Street they propose installing approximately 100’ of curb along the back of
the grocery store building along what is now the un-curbed edge of Adams Street. A
curb in that location will correct the drainage problems that now exist and will provide an
opportunity for viable parking spaces along the west side of Adams Street.
Both of these proposed improvements are on City property and it is their hope, with the
Board’s approval and support, that they may someday become a reality. These
concepts have been presented to both the Parks Commission and the Bicycle
Pedestrian Advisory Council – both groups enthusiastically support the ideas.
Commissioner and Parks Commission Liaison Leccese stated that the only concern the
Parks Commission had regarding the proposal was future maintenance of the area.
Mr. Petito responded that he has the equipment and is willing to do the maintenance of
the area in the future. He also stated that he wants the area to be of benefit to the
community, and would consider the possibility of it becoming or holding some type of
farmers market, which would also help the business. He expressed his thanks to Ms.
Zebell for taking his family’s ideas and making them into a drawing and now perhaps a
reality with the Board’s approval.
Supt. Gray questioned whether the Ithaca Fire Department provided input to the
proposal since it would allow them access from only three of the four sides of the
building in case of fire.
Ms. Zebell responded that the Ithaca Fire Department is satisfied with the new
upgraded sprinkler system that has been installed and inspected in the store.
8
December 3, 2012
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposal and impacts on the
neighborhood by the closing of the street, and the possible abandonment of it by the
City to Mr. Petito.
Supt. Gray stated that in this case it would not be complicated for the City to abandon
the street, but maintain a right-of-way for possible future use by the City. He stated that
there would need to be a public hearing on the proposed abandonment that would need
to be advertised. It could be turned into an extension of Conley Park as well. In the long
run, he feels this is a great idea. He further stated that in the very near future, if the
Board were interested, the City of Ithaca could take the road out of circulation or use by
the public by placing something as simple as a box of rocks. The asphalt area could be
turned into a park like area.
Commissioner Darling left the meting at 6:25 p.m.
Mr. Petito stated that he was concerned about what to do with the current sidewalk as
he has been notified by the City that it needs to be repaired or replaced. Supt. Gray
responded that if the road is taken out of circulation by the public, pedestrians could use
the asphalt as a walkway rather than the sidewalk, and the sidewalk could be removed.
Asst. Supt. Whitney noted that in this particular area there are no water or sewer utilities
under the street, which is unusual.
The Board expressed their support for Mr. Petito’s proposal.
Request for Site Approval for Placement of a Martin Luther King Jr. Walkway
Sculpture:
Supt. Gray stated that there has been a proposal for the next element in the MLK
Freedom Walk and is in keeping with the larger scheme that had been the basis for the
Freedom Walk as it was originally envisioned for downtown.
The City of Ithaca MLK Freedom Walkway Committee is requesting permission from the
Board of Public Works to place a sculpture that will be integrated into a kiosk to be
located just outside the Southside Neighborhood Park adjacent to the Southside
Community Center. The theme of the sculpture is “Celebrations”. The proposed
placement of the sculpture is located in front of the Southside Community Center.
The Board expressed their full support for the proposed location of the sculpture.
Request for Site Approval for Placement of a Martin Luther King Jr. Walkway
Sculpture:
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the placement of the Martin
Luther King JR. Walkway Sculpture in front of Southside Community Center as
recommended by the MLK Freedom Walkway Committee.
Carried Unanimously (5-0)
2013 Rates and Fees – Resolutions:
Parking Rates:
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered the proposed 2013 rates for
municipal parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2013 budget revenue
projection, and
WHEREAS, the following chart contains the entire rate structure for all rates within the
City for 2013, and
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the proposed 2013 parking
rates as follows in the attached table; and, be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will revisit the parking rates no later than
its final July meeting in 2013; and, be it further,
9
December 3, 2012
RESOLVED, That all rates shall go into effect January 1, 2013, and shall remain until
the Board of Public Works directs otherwise.
Monthly Permits
Actual
2012 Rates
Effective
8/1/12
Proposed
2013
Rates
Effective
1/1/13
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night
All Levels $85.00/mo $87.50/mo 3% increase
Contract with Hotel1 $49.20/mo $50.70/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $85.00/mo $87.50/mo 3% increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels $74.00/mo $76.25/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $52.00/mo $53.00 1.69% increase
Cayuga Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, including long-term
storage $59.25/mo $61.00/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $46.25/mo $47.00/mo 1.69% increase
Contract with County (Library)3 $52.25/mo $56.25/mo 92% of market
Premium Area Rates $109.00 $112.25/mo 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage
Discounted Hourly (250 hours)4 $116.50/mo $116.50/mo 3% increase
Day and night (24 hours) $232.75/mo $200.00/mo 3% increase
Other Non-Meter Permit Parking
Contract with County (DSS)3 $46.25/mo $47.00/mo 1.69% increase
Weekly Rates
Actual
2012 Rates
Effective
1/1/12
Proposed
2013
Rates
Effective
1/1/13
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night $25.00 $26.50 3% increase
Green Street Garage, Day and
Night $22.00 $23.00 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours $67.00 $67.00 3% increase
Hourly Rates5
Actual
2012 Rates
Effective
1/1/12
Proposed
2013
Rates
Effective
1/1/13
Amount
Changed
Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street Garages6
Per hour $1/hour $1/hour No change
Maximum $7/day $7/day
Dryden Road Garage
0 – 24 $1/hour $1/hour No change
Maximum $15/day $15/day No change
Dryden Road Summer Rates (June 1 – August 15)
0 – 24 $0.75/hour $0.75/hour No change
Maximum $15/day $15/day No change
Bulk Purchase: Garage Tokens or
Value Card
$26.00/
40 hours
$26.00/
40 hours No change
Special Event Rate (weekend day entrance fee, 24 hour parking limit)
Downtown garages $5 $5 No change
Parking Meters and Pay and Display
Surface Lot: Green Street
Garage7
$2.00/hour
No max.
$2.00/hour
No max. No change
10
Hourly Rates5
Actual
2012 Rates
Effective
1/1/12
Proposed
2013
Rates
Effective
1/1/13
Amount
Changed
Downtown $1.00/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.00/hr
2 hr. max. No change
Collegetown $1.00/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.00/hr
2 hr. max. No change
Thurston & Stewart Ave. &
Edgemoor
$0.50/hr
9 hr. max.
$0.50/hr
9 hr. max. No change
Foot Notes
1 – Volume discount rate for 104 spaces – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate
adjustment annually on 8/1 based on average increase in other rates, but not more than
3%
2 – Up to 40 permits in Seneca Street Garage at posted rate (except handicap permits,
are at special Cayuga Garage rate); up to 100 permits in Green Street Garage, up to
150 permits in Cayuga Street Garage, total not to exceed 250 permits. Right to
purchase additional 150 permits at posted rates – see contract dated June 6, 2006.
Rate to change for first 250 permits after August 1, 2007, “from time to time” based on
percentage change in the CPI between adjustment dates. The rate was last changed
on January 1, 2012, based on August 2011 CPI. The percentage change in the CPI
from August 2011 to August 2012 was 1.6924%.
3 – The County’s Mental Health/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street
Garage (and/or Lot D) has expired. The Board of Public Works agreed to transition the
rate charged to County employees to the full market rate over a period of five years.
The rate for 2013 is 92% of the market rate. County’s DSS agreement for 20 spaces on
West State Street (in “Fire Station lot”) expires December 31, 2016.
4 – The Dryden Road garage permits for only day use or only night use were
discontinued in 2011, and replaced with a monthly permit valid for up to 250 hours of
parking.
5 – Fees charged: Downtown garages, 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday:
Dryden Road garage and Green Street Surface Lot, 24 hours / 7 days.
6 – The City has an agreement with TC3 that allows TC3 to issue passes for students,
clients, and customers, for which the City charges TC3 88 percent of posted rates for
the accumulated parking fees.
7 – In 2011, the pay station for the Green Street Surface Lot was put on line, and the
hourly rate increased to $2 per hour.
Carried Unanimously (5-0)
Trash and Yard Waste Tag Rates:
By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed and discussed information from
the Solid Waste Division and the Chamberlain’s Office regarding trash tags and yard
waste tags, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has accepted the recommendation in the Mayor’s
2013 Budget that projects revenues at the 2012 rates for trash tags and yard waste
tags, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby retains the purchase price of the
35 lb. trash disposal tag at $3.50 per tag, effective January 1, 2013, and be it further
11
December 3, 2012
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby retains the purchase price of the
yard waste disposal tag at $1.50 for each bag or bundle of not more than 50 lbs. of yard
waste, effective January 1, 2013, and that these rates will stand until changed.
Carried Unanimously (5-0)
Approval of 2013 Water and Sewer Rates - Resolution:
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Leccese
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Charter, the Board of Public Works has the
authority to set water and sewer rates, and
WHEREAS, staff has provided water and sewer usage projections for 2013, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the following water and sewer
rates and fees starting for bills due on or after January 1, 2013, and the rates are
effective until changed:
Basic Rates (per 100 cubic feet):
Existing 2012 Proposed 2013
Water $4.50 $4.73
Sewer $5.06 $5.47
Minimum Billing (per quarter year)
METER
SIZE
CU FT
ALLOWED WATER SEWER TOTAL
Small 1,200 $56.76 $65.64 $122.40
1" 3,200 $151.36 $175.04 $326.40
1.5" 5,500 $260.15 $300.85 $561.00
2" 11,200 $529.76 $612.64 $1,142.40
3" 16,000 $756.80 $875.20 $1,632.00
4" 24,100 $1,139.93 $1,318.27 $2,458.20
6" 42,100 $1,991.33 $2,302.87 $4,294.20
Other Services
• Unmetered sprinkler service: $12 per inch diameter per quarter
• Metered water for circuses, carnivals contractors, etc., through suitable connection
at hydrant installed by Water and Sewer: charged by use, with minimum bill of $200
per day for the first 7 days and $50 per day thereafter.
• Bulk Water for street sweepers, tank trucks, spray rigs, etc., available at the Water
building: $100 per load up to 500 gallons, and $25 per thousand over 500 gallons.
• Meter removal, meter resetting, turning water off, or turning water on at curb stop:
$40 per event.
• Residential Meter Testing: $75 if meter is found to be within industry tolerances; no
charge if out of tolerance.
• Replacement of frosted or damaged residential meter:
During business hours – cost of the meter plus $50
After hours without a call-in – cost of the meter plus $125
After hours with a call-in – cost of the meter plus $220
• Replace damaged AMR meter head, caused by owner/occupant negligence: cost of
new meter plus $60.
• Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $45 per special read.
• Data Logs: the first obtainable data log is free, delivered electronically in a PDF
format. Paper copies will be printed upon request at the cost of duplication. All
additional data logs shall be charged at $45 each delivered electronically. If a City
issue is found as a result of a data log, there shall be no charge.
12
December 3, 2012
• All other special services: To be billed at cost (including overhead) with supporting
bill documentation.
Carried Unanimously (5-0)
FYI – Water Treatment Plant Annual Inspection Report from Tompkins County
Health Department
Supt. Gray reported that the annual report created by the County's Health Department,
following their inspection of the city's water treatment plant has been attached for the
Board’s information. He thought it would help give the Board a perspective for their long
standing concerns, many of which have been awaiting the new treatment plant for
resolution. The plant is needed, but the resulting debt load and the accompanying rate
structure will be a topic of amazement and conversation for several years to come. This
is a valuable but expensive purchase that brings us forward 100 years. The change is
occurring country wide, but most people (our residents) will only see it as a local
change, that hits them in the pocket book. They want safe water, but since they already
have it, we will have to explain the investment required so that they can keep it.
Supt. Gray asked Board members to contact staff with any questions or concerns
regarding the report. He indicated that new water rates will be very remarkable once the
new water treatment plant is built.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick
Information Management Specialist Mayor