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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-02-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:51 p.m. February 9, 2011 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Common Council Liaison – Zumoff DAC Liaison – Roberts Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: Commissioner Warden ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Supt. Gray requested the addition of item 9.5, entitled “Authorization for a Shared Services Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation for Sewer Line Installation,” for the Board’s consideration. No Board member objected. Commissioner Goldsmith requested continuing the Board’s discussions regarding establishing fees for Use of City Real Property and the use of parkland, specifically the docks. The Board agreed to include these items on the February 23, 2011, agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications to report to the Board. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: John Graves, President of South Hill Civic Association, addressed the Board and read a letter from the South Hill Civic Association inviting the Board to join the South Hill resident listserv to promote better communication with the residents. John Efroymson, Columbia Street resident, addressed the Board regarding the Aurora/Prospect Street intersection. He expressed concerns regarding left-hand turns from Prospect Street to South Aurora Street, and potential traffic back-ups that may be caused by motorists turning left onto South Aurora Street. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: There was no response to the public. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS: Widening of Road at the Intersection of Aurora and Prospect Streets –Resolution (Alternate #1) By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, currently the City of Ithaca and Delta Engineers, Architects, & Land Surveyors are working on a project to replace the East Clinton Street Bridge and to reconstruct Prospect Street, and WHEREAS, the East Clinton Street Bridge is located in the City of Ithaca and carries East Clinton Street (State Route 96B) over Six Mile Creek, and Prospect Street is a continuation of Route 96B from the eastern limits of East Clinton Street to South Aurora Street, and WHEREAS, as part of this project, the City of Ithaca retained Delta Engineers, Architects and Surveyors, to prepare a design for the widening of Prospect Street at the intersection of South Aurora in order to allow two lanes (a right and a left) to approach Board of Public Works Page 2 February 9, 2011 Regular Meeting Aurora Street which eliminate a cause of congestion for the dominant right turn movement, and WHEREAS, the proposed design (referred to as alternative #1 as prepared by Delta) will accommodate a 40-foot long bus (AASHTO S-BUS 40) to make a left turn onto Prospect Street from South Aurora and a 30–foot long SU vehicle (AASHTO SU) to make a right turn lane on to South Aurora from Prospect Street, and WHEREAS, even though the existing traffic island at the intersection would remain, for the proposed design, 108 square feet of right-of-way (ROW) would be required at the southwest quadrant of the intersection in order to modify the curb line and provide the sidewalk connection, additional utilities would need to be relocated and there would also be minimal impact to acquire sidewalk at the northwest quadrant of the intersection, and WHEREAS, staff finds this alternative acceptable, but not preferable, and WHEREAS, the Board feels this alternative is the best course of action, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the staff is hereby directed to modify the design and ROW mapping to include Alternative #1 in the project. Bridge Systems Engineer Addisu Gebre joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Supt. Gray explained the two different resolutions provided to the Board, the first resolution authorizes the design of option Alternate #0, and the second resolution authorizes the design of option Alternate #1, and noted the differences between the two designs for the Board’s consideration. He reported that he discussed the possible imposition of eminent domain with the affected property owner, with which the owner did not express many concerns. Supt. Gray noted that this intersection had been discussed several times in the past twenty years. Bridge Systems Engineer Gebre noted that letters were sent to the affected property owners around the South Aurora/Prospect Street intersection in December 2010 regarding the project, and did not receive any comments or concerns from any of them. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the installation of signage noting “No Left Turns” for a trial period. Commissioner Goldsmith noted that if the trial was successful, the City would not have the expense of construction of an extra turn lane at the affected intersection. He also expressed concern that the extra lane may cause problems for pedestrians. Supt. Gray explained that a decision has to be made now about whether or not to proceed with the construction of a left hand turn lane. The reason why is due to the fact that the eminent domain process will be handled by the State, and requires several months’ lead time. He further explained that due to the time constraints, the testing or trial period of signage indicating “no left hand turns” would not be possible. Discussion followed on the floor regarding various items of concern about the project at this intersection such as construction of a bicycle lane, additional times for prohibited left turns, lane sharing, and pedestrians crossing. Alderperson Zumoff arrived at 5:20 p.m. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the slope of the sidewalk on South Aurora Street, and what would help to make the sidewalk better for pedestrians. Additionally, discussion followed regarding listserv conversations with South Hill residents. Mr. Efroymson suggested that under Alternate #1, lineage or signage should be included to notify motorists to remain to the left of the lane if they are turning left. Mayor Peterson expressed support for Alternative #1, but would like signage that would alert motorists making a left hand turn to remain in the left lane. Commissioner Board of Public Works Page 3 February 9, 2011 Regular Meeting Goldsmith expressed concerns about taking property under Alternative #1. Supt. Gray explained that under eminent domain the State will own the property in the approved design; however, it is the City’s choice to use the land or not. Commissioner Acharya expressed reluctant support for Alternative #1. Discussion followed regarding modifying the resolution to include a no left turn testing period prior to construction, the width of the travel lanes in Alternatives #1 and #0, and the use of the bicycle lane by motorists when turning right. City Attorney Hoffman explained that an environmental review was conducted for this project prior to the extra turn lane being proposed in the design. He expressed concern that the environmental review may need to be modified because of this change. Commissioner Goldsmith expressed a desire to move forward with the modification of the environmental review form, stating that the addition of a left hand turn lane would be a relatively small adjustment with no environmental impact. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Acharya : Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That a new seventh Whereas clause be included that would read as follows: “WHEREAS the Board has considered the potential environmental impact of this modification to the project and has determined it to be relatively minor and non- substantial, therefore, not requiring amendment of the Board’s previous negative determination pursuant to state environmental quality review.” Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended: A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: 2010 DPW Accomplishments & 2011 Goals – Report Supt. Gray explained that at the end of the year, Mayor Peterson requests information from each department about their accomplishments for the year, as well as the goals they would like to accomplish for the coming year. He stated that for this task, a list of completed 2010 projects was compiled along with 2011 planned projects. He further explained that he would like to create five and ten year outlooks for projects for the department, capital equipment replacements, and funding requests. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the 2010 accomplishments for the Department of Public Works, and goals for 2011. Further discussion followed regarding the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Phase III completion and the ownership of New York State highway arterials throughout the City, including Routes 13, 79, 89, and 96. Preferred Topics for 2011: The following topics were compiled for inclusion in future Board agendas: 1. Completion of establishment of the fees for Use of City Real Property, specifically related to park use 2. Sidewalk Policy 3. Golf Course Administration 4. Use of Docks at Cass Park, Cascadilla Boathouse and Golf Course 5. 2011 Construction Projects 6. School District and Sidewalks 7. Curbside Gardens (reduce) 8. Dredging Update 9. Water Plant Design Update 10. Black Diamond Trail Update 11. South Hill Traffic Calming Measures 12. Small Pavilion at Stewart Park 13. Verizon Cell Tower BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT: Board of Public Works Page 4 February 9, 2011 Regular Meeting Resolution for Award of Contract for Construction Materials Testing Services for the City of Ithaca’s 2011 Construction Program – Capital Project 756 – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, bids were received on January 17, 2011, for Construction Materials Testing Services for the City of Ithaca’s 2011 Construction Program, and WHEREAS, the 2011 General Fund Budget included capital funds for construction materials testing for various City projects under Capital Project Number 756, and WHEREAS, CME Associates, INC., 527 South Main Street, Central Square, New York, 13036, submitted the low base bid for Construction Materials Testing Services not to exceed $15,086.40, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the contract for Construction Materials Testing Services for the City of Ithaca’s 2011 Construction Program is hereby awarded to CME Associates, INC., 527 South Main Street, Central Square, New York 13036 for their low submitted bid of $15,086.40, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute this contract, upon the advice of the City Attorney, and that the Superintendent of Public Works be and hereby is authorized to administer the same. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the large gaps between the bids provided for this project and the types of testing CME Associates provides. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows: Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC: To Amend Vehicle and Traffic Schedules XXV, Reserved for Parking for Persons with Disabilities for Chestnut Street By Commissioner Goldsmith: 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 Office of the City Engineer recommends approving a Reserved Parking for Persons with Disabilities (RPPD) application from a resident at 653 Chestnut Street, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works agrees that this request is in accordance with the policy for RPPD (as adopted in 2010), now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Schedule XXV, Reserved for Parking for Persons with Disabilities, be amended to add the following entry: Name of Street Side Location Chestnut Street East In front of 653 Chestnut Street Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: Approval in Concept to the Installation of Fencing around Auburn Park – Resolution WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request for additional fencing along the perimeter of Auburn Park from the Drop-In Children's Center, but forwarded through the Parks Commission, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission provided a resolution of support for the additional fencing, provided that it followed a modified design containing three large strategically placed openings as shown in a drawing attached to their resolution dated January 11, 2011, and Board of Public Works Page 5 February 9, 2011 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that support for additional fencing may not be universal in the larger Fall Creek neighborhood, but understands that fencing is reversible in that it is not an expensive or complex installation, and that the Drop-In Center is still interested in providing play areas closer to the center itself, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves in concept the installation of additional fencing at Auburn Park by the Drop-In Children's Center, and directs staff to review shop drawings for the proposed installation submitted by the Drop-In Center for conformance with the Parks Commission’s resolution prior to providing written approval of the installation. Discussion followed on the floor regarding who would install the fence around the park, specifying the financially responsible party in the resolution, and obtaining a legal opinion regarding the installation. The Board agreed to delay a vote on the resolution in order to provide City Attorney Hoffman time to review the legal requirements. DISCUSSION ITEMS: PARKING AND TRAFFIC: To Amend the Vehicle and Traffic Schedules to Create Reserved Parking Spaces for People with Disabilities on North Tioga Street and East Court Street along the Tompkins County Court House – Discussion and Resolution The Board requested that Traffic Engineer Tim Logue and a County representative attend the next Board meeting to participate in the discussion of the request. WATER AND SEWER: Authorization for a Shared Services Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation for Sewer Line Installation Supt. Gray explained the resolution that was distributed to the Board members regarding an agreement with New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to install a sewer line beginning near Andree Petroleum and ending at the Farmer’s Market. He stated that all three locations (including the NYSDOT building) would discontinue use of their individual septic systems and connect to the City’s sewer system. He further stated that staff from Water and Sewer Department would like to begin construction by the end of February due to the wet nature of the land in the area. The Board agreed to include this item on the agenda for the February 23, 2011 meeting. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor