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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. March 23, 2011
PRESENT:
Commissioners (5) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Warden, 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
Executive Assistant – Gehring
Bridge Systems Engineer – Gebre
EXCUSED:
Mayor Peterson
Common Council Liaison – Zumoff
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Supt. Gray stated that the Item 9.1 entitled “Storm Response” was requested by Mayor
Peterson and DAC Liaison Larry Roberts. He suggested delaying the discussion on the
topic because neither is present at today’s meeting.
No Board member objected.
Supt. Gray further requested that Item 9.6 entitled “Newman Golf Course Rates for
2011”, be considered a voting item because the golf course will be opening soon for the
season.
No Board member objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
There was no report from the Mayor.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
John Efroymson, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the proposed redesign
of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge. He stated that residents are concerned
about the plaza area at the entrances of the bridge. Residents would like a design that
does not encourage people to congregate in the area. He also mentioned the proposed
redesign of the South Aurora/Prospect Street intersection that does not include a left
hand turning lane. He requested that the Board continue discussion of the proposed
redesign of the intersection.
Nancy Schuler, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the safety of the
proposed redesign of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge. She expressed hope that
the Board would support the retention of an 8’ high fence. She expressed her support
as well that the redesign does not include a plaza area where people could congregate
at the entraces to the pedestrian bridge.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Commissioner Warden noted that redesign of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge
has been discussed at the Bridge Means Restrictions meetings.
Commissioner Acharya thanked Mr. Efroymson for his comment regarding the South
Aurora/Prospect Street intersection, and noted that the Board would be discussing this
topic in the future.
City Attorney Hoffman arrived at 4:55 p.m.
Board of Public Works Page 2 March 23, 2011
Regular Meeting
REPORTS:
Board Liaisons:
Commissioner Warden reported that the Bridge Means Restriction Committee is moving
forward with designs for means restriction options for the various bridges. He stated
that a lot of discussion was held about what a preventative design is, including
restrictions only in the middle of bridge or on the outskirts of the bridge. He is
concerned about the timeframe proposed by Cornell University to make a decision.
Supt. Gray explained that representatives from Cornell University have made a
commitment to have final design options to Common Council by the June 1, 2011
meeting.
Commissioner Acharya provided a written report as the liaison to the Planning and
Development Board, and requested that the Board let him know if they have any
questions.
Commissioner Warden mentioned a recent presentation that was held at Cornell
University regarding road use by utility and construction companies within
municipalities. Discussion followed on the floor regarding weight regulations, limits for
roads, and amounts of wear and tear through the city.
Superintendent and Staff:
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the new Parkeon machines will go online tomorrow
for the surface parking lot at the Green Street Garage. He stated that the presentation
by the Parkeon instructor was impressive – he brought a machine into the conference
room, tore the machine apart and taught them how to put it back together.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin further reported that the City would begin collecting yard waste
soon.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that water and sewer reconstruction would begin on
Monday, March 28, 2011, on Hopper Place. He further reported that the agreement
with the State to upgrade water and sewer lines on Third Street Extension has been
executed and that crews would begin work as soon as possible.
Supt. Gray reported that an eminent domain proceeding is taking place tied to the water
and sewer line replacement in Carpenter Park.
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS
Newman Golf Course Rates for 2011 – Resolution
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Board of Public Works raised both the Membership Rates and
the non-member Greens Fees and Cart Fees by 20 percent, and
WHEREAS, membership number were less in 2010 than in 2009, continuing a
downward trend, and
WHEREAS, higher Greens Fees and Cart Fees may have caused a decrease in rounds
of play by non-members, and
WHEREAS, a List of Rates and Fees for 2011 has been proposed by DPW staff with
input from Friends of Newman, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the proposed List of Rates and Fees for 2011, which is attached, is
adopted.
Membership Fees 2011 Rates
Individual Non-Resident $ 660.00
Individual Resident $ 600.00
Senior Individual Non-Resident $ 600.00
Senior Individual Resident $ 540.00
Domestic Couple Non-Resident $ 924.00
Domestic Couple Residents $ 840.00
Senior Domestic Couple Non-Resident $ 924.00
Board of Public Works Page 3 March 23, 2011
Regular Meeting
Membership Fees 2011 Rates
Senior Domestic Couple Resident $ 756.00
Junior Individual Non-Resident $ 264.00
Junior Individual Resident $ 240.00
Family Non-Resident $ 1,008.00
Family Resident $ 924.00
Weekday Only, Non-Resident $ 432.00
Weekday Only, Resident $ 390.00
Weekday Only, Domestic Couple, Non-Res. $ 624.00
Weekday Only, Domestic Couple, Resident $ 576.00
College Membership (Ages 18-22) (*Restricted weekdays before 4 p.m. w/
college ID and weekends after 12 noon)
$ 330.00
City Employee $ 330.00
Daily Greens Fees 2011 Rates
Weekday 9 holes $ 13.00
Weekday 18 holes $ 17.00
Weekend 9 holes $ 15.00
Weekend 18 holes $ 21.00
Cart Rental Fees 2011 Rates
Member 9 holes $ 12.00
Member 18 holes $ 24.00
Non-Member 9 holes $ 14.00
Non-Member 18 holes $ 26.00
Combined Greens Fees and Cart Rental 2011 Rates
Weekday 9 holes with Cart $ 19.00
Weekday 18 holes with Cart $ 29.00
Weekend 9 holes with Cart $ 22.00
Weekend 18 holes with Cart $ 32.00
Tom Hannah, Friends of Newman Golf Course, joined the Board for the discussion of
this item. He stated that Friends of Newman Golf Course worked with Asst. Supt.
Benjamin to determine proposed rates for 2011. He explained that a representative of
Friends of Newman Golf Course visited many of the local golf courses to obtain their
2011 rates, and the proposed 2011 rates for Newman Golf Course are in the middle of
those other rates. He further explained that the rates were decreased to attract people
that are not full time golfers, but those that want to learn about golf. He stated that they
found last year that some patrons visited the golf course once, and because of the high
green fees and cart rentals, they did not return.
Mr. Hannah further reported that the membership at Newman Golf Course is on a slow,
steady decline. At one point, there were over 400 members; in 2010 there were about
200 members.
Commissioner Wykstra stated that he feels the proposed 2011 rates are based upon
sound research. Discussion followed on the floor regarding decreased usage, lowering
rates in order to increase usage, overall income, advertising, and weather related
issues. Further discussion was held regarding strategies to increase membership and
individual golfers.
Commissioner Goldsmith requested information regarding expenses for the golf course
over the past year, specifically what golf course staff does during the off season, what
construction supplies are purchased, existing contracts, and concession information.
Amending Resolution:
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause by amended to read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That the proposed List of Rates and Fees for 2011, as follows, is
adopted.”
Carried Unanimously
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Regular Meeting
Main Motion As Amended:
A Vote on the Main Motion As Amended Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Wykstra requested that the Board be provided with the Newman Golf
Course Master Plan. Mr. Hannah agreed to forward the plan to the Board.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Snow Storm Response – Discussion
This item was not discussed.
Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park – Discussion
Holly Hollingsworth, one of the Veteran volunteer members, joined the Board for the
discussion of this item. He explained that skateboarders ride on the monuments which
cause rust which is very difficult to remove. He provided two options of decorative chain
link fence for the Board to consider: an original chain link or a chain with a dull spike
between the links. He explained that he spoke with Asst. Supt. Benjamin, and it has
been determined that the decorative chain would be maintenance free. He has also
spoken with the Parks Commission, and they have supported this request as well. He
stated that the cost of installing the chain link in front of the monuments will be
approximately $2,500 and that the DeWitt Park Veteran’s Restoration Committee will
pay for the entire cost.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the placement of the chain around each
monument, the City’s liability and responsibilities should patrons be injured by the chain,
and which type of chain to use. Commissioner Goldsmith expressed his support for the
installation of the original chain link fence without the spikes because they may be too
dangerous for children.
Supt. Gray stated that a conceptual resolution will be placed on the agenda for the April
13, 2011 meeting, and noted that the basic drawings will need to go through site plan
review and approval through the Planning Department. After that approval, the City will
arrange for the installation of the chain link fencing around the monuments.
Mr. Hollingsworth thanked Asst. Supt. Benjamin, the City Parks crewman, Dave
Hoaglin, and the rest of the crew that works in DeWitt Park for their teamwork and the
care they give to the park.
Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Railing – Discussion
Bridge Systems Engineer Addisu Gebre joined the Board for the discussion of this item.
Supt. Gray noted that the funding from the State or Federal Governments would not be
adjusted if the railing design is changed. He explained that this topic is being revisited
because of the means restriction discussions being held with Cornell. He further stated
he supports the design that includes a higher handrail.
City Attorney Hoffman cautioned the Board against assuming that the Mayor is pushing
toward a different type of fence on the bridge. He further stated that if the City decides
to install an 8’ fence on this bridge, it may have difficulty with this decision on other
bridges in the future. Commissioner Wykstra expressed his opinion that the pedestrian
bridge requires a high fence due to current behavioral trends, and not necessarily for
suicide prevention.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the City’s responsibility for
pedestrian safety on the bridge, liability issues, suicide prevention, heights of railings,
aesthetics, and maintaining visual access to the gorge.
Nancy Schuler, former alderperson, joined the Board for the discussion and stated that
this bridge invites people to throw things over it into the gorge. She further stated that
the chainlink fence that is on the bridge now does not impede the view of the gorge.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin expressed support for a fence that has larger openings at the
bottom so snow and leaves can be pushed off the bridge.
Board of Public Works Page 5 March 23, 2011
Regular Meeting
Discussion followed on the floor regarding height options, if a railing would be placed at
the top, and how soon a decision would need to be made. The Board requested visual
representations of options for the April 13, 2011, meeting.
Cayuga Parking Garage Agreement with Tompkins County – Discussion
Tompkins County Administrator, Joe Mareane, joined the Board for the discussion of
this item.
Supt. Gray explained to the Board that parking agreements for the Tompkins County
Public Library and Tompkins County Mental Health have expired - although County
employees continue to receive discounted rates for parking in the Cayuga Street
Parking garage. He stated that both parties are making good faith efforts towards
negotiating new parking agreements with the City. He explained that Mr. Mareane
suggested implementing a five-year transition plan for any increase in parking rates,
since they were being raised by 28%.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding committing parking spaces, non-economic
items in the expired agreement that will be discussed, and a resolution implementing
the proposed transition plan.
Inlet Island Parking Lot Contract – Update
Supt. Gray explained that the Inlet Island merchants have not responded to the City’s
proposal for the parking lots on Inlet Island yet. He is ready to instruct City staff to
install parking meters in the parking lots soon because it is now March and there has
been no parking revenue received for use of the lots. He further stated that negotiations
for other parking areas on Inlet Island are occurring as well.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor