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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-03-23 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 Board of Public Works Page 4 March 23, 2011 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