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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-04-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:58 p.m. April 20, 2011 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (3) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Public Works – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin Common Council Liaison – Zumoff Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: Commissioners (2) – Jenkins, Warden DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Attorney Hoffman expressed a desire to discuss the handling of appeals and protests submitted regarding the new Chapter. 170, Use of City Real Property, ordinance. No Board member objected. Supt. Gray explained that representatives from Cornell University would be speaking at the Board’s meeting on April 27, 2011, regarding designs for bridge barriers. He requested a discussion about what the Board would like to discuss with Cornell at that meeting. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson explained that a meeting had been held to discuss bridge barriers on city-owned bridges with representatives from Cornell University. She stated the following questions would be asked of Common Council, as well as the Board of Public Works: Is the decision to put barriers on the city-owned bridges a decision for the Board of Public Works or Common Council to make? To what extent does the Board want to get involved with the discussion and decision making process regarding barriers on city-owned bridges? Supt. Gray explained that he came away from Cornell’s previous presentation with the feeling that the Board would rather discuss proposals of means restrictions than designs of barriers. Mayor Peterson noted that the working group involved in means restrictions had selected a single barrier design for each bridge. Commissioner Goldsmith responded that he would like to hear more information about funding for installation and maintenance of the barriers, and Commissioner Wykstra requested a summary of costs and maintenance. He expressed his belief that the final decision should be made by Common Council. Discussion followed on the floor regarding lead agency status, site plan review requirements, and the determination of involved agencies. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC There was no response necessary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the January 12, 2011, and February 23, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 12, 2011, and February 23, 2011, Board of Public Works meetings be approved with noted corrections. Board of Public Works Page 2 April 20, 2011 Regular Meeting The Board requested that approval of these minutes be placed on the agenda for the April 27, 2011, meeting. VOTING ITEMS: Tabled Items: Approval of Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park: Holly Hollingsworth, representative of the DeWitt Park Restoration Committee, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Supt. Gray explained that the Board previously expressed some interest in the proposed decorative chain, but had concerns related to handicapped accessibility. He stated that staff provided suggestions for other approaches to consider to protect the monuments, including “skate stoppers.” Mr. Hollingsworth thanked City staff for looking into other ways to protect the monuments. He expressed concern about brackets being on the World War I monument because people may trip on them, and since that monument was meant to be used as a stage. He further expressed concern that the “skate stoppers” would not work on the World War II and Vietnam Memorial monuments because the bases do not have 90 degree angles. He noted the chain would discourage other activities besides skateboarding from occurring, such as sitting, laying, and eating on the monuments. He further noted the chains would be only 12-18” away from the monuments and would not obstruct the viewing of the names. Alderperson Zumoff arrived at 5:19 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the location of the chain in front of the monuments, aesthetic changes to the appearance of the monuments, and the intent of the chain to keep skateboarders off the monuments, and not to keep visitors from viewing the monuments. Further discussion followed on the maintenance of the chain, and whose responsibility it would be for maintenance of it. City Attorney Hoffman noted that DeWitt Park is in the Historic District and suggested that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission should be involved in this discussion and proposal. He volunteered to speak to Leslie Chatterton, Historic Preservation Planner, regarding the policies for making changes in DeWitt Park. Creeks, Bridges, and Parks: Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Railing Upgrade (Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8 ft high)) – Resolution Alternate 3 WHEREAS, Currently, the City of Ithaca and project consultants (LaBella Associates, P.C. and Trowbridge & Wolf Landscape Architects LLP) are working on a project to rehabilitate Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge over Six Mile Creek, and WHEREAS, the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge over Six Mile Creek is located in the City of Ithaca and connects the west side of Six Mile Creek at Giles Street to the east side at Ferris Place, and WHEREAS, The project consists of rehabilitation of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge over Six Mile Creek (including removal and replacement of the bridge deck, railing, bridge seats, bearings, and abutment back walls; rehabilitation of wing walls and abutment stems; structural steel repairs and painting of structural steel; and aesthetic enhancements to the approach plazas), water and sanitary sewer main removal and replacement and modifications to other existing utilities, and WHEREAS, upon the Board of Public Works request, the City of Ithaca together with project consultants has recommended Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8 ft high) on the bridge ,and WHEREAS, the proposed Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System (8 ft high) implementation includes design and fabrication of a post extension system that would be connected to the top rail of the proposed woven steel mesh panels bridge railing system in the current contract documents, and Board of Public Works Page 3 April 20, 2011 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the woven steel mesh panels would be replaced with a stainless steel wire rope and mesh system (attached) which would be more aesthetically pleasing and will be built of virtually maintenance free materials, and be it further RESOLVED, That, as part of Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, the Board of Public Works hereby approves the implementation of an 8 ft high Custom Pedestrian Bridge Fencing System on Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works recommends that Common Council increase the bridge share (CP#743) of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $100,000 for the out of scope work included in the project. This item was not discussed due to the lack of quorum. Special Requests from Ithaca Festival – Resolution WHEREAS, the Director of the Ithaca Festival has approached the Board of Public Works for permission to have extended hours in Stewart Park on Friday evening, June 3, 2011 in order to organize a Masquerade Ball which would run from 9 pm until 12 am, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports the concept of expanding the activities of the Ithaca Festival to include a Friday night dance in Stewart Park and recommends that the Superintendent, in consultation with the Special Events Committee, grant the application for exemption from the park closing time as requested. This item was not discussed due to the lack of quorum. DISCUSSION ITEMS: West End Parking – Discussion City Attorney Hoffman provided a short history of the discussions held regarding parking in the west end. He stated that west end merchants expressed concerns that implementing paid parking would cause issues such as patrons avoiding the area or parking in inappropriate locations. He explained that a concept was proposed for the merchants to pay for the paved parking area and the triangle parking area near Castaways, which would keep the lots free for patrons. He further explained that Inlet Parking Partners, created by the west end merchants, would pay the city approximately $2,085 per month, the City would maintain the parking lots, including signage, snow removal, repairs, etc. Discussion followed on the floor regarding snow removal, requiring the businesses to indemnify the City, the expected revenues from the parking lots for the calendar year, and the loss of revenue for the first quarter of the year. Stewart Park Master Plan – Update Landscape Architect Rick Manning and Contractor Claudia Brenner joined the Board to present the proposed renovation plan for Stewart Park. Mr. Manning began the presentation by noting that a more in-depth presentation would be held on May 16, 2011, in the Borg Warner Room at the Tompkins County Public Library, which would be open to the public. He further noted that the 90th anniversary of Stewart Park is July 4, 2011. Ms. Brenner explained that the building study for Stewart Park began with Cascadilla Boathouse. She stated that a review was completed on the building, and reported that an additional means of egress and stairs would need to be installed in order to upgrade the second floor of the boathouse so it can be utilized as a gymnasium again. She noted the costs for these renovations are estimated at $30,000. Mr. Manning noted that the Boat Club has expressed interest in being involved in the improvements. Ms. Brenner further explained that the City has agreed to rebuild the Small (Tea) Pavilion, which was the next building scheduled for improvement. She stated the third Board of Public Works Page 4 April 20, 2011 Regular Meeting building in the plan is the restoration of the Wharton Building. She further stated that before the Ithaca Film Museum could take over the building, the Department of Public Works would need to move the equipment that is stored in the building, causing the fourth project, a new Public Works Storage Building, to be constructed. The next recommendation is to create a performance pier and trailhead plaza between the large pavilion and the Wharton Building. Also in the plan is the construction of an addition onto the large pavilion for storage for the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and upgrading the restrooms. Mr. Manning noted that applications for grants have been submitted three times to fund the building of this portion of the project. The requests have not yet been approved. It was noted that the concession building has been neglected and is not currently able to be utilized. The building also needs a new roof and new support columns. Ms. Brenner stated that options for enclosing the Carousel have been considered, but to enclose the carousel and build aisles for maneuvering, the estimated costs are over $100,000, so that project has been tabled for now. Mr. Manning explained that a plan had been developed for upgrading the children’s playground, to move it away from all overhead utility lines, using water conservation means for the sprinkler area, and consolidating the play areas. Discussion followed regarding the possible addition of “senior playgrounds” to the park. Mr. Manning went on to explain that the Memorial Flagpole Garden was created in 1927, upgraded and restored in the 1980s, and is now in disrepair and could be easily taken apart. The new design recreates the same square configuration that the original 1927 garden was constructed in. He noted that the Parks Commission had voted to utilize $10,000 of the $27,000 Stallman Memorial Fund for the restoration of the garden. Discussion followed on the floor regarding utilization of city staff, volunteer labor, and hiring professionals to work on each project. Commissioners Wykstra and Goldsmith expressed approval of the plan for restoration of the buildings. REPORTS: Superintendent and Staff: Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the Cornell Street Water Tank Restoration Project had begun, and should be completed by June; the restoration of the Maple Avenue and Oakwood Lane water tanks will follow. Discussion followed regarding the utilization of other water sources during the restoration of the water tanks. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that concrete pads had been installed in the Inlet Island parking lot for benches, that street cleaning was a week behind due to the extra snow storm in early March, and that the Tea Pavilion would be deconstructed soon. He further stated that a seasonal employee would be hired to clean or paint over the graffiti in the downtown area. Supt. Gray reported to the Board of the following items: 1. Generator sets are being installed at Streets & Facilities 2. The City Court Building Restoration Project requires a fund adjustment from Common Council 3. There was no reported wind damage to trees from the wind storm over the weekend 4. Talks are taking place between the Ithaca Brewery and the Chief Operator of the Wastewater Treatment Plant about waste from the brewery being taken to plant for treatment. Asst. Supt. Benjamin further reported that the trial period for the Parkeon machines in the parking lots had expired. Mayor Peterson requested revenue and expense information from those machines. Supt. Gray noted that the machines are easier to use and noted that they take dollar bills and credit cards. Commissioner Goldsmith asked whether revenues were up for the parking garages. Board of Public Works Page 5 April 20, 2011 Regular Meeting Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 205 Thurston Avenue – Discussion This item was not discussed. Sidewalk Work Plan 2011 – Discussion This item was not discussed. Curb Lawn Gardens – Discussion This item was not discussed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor