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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-06-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:53 p.m. June 8, 2011 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) – Acharya, Jenkins, Morache, Warden, 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 Traffic Engineer – Logue EXCUSED: Commissioner Goldsmith DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Supt. Gray noted that both City Attorney Hoffman and Rev. Jim Henery of the First Presbyterian Church had provided written information pertaining to the proposed installation of chains in front of the monuments in DeWitt Park. Commissioner Warden arrived at 4:56 p.m. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson reported that a meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2011, with Cornell University representatives to discuss bridge means restrictions and water supply issues in Cornell Heights. Asst. Supt. Whitney provided a short history of the use of the City’s water supply to Cornell Heights. 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. REPORTS: Superintendent and Staff: Supt. Gray reported that the Seneca Street Parking Garage was scheduled to be closed for repairs in late June and that summer construction projects have begun. He stated that he received notice that NYSEG has expanded their program of replacing gas mains along Seneca and Green Streets, which will take most of the summer to complete. He stated that the reconstruction of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge is well underway and on schedule at this point. Discussion followed regarding the increase in prices for asphalt, and how the expanded NYSEG project on Seneca and Green Streets might affect New York State Department of Transportation’s ability to completely repave both of the streets this year. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the new street sweeper was again out for repair. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the water & sewer main replacement project on East Seneca Street had begun. He stated the project will take longer than was anticipated due to Verizon and NYSEG both adding work to the area. He further reported that the rehabilitation of two water tanks was in progress and on schedule. Other Department Heads: City Attorney Hoffman reported that an agreement was signed for the Inlet Island parking lots, and that the fees for the first two months from the Inlet Island businesses had been received. He further reported that Common Council approved the resolutions related to Woodcock Street Board of Public Works Page 2 June 8, 2011 Regular Meeting and Valentine Place Extension, which transferred ownership to the owner of Collegetown Terrace. Supt. Gray reported that the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility is working with Cornell University to monitor their sewer system and may begin to accept waste from the university. Mayor Peterson stated that representatives from Cornell University requested a discussion with city staff regarding the recurring issue of water in Cornell Heights. Asst. Supt. Whitney provided a short history of the agreement created with Cornell University for Cornell’s use of city water mains in Cornell Heights. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the April 20, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting – Resolution By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 20, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting be approved as published. Ayes (5) - Acharya, Jenkins, Peterson, Warden, Wykstra Nayes (0) Abstentions (1) - Morache Carried (5-0-1) VOTING ITEMS: Highways, Streets and Sidewalks: Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 205 Thurston Avenue – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received an appeal of the invoice for sidewalk snow removal by the Department of Public Works on February 10, 2011, at 205 Thurston Avenue, and WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed photos and other information provided by city staff and the protest written by the owner of the property, and WHEREAS, it appears that the adjacent property owner at 205 Thurston Avenue failed to remove snow in a timely manner as required by City ordinance, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board denies the appeal. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That the third Whereas clause be amended to read as follows: “WHEREAS, it appears that the property owner at 205 Thurston Avenue, adjacent to the sidewalk in question, failed to remove snow in a timely manner as required by City ordinance, now therefore be it” Carried Unanimously Main Motion As Amended: A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for Route 89 Bike Lane Construction and Overlay Project – Proposed Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, bids were received on June 7, 2011, for the Route 89 Pavement Improvement project, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids received and made recommendations for award, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract for Route 89 Pavement Improvements Project to Economy Paving Company for their low bid meeting specifications of $234,345.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute this contract, and that the Superintendent of Public Works be and hereby is authorized to administer the same. Board of Public Works Page 3 June 8, 2011 Regular Meeting Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for a New Asphalt Finisher – Resolution By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on May 10, 2011, for one new Asphalt Finisher to replace a 1994 Ingersoll Rand Paver currently owned by the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, staff has determined that the lowest bid machine meets all specifications, and WHEREAS, staff has concluded that the same vendor has also allowed the highest amount for trade in, and WHEREAS, staff recommends that the Board of Public Works award the bid to the lowest bidder, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of the Asphalt Finisher to Gateway Equipment, 5857 Fisher Road East Syracuse, NY for their low bid amount, including options and trade-in allowance, of $276,050, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, Streets & Facilities Division to enter into a contract with Gateway Equipment for the purchase of the Asphalt Finisher. Carried Unanimously Approval of Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park: City Attorney Hoffman explained the memo he provided to the Board and the letter provided by Rev. Dr. Jim Henery from the First Presbyterian Church in support of installing the chains in front of the monuments. He further explained that this project is subject to a site plan review due to the location of DeWitt Park in the Historic District, which requires approval from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. Discussion followed on the floor regarding who would install the posts and chain, ownership of the chain, and obtaining public input. The Board agreed to create a proposal for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. Mayor Peterson requested a full packet of information with the proposed resolution for the Board’s meeting on June 15, 2011. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Curb Lawn Gardens This item was not discussed Cornell Bridge Means Restriction – Update Supt. Gray explained that Director of Planning and Development JoAnn Cornish provided information regarding means restriction. Andrew Magre, Cornell University’s Associate Architect, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Supt. Gray further explained that public meetings had been held, but very little public comment has been received to date. However, he reported that Planning and Development Director Cornish has received negative correspondence from residents opposed to fences on the bridges. Mr. Magre stated that significant changes have been made to the proposed design of the fences in response to public comments, which include moving away from the bar system. For the Thurston Avenue Bridge, Cornell representatives spoke with engineers in Switzerland who are experts in the horizontal net system. After that conversation, Cornell representatives felt the net system would work best on the Thurston Avenue Bridge. Discussion followed on the floor regarding legitimate public input from the opposition, the options provided for comments to be submitted to Cornell, and the group called “Ithaca Is Fences” that is opposed to any fencing on the bridges. Mr. Magre stated Cornell was willing to meet with this group to discuss their concerns. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the Board providing approval to Cornell University for the use of city property, inspection of the bridges, maintenance and operations of the fences. Board of Public Works Page 4 June 8, 2011 Regular Meeting Possible New Sidewalk on South Plain Street at Baker Park – Introduction Traffic Engineer Tim Logue joined the Board for the discussion of this item. He explained the proposal for a new sidewalk and the procedures to have new sidewalk built adjacent to private property. He requested guidance from the Board as to whether they were interested in having the sidewalk installed across one property next to Baker Park. Commissioner Warden expressed concern that installation of the sidewalk could cause a hardship to the property owner. Commissioner Wykstra expressed concern about the pricing formula and asked if the City could cover more of the costs. Supt. Gray responded that costs for construction and maintenance of sidewalks are the property owners’ responsibility. Discussion followed on the floor regarding concerns of creating hardship for the property owner by installing the sidewalk, City Code stating that the property owner pays for new sidewalk, how other cities handle the installation of new sidewalks, and the possibility of changing the City’s policy regarding property owners’ responsibilities for construction and maintenance of sidewalks. The consensus of the Board was to notify the property owner and hold a public hearing for further input. Wood and South Street Traffic Diverters – Update: Supt. Gray explained the memo that was provided by Traffic Engineer Tim Logue, which provided updated information, related to the traffic diverters. Traffic Engineer Logue explained traffic count data acquired this year at both intersections was close to the data acquired six years ago at the same intersections. He further stated that the diverters have fallen into disrepair and are simply piles of rubble in the road. He recommended removing the diverters but tracking the traffic in the neighborhood. Supt. Gray noted that traffic patterns have changed dramatically since the diverters were installed. Commissioners Jenkins, Warden and Morache expressed support for the removal of the traffic diverters. Discussion followed regarding possible locations to put traffic calming devices around Wood Street Park to slow down traffic in that area. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor