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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2011-10-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:48 p.m. October 12, 2011 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) – Acharya, Jenkins, Morache, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Public Works – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin DAC Liaison – Roberts Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: Commissioners (2) – Goldsmith, Wykstra Common Council Liaison – Zumoff ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson noted that the Water Treatment Plant Project public information meeting would begin at 6:00 p.m. this evening, and she encouraged Board members to attend. Mayor Peterson further stated that the Public Works Governance Working Group would make a presentation to the Board of Public Works and Common Council during a joint meeting regarding the work the group had completed and recommendations for future action. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Tom Hanna, Friends of Newman Golf Course representative, addressed the Board regarding Newman Golf Course. He provided a report and update on the financial status of the golf course. He stated that due to the weather and decrease in membership, he would like to continue some of the incentives from this year through next year. He mentioned that the group would like to see membership increase to its previous historic level. Cynthia Yahn, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the west end parking lots. She read a prepared statement that included the history of parking in that area and the impacts to residents if on-street parking were removed. She expressed disagreement with the City renting the Court Street parking lot to a local business in order to provide free parking for residents. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: Mayor Peterson requested an analysis of the decline in membership at Newman Golf Course along with possible ideas for increasing revenue. REPORTS: Board Liaisons: Commissioner Acharya, as liaison to the Planning and Development Board, provided a written report to Board members with updates from the Planning and Economic Development Board. Superintendent and Staff: Supt. Gray reported that City of Ithaca’s Hydrilla environmental emergency was noted in the “Wall Street Journal.” He further reported that herbicide has been administered which should stop the growth of the plant. However, continued efforts to keep the plant from growing and spreading will continue for several more years. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the closure of the inlet, requesting that New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation take over responsibility for the Hydrilla issue, and monitoring of the inlet after it is reopened after treatment. Board of Public Works Page 2 October 12, 2011 Regular Meeting Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that three blocks of North Tioga Street have been repaved using the new paver. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the City received the permit to dredge the area around the 30 foot gatehouse at the 60 foot dam, and noted that work would be completed in the near future. He further reported that the Maple Avenue water tank rehabilitation project is complete and the water is being tested. He further reported that the Seneca Street water and sewer main replacement project was nearing completion. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the September 21, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting – Resolution By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 21, 2011, Board of Public Works Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 105 Worth Street: Bob Terry and his daughter, Karla Terry, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Mr. Terry explained his confusion with the sidewalk program over the past few years, and noted that he applied for a permit to repair the sidewalk himself, but was denied. He explained his protest of the sidewalk assessment, and further added that substandard concrete was used to repair the sidewalk. Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that he visited the site in question and acknowledged the issues noted with the quality of the concrete. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the policy of denying permits and why permits would be denied, the quotes the Terry’s received, and notices sent to property owners regarding defective sidewalks. Mayor Peterson requested that a subcommittee of board members meet to discuss this appeal. Commissioner Warden volunteered to participate. Mayor Peterson invited Commissioner Wykstra to participate as well in this subcommittee, since he has previously volunteered for similar committees. Parking Lot at Fulton and Court Streets – Continued Discussion: Traffic Engineer Tim Logue joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Supt. Gray explained the suggestion he received from a neighboring property owner that included creating an agreement with the business owners near the parking lot at Fulton and Court Streets similar to the agreement made with the business owners on Inlet Island. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the differences between the locations, the mix of residences and business on Court and Fulton Street, the reasons the parking lot was created by the State Dept. of Transportation, and the operating costs related to maintaining the parking lot. Traffic Engineer Logue stated that there may have been verbal agreements with the neighborhood through the years, but no formal, written agreements were found during a recent search. Commissioner Morache stated that the lease agreement used for Inlet Island would be useful for this parking lot. Commissioner Acharya agreed to an extent, but stated he would not be adverse to New York State Department of Transportation taking back responsibility for the parking lot. Supt. Gray stated that once the State took back the lot, they would most definitely sell it. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed lease concept and the option of returning the lot to the property of the State. The Board requested that Supt. Gray offer a lease agreement to the adjacent commercial business owners, similar to the Inlet Island agreement. Livable Streets: Traffic Engineer Tim Logue remained with the Board for the discussion of this item. Commissioner Acharya suggested modifying the resolution from Portland, Oregon to fit the Board of Public Works Page 3 October 12, 2011 Regular Meeting City of Ithaca. Commissioner Morache expressed his anxiousness to create a procedure for implementation in Spring of 2012. BPW Meeting Schedule for November and December 2011: The Board agreed to cancel the Board meeting scheduled for November 23, 2011, and to have further discussion regarding the December meetings at the meeting on October 19, 2011. Sidewalk Program Stop Work Order: This item was not discussed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor