HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2010-12-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:52 p.m. December 8, 2010
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (4) – Brock, Goldsmith, 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
Common Council Liaison – Zumoff
Executive Assistant – Gehring
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Jenkins
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Supt. Gray requested the addition of Item 8.5A, entitled “2011 Water and Sewer Rates”
No Board member objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Peterson reported that she would be leaving the meeting at 6:00 p.m. for a family
event.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Steve Flash, west end business owner, expressed his concern and frustration over the
lack of progress being made regarding the west end parking situation.
Gary Ferguson, Downtown Ithaca Alliance Director, distributed information from the
internet regarding possible alternatives to eliminating the first hour free parking in the
City’s parking garages. He stated that the Downtown Ithaca Alliance would like to work
with the Board and the City regarding possible alternatives to eliminating the first hour
free parking.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Supt. Gray explained that Common Council adopted a budget for 2011 that includes
proposed revenues in the amount of $1.3 million for off-street parking. He explained the
significant gaps between the projected parking revenues and expenses for the City. He
further noted that if the Board chose to implement the elimination of first hour free
parking, and the installation of meters in the west end parking lots, that staff could have
things in place to by January 1, 2011 to begin charging for any parking in those areas.
REPORTS:
Commissioner Brock provided a report from the Parking ad hoc committee. She stated
that it is her belief there is general support to eliminating the first hour free parking, but
not for incremental charges ($.25/15 min.). She further noted that there is also support
for increasing meter charges, but not for increasing meter time limits. She further
reported that there is consensus not to allow commercial truck parking in the Buffalo
Street municipal lot. There was also discussion about entering into a license agreement
with Boatyard Grill for the parking lot next to that restaurant.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the November 17, 2010 Board of Public Works Meeting
– Resolution
By Commissioner Brock: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 17, 2010 Board of Public Works
Meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Board of Public Works Page 2 December 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
Carried Unanimously
VOTING ITEMS
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT:
Request for Encroachment License for 302 Mitchell Street – Resolution
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, Attorney Dirk A. Galbraith, representing EPG Associates, L.P., owner of the
property at 302 Mitchell Street, has requested an encroachment agreement/license for
an existing wood rail fence which appears to have been constructed approximately two
feet into the City street right-of-way for Linden Avenue, and to extend for at least 110
feet (north-south), as shown on the survey map prepared by Lee Dresser, of T.G. Miller,
PC, dated October 26, 2010; and
WHEREAS, it appears that the fence in question has been in existence in its current
location for many years; and
WHEREAS, at present, there is no sidewalk on the east side of Linden Avenue, in this
vicinity, and the Board has no intention at this time to require the affected private
property owners to construct such a sidewalk; and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the request and does not anticipate any conflicts in the
foreseeable future, from a public works standpoint, due to the existing encroachment at
this location; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign an
encroachment agreement/license for the existing fence near the westerly boundary of
the property at 302 Mitchell Street, revocable by the City on 90 days/3 months notice to
the licensee and containing the usual terms and conditions, as well as a requirement
that the private property owner be solely responsible for maintaining the existing fence
in good repair or for removing it, as may be deemed necessary by the City and at the
private property owner’s sole cost; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this license shall be for an initial period ending March 31, 2011, but
shall renew automatically thereafter upon the same terms, for one-year periods
commencing on April 1st, unless terminated by either party or modified upon agreement
of the parties; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this license shall not be subject to a fee for the initial period, per the
City’s current practice with regard to such agreements for existing, minor
encroachments associated with residential properties, that have been in existence for a
substantial amount of time, but that the agreement shall specify that upon renewal of
the license it may become subject to new use fees expected to be established by the
Board by January 2011, which new fees will be applied to licenses commencing or
renewable after March 31, 2011.
City Attorney Hoffman explained the request for an encroachment, and noted that the
standard license agreement does not include a fee. He suggested the initial license be
implemented for three months from January 1 through March 31, 2011, and then a fee
could be imposed as of April 1.
He further requested guidance from the Board on the length of the revocation period for
future agreements.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding reasonable revocation periods.
Dirk Galbraith, attorney for the property owner, joined the Board for the discussion of
this item. He stated that his client intended to install a rail fence and would be willing to
pay any reasonable fee the Board imposed. Commissioner Warden suggested
establishing standard fees through the Use of City Property Ordinance prior to charging
the property owner.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works Page 3 December 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
WATER AND SEWER:
2011 Water and Sewer Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Charter, the Board of Public Works has the
authority to set water and sewer rates, and
WHEREAS, staff has provided water and sewer usage projections for 2010, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the following water and sewer
rates and fees starting for bills due on or after January 1, 2011:
Basic Rates (per 100 cubic feet):
Water $3.75
Sewer $4.87
Minimum Billing (per quarter year)
Meter Size
Cubic Feet
Allowed
(x100) Water Sewer Total
Small 12 $45.00 $58.44 $103.44
1” 32 $120.00 $155.84 $275.84
1.5” 55 $206.25 $267.85 $474.10
2” 112 $420.00 $545.44 $965.44
3” 160 $600.00 $779.20 $1,379.20
4” 241 $903.75 $1,173.67 $2,077.42
6” 421 $1578.75 $2,050.27 $3,629.02
Other Services
• Unmetered sprinkler service: $12 per inch diameter per quarter
• Metered water for circuses, carnivals contractors, etc., through suitable
connection at hydrant installed by Water and Sewer: charged by use, with
minimum bill of $200 per day for the first 7 days and $50 per day
thereafter.
• Bulk Water for street sweepers, tank trucks, spray rigs, etc., available at
the Water building: $100 per load up to 500 gallons, and $25 per
thousand over 500 gallons.
• Meter removal, meter resetting, turning water off, or turning water on at
curb stop: $40 per event.
• Residential Meter Testing: $75 if meter is found to be within industry
tolerances; no charge if out of tolerance.
• Replacement of frosted or damaged residential meter:
During business hours – cost of the meter plus $50
After hours without a call-in – cost of the meter plus $125
After hours with a call-in – cost of the meter plus $220
• Replace damaged AMR meter head, caused by owner/occupant
negligence: cost of new meter plus $60.
• Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $45 per special read.
• Data Logs: the first obtainable log shall be billed at $60, with one follow-
up log at no extra charge per account per year. All additional data logs
shall be charged at $60 each. If a City issue is found as a result of a data
log, there shall be no charge.
• All other special services: To be billed at cost (including overhead) with
supporting bill documentation.
Board of Public Works Page 4 December 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
Supt. Gray explained the resolution and the rate structure proposed by the City
Chamberlain and City Controller. He stated that the projected revenues do not cover
the costs. Commissioner Goldsmith requested to see the rates or percentages deflated
by the consumer price index.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding budget amounts for the water fund in 2010,
projected shortfalls for 2011, water conservation, and decreased water usage causing
increased rates. Supt. Gray noted the fees being charged through the City for the
minimum amount of water is less than one thousandth of one cent per gallon, although
most bottled water costs $1 or more per gallon.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
2011 Parking Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Brock: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered the proposed 2011 rates for
municipal parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2011 budget revenue
projection, and
WHEREAS, the following chart contains the entire rate structure for all rates within the
City for 2011, and
WHEREAS, the Board approved the 2011 monthly and weekly parking rates below for
municipal parking facilities on November 30, 2010, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the proposed 2011 hourly
parking rates as follows in the attached table; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That all rates shall go into effect January 1, 2011, and shall remain until
the Board of Public Works directs otherwise.
Monthly Permits
Actual
2010 Rates
Effective
8/1/10
Proposed
2011 Rates
Effective
1/1/11
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night
All Levels $80.00/mo $82.50/mo 3% increase
Contract with Hotel1 $46.38/mo $47.77/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $80.00/mo $82.50/mo 3% increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels $70.00/mo $72.00/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $50.50/mo $50.50 No increase
Cayuga Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, including long-term
storage $56.00/mo $57.50/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $44.90/mo $44.90/mo No increase
Contract with County (Library)4 $44.90/mo $57.50 Expired
Premium Area Rates $103.00 $106.00/mo 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage
Day 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. $110.00/mo $113.00/mo 3% increase
Night 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. $110.00mo $113.00/mo 3% increase
Discounted Hourly (250
hours)1 $113.00
Day and night (24 hours) $220.00/mo $226.00/mo 3% increase
Other Non-Meter Permit Parking
Contract with County (DSS)4 $44.90/mo $44.90/mo No Increase
Board of Public Works Page 5 December 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
Weekly Rates
Actual
2010 Rates
Effective
1/1/10
Proposed
2011 Rates
Effective
1/1/11
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night $24.00 $25.00 3% increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night $21.00 $22.00 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage, Day OR Night $33.00 $34.00 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours $65.00 $67.00 3% increase
Hourly Rates5
Actual
2010 Rates
Effective
6/1/10
Proposed
2011 Rates
Effective
1/1/11 Amount Changed
Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street Garages6
0 – 1 0 $1 Remove 1 free hour
Every hour
thereafter $1/hour $1/hour No change
Maximum $7/day $7/day
Dryden Road Garage
0 – 24 $1/hour $1/hour No change
Maximum $15/day $15/day No change
Dryden Road Summer Rates (June 1 – August 15)
0 – 24 $0.75/hour $0.75/hour No change
Maximum $15/day $15/day No change
Bulk Purchase: Garage
Tokens or Value Card
$26.00/
40 hours
$26.00/
40 hours No change
Special Event Rate (weekend day entrance fee, 24 hour parking limit)
Downtown
garages $3 $5 Increase by $1
Parking Meters and Pay and Display
Surface Lot:
Green Street
Garage7
$1.50/hour
No max.
$1.50/hour
No max. No change
Downtown $1.00/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.00/hr
2 hr. max. No change
Collegetown $1.00/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.00/hr
2 hr. max. No change
Thurston &
Stewart Ave. &
Edgemoor
$0.25/hr
9 hr. max.
$0.50/hr
9 hr. max.
Increase by
25 cents /hr
Foot Notes
1 – Volume discount rate for 104 spaces – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate adjustment annually
on 8/1 based on average increase in other rates, but not more than 3%
2 – Up to 40 permits in Seneca Street Garage at posted rate (except handicap permits, are at special
Cayuga Garage rate); up to 100 permits in Green Street Garage, up to 150 permits in Cayuga Street
Garage, total not to exceed 250 permits. Right to purchase additional 150 permits at posted rates – see
contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate to change for first 250 permits after August 1, 2007, “from time to
time” based on percentage change in the CPI between adjustment dates. The rate was last changed on
January 1, 2009, based on August 2008 CPI. The current CPI is still less than August 2008.
3 – Up to 150 total permits in Green Street and Cayuga Street Garages at lowest permit price available
for those spaces; up to 50 permits in Seneca Street Garage at lowest posted monthly rate for Seneca
Street Garage spaces (Seneca spaces are only available if Green Street and Cayuga Street Garages are
full). Thomas Associates is eligible for volume discount fee structure – not currently applicable. This
contract expired October 31, 2010.
Board of Public Works Page 6 December 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
4 – The County’s Mental Health/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street Garage (and/or Lot D)
will remain in effect for ten (10) years, or for as long as the building at 101 East Green Street is owned by
the County and used for public library purposes, whichever period is shorter. Both parties agree to work
in good faith to negotiate a successor agreement at the expiration of this agreement. The rate charged is
the lowest rate charged to anyone. The agreement was signed November 28, 2000, so expires in
November 2010. County’s DSS agreement for 20 spaces on West State Street (in “Fire Station lot”)
expires December 31, 2016.
5 – The Chamberlain’s office is working on programming a permit that is valid for a fixed number of hours
per month, to replace the day permits and the night permits at Dryden Road. Calculating fees at the
booth when customers exit outside the permitted time period is problematic. If successful, the hourly
permit will be issued in place of the day and night permits.
5a – Fees charged: Downtown garages, 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday: Dryden Road
garage and Green Street Surface Lot, 24 hours / 7 days.
6 – The City has an agreement with TC3 that allows TC3 to issue passes for students, clients, and
customers, for which the City charges TC3 88 percent of posted rates for the accumulated parking fees.
7 – In 2010, the pay station for the Green Street Surface Lot may be changed to accept credit cards, at
which time the hourly rate shall be increased to $2 per hour.
Traffic Engineer Tim Logue joined the Board for the discussion of this item. He
explained that most of the information was provided in the agenda packet. He stated
that removing the first hour free parking would produce $175,000 in extra revenue, and
charging $.75 for all hours would produce $75,000 in extra revenue.
Commissioner Brock expressed support for eliminating the first hour free, increasing
meter rates on Thurston Avenue from $.25 to $.50 per hour, and increasing special
event permit parking from $3 to $5. Commissioners Goldsmith and Wykstra expressed
their support for that proposal as well.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding installation of credit card machines in the
Green Street surface parking lot, all downtown parking garages reverting to the hours of
2 a.m. to 8 p.m., and concerns about the projected revenues.
Mayor Peterson left meeting at 6:03 p.m.
Commissioner Wykstra apologized for the comment he made at the Board meeting on
November 30, 2010 regarding the elimination of the first hour free parking. He stated
that he still believes in the need for free parking for the first hour at City parking
garages, and hopes the City can work with downtown merchants to reinstate the free
parking. However, he would rather eliminate the first hour free parking than cause city
staff positions to be affected by the revenue shortfall.
Council Liaison Zumoff expressed his understanding of the reasoning and rationale for
Common Council including the removal of the first hour free parking in its adoption of
2011 budget.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding possible incremental charges for parking in
the garages and on-street parking, other possible options for charging for parking, and
further concerns related to parking revenues, staffing, and expenses.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously (4-0)
Mayor Peterson Absent from vote
West End Parking Rates – Resolution
Commissioner Brock requested that this discussion take place after a meeting with the
merchants is held. Supt. Gray noted that he is searching for any land use agreements
for the west end area, and that this topic would be brought back to the Board for further
discussion in January 2011.
City Controller Steve Thayer stated that the resolution passed tonight regarding the
elimination of the first hour free parking covers the $200,000 needed in the 2011
budget; however, parking on the west end does need to be discussed further, as well as
whether or not to increase parking meter rates.
Board of Public Works Page 7 December 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
DISCUSSION ITEMS
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT:
Fee Schedule for Use of City Property – Update and Discussion:
Commissioner Goldsmith suggested the need for the Board to go into executive session
tonight to discuss the appraiser’s final report, and then discuss the fees during the next
two Board meetings. City Attorney Hoffman strongly encouraged the Board to review
the material that was previously distributed to them so they are prepared for the future
discussions of this topic.
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS:
Motion to Enter into Executive Session to Discuss the Request for Expungement
of Sidewalk Assessment for 218-220 University Avenue - Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Brock
RESOLVED, That the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss possible litigation.
Carried Unanimously
The Board entered into Executive Session at 6:38 p.m.
Reconvene:
The Board reconvened into regular session with no formal action taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor