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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-04-22 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. April 22, 1992 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (6) Rusoff, Tripp, Reeves, Gerard, Cox, Brandford OTHERS PRESENT: Asst. Supt. of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer - Shimer Common Council Liaison - Berg Deputy City Controller- Thayer Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Fire Chief - Olmstead City Forester - Schmohe Transit Consultant - Carpenter Chief Operator (Water Plant) - Baker EXCUSED: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of the March 25, 1992 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 25, 1992 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: Deputy City Controller Thayer reminded the Board that Council directed them to look into the parking rates and adjust them accordingly as the City received $70,000. less then projected in parking revenue last year, and parking revenues are currently under budget for 1992, which will be compounded by the loss of parking during the construction period for the new Court Facility and Green Street parking garage. Mayor Nichols reported that Commissioner Brandford attended the Planning & Development Committee meeting on April 21, 1992 and outlined the principal behind the designation of streets and neighborhoods which will be designed so that there will be less traffic and more pedestrians and bicycles, and which streets will pick up the extra traffic. He received a positive response. REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES: Asst. Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported on the following projects: Clean-up Week - final figures regarding staff and vehicle hours for special collection have been tabulated: S&F - $55,030. (2,354 staff hours), $10,560. for rental trucks; $5,635. was donated by Town of Ithaca in staff hours and trucks = total of $71,225. The City incurred no tipping charges for over 400 tons of material that went to the landfill. Sign Shop - the Shop is down to a crew of two and are working on detour signs for the Cayuga Street bridge project and for the Court Facility construction (Hall of Justice parking) BPW Minutes April 22, 1992 2 Rabies - A dead raccoon was removed from a trail near Van Natta's Dam, which tested positive for rabies. Another raccoon was killed near Fall Creek and is being tested. Arbor Day - Festivities are planned for Friday, April 24, 1992 on the Commons. The DEC will present the "Tree City USA" award and American Community Cablevision will be recognized for their donation of $565. which was used for the purchase and planting of trees in the City. Stewart Park - The fence work has been completed around the duck pond. Shrubs will be planted around the fence during the next two weeks by a Boy Scout troop under the City Forester's supervision. Trees for spring planting will arrive on April 23, 1992. The City Forester's crews will begin planting immediately. Fifty Black Locust trees were planted in the Watershed area last week by a Cornell group, under the direction of the City Forester. Sidewalk Assessments - certified letters are being prepared GIAC Renovations - budget preparation Spring Clean-up - public notice sent out, will continue for 1 month Community Service Workers - will be raking tree lawns in lieu of seasonal help Lawn damage repair from snow plows is in progress Pot hole crews are out Parking ramps are being washed except for the Green Street ramp Commons will be hosed down next week Mowing crews working in parks and other green areas Commissioner Gerard questioned the City's crosswalk striping policy and requested a report on this matter. This matter will be referred to the Traffic Engineer. REPORT OF ASST. SUPT. FOR WATER & SEWER: Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the following projects: The Wastewater Treatment Plant received a Municipal Achievement Award and the plaque has been posted on the building. The DEC will inspect the industrial pre-treatment program on Thursday. The WWTP annual report will be submitted at the next SJS meeting. Lead & Copper questionnaire results are still being compiled. Data should be formulated within the next few weeks. The Operations crew has been replacing sewer laterals and repairing manholes. Vandals damaged the old Dryer Building and some of the bicycles and parts being stored there by Recycle Ithaca's Bicycles. The Police will be patrolling the area more extensively. Flow testing is being done with the Fire Department on West Hill and in the High School area. Staff has been attending training seminars on cutting torch safety and traffic work zone safety. Quotes are being sought for replacement of the sewer main on Tioga Street near the Post Office which is a frequent problem. This work could affect the parking ramp. BPW Minutes April 22, 1992 3 Lead and copper regulations preparation. REPORT FROM SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE, CIRCLE GREENWAY AND CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL: City Forester Schmohe showed photographs of tree damage in the watershed area caused by beavers. An Inspector from the Department of Environmental Conservation has examined the area and determined that the City should wait on any action until Fall when a beaver count can be taken. Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory Council Chair, added that the DEC inspector advised her that the damage at Six Mile Creek is not sufficient to warrant a trapping permit at this time. She also explained that trees falling into a stream is a natural part of a stream's ecology. Fencing will be installed around some trees, especially those recently planted. Chuck Baker, Chief Operator - Water Plant, stated that the added material falling into the stream could cause blockage in the City's emergency water supply. He further stated that the beaver dens that are built into the banks could cause erosion on the banks along the stream. Beth Mulholland, Circle Greenway Chair, expressed her concern over the destruction of the native plants. Alderperson John Johnson, Six Mile Creek Committee Chair, suggested that the beaver situation be monitored at this point rather than removing the animals. Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer Shimer expressed his concern over the possibility of beavers contaminating the water supply with Giardia Cyst. Commissioner Gerard advised the Board that he had accompanied the DEC Investigator on the tour, and that the Investigator had stated that the Six Mile Creek area did not appear to be in danger of beaver destruction, and that he would deny the City's permit application. The Inspector suggested installing fences around trees, and procuring the services of a reputable trapper during the proper season. Beth Mulholland, Chuck Baker, and Dan Schmohe agreed to work out a monitoring system and report back to the Board in the future. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, AND TRANSIT ITEMS: Free Transit Bus Service for Earth Day Resolution By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, the Transit Consultant has requested that the Ithaca Transit System offer free bus service on Saturday, April 25, 1992 in celebration of Earth Day and as part of the Transit System's May "Try Transit" promotion; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the proposal for free transit bus service on that day. Carried Unanimously Ithaca Farmers' Market Shuttle Resolution By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves BPW Minutes April 22, 1992 4 WHEREAS, the Ithaca Farmers' Market has requested Saturday bus service to their market at Steamboat Landing on a trial basis, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Farmers' Market has agreed to pay the net operating deficit (cost $34.00 per hour, less farebox revenue) for this service, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Transit System is able to provide this service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Transit System will operate a route, on a trial basis, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the following dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, 1992, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Transit System will make available to the Ithaca Farmers' Market a weekly operations report to allow them to determine the feasibility of requesting an extension of this service beyond the trial period. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS: Request for Street Closings - Ithaca Festival Resolution By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, the Ithaca Festival has requested permission to close Cayuga Street between Seneca and Green Streets and West State Street between Cayuga and Geneva Streets from 10:00 a.m. until midnight on Friday, June 5, 1992 and from 6:00 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, June 6, 1992, and WHEREAS, the Festival plans to use that section of Cayuga Street for a craft fair and that section of State Street for a stage and food vendors, and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the input of affected City services, including the Ithaca Fire Department, the Ithaca Police Department, and the Ithaca Transit System; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board permits the closing of those streets as requested for both days, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Festival must obtain all required permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this gathering, including a noise permit if amplified sound is to be used, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Festival will name the City of Ithaca as co- insured in an insurance policy covering this gathering, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the streets will be left in a clean and orderly condition upon departure, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Festival must maintain all closed streets such that the Ithaca Fire Department and other emergency service agencies will be able to access the streets throughout their full length and width of driving lanes, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to provide the barricades necessary for blocking off these streets at a time to be agreed upon with the Ithaca Festival and further directs staff to post "No Parking" signs as necessary to clear cars from this area in time for the Festival's use. Fire Chief Olmstead addressed the Board regarding his concern over BPW Minutes April 22, 1992 5 closing the streets during peak rush hour periods on a Friday during the Festival. He requested reassurance that traffic flow would be maintained in the downtown area during the Police Department's defined peak traffic flow times. Commissioner Reeves reported on her conversation with Chief McEwen who advised her that Captain Barnes had attended a meeting with the Ithaca Festival representatives and expressed his opposition to the closing of the street because of the rush hour traffic and other traffic concerns. There is also concern because the Cayuga Street bridge will be closed at that time. She further stated that the Board had been given a preliminary report from the City Attorney's Office on a agreement that would be entered into between the City and the Ithaca Festival representatives and requested an update on the situation. Ted Crane, Festival Director, explained what activities are planned for the Festival and why certain streets need to be closed. Further discussion followed regarding fire safety problems, street closings, cost, and the placement of the food vendors during the Festival. Carol Reeves advised the Board that she will abstain from voting on this matter as she belongs to a group that is involved in the Festival. Commissioner Berg stated for the record that the daily revenue for the 40 parking meters on Cayuga Street is approximately $160. Mayor Nichols suggested that in the future, the City and the Festival reach an agreement earlier in the year as to what is expected from each party regarding funding and other commitments. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) - Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Brandford Nays (1) - Cox Abstention - (1) - Reeves Carried CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS: Request to Use Stewart Park - American Cancer Society Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Unit of the American Cancer Society has asked to use the paths in Stewart Park from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 1992 for a walkathon, and WHEREAS, the ACS has already reserved the small pavilion for that day, and WHEREAS, this activity does not represent an exclusive use of the Park; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public works gives permission for the American Cancer Society to use the paths in Stewart Park for the walkathon, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the ACS will obtain all required permits from the Ithaca Police Department, including a noise permit for the use of amplified sound, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the American Cancer Society will name the City of BPW Minutes April 22, 1992 6 Ithaca as co-insured in an insurance policy covering this gathering, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the area which is used will be left in a clean and orderly condition upon departure. Carried Unanimously Request to Use DeWitt Park - Ithaca Festival Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Ithaca Festival has requested the use of DeWitt Park on Saturday, June 6, 1992 between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for quiet family entertainment, a writing contest awards presentation ceremony, and an art display, and WHEREAS, the planned activities are of a quiet and peaceful nature; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission to the Ithaca Festival to use DeWitt Park for the planned activities, and, be it further RESOLVED, That no commercial activity associated with this event be permitted, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Festival must obtain all required permits from the Ithaca Police Department for this gathering, including a noise permit if amplified sound is to be used, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Festival will name the City of Ithaca as co- insured in an insurance policy covering this gathering, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the park will be left in a clean and orderly condition upon departure. Ayes (4) - Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Cox Nays (1) - Brandford Abstention (1) - Reeves Carried REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #8 General Fund..........................$ 43,998.23 Water & Sewer Fund....................$ 13,611.37 Joint Activity Fund...................$ 6,856.74 Capital Projects......................$ 21,022.85 Solid Waste Fund......................$ 28,518.45 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously BPW Minutes April 22, 1992 7 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Commissioner Reeves reported that Deputy Planning & Development Director Sieverding will be making a presentation on the parking plan for the downtown reconstruction period at the April 29, 1992 Committee of the Whole meeting. He will also have a recommendation on the number of parking permits that should be sold for the summer months. City Chamberlain Parsons will also be present at this meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Reeves read a letter from a Hudson Street resident thanking the Department of Public Works, Streets & Facilities for their "..continued good services regarding problems with recycling and/or trash collection and trash tags..." Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported that he will be at the Budget and Administration Committee meeting to execute a contract with a consulting firm to review the Sewer Use Ordinance. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m. Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor