HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-05-27
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. May 27, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (4) Rusoff, Reeves, Gerard, Cox
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Asst. Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Shimer
Common Council Liaison - Berg
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Alderperson Blanchard
Alderperson Golder
Police Chief - McEwen
Fire Chief - Olmstead
City Chamberlain - Parsons
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Tripp
Commissioner Brandford
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 April 22, 1992 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 22, 1992 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Parking and Traffic Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Summer
Parking Program - Resolution, and Item B - Signage for Odd/Even
Parking - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Spencer Road Public Information Session
Mayor Nichols explained the temporary traffic pattern that has
been established for a 90 day trial period, as well as the
proposed Capital Project that would realign the Spencer St/Spencer
Rd/Albany St intersection.
Michael Pickering, 571 Spencer Rd read the following statement,
and seven people raised their hands in support of the statement
and agreed not to speak separately:
"Dear Mayor Nichols:
On behalf of the residents of Spencer Road and Spencer Street I
would like to thank you and the Board of Public Works for the
actions already taken to relieve the traffic situation on our
streets. We believe that restricting traffic flow to one-way,
traveling north, in the 400 block of Spencer Road, may in fact be
an acceptable solution to the problem.
However, in addition , we request that you ask the New York State
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May 27, 1992
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Department of Transportation to establish a 20 M.P.H. speed zone
on Spencer Road. As well, we insist that you regularly inform us
and consult with us on the traffic studies currently underway and
on any proposed changes to traffic patterns affecting Spencer Road
and any intersecting streets. Specifically, we are interested in
more information on the plan to realign the intersection of
Spencer Street, Spencer Road , Elmira Road, and Albany Street.
It is our understanding that the City is currently developing a
plan which would designate city streets as "arterial"," feeder",
or "neighborhood". We urge you to involve us and representatives
from all neighborhoods throughout the City in this process.
We recognize that developing a solution to the traffic problems on
Spencer Road is not the sole responsibility of the City and that
you need active and constructive input and representation from the
Spencer Road community. To that end, we are in the process of
establishing a formal neighborhood association. As a group, we
will make every effort to communicate to all City Boards and
Departments the special needs and concerns of our community and to
work with you to address these issues. Already, we have contacted
our local state legislator urging that he introduce a bill
returning authority over local speed zones to municipalities. We
will work with the Ithaca Police Department to address safety and
security concerns and will ask for street and bicycle safety
workshops for our children.
Lastly, we would like to invite you and members of the Board to
attend our meeting on Monday, June 15, 1992 at 7:30 pm. The
meeting will be held at 554 Spencer Road. We'll provide you with
an agenda in advance.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support."
Mary Ann Burgess Puhalka of Albany Street spoke in regard to the
increased traffic on South Albany Street as a result of the new
traffic pattern on Spencer Road. Ms. Burgess Puhalka stated that
because South Albany Street was built over an old dump site, heavy
traffic causes the houses in that area to shake, and develop
stress cracks. She also described vehicular accidents that have
occurred at the intersection of South Albany/South Titus Avenue,
and is concerned about what will happen with the increased
traffic.
Ms. Burgess Puhalka also spoke about the sidewalk repair issue.
Commissioner Reeves stated that there will be a public hearing on
June 24, 1992 at 4:00 pm at the regular Board of Public Works
meeting to discuss the sidewalk program.
Attorney Wesley McDermott addressed the Board in behalf of Edgar
Neff, owner of JR'S Auto Repair, 400 Spencer Road. Mr. McDermott
stated that the new traffic pattern on Spencer Road has had a
dramatic impact on Mr. Neff's auto repair/wrecker business. He
further stated that there is no traffic signage placed by the
business and it is very confusing for the customers. The
following suggestions were made by Mr. McDermott and Mr. Neff:
1.) Eliminate the traffic light on Elmira Road near the
Zikakis plaza
2.) Make Spencer Road one-way north from Route 13 to
Meadow Street extension
Tim Terpening, Irene Richards, Alderperson Barbara Blanchard,
Martha Lyon, John Humphries, Alderperson Neil Golder, David
Nutter, Pat Neff, Don Enright, Lynn Gerstein, Robert Stundtner
also addressed the Board regarding Spencer Road traffic issues and
made the following comments and suggestions:
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1.) Lower the speed limit and enforce it
2.) Block off Meadow Street Extension at Spencer Road
3.) Improve roads, increase the capacity of traffic
carriers
4.) Formally submit long standing Capital Project for
Spencer St/Spencer Rd/Albany St intersection
5.) Develop a Capital Project for the Meadow St.
Ext./Elmira Rd intersection to increase capacity and
install a two lane left turn onto Elmira Road
6.) Review timing of traffic light on Route 13 at
Zikakis plaza
7.) Investigate feasibility of electronic speed devices
for monitoring speed and traffic control
8.) Install a remote controlled gate on Spencer Road
9.) Make Spencer Road a pedestrian and bicycle
alternative to Route 13
10.) Keep crosswalks painted, install Walk/Don't Walk
lights
11.) Help alleviate traffic congestion leaving the City
12.) Have traffic counts reflect what traffic will be
like after the 14 unit housing project is built
in the 300 block of Spencer Road
13.) Redesign Meadow Street Ext./Spencer Rd intersection
so that traffic would continue to be two-way, but
traffic from the 400 block of Spencer Rd would have
to turn right onto Meadow St Ext. and traffic from
the 500 block of Spencer Rd would have to turn left
onto Meadow St Ext., and thru traffic would be
eliminated
Center Street Traffic Concerns
Linda Bower, 316 Center Street addressed the Board to express her
concern over the Resolution on the agenda regarding Center
Street/S. Plain Street traffic concerns. She stated that the
residents' main concern is pedestrian safety and she doesn't
believe that switching the Stop sign from South Plain Street to
Center Street would solve the traffic and speeding problems.
Mayor Nichols explained that there is another proposal being
discussed for the Center Street area in conjunction with the
Board's plan to control the flow of vehicular traffic throughout
the City.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Common Council Liaison Berg reported that the bids for the new
Court Facility came in $500,000. over bid. This project has been
mandated by the State, and Council will consider this matter at
the June 3, 1992 Common Council meeting.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following
projects:
Green Street Parking Garage - work is on schedule, garage will be
closed from June 15 - August 15, 1992. The stairway near City
Hall will be out of service in approx. 10 days for several weeks
for repairs.
Traffic Counters have been placed on First and Tioga Streets for
data collection on the North Cayuga Street Bridge detour
Sidewalk Program - 300 notices have been mailed, a Public Hearing
will be held in June
Sewer Use Ordinance - work continuing
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Municipal Pool - work has started
North Cayuga Street Bridge - work will begin June 1, 1992
Commons Rehab Work - is falling a little behind schedule
West Inlet Subdivision - continuing through the process
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES:
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported
on the following:
The Spencer Road traffic pattern change cost the department
$1,025. in materials and $575. in labor which totals $1,600.
Ithaca Transit has received the Silver Safety Award from the
American Public Transit Association. Ithaca Transit was one of
121 transit systems competing, and this is an impressive
accomplishment for the drivers and mechanics.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the
following:
North Tioga Street water main and laterals have been completed,
the pavement still needs to be restored.
A Capital Project request has been submitted to complete the RFP
on the long term water supply options.
Plumbing Inspector Dennis Drader will retire effective July 1,
1992. A request has been submitted to fill the vacancy as well as
the Principal Account Clerk position which was never filled.
The final documents have been received for the interim water
treatment plant project, and are being reviewed.
HIGHWAY, STREETS, AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
Request for Outdoor Dining - Muffin Madness
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, Muffin Madness has requested approval from the Board for
the use of the sidewalk adjacent to their building on State and
Aurora Streets for outdoor dining,
WHEREAS, Muffin Madness has also requested approval for the
operation of a hot dog stand on the sidewalk at the intersection
of those two streets; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the owners of Muffin Madness be granted a license
to use approximately 125 square feet on the Aurora Street right of
way for the period of May 28, 1992 through September 20, 1992,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a revocable license
agreement with the owners of Muffin Madness, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants permission for the
operation of a hot dog stand on the sidewalk at the intersection
of State and Aurora Streets adjacent to Muffin Madness.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the hot dog stand and
the seating arrangements. Fire Chief Olmstead stated that the
fire escape/outdoor seating arrangement issue has not been
reviewed by the Fire Department. He further stated that he would
have to review the egress requirements for the building structure
to ensure that the fire escape could in fact be removed. He
suggested that this agreement be made contingent upon approval of
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the Fire Department.
Commissioner Gerard stated that he will abstain from this vote
because of his reservations about the hot dog stand.
Tabling Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
RESOLVED, That this Resolution be tabled until the June 1, 1992
Committee of the Whole meeting when the Board will have Power to
Act on this matter.
Carried Unanimously
Request for All-Way Stop - Center and South Plain Streets
A request was received for the following items: a "Children at
Play" sign and a four-way stop at the intersection of Center and
South Plain Streets.
Resolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, a request was made for an all-way stop to be installed at
the intersection of Center and South Plain Streets, and
WHEREAS, the Traffic Engineer has made certain recommendations to
improve safety for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic at this
intersection; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Traffic
Engineer to reinstall "No Parking" signs near the intersection to
improve visibility, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs the Traffic Engineer to remove
the stop signs currently placed on Plain Street at that
intersection and to place stop signs on Center Street instead.
Discussion followed on the floor with Commissioner Gerard stating
that he did not believe that these measures would solve the
traffic problem in that area.
Commissioner Gerard moved an amendment to install an all-way stop
at the Center and South Plain Street intersection, but the motion
failed for the lack of a Second.
Commissioner Gerard moved an amendment to implement the traffic
changes for a six month trial period, and have the Board review
the situation with the option to reconsider their decision, but
the motion failed for the lack of a Second.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Reeves, Cox, Rusoff, Nichols
Nays (1) Gerard
Carried
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Summer Parking Program
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the rehabilitation of the Green Street Parking Garage and
construction of the City Court will eliminate approximately 500
parking spaces during the period June 15 to August 15, 1992, and
WHEREAS, many of those displaced will be downtown employees which
the parking system has a limited capacity to absorb elsewhere
without affecting the supply of parking available for retail and
other short term trips, and
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WHEREAS, a plan has been developed to provide alternate parking
and transportation into the Central Business District including:
Park n' Ride
Carpooling
Park n' Walk, and
WHEREAS, this plan requires funding and programmatic changes in
order to succeed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works:
1. Authorize Ithaca Transit to offer free bus transportation
from approved Park n' Ride lots to the Central Business
District and back to individuals who have been issued a
permit to park in these lots.
2. Recommend to Common Council that $6,120. be allocated to
contract for additional bus service to and from Elmira Road
and Stewart Park and the Central Business District for the
period June 15 to August 15, 1992. If insufficient demand
exists for this service it will be terminated after an
initial two week period. 80% of the cost for the additional
service will be reimbursed by Section 9 funding for a maximum
net cost to the City of $1,225. for the nine week period or if
terminated after two weeks, $275.
3. Make up to 75 long term permits available to participants
of a carpool program. A carpool will consist of three
individuals driving to and from work together. The permits
will be for the upper decks of the Seneca Street Garage.
Carried Unanimously
Signage for Odd-Even Parking
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has been directed to
upgrade odd-even signage by City Judge John Sherman, and
WHEREAS, this requires the purchase of oversize signs which cannot
be fabricated by the Department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Budget and
Administration Committee to provide $2,500. to Account A3311.477
for the purchase of these materials and directs staff to provide
installation in time for the Fall semester.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Request to Use Washington and Thompson Parks - Ben and Jerry's
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, Ben and Jerry's Youth Scoops has asked to use Washington
and Thompson Parks from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm on June 17 and
18, 1992 for performances of a circus/vaudeville entertainment,
and
WHEREAS, this entertainment is to be offered free to the public in
two performances on each day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives permission for Ben
and Jerry's Youth Scoops to use Washington and Thompson Parks for
these performances, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Ben and Jerry's will obtain all required permits
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from the Ithaca Police Department and Mayor's Office, including a
noise permit if amplified sound is to be used, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Ben and Jerry's will name the City of Ithaca as co-
insured in an insurance policy covering this gathering and will
deliver a certificate of this insurance to the City Attorney's
office by June 15, 1992, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the area which is used will be left in a clean and
orderly condition upon departure.
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
Approval of Contract for Sale of Bricks
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the City Landmarks Preservation Commission has issued to
Robert Flumerfelt of Paolangeli Contractors a certificate of
appropriateness for the use of historical used bricks belonging to
the City to construct two crosswalks on the Cornell campus; now
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the agreement
made between the City and Robert Flumerfelt for the sale of these
bricks and authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to sign
the agreement.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Contract for Sale of Bricks
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard
WHEREAS, the City Landmarks Preservation Commission has issued to
Michael Cannon a certificate of appropriateness for the use of
historical used bricks belonging to the City to construct at 409
West Buffalo Street a driveway which is visible from the public
right of way; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the agreement
made between the City and Michael Cannon for the sale of these
bricks and authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to sign
the agreement.
Carried Unanimously
WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Award of Chemical Supplies for Water Treatment Plant
Bids were received on May 11, 1992 for furnishing the annual
chemical requirements for the Water Filter Plant and the
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids for the annual chemical
requirements for the Water Filtration Plant and the Wastewater
Treatment Plant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the contracts be awarded as follows:
Item 1) Primary Coagulant - American Cyanimid
Item 2) Filter Aid - O'Brien Industries, Inc.
Item 3) Liquid Caustic Soda - Textile Chemical Co.
Item 4) Coagulant Aid - American Cyanimid
Item 5) Potassium Permanganate- Textile Chemical Co.
Item 6) Liquid Chlorine - Nyclor, Inc.
Item 7) Pebble Lime - Jones Chemicals, Inc.
Item 8) Ferric Chloride - Not Awarded (no longer used)
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Item 9) Ferrous Sulfate - Waste Stream Envir.
Item 10) Sulfur Dioxide - Jones Chemicals, Inc.
Item 11a) Sodium Hypochlorite - Nyclor, Inc.
Item 11b) Sodium Hypochlorite bulk-Textile Chemical Co.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Water Service Agreement
The City and Town have drawn up an interim agreement to
consolidate a number of outdated agreements. This agreement will
serve to formalize the existing operations of the two systems
while a long-term agreement is being negotiated.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed
agreement between the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca for
the provision of certain water services to the Town by the City;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the proposed
agreement, which will be effective 35 days from the date of
passage to provide Common Council an opportunity for review as
outlined in Chapter 5.35 of the City Charter, and recommends that
Common Council review and approve the agreement.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #10
General Fund...........................$ 57,621.98
Water & Sewer Fund..................... 10,266.42
Joint Activity Fund.................... 14,766.23
Capital Projects....................... 102,030.11
Solid Waste Fund....................... 26,925.50
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Special Joint Subcommittee
Commissioner Cox reported that the SJS has forwarded a proposed
Ordinance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant owners asking them to
adopt new industrial pretreatment regulations and setting
limitations on various industrial pollutants. There were also
recommendations forwarded to the owners to amend the
Intermunicipal Agreement.
Parking Garage Committee
The data from the parking study will be reviewed and distributed
to Board members for the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.
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Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols
Deputy City Clerk Mayor