Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-05-27 1 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 BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 2 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: BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 3 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 BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 4 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 BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 5 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 BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 6 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 BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 7 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) BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 8 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. BPW Minutes May 27, 1992 9 Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor