Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-02-08 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. February 8, 1995 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (6) - Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Rusoff OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy City Controller - Thayer Senior Stenographer - Holcomb Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison - Johnson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the January 11, 1995 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the January 11, 1995 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Traffic Items Commissioner Ehrhardt requested the addition of Item 14B - Approval of Final Report From the Task Force on Traffic Issues. No Board member objected. Executive Session Superintendent Gray request an Executive Session to discuss the position of Golf Course Manager. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel requested that the recommendation for position of City Forester be discussed in Executive Session. No Board member objected. Highways, Streets and Sidewalk Items Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item 13B - Conceptual Approval of Cleveland Avenue Street Improvements. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Traffic Task Force Mr. Joe Daley, member of the Traffic Task Board, stated that he believes that the resolution on the approval of the final report from the Task Force on traffic issues represents an accurate reflection both of the recommendations of the Task Force and of the four or five meetings that this Board had with members of the Task Force last summer. He urged the Board to pass the resolution. Ms. Susan Blumenthal, Planning Board Liaison to the Task Force, presented photos to the Board regarding two accidents that occurred on Mitchell Street which is why people on very heavily traffic streets are concerned about the work of this committee. February 8, 1995 2 Ms. Tracy Farrell, member of the Traffic Task Force, spoke to the Board regarding the speed of vehicles in her neighborhood. She stated that she hopes the Board will support the idea of calming traffic on some of the busiest streets. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Alderperson Johnson reported that Council passed the recommendation that was forwarded from the Board of Public Works regarding the public utilities. Alderperson Johnson reported that Council approved the title change for the Department of Public Works Supervisor so it include the designation of recycling as was recommended by the Board. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: --Consolidation meetings ongoing; --Dan Cole, the new Traffic Systems Engineer is on board; -- Bus service to College Circle, just above Ithaca College, has been denied due to the city's current bus route and timetable; REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND FACILITIES: Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: -- City Electrician is installing the flashing lights at the Beverly J. Martin School; -- Four persons have been interviewed for the position of City Forester REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER AND SEWER: Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: -- Route 96 paper work being finalized; -- Bids for the State job are due February 23rd; -- Water and sewer main material bids out; -- Modifications being done on the Wood Street Pump Station; HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS: A. Bid Award for Highway De-Icing Salt By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, bids were received on January 12, 1995 for highway de- icing salt for use during calendar year 1995; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby accepts staff's recommendation to award the salt bid to Cargill, Inc., 191 Portland Point Road, Lansing, N.Y. for their low bid of $32.00 per ton for delivered salt and $28.00 per ton for bulk salt loaded at their Lansing facility, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities to enter into an agreement with Cargill, Inc. Carried Unanimously B. Conceptual Approval of Cleveland Avenue Street Improvements By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, Cleveland Avenue residents have, as a result of a neighborhood meeting regarding the City's 1995 Community February 8, 1995 3 Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, suggested a number of street improvements within the area bounded by Meadow, Clinton, Plain and Green Streets, and WHEREAS, these improvements, as indicated on the attached site plan, may include some of the following elements: narrowing the entrances to this neighborhood at Plain and Corn Streets from Clinton Street and at Cleveland from Meadow Street, pedestrian crosswalks at all the intersections, a rotary at the intersection of Corn and Cleveland, improved lighting and additional landscaping to be funded, as the budget allows, with CDBG funds, and WHEREAS, the preparation of this plan is consistent with the Planning Department's work program recently adopted by Common Council which calls for the development of traffic calming ideas for a one or two block pilot project with specifics of the plan to be determined by the Board of Public Work; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves in concept the design proposals suggested in the attached plan of street improve- ments for the Cleveland Avenue area dated february 3, 1995 and encourages the inclusion of this project in the City's 1995 CDBG application with the understanding that if the grant is funded and the project is to be implemented the final design of these improvements is subject to review and approval by the Board working in conjunction with the neighborhood and Department of Planning and Development. Planning and Development Deputy Director Sieverding spoke to the Board regarding the resolution. Extensive discussion followed on the floor. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause be deleted and be replaced with the following language: "That the Board of Public Works endorses the concept of health, safety and traffic calming improvements for the Cleveland Avenue area and authorizes the inclusion of the suggestions depicted in the site plan with the City's 1995 CDBG application, with the understanding that if the grant is funded and the project is implemented the final design for such improvements is subject to review and approval by the Board working in conjunction with the neighborhood and Department of Planning and Development." A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (5) - Reeves, Smith, Seligmann, Ehrhardt, Tripp Nay (1) - Rusoff Carried (5-1) Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the resolution as amended. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the third Whereas clause be deleted from the resolution. Discussion followed on the floor and Commissioners Ehrhardt and Reeves withdrew their amendment. February 8, 1995 4 A vote on the Main Motion as amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously TRAFFIC ITEMS: A. Parking Meters on Oak Avenue By Commissioner Eckhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered alternate proposals for metered parking on Oak Avenue;now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works reiterates its decision to establish metered parking on the north side of Oak Avenue, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that the scope of the Capital Project for metered parking be expanded to include the installation of measures to decrease inconvenience (while considering overall aesthetic concerns in the neighborhood), and hazard caused by steep embankments, narrow tree lawns and deteriorated steps. Such measures may include, but not limited to, use of multi space meters, installation of guiderails, fences, gabions, rip rap, new sidewalks and steps, tree removal, replanting, retaining walls, or erosion control. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That after the word "inconvenience" the words "while considering overall aesthetic concerns in the neighborhood" be inserted in parenthesis. A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Approval of Final Report from the Task Force on Traffic Issues By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, the Mayor appointed a Task Force on Traffic Issues to report on the City's traffic problems and propose solutions, and WHEREAS, the Task Force on Traffic Issues submitted a report to the Board of Public Works and the Planning Board in June of 1994 which identified traffic problems throughout the city and suggested numerous possible remedies, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works reviewed recommendations of the Task Force on Traffic Issues in detail with members of the Task Force at a series of meetings beginning in June of 1994, and WHEREAS, the Board needs to adopt a consistent policy and procedure for handling traffic issues which continue to come before the Board, including but not limited to, requests from city residents for traffic calming measures to be instituted in the city's residential neighborhoods; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca endorses in concept the Final Report of the Task Force on Traffic Issues dated April 8, 1994. The board agrees with the Task Force that traffic management on Ithaca's residential streets is a problem and that virtually all streets in Ithaca are residential streets. The Board also agrees with the Task Force that residential neighborhoods along the city's more heavily travelled streets are especially threatened by the negative impacts associated with a high volume of traffic and that it is in the city's interest to preserve the residential character of these February 8, 1995 5 streets as well as that of less travelled streets. Therefore, the board joins the Task Force in recommending that the following general principles be used to guide the city's policy on traffic management in residential neighborhoods: first, that the board recognizes that changes to traffic patterns on one street affect traffic patterns on nearby streets; second, that the board will take action to mitigate the negative impacts of existing levels of traffic along the city's heavily travelled residential streets; and third, that prior to implementing proposed traffic calming measure on any street that would negatively impact residents of nearby streets, steps will be taken to mitigate the impact of the proposed change, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Department o Public Works and the Traffic Systems Engineer, working with the Commissioner for traffic issues, to present to the Board of Public Works, by August 2, 1995 plan for the implementation of the following capital projects recommended on page 59 of the Final Report of the Task Force on Traffic Issues and endorsed by the board in August of 1994: 1.a modem, synchronized traffic-signal system to permit a smooth flow of traffic and safe pedestrian travel; 2.a plan to manage traffic flow between the area of the Commons and the commercial district of Elmira Road by means of the bridge crossing Six Mile Creek on South Cayuga Street and a two-way traffic pattern in the 200 block of Spencer Street including redesign of the intersection at Spencer and Prospect Street, Clinton and Cayuga Street, Elmira Road and Albany Street, and Elmira Road and Meadow Street. 3.a plan to manage traffic flow between areas north and south of the Commons by restoring two-way traffic flow along the full length of Aurora and Cayuga Streets; 4.a plan to incorporate into the existing schedule of rebuilding projects for "gateway streets" (so designated in the first paragraph of section 4 on page 46 of the Final Report of the Task Force on Traffic Issues) physical improvements which demarcate the transition of a residential area and emphasize the residential character of these streets; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the Mayor appoint a committee consisting of two members of the board including the Commissioner of Traffic Issues, the Chairperson of the Task Force on Traffic Issues, Common Council's Liaison to the Board of Public Works, and the Traffic Systems Engineer to present to the board, by April 5, 1995, a draft procedure for the board to follow when processing requests for changes in traffic patterns in the city's neighborhoods. The board directs that the procedure provide a means for obtaining a technical analysis of the impact of proposed changes on traffic patterns along nearby streets, a means for notifying and obtaining feedback from the City's Police and Fire Departments about the effect, if any, of the proposed change on their operations. Extensive discussion followed on the floor. Motion To Table February 8, 1995 6 By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That the approval of the Final Report from the Task Force on Traffic Issues be tabled until the February 15 Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion on the matter. Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: A. Proposed Capital Project for Rebuilding Tennis Courts at Stewart Park By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the tennis courts at Stewart Park have been in disrepair and unusable for several years, and WHEREAS, in 1993, the Board of Public Works asked the Parks Commission to investigate the situation and come back to the board with a recommendation, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission, with the assistance of the Youth Bureau, did a thorough study of the condition, use and location of the tennis courts, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission, Youth Bureau staff and DPW staff received many requests from citizens of the community to repair the tennis courts, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission passed a resolution dated December 13, 1994 recommending the tennis courts remain in their present location in the park, that the courts be rebuilt, and WHEREAS, preliminary estimates which were obtained by the Parks Commission indicate the costs for replacement to the $69,700 (for demolition and build on same site, including paving, color coat and fence); now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That based on the findings of the Parks Commission, anticipated and needed use by the Youth Bureau, and requests from the public, the Board of Public Works requests the Budget and Administration Committee of Common Council consider a capital project to rebuild the tennis courts at Stewart Park in the existing location. Ayes (5) - Smith, Seligmann, Reeves, Rusoff, Ehrhardt Nay (1) - Tripp Carried REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Cass Park Ballfield Lights Committee Commissioner Reeves reported that the committee met on February 6. The major focus for their next meeting on February 23 is the Softball Association, especially the women's league, will be looking into changing their schedules so that they won't have to have as many late night games. EXECUTIVE SESSION: By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Board adjourn into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues. REGULAR SESSION: The Board reconvened in Regular Session and presented the following resolution: Recommendation for Position of City Forester Interviews were held on February 2 and 3, 1995 of applicants for the vacant City Forester position. The interview committee February 8, 1995 7 unanimously agreed that one candidate deserved to be pursued to fill the vacancy. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel has concluded reference and background checks of the individual and has further communicated with the candidate regarding working conditions and salary. The candidate, Andrew Hillman, is the current Deputy Commissioner of Public Works with the City of Oswego and previously held the title of Supervisor of Trees and Parks in Oswego. Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, staff has concluded background and reference checks on Mr. Hillman and Mr. Hillman has agreed to a proposed salary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby accepts staff's recommendation to appoint Andrew Hillman to the position of City Forester at a salary of $42,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board passes this recommendation onto Common Council for their concurrence. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Connie J. Holcomb Benjamin Nichols Senior Stenographer Mayor RESOLUTION FROM THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 1995 BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: A. Request for Encroachment for 112-114 Schuyler Place By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has received and reviewed a request for an encroachment agreement for 112-114 Schuyler Place, and WHEREAS, the existing structure contains two porches which encroach onto city property, one by 1.7 feet and the other by 5.1 feet; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment, contingent upon approval from the City Attorney, for the property at 112-114 Schuyler Place, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor or Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement. Carried Unanimously