HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-02-08
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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