HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-10-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. October 9, 1996
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (6) - Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Kaupe
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Mackesey
Fire Chief - Wilbur
Deputy Planning Director - Sieverding
Alderperson Marcham
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
2. MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the September 11, 1996 Board of Public Works Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 11, 1996 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the September 25, 1996 Board of Public Works Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 25, 1996 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
3. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Reeves requested that Items 18A and 18B be added to the agenda. No board member objected.
4. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Alderperson Jane Marcham discussed Frosh Alley cleanup day and asked that the department do a regular cleanup there.
Superintendent Gray reported that Margaret Ann Smith would arrive late, but wanted to address the board.
Ms. Smith addressed the board regarding a driveway repair at 525 W Buffalo St. She was advised to submit additional
written material to the board and to address a COW meeting if she desired a dialogue with the board.
7. REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
8. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
9. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
10. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Mackesey reported on the following Common Council actions:
Sciencenter land transfer; PM to arrange possible BPW/Council meeting on October 30th
11. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported to the board on the following meetings: transit operations; legal issues; Spencer Rd.
neighborhood; Army Corps dredging; ASCE Cascadilla Creek bridge; Rt 96 bridge sculpture budget; Stewart Park
boathouse bids
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the board on Streets and Facilities Division operations.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the board on Water and Sewer Division operations.
12. REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Deputy Planning Director Sieverding presented two possible resolutions to the board regarding improvements to the
proposed Aldi's site at 505 Third St. There was extensive discussion of the proposals. The resolutions were added to the
agenda as Items 14A and 14B and acted on at this time.
Fire Chief Wilbur discussed IFD concerns with traffic calming measures, odd/even changes and Collegetown traffic
problems. He emphasized the need for communication between DPW and IFD in reviewing traffic changes.
Commissioner Reeves asked the status of an ongoing study of Collegetown traffic [Superintendent Gray replied that the
study was being done by an intern who had just returned to work]. Commissioner Ehrhardt discussed the communications
procedures of the Traffic Committee.
13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS:
A. Third Street Improvements - Aldi Inc. - 505 Third Street
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, a site development plan for the redevelopment of the former Grossman’s property at 505 Third Street has
been submitted by Aldi, Inc. to the Planning and Development Board for review and approval pursuant to the City’s Site
Development Plan Review Ordinance, and
WHEREAS, an environmental review and public hearing on the proposal have been completed, and
WHEREAS, the preliminary site plan after having been reviewed by the staff in the Planning Department and in the
Department of Public Works has received preliminary site plan approval by the Planning and Development Board, and
WHEREAS, the following two conditions to final site plan approval concern the Board of Public Works:
1. Approval by the Board of Public Works and the NYS Department of Transportation of the design details of
the proposed widening of Third Street.
2. Approval by the Board of Public Works and Planning and Development Board of the payment plan for the
proposed widening of Third Street., and
WHEREAS, the widening of Third Street to include one inbound lane and two outbound lanes pursuant to the attached
site plan dated August, 1996 is proposed as a mitigation measure to offset the seasonal traffic impact associated with the
combined traffic of Aldi’s and the Farmers Market during the Market’s peak day (Saturday) operation, and
WHEREAS, Aldi’s has agreed to contribute 25% of the cost of rebuilding and widening Third Street, subject to an upset
of $20,000, exclusive of curbing and sidewalks, as its proportionate share of the anticipated cost for this work, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works approves the proposed widening of Third Street in accordance with the
attached site plan, with the final details of the plan to be worked out between staff and Aldi representatives, and will
propose a capital project to widening Third Street to Common Council in 1997 for implementation in fiscal year 1998,
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works agrees to the proposed payment of 25% of the anticipated project cost,
subject to the upset of $20,000 (exclusive of curbing and sidewalk), by Aldi, Inc. as a reasonable proportionate
contribution to this project. In the event the Common Council elects not to fund this capital project for FY 1998 the
Board of Public will make other requests for this project to be funded. If after a five year period the proposed capital
project is not funded, Aldi Inc. will be released from its obligation to participate in the funding of this project.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
B. Pedestrian Walk Phase - Third Street and Route 13
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, a condition to final site plan approval by the Planning and Development Board of the Aldi proposal to
redevelop the former Grossman’s property on Third Street is the incorporation into the final plan provisions to
facilitate pedestrian crossing of Route 13 at Third Street, and
WHEREAS, one such measure is the installation of a pedestrian activated walk phase in the traffic control device at
the intersection of Third Street and Route 13, and
WHEREAS, NYS DoT has indicated to Aldi’s that this request must come from the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Pubic Works agrees in concept to the installation of a pedestrian walk phase, in
conjunction with pavement striping, to increase safety for pedestrians crossing Route 13 at this intersection, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works authorizes staff to request DoT to study the feasibility of installing a
pedestrian walk phase in the traffic signal light at the intersection of Third Street and Route 13 and to make other
improvements that will enhance pedestrian safety at this location.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
15. TRAFFIC ITEMS:
A. Authorization to Move Forward with Parking Lot Equipment.
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Engineering Department has researched equipment for installation in city garages and lots, and
WHEREAS, the goal of the department and the Board of Public Works is to install equipment which will allow for
accountability of use of the garages as well as accurate collection of tickets and money; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts staff’s recommendation for the purchase of magnetic strip
technology parking equipment and compatible technologies which will be phased in over a period of time, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That staff will move forward to receive bids on this project (funded from CP 297) to allow two
automated exits and one attended booth in Lot D (Woolworths) and one automated exit, one attended booth and a
permit gate mid way up the Seneca Street ramp, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Chamberlain’s Office is directed not to sell any more 1997 permits for the downtown
garages until the board has adopted the new permit structure, currently anticipated for mid November 1996.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
A. Titus Flats Handball Court. (Tabled from 9/25/96)
October 9, 1996 - Page 3
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works put out bids for the installation of a Handball Court in Wood Street
Park, and
WHEREAS, the Office of the City Engineer and the Office of Community Development have received bids for the
construction of a handball court at Titus Flats Park on Wood Street, and
WHEREAS, the current funds available are roughly $13,000 in CD funds and another $13,000 in unexpended capital
project funds for Wood Street Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for construction of the handball court wall be awarded to McPherson Builders for
their low bid of $15,959, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the court surface shall be constructed by the Department of Public Works and shall be funded by
Community Development for up to $9,000.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
17. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
A. Public Hearing Notice for Change in Parking Regulations
By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is considering eliminating the Odd/Even Parking regulation within the City
of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the board wishes to receive input from city residents on this issue; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will hold a public hearing to receive input on the possible
elimination of the odd/even parking regulation at its next regular meeting on October 23, 1996 at 4:00 pm in the
Common Council Chambers of City Hall, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board hereby requests staff to notify all neighborhood associations as well as all city boards
and departments of this hearing, with special attention to the Fire Commissioners, the Police Board, and the Planning
and Development Board.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried (6-1)
Ayes (6): Seligmann, Smith, Ehrhardt, Davidoff, Vargas, Cohen
Nays (1): Reeves
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt, the meeting was adjourned to
October 16 at 4:00pm.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Adjourned Meeting 4:00 p.m. October 16, 1996
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen (arr. 4:25 pm)
Commissioners (4) - Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves (Vice-Chair, Presiding), Seligmann
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Kaupe
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Mackesey (arr. 4:30 pm)
The regular meeting resumed at 4:00pm on October 16, 1996 and the board took up Item 16A.
16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
A. Titus Flats Handball Court. (Tabled from 10/9/96)
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works put out bids for the installation of a Handball Court in Wood Street Park,
and
October 9, 1996 - Page 4
WHEREAS, the Office of the City Engineer and the Office of Community Development have received bids for the
construction of a handball court at Titus Flats Park on Wood Street, and
WHEREAS, the current funds available are roughly $13,000 in CD funds and another $13,000 in unexpended capital
project funds for Wood Street Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for construction of the handball court wall be awarded to McPherson Builders for their
low bid of $15,959, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the court surface shall be constructed by the Department of Public Works and shall be funded by
Community Development for up to $9,000.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Davidoff
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows: Carried (4-0)
Ayes (4): Seligmann, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Davidoff
B. Titus Flats Basketball Court Lighting.
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from R.O.L.E.R.S. (Reconstruction of Landmark
Square; Educational Research Study) to install lights at the Titus Flats Basketball Court, and
WHEREAS, ROLERS is a teenage organization, organized through Cornell Cooperative Extension, interested in
improving teen community involvement, and
WHEREAS, the ROLERS have surveyed the area around Landmark Square in ordered to obtain public input
regarding installation of lights at the basketball court; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request received from ROLERS along with input
from the Parks Commission and agree to move forward with the request in order to locate funding sources and to
obtain additional public input, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the board requests the Parks Commission obtain input from the Titus Towers residents
concerning the installation of lights.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried (4-0)
Ayes (4): Seligmann, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Davidoff
18. WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
A. 1996 Water and Sewer Rates
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the proposed 1997 water and sewer budgets and the proposed
rate increase for support of that budget, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the city water and sewer rates effective with bills rendered and payable January 1, 1995, be
established at $1.69 (currently $1.54) per 100 cubic feet of water, an increase of 10%, and $1.70 (currently $1.70)
per 100 cubic feet of sewage, an increase of 0%, and, be further
RESOLVED, that the outside water rates effective with bills rendered and payable January 1, 1995 be established at
$2.113 (rate and a quarter) per 100 cubic feet of water.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried (5-0)
Ayes (5): Seligmann, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Davidoff, Cohen
B. Wastewater Sludge Disposal Contract
By Commissioner Seligmann: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, Tompkins County, as lead agent for solid waste management, requested proposals for disposal of
biosolids in the fall of 1995 which resulted in five proposals which were available for the waste generators, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca reviewed those proposals and final negotiated an even better proposal for short term
disposal of fbiosolids by landfilling through one of the proposers, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to complete the documentation of this agreement covering the period of
November 1995 through November 1996, with two six month extensions, using the contracts submitted for the city’s
review in June 1996; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer is authorized to sign the contract for biosolids
disposal submitted by Waste Stream Environmental, Inc., Weedsport, New York and to exercise the contract
extension clauses as needed, and be it further
October 9, 1996 - Page 5
RESOLVED, That staff and members of the SJS review and develop a long range plan for biosolids management at
the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant for recommendation to the board prior to expiration of the short term
disposal contact authorized here.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried (5-0)
Ayes (5): Seligmann, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Davidoff, Cohen
19. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Commissioner Ehrhardt (Traffic Committee) reported on the following matters:
• 10/15 meeting - East and West Spencer St proposed changes; 65 residents present; next meeting 12/17
20. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Reeves asked the Mayor about the status of the parking rates committee [Commissioner Smith,
Superintendent Gray, Lynne Yost and a member of DII or the BID will comprise the group]
Commissioner Davidoff asked Alderperson Mackesey about the BPW/Common Council meeting [not finalized,
possible meeting on 10/30].
22. NEW BUSINESS:
23. ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Commissioner Reeves, seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
William Kaupe Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor