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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-05-28BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m. May 28, 1997 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (5) - Ehrhardt, Smith, Vargas, Gutenberger, Jenkins OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy City Clerk - Kaupe Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Common Council Liaison - Gray EXCUSED: Commissioner Seligmann 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 2. MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the April 23, 1997 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 23, 1997 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Commissioner Ehrhardt requested that Items 13F, G, H and 14B be added to the agenda. No board member objected. 4. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Cohen read a letter from the Cornell chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers concerning the Lincoln St pedestrian bridge project 5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Pete and Pat Neff and Marty Blodgett spoke about the proposed changes to Spencer Rd (Item 13D) 7. REPORT OF CITY CLERK: 8. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: 9. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: 10. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: 11. REPORT OF OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS: 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: A. Request from Hangar Theatre for Purchase of State Street Bricks. By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, the Hangar Theatre has requested the use of State Street bricks for an entry plaza at the theater, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee has approved of the use of these bricks, and WHEREAS, the Hangar Theater is requesting that the $.25 fee per brick be waived, and WHEREAS, staff has indicated that there is an adequate amount of State Street bricks to allow such a request to be met; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the request for sale of State Street bricks to the Hangar Theater, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board forwards the request to Common Council for their consideration of waiving the $.25 fee per brick. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 13. TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS: A. Request for Reduction in Sidewalk Assessment. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith received a sidewalk assessment for $731.50 for sidewalk work done in 1994, and WHEREAS, the church received inspection notices in June 1992 and July 1994, and WHEREAS, a tentative assessment was sent and an appeal period was given in 1996, and WHEREAS, an appeal from the church was not received and assessments were finalized by the Board of Public Works on February 26, 1997 and forwarded for council approval, and WHEREAS, the church is requesting that the bill be reduced because the work done in 1994 was more than that estimated in the 1992 inspection and they were not notified of the increase; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the request from the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith be denied because the appeal period has lapsed, and because the work done in 1994 was the work necessary to restore the sidewalk at that time and that the assessment stand. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried (5-1) Ayes (5): Ehrhardt, Smith, Vargas, Jenkins, Gutenberger Nays (1): Cohen B. Easement for Strand Theater Property. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, the Strand Theater (310-312 East State Street) held a twelve (12) foot right of way over property to the east for ingress and egress to East State Street, and WHEREAS, the uses and buildings on these properties and property uses on these lots have changed during city ownership so that the city now has parking meters and parking spaces on the ROW and has provided ingress and egress through the driveway of the adjacent parking lot, and WHEREAS, the current lease and future owner of the Strand lot has requested an agreement with the city; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City Attorney and Superintendent of Public Works are authorized to negotiate an agreement which preserves the property rights of both parties and formalizes an agreement for use of the properties that is mutually acceptable, and the Mayor is authorized to sign it. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously C. Cornell Street Occupancy Permit, Lake Source Cooling. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, Cornell University has undertaken a major project (with an estimated cost of $55-$60 Million) to replace campus cooling equipment which uses a renewable resource (deep cold water in Cayuga Lake), reduces energy consumption and eliminates CFC based equipment, and WHEREAS, Cornell approached the community including the city, early in the project because off campus portions of the projects had impacts, required cooperation, and presented opportunities for the larger community, and WHEREAS, their efforts have included several presentations directly to the Board of Public Works and Common Council and have culminated in a draft agreement forwarded to the city Attorney in which the payment to the City for street occupancy is in the form of capital improvements made in city infrastructure (e.g. water mains, sewer mains, street pavement, curbing, and sidewalks) along the route of the system, and WHEREAS, the board has reviewed, in concept, the agreement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves, in concept, the agreement with Cornell University for long term occupancy of city streets along the route of the Lake Source Cooling Project, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, City Attorney and Superintendent of Public Works are authorized to negotiate the final terms of the agreement and that the Mayor is authorized to sign the agreement no sooner than June 9, 1997 in order to provide time to Common Council for comment. Amending Resolution By Mayor Cohen : Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the second RESOLVED clause be amended to read: RESOLVED, That the Mayor, City Attorney and Superintendent of Public Works are authorized to negotiate the final terms of the agreement and that the Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, is authorized to sign the agreement no sooner than June 9, 1997. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Resolution As Amended A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously D. Resolution to Restore Safe Two-Way Traffic on Spencer Road By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, residents of Spencer Road continue to report unsafe conditions along Spencer Road in spite of the transformation of the 400 block of Spencer Road from a two-way street to a one-way street, and, WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has confirmed that the speed of traffic has increased since the 400 block of Spencer Road was made a one-way street, and, WHEREAS, the one-way status of the 400 block of Spencer Road is negatively impacting a towing/auto repair business on Spencer Road, and, WHEREAS residents of Spencer Road and representatives of the Department of Public Works have thoroughly examined a variety of changes to Spencer Road which make it possible to restore two-way traffic to the 400 block of Spencer Road and increase safety; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Superintendent of Public Works and City Traffic Engineer to implement the following changes to Spencer Road before September 1, 1997 on a 90-day trial basis, subject to further long-term approval: 1. Restore the 400 block of Spencer Road to two-way status 2. Prohibit right turns from Spencer Road onto Stone Quarry Road 3. Retain the three-way stop signs at the intersection of Spencer Road and Stone Quarry Road 4. Paint fog lines on both sides of Spencer Road and a double yellow line in the 400 block and a double yellow line in the 800 block of South Meadow Street 5. Install a triangle, with appropriate signage, at the intersection of Spencer Road and Meadow Street to prevent through traffic from moving between the 400 block and the 500 block of Spencer Road. (drawing attached) This triangle should be built from inexpensive materials, such as timbers and gravel, until such time as the board decides to make these changes long term. The triangle is to be designed to permit pedestrian and bicycle movement between the 400 block and the 500 block of Spencer Road. 6. Reprogram the traffic signal at the intersection Spencer Road and Elmira Road, near Buttermilk Falls Plaza, in order to increase the amount of time between the detection of vehicles approaching the intersection along Spencer road and the signal's change from red to green allowing such vehicles access onto Elmira Road. 7. Make provision for safe pedestrian movements at the intersection of South Meadow Street and Spencer Road and the intersection of Spencer Road and Elmira Road. And, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the City Traffic Engineer to monitor traffic speed and traffic volume along Spencer Road within 90 days of making these changes and report the findings to the board. Amending Resolution By Mayor Cohen : Seconded by Commissioner Smith RESOLVED, That the first RESOLVED clause be amended to read: RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Superintendent of Public Works and City Traffic Engineer to implement the following changes to Spencer Road between July 1 and August 5, 1997 on a 90-day trial basis, subject to further long-term approval: [...] A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Resolution As Amended A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously E. McPherson Sailing Products request to Extend Electrical Service - Discussion Deputy Planning Director Sieverding and Don McPherson presented a request to the board regarding a possible city buyback of electrical improvements at McPherson's boat slips on leased city land. The sense of the board was not to support such a plan. Further discussion with Commissioner Smith's subcommittee are possible. F. Request for Outdoor Dining Permit for Manhattan Bagel. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, Manhattan Bagel Restaurant has requested permission for outdoor dining on North Aurora Street until October 15, 1997; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the owner of Manhattan Bagel be granted a license to use 64 square feet at $3.50 per square foot in the 112 North Aurora Street right of way, and be it further RESOLVED, That the owner of Manhattan Bagel be obliged to keep the area adjacent to their property clean and free from litter, food and grease stains, or other problems associated with their use, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a 30 day revocable license agreement, based on the usual terms and conditions. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously G. Request for Outdoor Dining Permit for Hal's Delicatessen. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, Hal's Delicatessen has requested permission for outdoor dining on North Aurora Street until October 15, 1997; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the owner of Hal's Delicatessen be granted a license to use 70 square feet at $3.50 per square foot in the 115 North Aurora Street right of way, and be it further RESOLVED, That the owner of Hal's Delicatessen be obliged to keep the area adjacent to their property clean and free from litter, food and grease stains, or other problems associated with their use, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a 30 day revocable license agreement, based on the usual terms and conditions. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously H. Request to Expand Sidewalk Capital Project. By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, at the June 12, 1996 Board of Public Works Meeting, the board approved of a resolution to install Esty Street sidewalks and delayed construction for one year so that Common Council could review the code requirements for installation of new sidewalks if they desired, and WHEREAS, the 1997 Sidewalk Program is about to begin and staff would like to include the installation of Esty Street sidewalks with the work on Frosh Alley, the Cass Park Pool deck and the 1997 sidewalk repairs in an effort to improve the expected bids, and WHEREAS, the current capital project for the Sidewalk Program is for $75,000 and the budget for installation for sidewalks on Esty Street is $36,000; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests Common Council to expand the current Capital Project for this year's Sidewalk Program from $75,000 to $111,000 to include the scheduled repairs along with the installation of sidewalks on Esty Street. Motion to Table and Grant Power to Act at June 11, 1997 COW Meeting By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself Power to Act in the matter of Request to Expand Sidewalk Capital Project at its meeting of June 11, 1997 Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried (4-2) Ayes (4): Smith, Vargas, Jenkins, Cohen Nays (2): Ehrhardt, Gutenberger 14. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: A. Request for Power to Act - Southside Project. By Commissioner Smith: Seconded by Mayor Cohen RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself Power to Act at the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 11, 1997 in order to the award bids for contractors on the Southside Project. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Authorization to Participate in Cooperative Purchasing of Highway Services with Tompkins County. By Commissioner Gutenberger: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Office of the State Comptroller has ruled that counties may no longer extend their bids for public work (services) to political subdivisions, and WHEREAS, General Municipal Law Section 119-0 states that any agreement entered into hereunder shall be approved by each participating municipal corporation or district by a majority vote of its governing body and WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Ithaca, Article V, Section C-61, places responsibility for streets, drains, and property with the Board of Public Works, including operations, maintenance, construction and related appropriations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca be hereby authorized to participate with Tompkins County in the cooperative purchasing of the following highway services:  Recycling of Bituminous Materials  Installation of Perforated Tubing for Subsurface Drainage  Steel Sheet Piling  Calcium Chloride Solution  Traffic Line Painting  Bridge Repair  Liquid Bituminous Materials as well as highway materials outlined in the county's bid documents for both highway services and highway materials. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 15. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the board on the following matters: water study; CU Lake Source Cooling Project; Green St ramp signage to control loitering; K-Mart traffic signal Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the board on the following matters: Ithaca Festival preparations; summer street repair projects 16. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Commissioner Smith reported that his BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS subcommittee would meet on the first Wednesdays of the month at 4:00 17. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Commissioner Smith raised the question of the Commons Advisory Board's future function with the resignation of Josh Mandell Commissioner Ehrhardt reported on the following matters:  Planning Board/Board of Public Works joint meeting July 17 at 4:00 to discuss Bicycle Plan 18. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 19. NEW BUSINESS: 20. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. William Kaupe Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 11, 1997 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Vargas, Alderperson Gray, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni. Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. 2. Esty Street Sidewalk - Board had Power to Act. By Commissioner Gutenberger, seconded by Commissioner Jenkins Request to Expand Sidewalk Capital Project. WHEREAS, at the June 12, 1996 Board of Public Works meeting, the board approved of a resolution to install Esty Street sidewalks and delayed construction for one year so that Common Council could review the code requirements for installation of new sidewalks if they desired, and WHEREAS, the 1997 Sidewalk Program is about to begin and staff would like to include the installation of Esty Street sidewalks with the work on Frosh Alley, the Cass Park Pool deck and the 1997 sidewalk repairs in an effort to improve the expected bids, and WHEREAS, the current capital project for the Sidewalk Program is for $75,000 and the budget for installation for sidewalks on Esty Street is $36,000; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests Common Council to expand the current Capital Project for this year's Sidewalk Program from $75,000 to $111,000 to include the scheduled repairs along with the installation of sidewalks on Esty Street. Ginger Cohen, Bill Benedict, David McFarren, Rick Burns, Mike Leach and John Booth, Esty Street property owners, were present to address their concerns with the cost and need of sidewalks on Esty Street. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (4-0)