HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-06-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. June 16, 1998
PRESENT:
Vice-Chair Ehrhardt
Commissioners (4) - Leonardo, Vargas, Gutenberger, Jenkins
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Marcham
EXCUSED: Commissioner Smith
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Ehrhardt led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Ehrhardt expressed Mayor Cohen’s recommendation that
the following item be deleted from the agenda:
13D :Request for Stop Sign at Wait and Wyckoff
No board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Jean Finley, of 211 Schuyler Place, was cited for growing long
grass on her property. She stated that she has been intentionally
growing a variety of wildflowers in her yard between the sidewalk
and the street. She wishes to keep the area as a wildflower
preserve with Board approval.
Regi Teasley, of 207 S. Titus Avenue, spoke in support of the
truck route enforcement item. The area that she lives in has had
many large trucks using S. Albany and Titus Ave. The vibrations
have caused cracked foundations, tremendous noise at night, and
raised safety issues for children in this residential
neighborhood. Her plea to the Board is to take action on
enforcement.
David Joseph, Cliff Street, expressed his concerns over the
limited visibility that vehicles parked on Cliff Street sidewalks
have created. Continuing to allow this has created a dangerous
situation for residents exiting their driveways. Mirrors could
improve the vision of residents.
John Beach, 614 S. Albany Street, insisted that the City display
improved “no truck route” signs in the area of S. Albany, Titus,
S. Geneva and S. Meadow Streets. The Superior Disposal trucks are
a large offender. The County Assessment Office recently lowered
his property assessment and has attributed it to increased
traffic problems.
Chris Delucca-Beach, 614 S. Albany Street addressed the Board on
the issue of traffic patterns in the S. Albany Street area.
Improving signage on the streets is not enough, traffic patterns
must be changed before a tragedy occurs in this residential
neighborhood. Southwest Park development will increase the
problems.
Board of Public Works – June 16, 1998 - Page 2
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the mountable curbs were
installed on Cliff St. to improve ambulance accessibility. The
Police Dept. should enforce the parking violations through the
complaint process.
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Truck Route Enforcement
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the existing ordinance regarding through-truck traffic
in the City of Ithaca is not actively enforced and residents have
requested that illegal truck traffic be removed as much as
possible from their neighborhood streets, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has met representatives of the
Six Mile Creek Traffic Crisis Team, the Department of Public
Works, the Ithaca Police Department, the City Prosecutor’s
Office, the City Judge, and the Mayor to ascertain the reasons
why the law is not actively enforced, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has determined from these
consultations that the practical enforcement of the truck-route
ordinance requires the placement of thorough, clear, appropriate
signage, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works believes the truck-route
ordinance should be enforced to the extent practical to protect
the residential quality of life in the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the existing network of truck routes is sufficient for
the conduct of commerce in the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the number of signs required to enable enforcement of
the truck-route ordinance is approximately forty, about twenty-
four to indicate “No Trucks” and about sixteen to indicate “Truck
Route”, at an overall cost of approximately $4,000; now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Traffic
Systems Engineer and Assistant Superintendent of Streets and
Facilities to construct and install the signage required to
enforce the truck route ordinance, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs its sub-
committee for traffic issues to work with the Traffic Systems
Engineer and Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities
to determine appropriate locations for these signals, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that Common
Council and the Mayor amend the Department of Public Works’
budget to include this expenditure.
Commissioner Leonardo discussed the difficulty that the IPD will
have in enforcing the offenders who claim they didn’t see the
signage. The $4,000 expense will not be enough to improve the
problem.
General practice for the NYS Dept of Transportation is not to
post signs without a documented reason such as a high percentage
of trucks in a traffic stream or neighborhoods burdened with
trucks that are damaging houses. A coherent city-wide plan should
be submitted to the State for approval. Even if NYS doesn’t
approve Route 13 signage, the “no truck route” enforcement could
be firm. The procedure would be to issue 30 day warnings to the
Board of Public Works – June 16, 1998 - Page 3
major offenders then continuously issue tickets. Proper signage
would enable the Police to enforce the situation.
Alderperson Marcham questioned where the $ 4,000 would be coming
from. Commissioner Ehrhardt responded that this money would be
derived from the Department of Public Works operating budget.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the last two Resolved clauses be replaced with the
following language:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs its sub-
committee for traffic issues to work with the Traffic Systems
Engineer and Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities
to determine appropriate locations for these signals and seek the
cooperation of the New York State Department of Transportation to
assure the location of the signs where they will be most
effective.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
BUILDINGS,PROPERTIES,TRANSIT,PARKS,WATER,SEWER/SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Appeal of Grass Violation at 211 Schuyler Place.
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, Robert Finley, owner of 211 Schuyler Place has received
a violation for tall grass and noxious weeds in his front lawn,
including the area between the curb and sidewalk (Section 325-
23.B.(2)(c)[5] of the City Zoning Ordinance), and
WHEREAS, Ms. Finley wishes to appeal the violation based on her
appreciation for wild flowers that she has planted in her front
yard; now, therefore, be
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the
violation, the appeal, the zoning ordinance and the front lawn,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board denies the request based on its review
and feels that this decision is consistent with past decisions,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the terms of the Building Department notice become
effective one week after the passing of this resolution and the
Department of Public Works may be directed to mow the vegetation
in order to comply with the city zoning ordinance resulting in a
bill to the Finley’s for the work in addition to any other
expenses related to the violation.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Gutenberger stated that the height of the vegetation
makes it difficult for use of the walkway and is out of character
for the neighborhood.
Commissioner Ehrhardt reminded the Board that a previous decision
allowed for a preserve in the back yard and that the front must
be cut back to meet the 9” zoning regulation requirement.
Request for Encroachment at 115 Linn Street
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received and reviewed a
request for an encroachment agreement from Tamar Sherman as owner
of 115 Linn Street, and
WHEREAS, the existing garage and concrete parking areas encroach
on the street right of way for University Avenue by 4.1 feet and
Board of Public Works – June 16, 1998 - Page 4
0.8 feet respectively as shown on a property survey done for Jack
and Tamar Sherman by Manzari and Reagan Land Surveyors, Dated
January 17, 1997; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the
requested encroachment for the property at 115 Linn Street
contingent upon the approval of the City Attorney, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board reserves the right to direct that the
encroachment be removed at no cost to the city if the department
requires use of the property, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor to enter into an
agreement.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Use of Wood Street Park.
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the First Assembly of God church has requested the use
of Wood Street Park on June 30, July 1 and July 2, 1998 from 7:00
p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for a rally service; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the
request from the First Assembly of God to use Wood Street Park on
June 30, July 1 and July 2, 1998 and reminds the church that
other permits are required for the event as planned.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Skateboard Facility Location in Wood Street Park.
By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, in its resolution of February
26, 1997, approved a site at the Ithaca Youth Bureau for the
location of a skateboard facility, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has proposed that the site be
changed to Wood Street Park since it seems to complement the
spirit of the other activities within that park; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of Wood
Street Park for the location of the proposed skateboard facility.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Gutenberger questioned the available location of
comfort stations, the concerns of the Titus Towers residents and
the relocation of skate boarders from the City Hall parking area
to this facility.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER & SOLID WASTE
ITEMS:
Approval of East Clinton Street Bridge Project.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, staff has recommended a project to remediate the scour
beneath the footing of the East Clinton Street bridge which will
eliminate the “yellow flag” placed on the bridge during a recent
NYSDOT inspection, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes that Common Council
at their meeting of May 6, 1998 has created a Capital Project for
$120,000 to fund this work, contingent upon the board’s approval;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the
recommended project, and be it further
Board of Public Works – June 16, 1998 - Page 5
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent to enter
into the necessary contracts to complete this work in a timely
manner.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Stop Sign at First and Hancock Streets.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has been requested to approve
installation of four-way Stop signs at the intersection of First
Street and Hancock Street, and
WHEREAS, neither the traffic volume, speed, accident history, nor
pedestrian count warrant four-way Stop signs at this location
according the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has determined that no special
circumstances beyond those specified in the MUTCD exist at this
time in this particular intersection which would warrant changing
the signage at this intersection from the existing two-way Stop
to a four-way Stop; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request to
install four-way Stop signs at this intersection.
Carried Unanimously
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING, CREEKS AND
BRIDGES ITEMS
Request for Handicap Parking on Fourth Street.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has been requested to approve
installation of a residential Handicapped Parking sign for the
new owner at 113 Fourth Street, and
WHEREAS, the city has used a limited number of signs in the
central business district to meet what it believes is a need of
the moderately handicapped population in a commercial area, and
WHEREAS, the city has a policy and a legal requirement not to
dedicate public parking to individual purposes, which this
request appears to be; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works refers this request back
to the Traffic Committee for it follow up review and recommends
they contact the Disability Advisory Council for input on
developing a city policy on use of on street handicap spaces.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Odd/Even Parking Exemption.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, Rosanne Taub, 508-508 1/2 West Court Street has
requested that she be exempt from the odd/even parking regulation
because she does not have a driveway, one side of the street does
not have parking and she feels that finding on-street parking is
difficult because of people using the park, and
WHEREAS, there is extensive on-street and off-street parking in
the adjacent blocks, making parking readily available for both
park users and local residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies Ms. Taub’s
request that the 500 block of West Court Street be exempt from
the odd/even parking regulation.
Carried Unanimously
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
Award of Bid for Dump Body and Snow Plow System.
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
Board of Public Works – June 16, 1998 - Page 6
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works received bids on May 12,
1998 for a 1998 Dump Body and Snow Plow System, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the bid
be awarded to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid
for a 1998 Dump Body and Snow Plow System to Roberts Equipment,
6803 Manlius Center Road, P.O. Box 489; East Syracuse, NY 13057
for their low bid of $29,683.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and
Facilities be authorized to enter into an agreement with Roberts
Equipment.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That The first Resolved clause be replaced with the
following language:
“RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid
for a 1998 Dump Body and Snow Plow System to Roberts Equipment,
3250 Route 20E, P.O. Box 328, Casenovia,NY 13035 for their low
bid of $25,752, and be it further.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following
matters:
The Mayor’s budget guidelines have been distributed to staff. The
Department of Public Works will compile a 0% budget.
Superintendent Gray doesn’t feel as though his department could
create –3% and –6% budgets without closing facilities or cutting
services.
Cass Park Pool repairs are complete and the ball field emergency
generator has been ordered.
The Engineering group will be working with the Planning Dept. and
the consultant on Southwest Park GEIS.
Sprinkler work in the Southside facility was completed in
addition to the current contract.
Demolition of 312 College Avenue has started.
The City’s web page portion of Department of Public Works related
services is very informative. Interactive maps have been made
available through the Engineering Dept.
A schedule for the budget hearings was established. Commissioner
Ehrhardt praised the efforts of Superintendent Gray and Asst.
Superintendent(s) Ferrel and Fabbroni for efficient and honest
budget building.
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
The following are the list of projects that Streets & Facilities
crews are currently working on:
Seasonal Maintenance
Curb installation and paving of Alice Miller Way
Storm drains on Giles Street
Mowing and inspection by NYS DOT at Flood Control Project
Two Gorge Rangers have been hired
Board of Public Works – June 16, 1998 - Page 7
Tree trimming and removal
Mowing and mulching
Graffiti removal
Installation of new parking booth at Woolworths
161 trash violations since 1/01/1998, many repeat offenders
Program Analysis presentation complete
Budget preparation has begun. The following represents the budget
reductions that must occur given the criterion:
0% reduction of $69,000
-3% reduction of $230,000
-6% reduction of $390,000
Ithaca Festival went smoothly despite the reduced Department of
Public Works staff services.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Municipal resolutions of support are being drafted to gain
cooperative sewer remediation for the State Bond Act application
process.
The sewer work North of Ithaca High School is complete. Work
on the South side won’t begin until school is closed for the
summer. Fall and York Street(s) work will begin next week.
1999 budget preparation is difficult due to the unknown
future of water services and catching up with deferred
maintenance.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb Steve Ehrhardt
City Clerk Vice-Chair