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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-03-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. March 10, 1999 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (4) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Gutenberger, Korherr OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk – Korherr Deputy City Controller - Thayer Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison - Hershey EXCUSED: Commissioner(s) Vargas and Jenkins PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Ehrhardt led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the February 17, 1999 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Gutenberger : Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 17, 1999 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Superintendent Gray requested that the following items be added to the agenda: 13B Power to Act-Golf Course Rates 13C Power to Act-contract with Cornell for tree work 14A Bicycle Plan No board member objected. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Cohen welcomes the new member; Commissioner William Korherr. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Commissioner Ehrhardt read into the record the following written communication from Alderperson Marcham to Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Traffic Engineer Cole, Commissioner Ehrhardt and Superintendent Gray: Sorry I can’t attend today’s meeting but I wanted to say that as a fourth ward alderperson I have heard no complaints lately from residents regarding the Cascadilla Park Road parking restrictions. I would hope that any final plans to install signage should be discussed with them beforehand. My guess is that they would want the minimum of signs. Regarding Highland Place and Williams Street parking I appreciate the efforts to find replacements for Highland Place parking if this must be ruled out, but I hope that installing parking on Williams and making Williams one way uphill is being carefully explored before the Board of Public Works acts. It seems to me that: (1) the Fire Department may have problems with the added parking when fighting fires on this steep grade and Board of Public Works – March 10, 1999 - Page 2 (2) Cornell’s Williams Street parking lot will continue to need two way traffic on Williams to and from Stewart Avenue. I don’t think you would want to send exiting cars all the way up to Eddy which is already congested but keeping this section two way would lose much of the parking potential on Williams and (3) I wonder if it’s advisable to add parking any way on Williams which may be the steepest in the City. (4) When Highland Place first came up it was suggested, and I think the Fire Dept. agreed, that changes should be made in the summer months in the break in the academic years when Collegetown is less crowded and residents are more adaptable. Thanks for considering these issues. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: Deputy City Controller Thayer reported on the following matters: The Controllers office would like the Board of Public Works to consider extending the contract for Golf Concessions for one additional year per the current contract. Commissioner Gutenberger feels that the golfers would like to extend the operating hours with early morning opening. Mayor Cohen asked staff to explore this suggestion further. A discussion followed regarding merging the Stewart Park concessions and carousel operations with the golf concessions as the Board had discussed for bid preparation. Deputy Controller Thayer stated that through municipal law the Stewart Park food concessions could be offered to a vendor employing special populations without having to publicly bid. Common Council has recommended that Challenge Industries assume the responsibility. Superintendent Gray stated that Common Council is considering reducing the carousel fare price. Alderperson Hershey felt that having a lower fare would entice people to visit the park and other concession revenues would benefit. Commissioner Korherr questioned whether maintenance of the Carousel would be assumed by the City or the contractor. Superintendent Gray stated that DPW staff would oversee the maintenance due to possible certifications required for operation of the Carousel in this transitional year. Power to Act to Extend License for Golf Course Concession By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants themselves the Power to Act to extend the Golf Course concession contract at the March 17,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Request to Waive Fee for License Fee at 402 Hudson Street. BY Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Rose Marie Belforti, owner of 402 Hudson Street, has been offered a revokable license and annual fee related to her request to install a fence within the city right of way, and WHEREAS, Ms. Belforti is requesting that the yearly fee of $25 be waived; now, therefore, be it Board of Public Works – March 10, 1999 - Page 3 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of a waiver of the annual license fee for 402 Hudson Street due to the type of use requested which is directly related to the residential nature of the property, the easily reversible nature of the use and the fact that the board would have granted an easement for continued use with the same general conditions as a revokable license. Carried Unanimously Power to Act – Golf Course Rates By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Mayor Cohen RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act at the March 17,1999 C.O.W. meeting to consider Golf Course Rates for the 1999 season. Carried Unanimously Power to Act – Contract for Cornell Tree Cutting By Commissioner Gutenberger: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants themselves the Power to Act to consider a contract for tree cutting and landscape work for Cornell at their March 17,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Gray stated that he has signed the contract but the Board of Public Works should make a recommendation for its inclusion in the operating budget because of the substantial amount. Minimal out of pocket expenses would net a higher profit margin. The work has been initiated already due to Water and Sewer’s need to have the trees cleared. The DPW will be acquiring a new piece of equipment that this revenue could possibly fund. Mayor Cohen stated that the City staff have scheduled projects to complete as well as emergency work that must be performed. This additional burden could halt City services, increase overtime costs for work performed during off-hours, increase wages for additional crews. Board members should consider these concerns and prioritize accordingly. Alderperson Hershey expressed concern that residents will be upset that these trees will be removed. Superintendent Gray confirmed that replacement costs are included in the project. TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS: Bicycle Plan By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has presented a suggested plan to begin implementation of the Ithaca Bicycle Plan, and WHEREAS, the plan was amended in June 1998 by the Ithaca Planning and Development Board and then adopted by Common Council in October 1998, and WHEREAS, Common Council directed that a representative of the Board of Public Works appear before Council in January 1999 and at appropriate intervals thereafter to report on progress in plan implementation, with attention to such details as routes, capital and operating costs, loss of on-street parking or removal of street trees, and WHEREAS, Common Council has reserved the right of review and final approval prior to implementation, while staff has recently discovered that NYSDOT requires that an Approved plan be approved by them prior to the expenditure of ISTEA funds in the existing project (NYSDOT PIN 395002); now, therefore be it Board of Public Works – March 10, 1999 - Page 4 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will review the Board liason’s suggestions individually prior to their joint discussion at their COW meeting of April 3,1999, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff is directed to forward Council’s approved plan, as amended, to NYSDOT for their review, comment and approval so that the Board can continue its deliberations with the approved plan on which ISTEA funds can be expended, while keeping Common Council and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee informed. Carried Unanimously The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee would like to know why the DOT needs to review the Bicycle Plan. Superintendent Gray stated that ISETEA funds or HUD money cannot be expended until NYS DOT recommendations have been received. Commissioner Ehrhardt questioned whether the plan endorsed by NYSDOT can be altered by Common Council at a later date without additional approval. Mayor Cohen intends to include in the presentation the option for the City to alter the proposed plan. Superintendent Gray confirmed the conditional approval of NYSDOT request in the resolution, conceptual approval may not be allowed. Request for Change in Parking on Cascadilla Park Road BY Commissioner Ehrhardt Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department has requested that the Board of Public Works change parking regulations on Cascadilla Park Road in order to allow reasonable access by emergency vehicles, and WHEREAS, the board received input from the neighborhood, the Fire Department and other emergency services, as well as the Public Works Department concerning the elimination of on-street parking; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request and input and agrees to the Fire Department=s request, and be it further RESOLVED, That east of 108 Cascadilla Park Road, and the 200 block of DeWitt Place be posted “No Parking”, and be it further RESOLVED, That initially a one-car-each parking spot be designated in front of 130 Cascadilla Park Road and on the east side of Cascadilla Park Road between 136 and 145 Cascadilla Park Road be provided. It is understood that these spots will not be utilized when snow reduces the width of the street so that a truck could not pass by a car parked in these areas, and be it further RESOLVED, That the residents of this area will contact the Ithaca Fire Department at 272-1234 whenever it is necessary for a contractor, moving van, or anyone else to park along Cascadilla Park Road or the 200 block of DeWitt Place so that the department is aware the size and location of the vehicle, and where to contact someone to move the vehicle if an emergency occurs, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board suggests that the residents apply for the Residential Parking Program if they are concerned about the utilization of the designated on-street parking. Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works – March 10, 1999 - Page 5 Request for Change in Parking on Highland Place. Commissioner Ehrhardt read the following resolution and recommended it not be moved: WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department has requested that the Board of Public Works change parking regulations on Highland Place in order to allow reasonable access by emergency vehicles as well as safe circulation of vehicles and proper maintenance of facilities, and WHEREAS, the board received input from the neighborhood, the Fire Department and other emergency services, as well as the Public Works Department concerning the elimination of on-street parking; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request and input and agrees to remove parking from Highland Place, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board directs staff to make Williams Street one-way in an easterly direction in order to provide the neighborhood with some additional on-street parking. Failure to Introduce Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that this motion is premature. A one way sign exists at the top of the hill, not at the intersection of Highland Place. The effects of this change on Williams Street have not been addressed. Mayor Cohen stated that neighborhood notification hasn’t taken place and should. Curb cuts are an option at Stewart Avenue. Alderperson Hershey reminded the Board that a survey was previously requested that evaluated the number of spaces and the usage of residents vs. commuters. Superintendent Gray will provide the survey as soon as possible. Larry Beck, City resident and property manager, was present to express his concerns regarding the multiple dwellings on the street. The number of spaces available would not accommodate the number of current vehicles needing spaces. The taxable property in the City is 40% rental properties and a large part of the tax base. Mayor Cohen responded that the number one concern is fire safety. The Traffic Engineer and the Fire Dept. will need to combine efforts for accessibility. Commissioner Gutenberger stated that the effect on the Williams St. residents would be minimal because parking has never been available to date. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: The Giles St. pump station reconstruction is underway. Gun Shop Hill construction has been halted by the weather. City and NYSEG efforts will begin April 5,1999 for the project. Infrastructure City wide is being developed regardless of the merging of water services. The piping that exists at the base of Fall Creek dates back to the late 1800’s. The School District administrative staff are happy that water for fire services will be greatly improved – IHS being the most populated building in the area. Board of Public Works – March 10, 1999 - Page 6 Discussions regarding merging water services are showing tremendous progress with negotiations. Major sewer work bonding project will begin – phosphorus removal process will be implemented first. Possible reduction in phosphorus levels in the lake water by two thirds. Final numbers are still to be determined. Grant money has been made available due to the lake improvement. Water bodies through the discharge process will also be evaluated. Jointly shared mains have been located due to the joint municipal efforts. TV camera is operating flawlessly. Year three funding will be used to repair the damage that has been discovered. Clay tile has tremendous damage in one of the newest areas of the City. Infrastructure always needs to be maintained. Grant money has made it possible to improve severe problems. Root problems are always an issue that returns every year. Commissioner Leonardo inquired on the Johnson Boat yard purchase of additional property. The owner has shifted the priority due to their busy season coming up. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:50p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor