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