Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-05-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. May 12, 1999 PRESENT: Commissioners (6) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Vargas, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk – Korherr 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 - Hershey 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 Board of Public Works Meetings By Commissioner Vargas: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 10,1999, March 17,1999, March 24,1999 and April 14,1999 Board of Public Works meetings be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Superintendent Gray requested the addition of the following items: 13A Temporary Docking Facilities in Cass Park 13B Encroachment Agreement for 665 and 701-711 Spencer Road No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: David Nutter, 235 Cliff Street, addressed the Board regarding the availability of the Board’s Bike Plan recommendations prior to their adoption and traffic calming measures at BJM school. He appreciates the Board making their implementation recommendations available prior to the vote. He stated that the orange poles designed for traffic calming near the school are fully functional when placed in rows of three. He has noticed that some are missing and would like to see the full complement. Ron Chapman, City of Ithaca, confirmed that the neighborhood group and Site-Based council for BJM are on top of the pole issue and the poles have been ordered. Geno Bush, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of dedicating a section of West Clinton Street between Cherry and Meadow after Bishop Malone. He was a positive role model for the community and his church was located in the immediate area. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that Mr. Bush should present a historical perspective on Bishop Malone so that the Board can appreciate his role in community history. Board of Public Works – May 12, 1999 - Page 2 Superintendent Gray stated that he hoped that the public would address their concerns regarding the bike plan at the Board of Public Works public session. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Temporary Docking Facilities at Cass Park By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Tom Trenchard of Cayuga Boat and Marina Contracting has requested the use of an area in Cass Park to implement a temporary docking facility, and WHEREAS, Mr. Trenchard has received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and NYSDEC for his project; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the use of the area between baseball fields 14 and 18 to install a temporary docking facility, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests copies of permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent to enter into a one year agreement with Mr. Trenchard for the use of this area with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Encroachment Agreement for 665 and 701-711 Spencer Road By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received and reviewed a request for an encroachment agreement from Tompkins County Economic Opportunity Corporation as owner of 665 and 701-711 Spencer Road, and WHEREAS, the existing granite curbing, asphalt drives, and shared gravel drive on the premises encroach into the street right-of- way; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment for the property at 665 and 701-711 Spencer Road 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 with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Request for Use of DeWitt Park. By Commissioner Korherr :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Loaves and Fishes has requested the use of DeWitt Park on Friday, June 3, 1999 for a community gathering and a free meal; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent to issue a permit for the use of DeWitt Park for Loaves and Fishes on June 3, 1999 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the understanding that the park is a quiet use park, that it be left in the same or better condition than that in which it was found, and that all other permits (noise from the Mayor and assembly from Police) are obtained. Board of Public Works – May 12, 1999 - Page 3 Superintendent Gray confirmed that last year this event was combined with the Ithaca Festival. This year it will occur as a separate event. Commissioner Gutenberger stated that last year use of the park was denied to the Boy Scouts. Commissioner Vargas expressed concern that the 500 people in attendance would make it difficult to keep the park clean. Asst. Superintendent Ferrel confirmed the fact that the use of a loud drum was allowed in the past. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the following additional sentence is added at the end of the resolved clause: “and that amplified sound will not be allowed.” Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Commissioner Gutenberger suggested that the Board research what uses the Board can authorize. Superintendent Gray suggested that the church members be involved in the discussion. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: Call for Public Hearing - Bicycle Routes By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr WHEREAS, Common Council on October 7, 1998 adopted the Ithaca Bicycle Plan and directed the Board of Public Works to present to Council a plan for the initial implementation of bicycle-friendly changes to the City’s infrastructure, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received advice from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council and others regarding the initial implementation of such changes, and WHEREAS, the purpose of obtaining feedback from city residents, the Board of Public Works needs to present to the general public an implementation plan containing proposals for particular bicycle routes and changes to City streets, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has produced an outline for the creation of four bicycle routes throughout the City which is consistent with the spirit of the Ithaca Bicycle Plan and the advice of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council, and WHEREAS, the City is still waiting for the New York State Department of Transportation approval of the Ithaca Bicycle Plan; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Superintendent of Public Works and Traffic Systems Engineer to draft a plan for the implementation of these four routes according to the Board’s outline and to present such plan to the Board of Public Works in time for its June 2, 1999 Committee of the Whole meeting at which time the Board of Public Works will plan for a June 16,1999 Public Hearing; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works requests an update from the Superintendent on the status of the Ithaca Bicycle Plan with respect to NYSDOT approval. Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works – May 12, 1999 - Page 4 A discussion regarding bike lane placement on Fulton Street followed. Ron Chapman, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council, stated that crossing a driving lane presents the most dangerous situation for a bicyclist. The Dept.of Transportation claimed the proposed bike lane on Fulton due to the anticipated high volume of traffic. Alderperson Hershey confirmed Common Council’s assurance to the public that prior notification of parking changes would occur. Commissioner Ehrhardt suggested that general description of the proposed changes could be printed as a public service announcement in the Ithaca Journal. A map would help to inform people also. Superintendent Gray stated that the Board of Public Works should be prepared to debate issues not represented by the persons before the Board at the public hearing. Commissioner Gutenberger confirmed the charge to the Board to review the suggestions for implementation measures for initial phases of bicycle improvements and decide how to spend the $80,000. Alderperson Hershey questioned the inclusion of bike safety, enforcement of violations and education elements in the original plan. The community would need to weigh the overall gains in the plan versus the loss of parking. Ron Chapman stated that the majority of accidents are due to the cyclist falling off. Education for bicyclists is crucial. The original plan addressed infrastructure and did not include an education element, however, T-21 funders now say education could be included as a reimburseable expense component. Request to Purchase State Street Bricks. By Commissioner Korherr :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Richard John, owner of 502 East Seneca Street, seeks to purchase State Street Bricks to pave a walkway, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) has approved the use of State Street bricks at 502 East Seneca Street; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of the sale of approximately 700 bricks at 25 cents per brick, for a walkway to be built at 502 East Seneca Street, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities be authorized to enter into an agreement with the usual terms and conditions for the sale of bricks. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the Planning Board will be meeting to discuss the West End Urban Design Plan, Economic Development Plan for the City of Ithaca and the Commons Design Review Plan. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Capital Project List for 2000 Superintendent Gray requested input from the Board on additions to the Capital Project List that was before them. Urban Development dollars would fund projects that show a zero cost. Multi-year projects are phased over their construction life. A few zero cost items can be performed by existing crews and not capital funds. Board of Public Works – May 12, 1999 - Page 5 Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni stated that his departments’ projects are not included in this list. The absence of these items has always created a problem. Without prior notice Common Council won’t appropriate funds and constant re-education of high turnover Boards and Councils is not efficient. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni wishes to develop a method of recognition of long range planning and policy making for Water and Sewer services. Superintendent Gray suggested continuous process items for Water and Sewer functions be presented as an attachment to the annual budget. If Capital Projects money is not available then the Water and Sewer services will revert to a maintenance mode only. Alderperson Hershey stated that these public policy issues could be discussed at the Program Analysis Committee level. Commissioner Ehrhardt shared with the Board a multi-million dollar plan for capital improvement that would also be presented to the Planning Board later in the evening. A discussion on the floor followed regarding establishment of funds reserves for future projects. Deputy Controller Thayer stated that General Fund revenues are difficult to divert. Superintendent Gray stated that constant investment in the City is difficult when budgets need to be balanced and contractual pay increases need to be covered. NEW BUSINESS Superintendent Gray stated that he would like confirmation of Ithaca City School District vs. City of Ithaca expenditures. The poles for Buffalo and Albany Streets are for the District but have always been a City expense. Commissioner Vargas expressed interest in reviewing the larger City and School District exchange of services and facilities. Commissioner Ehrhardt questioned the status of moving the barrier at Fall Creek School. Superintendent Gray will follow up on this. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: The following projects are currently being worked on: Cascadilla Creek to York Street sewer work, upgrade the pumpstations at Vinegar Hill. The School District will allow access to their property for the water main if the City hires a turf specialist. The footage that will be saved is worth the partnership that exists. Linn Street work next year will take place on Fall Creek School property without opposition. There is some progress with the on-going regional discussions. Recently met the deadline for revolving loan fund status through New York State. Current research won’t allow for accurate projections of levels of phosphorus removals. The City has a substantial say in the Cayuga Lake Watershed discussions since we are the only City as well as urban area. Several staff have increased their knowledge base as the project progresses. Board of Public Works – May 12, 1999 - Page 6 Lake Source Cooling meetings take place daily. The existing rock has slowed progress and altered plans. Gun Hill Apartments and Willard Way are on a temporary water main during the project. Engineer services for an additional six months are in need. Six Mile Creek development with Cornell and citizen groups for water resource management is taking place. Giles Street pumpstation rebuilding is complete. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Steve Ehrhardt Deputy City Clerk Vice-Chair