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