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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-06-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. June 9, 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 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 the May 12, 1999 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 12, 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: Power to Act – Cleveland Avenue Power to Act – TCAT Personnel item Power to Act – TCAT Budget item Asst. Superintendent Ferrel requested that the following be added to the agenda. Power to Act – Bid for Commons sweeper No board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Steve Fontana, owner of Fontana Shoes at 401 Eddy Street, addressed the Board regarding the schedule for attendants at the Collegetown parking garage. Since staff are not scheduled for 24 hours/day, drivers have a small window of opportunity to gain access and exit the parking garage for days at a time without paying fees. This creates the loss of substantial revenues to the City. He would like DPW to schedule another attendant so that the garage is staffed 24 hrs./day which would increase revenues and allow for available parking for customers to shop in the area. Commissioner Jenkins expressed concerns that some residents shared with her regarding the condition of the Fleet Bank sidewalk area and the lack of visibility created by overgrown trees at the Stewart Park entrance. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Gutenberger stated that she would like staffing options at the Collegetown Garage reviewed. She felt as though full staff coverage would be the solution. Superintendent Gray stated that there is a garage parking permit clause that limits access to 3 days. Chalking tires and installing surveillance equipment are two options for insuring compliance. Board of Public Works – June 9, 1999 - Page 2 Alderperson Hershey suggested that the gate be lowered so that vehicles are denied access to the garage completely. TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS: Request for Removal of 2 Hour Parking on South Geneva Street. By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, a request from Eric Rosario, resident of 228 South Geneva Street, between Clinton and Green Street across from McGraw House, has requested that the current two hour parking regulation be changed to odd/even parking in the 200 block of South Geneva Street, and the Board of Public Works asked staff to review the 100, 200 and 300 block, and WHEREAS, the Traffic Systems Engineer has reviewed the three blocks of Geneva Street as well as adjacent blocks, zoning, current and proposed land use, and the general parking pattern around downtown metered zones, and WHEREAS, the Traffic Systems Engineer believes that a change to odd/even parking within one block of metered parking and adjacent to Henry Saint John’s, the McGraw House, and the Red Cross would have substantial negative impacts on the neighborhood; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request of the Rosario’s as well as potential impacts and denies the request. Superintendent Gray reviewed the suggestion that parking be changed to include 2 hour parking between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm similar to that of other areas in the neighborhood but determined that the current parking system was established based on the land and neighborhood usage. The ability for the Rosario’s to park in front of their house would alter the ability for others to park. Ms. Rosario stated that her household is the only one in the block without a driveway. There are no overnight parking options in the area. Superintendent Gray stated that the City should not attempt to accommodate parking needs for individual households. The City cannot absorb costs associated with tailoring needs to a single resident. Amending Resolution BY Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the following language replace the existing resolved clause: “RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes that parking between 228 Geneva Street and the corner with Clinton Street be changed from 2 hour parking to 24 hour parking in the zone.” Ayes: (4) Jenkins, Ehrhardt, Vargas, and Gutenberger Nays: (2) Korherr, Leonardo Carried Main Motion As Amended A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows: Ayes: (4) Jenkins, Ehrhardt, Vargas, and Gutenberger Nays: (2) Korherr, Leonardo Carried Board of Public Works – June 9, 1999 - Page 3 BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Approval of Play Area at Steamboat Landing. By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, the Ithaca Farmers Market is proposing to design and build a play area at Steamboat Landing, and WHEREAS, Common Council approved of the concept at their March 3, 1999 meeting and forwarded the item to the Board of Public Works for approval, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the Farmer’s Market Lease with the city dated June 10, 1989 to consider concerns related to insurance and liability issues; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the installation of a new play area, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board requires involvement of the City Forester during the design phase of the play area and that the board have final approval of the design prior to installation, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board requests the City Attorney review the leasee’s insurance to see that Articles 3b and 5 are met. Carried Unanimously UNFINISHED BUSINESS Presentation of Finalized Map and Description of Bicycle Routes. Commissioner Ehrhardt presented the four routes for bicycle plan implementation as developed by staff. Parking alterations and NYSDOT involvement are identified in the presentation. Changes can be made before taking the plan to the public. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that NYSDOT has altered the far right lane of Fulton Street to a right turn only lane. Alderperson Hershey questioned the desire to alter or remove parking all year long. Commissioner Ehrhardt confirmed that permanent change needs to occur. The Board made the following changes to the proposed implementation options: Preliminary draft Route 2 – East/West Commuter Route: #2 Establish shared lane on the North side of the street, no parking removed. # 2,3,4,5 of Route #2 as well as Route #1 require NYSDOT involvement in decision making. Re-number 6 – 9 due to typo. #9 The Board questioned the impact on lower Mitchell St. and would like the Traffic Engineer to evaluate any parking changes. They would like to view a sample of the M6-2 sign. Route 3 – Stewart Park/Ithaca High School to Buttermilk Park Route #1 The Board questioned the number of lost parking spaces. The Board proposed shared lanes and ultimately traffic calming measures to accommodate safe bicycle travel. Elimination of parking opposes traffic calming. Board of Public Works – June 9, 1999 - Page 4 #2 Renamed High School Option 1. Alderperson Hershey commented on the presence of #2 since recommendations had been made to create an alternate route that is presented on the mapped draft and avoid the Cayuga Street bridge. Asst. Superintendent Ferrel confirmed that the bridge is less than the 26’ wide description given, it is only 22’wide. Commissioner Ehrhardt confirmed that the presence of the High School Option 1 was due to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council’s desire for a direct route to Ithaca High School. When the public responds negatively then efforts up to this point could be changed. Commissioner Ehrhardt also confirmed the Board’s unwillingness to remove parking if the neighborhood objected. High School Option 1 was removed due to lack of support from the Board and replaced with the following: At Cayuga and Fall Streets the route proceeds East on Fall Street to Lake Street then North to Ithaca High School as a shared roadway. A discussion for Option 3 followed. Commissioner Gutenberger confirmed that buses are 10’ wide, equal to that of the proposed lanes. Buses regularly pass each other. Commissioner Gutenberger stated that shared lanes should exist without the removal of parking. Several Commissioners suggested removal of any option relating to addition of bike lanes that extend down Cayuga Street, include 10’ lanes and eliminate parking. Alderperson Hershey stated that the neighborhood should not be dragged through an emotional hearing that supports a wholesale removal of parking. They should be presented with a plan that they could support. Commissioner Ehrhardt objected that this action would be tantamount to the dissolution of the bicycle plan as a whole, which cannot be done by the Board. The Common Council resolution was read to the Board. Alderperson Hershey suggested that the Board’s difficulties in implementation revert to the Planning Board for discussion. Superintendent Gray suggested that at least some version of the initial bicycle plan should be presented at a public hearing as a goodwill effort for the work performed over several years. Commissioner Ehrhardt confirmed that an additional public hearing would need to be held in order to accommodate the concerns of the students based on Common Council’s resolution. At the request of the Board, Commissioner Ehrhardt will appear to the Planning and Economic Development Committee to express the concerns of the Board and obtain clarification of Council’s intentions when they adopted the Ithaca Bicycle Plan. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: Scheduling of Public Hearing - June 30, 1999. RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works calls a public hearing on June 30, 1999 at 4:30 in the Common Council Chambers to receive input on the proposed bicycle routes to be implemented within the City of Ithaca. No Action Taken NEW BUSINESS Discussion of 2-way Usage on North Aurora and North Cayuga Streets. Discussion tabled until a later date. Board of Public Works – June 9, 1999 - Page 5 Power to Act – Cleveland Avenue By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act regarding the Cleveland Avenue Design at the June 16,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously Power to Act – Bid for Commons sweeper By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act regarding the bid for the Commons sweeper at the June 16,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously Power to Act – TCAT Personnel item By Commissioner Ehrhardt :seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act regarding a TCAT Personnel item at the June 16,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously Power to Act – TCAT Budget item By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act regarding a TCAT budget item at the June 16,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: Water is a big issue for the Department of Public Works for the past few weeks. Crews have been watering trees using a flusher truck. The crews obtained retired hose sections from the Fire Dept., cut holes in them and lowered them into creeks with holes for watering purposes. The staff plan to use the same idea for the Golf Course. Ithaca Festival had a few difficulties mainly due to communication problems. Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: The Barnard Lake Source Cooling Project includes excavating a large trench as granted by the City in the building permit. They are dumping the excess at an unknown location on Rte. 34. The related truck traffic using Rte 13 via Cayuga Heights Road down University Ave and into Fall Creek neighborhoods has been a problem. He doesn’t know of any solution but hopes that availability of the trucking schedule will calm the residents. Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni will make a Water and Sewer presentation to the Program Analysis Committee. All Board of Public Works Commissioners are invited to explore the future of Water and Sewer services on Monday June 21,1999 at 6:15 pm at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bridge projects will be delayed due to the resignation of the Bridge Systems Engineer. Board of Public Works – June 9, 1999 - Page 6 Power to Act – Thanks to Rick Brennan By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works commend Rick Brennan for his outstanding service to the City of Ithaca as the Bridge Systems Engineer at the June 16,1999 meeting. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Gray expressed his desire for Common Council support of Water and Sewer expansion and development. The staff are feeling crowded with the condition of the plant and discouraged about the need for improvements. Water and Sewer supply discussions city-wide should be pro-active. The Board of Public Works is the first policy body that should be fully informed and be willing to take action. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that he will bring the Board’s support for Water and Sewer discussions to Council. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Steve Ehrhardt Deputy City Clerk Vice-Chair