HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-08-11BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. August 11, 1999
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
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:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the July 14, 1999 Board of Public
Works Meeting
By Commissioner Gutenberger: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 14, 1999 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Ehrhardt requested that the following items be added
to the agenda.
17B Dam Project-Resolution
17C Award of Bid-Street Sweeper-Resolution
14A Lake Source Cooling Curb Cut-Discussion
15C Spencer Street Reconfiguration-Discussion
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Larry Beck, West Spencer Street, spoke before the Board regarding
the Spencer Street Traffic Study. He expressed his concern that
the Albany Street traffic problems would extend over to his area.
The Board of Public Works should act on the Traffic Study
recommendations and not on individual concerns.
Judy Saul, N. Titus Avenue, commented on Commissioner Ehrhardt’s
report to the neighborhood. There are problems in her
neighborhood relating to traffic and the City needs to pay
attention to the issues. The consultant suggested that the city
stage in the remedies and provide intensive traffic calming
efforts to the area. The problem should be solved prior to the
SouthWest park development.
Steven Sinteno, West Spencer Street, expressed his concerns over
the release of the Traffic Study to a select portion of the area
before it became a public document. He questioned the timing of
when information actually becomes public.
Mr. White, friend of Geneva Street resident Hasu Chung,
questioned the actions of the Board relating to the Geneva Street
parking change. The Board granted the individualized parking in
spite of Superintendent Gray’s recommendation not to do so.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Board of Public Works –August 11, 1999 - Page 2
Mayor Cohen responded to the comments regarding suspected
favoritism on the part of Commissioner Ehrhardt. He noted that
the Commissioner’s dedication to the Board is strong and the city
is fortunate to have him working on all issues. His actions are
objective and the entire neighborhood is his concern.
Commissioner Gutenberger stated that all of the Board members are
objective and act on behalf of all residents. The entire Board
and not any one individual vote on issues.
Commissioner Ehrhardt confirmed that the report was mailed out
approximately twelve days ago. The neighborhood meeting was
scheduled the following Sunday. He confirmed that no resolution
will be forwarded to Common Council before input from a
consultant and stakeholder discussion are taken into account.
Commissioner Ehrhardt listed the other areas of town that have
traffic calming issues.
Mayor Cohen stated that dramatic solutions to protect
neighborhood safety will take place. Traffic flow should be
addressed regardless of the location. He confirmed that prior
access to the Traffic Study was not allowed to anyone.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that this report exists due to a
consultant’s view of the neighborhood needs. He stated that the
Board should not act without taking into account the consultant’s
recommendations.
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Lake Source Cooling Curb Cut-Discussion:
Traffic Engineer Cole stated that Bernard Construction,
contractor for the Lake Source Cooling Project, is planning to
pour concrete in the intersection of University and Wait Avenues.
Letters were sent to the owners of two properties that had curb
cuts too close to this intersection. He feels that the accident
rate at the intersection warrants the change to the driveways.
Sue Silperstein, stated that there are not two driveways in
question. One circular driveway exists that would not accommodate
space for curb cuts. She stated that a four way stop should be
added to reduce the accidents. She added that University Avenue
traffic onto Lake Street create the accidents, not the tenants
exiting the driveway. She stated that vehicle traffic will enter
through the upper drive and exit from the lower driveway.
Traffic Engineer Cole stated that keeping the curb cut in its
present location creates a safety problem.
Mayor Cohen suggested that the curb cut could be moved fifty feet
down the hill and to continue the one way loop in the driveway.
The Board directed Traffic Engineer Cole to work cooperatively
with the Silverstein family to locate a second curb cut a safe
distance away from the intersection with the clear understanding
that our standard on this type of roadway is fifty feet.
Award of Bid for Three-Wheel Street Sweeper
By Commissioner Vargas : Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
WHEREAS, bids were received on July 15, 1999 for a 1999 Three-
wheel Street Sweeper for use on the Commons, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the bid
be awarded to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of
a 1999 Three-wheel Street Sweeper to Monroe Tractor, 7300 Eastman
Board of Public Works –August 11, 1999 - Page 3
Road, N. Syracuse, NY 13212 for their low bid of $76,766.00, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent
for Streets and Facilities to enter into an agreement with Monroe
Tractor.
Carried Unanimously
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that this bid meets all specs
and came in under budget.
Request for 24 Hour Parking Space at 226 South Geneva Street
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, Suk Choong, owner of 226 South Geneva Street is
requesting a 24 hour parking space in front of her property; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the
request for a 24 hour parking zone in front of 226 South Geneva
Street.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the restriction for 2 hour
parking is during the workday only, after that it is 24 hour/day
parking.
Alderperson Hershey explained that the 228 Geneva Street 24 hour
spot is available for anyone to park, 226 Geneva Street tenants
can use it as well.
Commissioner Ehrhardt confirmed the fact that every other
residence on the block had at least one parking spot available
either in front of their property or in a driveway and 228 S.
Geneva Street does not.
Hasu Chung’s spokesperson stated that a four foot curved right of
way strip exists without a space at 226 S. Geneva Street.
Commissioner Vargas stated that he stands behind the premises
included in the 228 S. Geneva Street resolution and that
situation does not exist here.
Change in Parking Regulations for 200 Block of South Geneva
Street
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received requests for
parking changes to the 200 Block of South Geneva Street; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby changes the
parking in the 200 block of South Geneva Street to 2 hour parking
from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. weekdays.
Commissioner Leonardo stated that he doesn’t want to create a
domino effect with additional requests.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that this change would make the 200
block exactly like the 300 block. He expressed concern over the
residents resentment that the Board gave preference to an
individual resident. If this passes then the action on 228 is
reversed.
Commissioner Korherr stated that clarification of the reversal of
228 S. Geneva Street should be included in the resolution.
Mayor Cohen wondered why 24 hour parking should not be allowed on
the whole block.
Board of Public Works –August 11, 1999 - Page 4
Alderperson Hershey stated that this is a block that is located
close to businesses. The Fifth Ward tried a four hour parking
situation on one of the streets and it did not work.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that Superintendent Gray initiated
this resolution.
Alternate Resolution - Power To Act
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
Resolved, that the Board of Public Works table this item and
grant themselves the Power to Act at the Committee of the Whole
meeting on August 18,1999 until the residents of 228 S. Geneva
Street can be notified of the change.
Carried Unanimously
NYSDEC 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act – Title 3 Section 56-
03111, Dam Safety Projects
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca herein called the “Municipality”,
after thorough consideration of the various aspects of the
problem and study of available data, has hereby determined that
certain work, as described in its application and attachments,
herein called the “Project”, is desirable, is in the public
interest, and is required in order to implement the Project; and
WHEREAS, Article 56 of the Environmental Conservation Law
authorizes State assistance to municipalities for dam safety
projects by means of a contract and the Municipality deems it to
be in the public interest and benefit under this law to enter
into a contract therewith: Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, by the Board of Public Works that it recommends to
Common Council to pass the following resolution:
1. That the Superintendent of Public Works is the
representative authorized to act in behalf of the
Municipality’s governing body in all matters related to
State assistance under ECL Article 56, Title 3. The
representative is also authorized to make application,
execute the State Assistance Contract, submit Project
documentation, and otherwise at for the Municipality’s
governing body in all matters related to the Project and to
State assistance;
2. That the Municipality agrees that it will fund its portion
of the cost of the Project and that funds will be available
to initiate the Project’s work within twelve (12) months of
written approval of its application by the Department of
Environmental Conservation;
3. That one (1) certified copy of this resolution be prepared
and sent to the Albany office of the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation together with the
Application for State Assistance Payments for Dam Safety
Projects;
4. That this resolution take effect immediately.
Carried Unanimously
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel stated that the state will fund up to
75% of the cost of dam improvements to the 30 and 60 ft. dams in
Six Mile Creek reservoir. Mayor Cohen stated that the City is
moving toward the Bolton Point merger. He added that the state
mandates that the city maintain the dams and gates in case they
are kept. If the city no longer provides water services then dams
can be dismantled.
Commissioner Leonardo questioned whether the Bolton Point merger
would benefit from this effort.
Board of Public Works –August 11, 1999 - Page 5
Commissioner Gutenberger stated that this action will forward the
issue on to Common Council. She added that this resolution will
prompt Common Council to make decisions relating to water
projects and futures.
Discussion of Regional Sewer Application
The six municipalities met in a joint session and approved a
unified work plan to submit to the Department of Environmental
Conservation. This plan is a part of the 10 million dollar bond
act application for Waste Water Treatment Plant improvements.
Alternative A: upgrading of both plants and possible diversion of
Cayuga Heights wastewater flows to Town of Ithaca Wastwater
Treatment Plant.
Alternative B: complete shutdown of Cayuga Heights plant, all
flows diverted to the city facility.
Alternative C: convert Cayuga Heights plant to primary treatment
only and secondary treatment at the city facility.
The consensus of the group was to proceed with Alternative A.
Cayuga Heights pursued merging with the other municipalities
using a per unit charge for wastewater services. Mayor Cohen
stated his concern that the Cayuga Heights plant is functioning
now but any future dysfunction would result in an unbalanced
partnership. The negative aspect is that the partnership would
take on the potential liability and city rate payers would absorb
the additional costs in the future. Mayor Cohen shared a
resolution with the group that described Common Council’s desires
and concerns with water and wastewater issues. Pyramid Mall also
has pre-purchased multiple permits relating to water and sewer
expansion. The city has sent a letter to the Village of Lansing
requesting traffic studies needed for future mall expansions.
Intersection of Wait and Wycoff
BY Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt
WHEREAS, there have been accidents officially reported at the
intersection of Wait and Wyckoff, and
WHEREAS, neighbors have reported additional accidents over and
above those officially reported to the Ithaca Police Department,
and
WHEREAS, one of the approaches to this intersection is on an
incline which limits visibility for on-coming traffic in the
intersection, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board orders the placement of temporary stop
signs for a three month trial period to ascertain whether or not
stop signs are warranted and will work at this intersection, and
be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor will work with the Police Chief to
ensure that enforcement is increased in the area of this
intersection to gage the effectiveness of the traffic devices
installed, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board will receive a report on this
intersection after the three month period.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Cohen stated that the residents have expressed concern with
the number of accidents that have occurred in the area.
Board of Public Works –August 11, 1999 - Page 6
Alderperson Hershey stated that the inconvenience of the stop
sign affects only the residents. If they are not concerned then
this should happen in the name of safety.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that staff felt that the stop sign
was not warranted.
Spencer Street Reconfiguration-Discussion
A discussion relating to the Spencer Street reconfiguration
followed. Commissioner Ehrhardt wished to share concerns from the
question and answer session last week. He concluded that a safety
problem exists due to the narrowness of Spencer Street and
widening it is the only solution. He stated that Mr. Ferranti
suggested that another minor arterial be added for balance, that
Spencer Street remain as it is and have Plain Street become the
minor arterial. Short term remedies in the form of traffic
calming must be implemented. The Board needs to recommend to
Common Council suggestions for change. Eliminating parking on the
street is not sufficient and that widening the street is the only
answer.
Commissioner Gutenberger expressed a desire to obtain funds for
opening up the Plain Street bridge.
Commissioner Vargas agreed to the idea as a long term
alternative.
Mayor Cohen couldn’t support the opening of the Plain Street
bridge but would support diverting the traffic back to Route 13.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the consultant has made the
following recommendations: install a new bridge on Plain Street
to balance the load of traffic and to widen the bridge at Meadow
to lessen traffic at Albany and Plain. These recommendations came
from an estimated 18 – 20% increase in traffic flows from
Southwest Park expansion. Discussion will continue next week.
The Board revisited the LSC Curb Cut issue previously discussed
due to the presence of Mr. Silperstein.
Alderperson Hershey stated that if entrance only-one way signs
are posted at the opening to the circular driveway then a safety
hazard would be eliminated. The first compromise that was
discussed earlier in the meeting would be a hardship to the
landowners.
Mayor Cohen stated that the City is mandated to patrol streets.
This is a driveway not a city street.
Mayor Cohen stated that Mr. Silperstein should work with Traffic
Engineer Cole and convince him that signage would eliminate the
problem. Mayor Cohen would facilitate the discussion between both
parties if needed.
Power To Act-Request to Close Dryden Rd. and Eddy Street
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grants themselves the
Power to Act on the request to close Dryden Road and Eddy Street
on Wednesday August 18,1999.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following projects:
Highways: crews are very busy performing the following: repaving
Dryden Rd. and College Ave., crosswalks replacement, Elm
Street final paving last week, driveways and shoulder
reconstruction, W. State Street and Albany gravel basin and
Board of Public Works –August 11, 1999 - Page 7
traffic signal conduits installed, Buffalo Street repaving.
The York Street work will be postponed.
Parks & Forestry: Stewart Park bathroom maintenance is underway.
Rotting seaweed and algae at Stewart Park are hindering camp
programs and the smell is offensive.
The pedestrian bridge over Cascadilla Street has been worked on.
Lincoln Street and Willow Avenue repaving is complete.
Mayor Cohen stated that a sinkhole has been found in the area of
East State Street and Ferris Place.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor