Loading...
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