Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-09-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. September 8, 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. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Commissioner Ehrhardt added the following items to the agenda: Staging Area at 407 College Avenue-Possible Resolution Slate sidewalks vs. Concrete sidewalks-Discussion Ferris Place and Quarry Street-Discussion Prospect and Aurora Street crosswalk striping-Discussion Mayor Cohen added the following item to the agenda: Parking regulations for West Fall Street No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Kathleen Foley, City of Ithaca, commented on the removal of slate sidewalk sections on Court Street in the Dewitt Park Historic District, without notifying the Landmarks Commission in advance. She asked for an explanation for the lack of communication, and requested that the Department of Public Works work with Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission in the future. Mary Tomlan, resident of Ithaca, architectural historian and a member of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission described the history of replacing wood and gravel walks with slate. She confirmed the need for an inventory of slate sections and volunteered to complete this project herself. She clarified the process for property owner compliance with maintenance issues, and the spirit of the landmarks preservation ordinance. David Nutter, bicycle enthusiast, spoke before the Board regarding the Bike Plan public hearing. He supported Commissioner Korherr’s idea of Lake Source Cooling efforts assisting the City with path creation and striping if necessary. He felt that nothing would replace the use of the Cayuga Street bridge as a main route. The Tioga Street section on the map would allow for two way bike traffic. One way bike traffic is dangerous in that bicyclists will adopt their own two way flow regardless. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Korherr addressed the comments made by Mr. Nutter and stated that he would not support the use of the Cayuga Street bridge as a bike route. Board of Public Works – Sept. 8, 1999 - Page 2 407 College Avenue – Staging Area By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt WHEREAS, special circumstances will exist during the construction of 407 College Avenue: now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That a subcommittee be formed to work on the staging area for the 407 College Avenue construction project and assist the Superintendent of Public Works in his deliberations regarding the authorization of permits. The subcommittee members shall be Commissioner(s) Korherr, Gutenberger and Leonardo. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that a developer has special circumstances relating to the construction at 407 College Avenue. The Planning Board could not support the idea of an open sidewalk while an overhead crane would be in operation. Removing bump outs and removal of daytime only parking would be acceptable during the crane operation. Mack Travis was in attendance to describe the area and explain the need for exceptions in order to accommodate construction needs. East Hill Plaza has allocated space for staff parking. Bill Gray noted that an area of Taber Street would be available for plank storage. The staging area would be restored at the developer’s expense. The crane would be in operation for an eight-week period and completion of this phase is scheduled for mid-April, 2000. Mayor Cohen confirmed the property completion date of August 1, 2000. Startup is scheduled in two weeks. The crane will be on the site for a total of four months. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that all materials must be delivered to the site via College Avenue so the covered sidewalk can’t be constructed until much later. Superintendent Gray suggested that his office, the Building Department and the property owners could set guidelines or the guidelines can be negotiated at the Board level. Commissioner Ehrhardt questioned the timing since bids were received today. Acting Building Commissioner Radke confirmed that the project scope would allow for covered sidewalks, minimal disruption in traffic flow and a safe environment. Insisting the contractor replace the bump outs is also acceptable. The covered crosswalk should accommodate pedestrian traffic as much as possible. Mayor Cohen requested the covered walk from the start to finish of the project with the understanding that while the crane is up it is closed. The chain link fence must enclose the entire construction area and moved toward the building once the crane is gone. Mayor Cohen asked for very clear signage at crosswalks directing pedestrian traffic. Commissioner Korherr stated that staff should be given the power to develop the guidelines themselves. Mayor Cohen confirmed that resident concerns should be included in staff decisions at this level. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the item is before the Board because the staff were not able to establish the guidelines. Commissioner Leonardo suggested forming a subcommittee similar to the 312 College Avenue working group. Commissioner(s) Gutenberger, Korherr and Leonardo volunteered to work with Bob Ripa, Bill Gray and other city staff on the guidelines. Mack Travis offered purchasing ramp permits to the vendors in the area for their customers due to the lack of parking. Board of Public Works – Sept. 8, 1999 - Page 3 Removal of Slate Sidewalks Commissioner Ehrhardt questioned why the City is removing private property and City of Ithaca slate sidewalks at the same time. Superintendent Gray stated that this is not the first time that this issue has come up. The City is responsible for street maintenance as well as sidewalk maintenance when the surface is obstructive to pedestrian safety. The City does not maintain private property. Slate sidewalks create several hazards that become safety issues. The City must repair these hazards at the property owner’s expense if the owner is not accountable. This information has been shared with Leslie Chatterton of the Planning Department. The questions are still open. Inspections of slate sidewalks are made in the Spring. Mayor Cohen stated that the City Attorney’s office should be involved in interpreting the two sections of code relating to sidewalk replacement and the inclusion of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission where any alteration to historic preservation property is authorized. Mayor Cohen recommended that Ms. Tomlan request that Alderperson Blumenthal add the clarification of the two code sections, and possible additional language to the sidewalk section,to the next Planning and Economic Development Committee agenda. The Board of Public Works should be granted the opportunity to review these changes as well. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT, PARKS, WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Request for Encroachment at 341 Spencer Road. By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received and reviewed a request for an encroachment agreement from the property owner of 341 Spencer Road ,and WHEREAS, the existing house encroaches in to the street right-of- way by 1.5 feet; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment for the house and other existing pertinences at 341 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 Superintendent Gray stated that a pertinence in this case is a railroad tie wall. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS Approval of “City of Ithaca Community Forest and Street Tree Inventory Report” By Commissioner Vargas :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, City Forester Andy Hillman presented a street tree inventory report to the Board of Public Works at their meeting of August 18, 1999; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the “City of Ithaca Community Forest and Street Tree Inventory Report” as presented by City Forester Andrew Hillman, and, be it further Board of Public Works – Sept. 8, 1999 - Page 4 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works thank the City Forester, his staff, the Shade Tree Commission and many volunteers for the continued health of the urban forest. Carried Unanimously TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS: Renaming of 700 Block of West Clinton Street By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, Gino Bush, resident of Fayette Street, has presented a proposal to the Board of Public Works to change the name of the 700 block of West Clinton Street between Meadow and Cherry St to Cecil A. Malone Drive to honor the former Bishop Malone, and WHEREAS, Bishop Malone dedicated himself to community service assisting young people, senior citizens, the infirmed, the imprisoned and others in need of assistance, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works believes that changing the name of the street would be a fitting gesture of appreciation for the work that Bishop Malone did for the community and a reminder to future generations of his example of community service, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works held a public hearing on September 1, 1999 to receive both written an oral input on the name change of the street, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That based on the input from the property owners and the church congregation, the Board renames the 700 block of West Clinton Street to Cecil A. Malone Drive, and be it further RESOLVED, That the dedication ceremony for renaming of the street be on February 9, 2000, which is the 20th anniversary of Bishop Malone’s death, and be it further RESOLVED, That the name be posted as “Cecil A. Malone Drive” with additional signage of “Formerly Known as West Clinton Street” for the period of one year after the dedication. Amending Resolution By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas RESOLVED, That the following language be added to the resolution: “RESOLVED, that the property owners on West Clinton Street, the United States Postal Service, The Ithaca Fire Dept. and any and all other affected parties be immediately notified of the Board’s action.” Carried Unanimously Main Motion As Amended A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC Request for “No Parking” signs on Columbia Street. By Commissioner Ehrhardt : Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Peter and Carol Seligmann, owners of property at the corner of Hudson and Columbia Streets, have requested the installation of signage that reads “No Parking From Here to Corner” next to their driveway, and WHEREAS, according to section 60.3 of the City Code, these types of installations are granted upon payment of $50 for each sign installation, and WHEREAS, based on staff’s input, this fee has been imposed on all installations of the signage that is being requested; now therefore, be it Board of Public Works – Sept. 8, 1999 - Page 5 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the request for waiver of the fee for the installation of “No Parking From Here to Corner” signs. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Gray stated that research has shown that people do pay for these signs and private waivers have been denied. He stated that this clause should possibly be removed or altered to accommodate public purposes. PARKING AND TRAFFIC Change in Odd/Even Parking Regulations. By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has regulated parking on its streets for many years with odd-even parking regulations, in order to facilitate the removal of snow, the cleaning of streets and to prevent the warehousing of vehicles, and WHEREAS, the system has been a source of confusion and frustration to community residents and visitors, and there is interest in eliminating these regulations, and WHEREAS, maintaining odd-even parking in the winter months to facilitate snow removal is deemed important, and WHEREAS, due to the infrequency of street cleaning and the department’s practice of signing streets that are slated to be cleaned, a seasonal imposition of these regulations would not negatively impact on street cleaning efforts, and WHEREAS, the imposition of a citywide 24 hour parking limit Monday thru Friday would also serve to prevent the warehousing of vehicles on city streets, and WHEREAS, the Fire department has done an analysis of city streets with an eye to the impact of eliminating odd-even regulations and is satisfied that any streets where problems might result have been identified and the situation corrected, and WHEREAS, the Police department has reviewed the mechanics of enforcement for seasonal odd-even parking regulations and a year round 24 hour parking restriction, and has determined that it can generate the same revenues as it does now by better focusing on odd-even enforcement during the winter months, and that the 24 hour parking restrictions are from their point enforceable; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby imposes a citywide 24 hour parking restriction, effective Monday thru Friday, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby eliminates year round odd-even parking regulations and replaces them with odd- even parking regulations effective November 1 thru April 1, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff is directed to update signage on all roadways where those roadways enter the city limits, indicating the new 24 hour parking restrictions and the new seasonal odd- even parking restrictions, and to remove from city streets any redundant signs that indicate a 24 hour parking limit on those streets, and be it further RESOLVED, That these new parking regulations will take effect no later than April 1, 2000. Asst. Superintendent Ferrell questioned the fact that this system is only in effect Monday through Friday. Mayor Cohen confirmed Board of Public Works – Sept. 8, 1999 - Page 6 that the language eliminates towing over the weekend from Friday morning through Sunday evening. Commissioner Leonardo questioned the street cleaning effects of this. Superintendent Gray stated that the Fire Dept. identified areas that will need to be incorporated into this resolution between now and implementation. Mayor Cohen confirmed that few additional streets should be in question and Collegetown metered street exceptions will occur. Asst. Superintendent Ferrell confirmed that the size of signage was dictated by a former city judge. Mayor Cohen stated that the current judges should come up with the specifications. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas RESOLVED, that the following language be added to the resolution: “RESOLVED, that the Mayor notify the City Court Judges and involve their input into the signage involved in this resolution Carried Unanimously Main Motion As Amended A vote on the Main motion as amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: Scheduling of Public Hearing for Bike Routes on Sept. 29, 1999 By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will hold a Public Hearing on September 29, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers to receive input from the public on the Board’s proposed Bike Routes. Ayes: Commissioner(s) Gutenberger, Vargas, Leonardo, Ehrhardt, Jenkins and Mayor Cohen Nays: 0 Commissioner Korherr was absent from the vote Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that changes relating to routes, and the timing of public notice should be discussed. Mayor Cohen stated that he, Alderperson Hershey and any other appropriate people will address the notification issue. Power to Act - Parking on West Falls Street: By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants themselves the Power to Act at the September 15,1999 Committee of the Whole Meeting to consider the addition of time restricted parking on West Falls Street. Ayes: Commissioner(s) Gutenberger, Vargas, Leonardo, Ehrhardt, Jenkins and Mayor Cohen Nays: 0 Commissioner Korherr was absent from the vote A discussion followed regarding commercial property vehicles and Ithaca High School students dominating the available parking spaces. Power to Act Ferris Place By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Ehrhardt RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants themselves the Power to Act at the September 15,1999 Committee of the Whole Meeting to consider the Ferris Place resolution. Board of Public Works – Sept. 8, 1999 - Page 7 Ayes: Commissioner(s) Gutenberger, Vargas, Leonardo, Ehrhardt, Jenkins and Mayor Cohen Nays: 0 Commissioner Korherr was absent from the vote ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor