HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-10-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. October 13, 1999
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (5) - Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Vargas, Jenkins, Korherr
EXCUSED: Commissioner Gutenberger
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 requested that the following items be added
to the agenda:
East Spencer Street bumpouts - Discussion
Power To Act – Award of Bid for Street Sweeper
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
David Henderson, East Spencer Street, summarized a letter he had
written to the Board regarding the reconfiguration of East
Spencer Street. He confirmed that reduction of speed is the main
reason for the alteration to the intersection. He added that
recently a fire truck could not make the corner and the truck
wheels got stuck on the curb. He is concerned that in the event
of tragedy that this problem would have a negative effect. Deputy
Fire Chief Dorman has told him that the Fire Dept. is on record
for opposing the reconfiguration and that Chief Wilbur has stated
that the ladder truck cannot negotiate the intersection. Mr.
Henderson noted that he has witnessed a reduction of speed
eastbound.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Superintendent Gray responded to Mr. Henderson and confirmed that
training of Fire Dept. truck drivers will be taking place soon so
that all drivers can negotiate the area. Traffic calming measures
need to be evaluated over time and more than one week of
evaluation is needed before any alterations are engineered in the
intersection.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that a ninety day trial period is
normal for any alteration to traffic patterns.
Superintendent Gray stated that letters from the public regarding
concerns are archived until further discussions take place at the
Board level. The Fire Dept. knew of the inability to access
Prospect Street in advance of the installation of calming
devices.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Update on request to remove a no-parking sign
Superintendent Gray stated that Traffic Engineer Cole has
recently returned from a conference and an update will be
forthcoming. He added that someone has removed the sign at ABC
Café.
Board of Public Works – October 13, 1999 - Page 2
Power to Act – Bid for Commons Sweeper
By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act at their October 20,1999 meeting to award a bid for
a Commons Sweeper.
Carried Unanimously
Holiday Parking in City Lots and Garages
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works annually approves 2 hour free
parking in the city lots and garages for the holiday season; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes that
the first two hours of parking in the city’s downtown and
collegetown parking facilities be free starting November 25, 1999
and continue through January 9, 2000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board urges the IDP and Collegetown Merchants
Association to promote the 2 hour free parking to bring more
people into the city and request that they develop uniform retail
hours during the holiday season.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Change in Parking Regulations on West Falls Street.
Moved By: Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works empowers the Department
of Public Works on a ministerial basis to grant immediate timed
parking restrictions to West Falls Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, That East Fall Street, West York Street and East York
Street be granted the same timed parking restrictions when they
apply to the department so that action can be taken in an
expeditious manner.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Cohen explained to the Board that West Falls Street
residents are experiencing parking problems due to the location
of a construction company and overflow parking from Ithaca High
School. He added that 24 hr. parking should be granted on the
Northeast side of the street for those residents without
driveways, 9 am – 1 pm parking should be established on one side
of the street and 1 pm – 5 pm on the opposite side.
Mayor Cohen questioned the removal of the no-parking signs at 608
Stewart Avenue. He expressed desire to obtain a copy of the tape
of the meeting where the owner of the ABC Café stated that he
knew the identity of the person who removed the signs.
A discussion relating to the East Spencer Street reconfiguration
followed.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that pedestrian comfort as well as
maneuverability of vehicles at reduced speeds are the issues.
Alderperson Hershey stated that the Fire Dept. should be involved
in these discussions.
Commissioner Ehrhardt expressed his desire to determine whether
lack of driver training or complete incapability of the vehicle
to maneuver through the intersection is the issue.
Commissioner Korherr felt that the recommended changes should
come from the Fire Dept. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the
Board should suggest recommendations for change to the Fire Dept.
The Board agreed that Fire Dept. input is the next step.
Board of Public Works – October 13, 1999 - Page 3
Mayor Cohen stated that it is unacceptable for a fire truck to
have to perform a k-turn when responding to a fire call. Mayor
Cohen also expressed concern over timing of the project and the
inevitable presence of snow.
Power to Act – West Spencer Street Reconfiguration
Moved by Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grants themselves the
Power to Act at the October 20,1999 meeting to reconfigure West
Spencer Street.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Cohen initiated discussion relating to a petition he
received from all of the property owners and other residents of
Giles Street. They are requesting the installation of speed bumps
on Giles Street between Columbia and Hudson Streets in order to
slow the speeding traffic as well as installing a stop sign on
Giles Street at the foot of Columbia Street so that the left turn
can be made safer.
Mayor Cohen confirmed the Board’s ability to alter speed limits
when deemed necessary.
Power to Act-Giles and Columbia Streets Traffic Alterations
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act at the October 20,1999 meeting regarding the Giles
and Columbia Streets traffic issue.
Carried Unanimously
Bridge Rehabilitation Project Giles Street over Six Mile Creek -
Designation of Lead Agency Status for Environmental Review
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of the City Code require
that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental
review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local
environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency
which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or
carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed adoption of the Bridge Rehabilitation
Project Giles Street over Six Mile Creek is a “Type II” Action
pursuant to SEQR because it is the maintenance of an existing
facility an therefore, does not require the preparation of an EIS
or any other determination or procedure under the city’s
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca
does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental
review of the proposed adoption of the Bridge Rehabilitation
Project for Giles Street Bridge over Six Mile Creek, and be it
further,
RESOLVED, That the board concurs with determination that the
bridge rehabilitation is a Type II action and directs staff to
ensure that the construction documents contain all the necessary
requirements to see that there are no long term negative
environmental impacts resulting from the construction process.
Ayes: (4) Comissioners Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Jenkins
Nays: (0)None
Absent: Commissioner Ehrhardt
Carried
Board of Public Works – October 13, 1999 - Page 4
Mayor Cohen stated that this resolution declares that the Board
is the lead agency, designates this as a Type II action and asks
staff to prepare documents. Staff must return with an
environmental assessment form for the Board to vote on
appropriately.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the board on the
following matters:
The paving crews have completed East Fall Street between Lake and
Tioga. Crews have overlaid Clinton Street between Albany and Corn
Streets. East York Street work has included the replacement of
curbing and surfacing. East Fall Street curbing and sidewalk
repair is also a project as well as street patching of Cook and
Blair Streets. The city has recently closed on a Town of Ithaca
parcel that will be used as a fill site. The city will need to
build road access once permits are granted from the Town.
Sidewalk work on State Street has been completed. Leaves falling
have brought out the street cleaning crews. The Rollersports Park
contract work is proceeding well and the Parks and Forestry crew
will be landscaping the site. Garage crews and maintenance staff
are preparing for the winter conditions in buildings. The plows
are prepared for snow removal.
Commissioner Korherr questioned the need for resurfacing at E.
State Street and Mitchell Street near the light. Asst.
Superintendent Ferrel stated that the work should be completed by
next Spring.
NEW BUSINESS:
Superintendent Gray stated that an encroachment agreement has
been sent to him from the Attorney’s Office relating to a
commercial property at First and Hancock Streets. He expressed
desire for the Board to grant themselves the Power to Act as well
as the call for a Public Hearing for the disposition of Carpenter
Park.
Call for Public Hearing – Disposition of Carpenter Park
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works call for a Public
Hearing on November 10,1999 for the abandonment of the street
known as Carpenter Circle excluding the right of way for city
water and sewer easements.
Ayes: (4) Comissioners Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Jenkins
Nays: (0) None
Absent: Commissioner Ehrhardt
Carried
Power to Act – Encroachment at First and Hancock
By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act on October 20,1999 regarding the encroachment at
First and Hancock Streets.
Ayes: (4) Comissioners Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Jenkins
Nays: (0) None
Absent: Commissioner Ehrhardt
Carried
Unfinished Business
Commissioner Leonardo stated that the parking meter on Dryden
Road and College Avenue was cut off at the middle. Asst.
Superintendent Ferrel will check into it.
Board of Public Works – October 13, 1999 - Page 5
Commissioner Leonardo stated that the sidewalk is closed at the
Mack Travis project and pedestrians are walking in the street.
Signage doesn’t exist. Superintendent Gray stated that signage
will be installed.
Commissioner Korherr brought to the Boards attention the fact
that the Lake Source Cooling project vehicles are utilizing the
driveways at the Fall Creek House and subsequently ruining the
concrete.
Mayor Cohen will call the owner and exercise any influence
possible.
Superintendent Gray stated that there is no written agreement
between the owner and the project contractor. NYSEG has stated
that they were using the property but the Contractor has denied
usage.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor