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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