HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-12-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. December 15, 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 Korherr expressed his desire to delete the
Neighborhood Troubleshooting agenda item and allow the staff to
complete these projects administratively. The process in place
should be continued. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that the Board
has the obligation to follow through with incomplete projects.
Removal of Neighborhood Troubleshooting Agenda Item
By Commissioner Korherr: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Neighborhood Troubleshooting Item be removed
from the agenda and deferred to the Committee of the Whole at the
January 5,2000 meeting for further discussion of appropriateness.
Ayes: (4) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr
Nays: (1) Ehrhardt
Mayor Cohen not present
Commissioner Ehrhardt requested the addition of the following
items:
Alternate to the Titus Triangle - Resolution.
Brick Work in Collegetown – Possible resolution
Interim traffic calming efforts south of the Creek and staff
request for long term solutions – Possible resolution
No Board member objected.
Open Public Hearing Collegetown Special Benefit District
By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works open the public hearing
portion of the meeting to allow the public to speak on the topic
of the Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District.
Ayes: (6) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr, Vargas,
Ehrhardt
Nays: (0)
Mayor Cohen not present
Carried
No one appeared to address the Board.
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 2
Close the Public Hearing Collegetown Special Benefit District
By Commissioner Jenkins Seconded :Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works close the public hearing
on the Collegetown Special Assessment Benefit District.
Ayes: (6) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr, Vargas,
Ehrhardt
Nays: (0)
Mayor Cohen not present
Carried
Commissioner Gutenberger questioned the time frame that the
higher assessment figures had been used and whether property
owners should be notified of the figures that the city have
calculated the rates on. Superintendent Gray stated that his
office and the Controllers Office will work together to determine
differences if significant.
Communications and Hearings of Persons Before the Board:
Charlie Wilson, owner of Wilson Engineering on West State Street
addressed the Board in regards to the trash barrels on the West
State Street corridor. Unsightly accumulation of trash is the
result of over-sized trash receptacles which has a detrimental
effect on the neighborhood. The health of the community is
improving and trash is continuing to be a problem. Mr. Wilson
made suggestions that would improve the situation and also
prevent trash from blocking catch basins after a rainstorm. He
presented the Board with a petition containing signatures from
residents in the area.
Joe Cassaniti, City of Ithaca, suggested to the Board that the
West End Breakfast Club be reinstated and made a suggestion that
the garbage receptacles should be smaller so that disposal is
more frequent and odors could be avoided. He complimented the
Department of Public Works staff and Superintendent Gray on their
efforts. He reported that the drug infestation at State and Plain
Streets has not improved and that City code enforcement should be
strenghthened. The Human Services Building was supposed to have a
police satellite office and the current lack of one is a safety
concern. Mr. Cassaniti suggested that the hot spot cards be used
by the public to notify IPD of suspected activity and
distribution should be done through the officers.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Superintendent Gray responded to Mr. Wilson’s concerns with a
discussion of trash collection history and added that the needs
of the neighborhood can be met by combining efforts.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Hershey reported on the following Common Council
actions:
The residents of Wait and Wycoff Avenues are thrilled with the
project that Department of Public Works did in their
intersection. The area is much quieter and they hope that the
stop signs remain.
Superintendent Gray stated that temporary testing measures are
not always held to the ninety-day period and final changes may be
implemented sooner.
Commissioner Leonardo reminded the Board of the police
involvement in this testing process. Commissioner Ehrhardt noted
that their input will be included in further discussions.
Report of Superintendent and Staff:
Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni spoke to the Board on the following
items:
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 3
Water and Sewer staff have finalized the last of the three
pumping stations for inlet island. The City had anticipated a
large motel on the island and the project scope will accommodate
the larger usage if needed.
Notification of Linn Street residents for February water service
work is forthcoming.
Bridge work at Fall Creek and Cascadilla streets will begin soon.
Holiday break at the Ithaca High School and Boynton would be an
appropriate time for the work across Cayuga Street to begin.
Two thirds of the usage available for the County-shared crane
belongs to the City. The County will oversee the bidding process.
A pre-treatment permit has been issued for the Widewaters Group
which means that groundwater remediation at the site meets the
necessary requirements. The Widewaters Group will pay the City to
access sewer services.
Disaster Management Training in Emmittsburg, MD was fruitful. The
other two staff attending have already taken action on managing
the pump stations and altering sewage flow in the event of a
disaster.
Y2K remediation is underway.
Cornell/Bolton Point items need additional work. Merger efforts
have picked up some momentum and a revised agreement with plant
shared partners is in the process.
Ukraine visitors have toured City Water and Sewer facilities.
Superintendent Gray stated that the Ukraine suffers from a
troubled water supply. Beneficial trade of information occurred
between the two municipalities.
Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni stated that utility and gas line
work from Lincoln Street to the Tuning Fork notices will be sent
to residents soon.
Commissioner Ehrhardt notified the Board that discussions between
Traffic Systems Engineer Cole and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory
Committee regarding the Linn Street work have included adding a
bike lane on Linn Street during the restoration. Superintendent
Gray stated that replacement of water mains and moving curb lines
for bike lanes are two separate items and costs will be a factor.
Commissioner Ehrhardt went on to say that several members of the
Board had been interviewed about the Bike Plan and the Board has
received criticism regarding their lack of decision making. A
Common Council special committee will have to review identical
information and undoubtedly encounter the same obstacles that the
Board did. The public may never know the impossible situation the
Board was put into without a clear message from Common Council.
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CREEKS AND BRIDGES ITEMS:
Award of Bid for Collegetown Brick Repairs
By Commissioner Korherr Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, bids were received on December 14,1999 for Collegetown
Brick Repairs, and
WHEREAS, staff recommends that the bid be awarded to Pro-Lawn
Landscaping for their low bid; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid
for Collegetown Brick Repair to Pro-Lawn Landscaping, 41 Oakbrook
Drive, Ithaca,NY 14850 for their low bid of $ 5,830.00 and be it
further
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 4
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to enter into an agreement with Pro-Lawn Landscaping for
Collegetown Brick Repairs.
Ayes: (6) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr, Vargas,
Ehrhardt
Nays: (0)
Mayor Cohen not present
Carried
Superintendent Gray stated that 1,000 feet of brick are to be
repaired and that additional feet may be repaired in the future.
Southwest Traffic Calming Measures
Commissioner Ehrhardt presented to the Board a resolution
relating to the implementation of traffic calming measures in the
Southwest section of the City.
Power to Act
By Commissioner Ehrhardt Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act at the January 5,2000 Committee of the Whole meeting
to implement traffic calming measures in the Southwest section of
the City.
Ayes: (6) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr, Vargas,
Ehrhardt
Nays: (0)
Mayor Cohen not present
Carried
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that this resolution captures the
notion of support over traffic calming, addresses GEIS issues,
provides short term measures and addresses long term measures.
Park Street would not be dead ended or made one way. Comparisons
of the shorter versus the longer resolution will be clarified
with discussion at the January 5,2000 meeting.
Alderperson Hershey stated that Board support will assist Common
Council in their efforts to create a second major arterial to the
east of the Southwest neighborhood.
Approval of Concept for Pedestrian Bridge Over Route 13
By Commissioner Jenkins Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the proposed design presented by the City of
Ithaca and Bridge Systems Engineer be adopted for the pedestrian
bridge over Route 13 near Buttermilk State Park.
Ayes: (6) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Jenkins, Korherr, Vargas,
Ehrhardt
Nays: (0)
Mayor Cohen not present
Carried
A brief description of the project was presented by Economic
Development Planner Lee. She described a Keystone truss with DOT
required chain link screening which is ten feet wide and ten feet
high. The fence span is 165’. This bridge will connect to the
spur of the black diamond bicycle trail along the flood control
channel, provide access to Buttermilk Falls State Park, and then
on to the Robert H. Treman State Park area and Black Diamond
Trail.
Economic Development Planner Lee clarified that the resolution
addresses only the approval of the design. The bid process is
next. There are grant funds available that must be expended
before March of 2000. These monies will fund this project.
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 5
Environmental Landscape Planner Cornish stated that this action
guarantees the City a stronger position for grant funds.
Superintendent Gray stated that the project completion will take
five years.
Expansion of Titus Triangle Park
Commissioner Vargas Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission has recommended to the Board of
Public Works that the abandoned section of South Titus Avenue
between Plain and Fair Streets be turned into additional park
land that would be contiguous with Titus Triangle Park; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to remove
the pavement from the abandoned portion of South Titus Avenue
between South Plain Street and Fair Street to enlarge the Titus
Triangle Park.
The longer resolution was presented to the Board for discussion.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that legally there is a possibility
that the section may never be used again as a city street. The
City Attorney’s office has not yet responded to the clarification
request. Staff concerns regarding street abandonment have been
dwindling. Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that he would like to see
Parks Commission as well as Planning Board involvement and to
give recommendations for future expansion and funding options
with the Southwest Park development.
Environmental Landscape Planner Cornish stated that the Planning
Board has already unanimously endorsed this resolution. Plans for
the park could be forwarded to them but funding is still an issue
and the options can be evaluated.
Superintendent Gray expressed interest in moving back the curb
line thus adding additional green space to the area. He
questioned availability of funding sources for this project type.
Asst. Superintendent Ferrell stated that the June 1,2000 deadline
would be difficult to meet and a September 1,2000 deadline would
be more acceptable.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr
RESOLVED, That the following language be substituted for the
existing language:
“WHEREAS, the Ithaca Parks Commission has recommended that Titus
Triangle, situated between South Street, South Plain Street, Fair
Street, and South Titus Avenue be expanded to include all of that
section of South Titus Avenue between South Plain Street, Fair
Street and the south bank of Six Mile Creek, effectively linking
Titus Triangle to the adjoining green space along the south bank
of Six Mile Creek, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and Common Council have
already endorsed a policy and approved measures to shelter this
neighborhood from impacts resulting from past, present and future
developments along Route 13 and in the Southwest area, and do not
foresee the restoration of South Titus Avenue as a through-
street, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works believes that by suspending
vehicular use of this section of South Titus Avenue the City
creates both an opportunity and a responsibility to provide an
alternate use of this publicly-owned resource for the benefit of
all city residents, and
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 6
WHEREAS, the present appearance of the Titus Triangle site is not
an attractive, positive contribution to the City, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the
recommendation of the Ithaca Parks Commission to expand the Titus
Triangle and directs the Department of Public Works to remove all
pavement and curbing from the entire section of South Titus
Avenue between Plain Street and Fair Street, fill it with topsoil
and seed it with Ithaca Blend grass seed to achieve a seamless
green space between South Street, Fair Street, Plain Street and
the south bank of Six Mile Creek, such work to be completed
before September 1, 2000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the
Ithaca Parks Commission develop concepts for significantly
improving the expanded Titus Triangle and adjacent waterfront on
both sides of the creek into an attractive and functional creek-
side space for light recreational use, to be cleaned, landscaped
and enhanced with new amenities that might possibly include such
things as a small pavilion, picnic tables, benches, barbeque
grills, pedestrian promenade, lantern-type streetlights, and
canoe launch, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the
Planning and Development Board explore whether the further
improvement of the Titus Triangle and Six Mile Creek waterfront
for recreational use, as suggested above in the second resolved,
is eligible for consideration as a measure undertaken to mitigate
the impact of commercial development in the Route 13 corridor,
including development in the Southwest area.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended was as follows:
Carried Unanimously
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District
By Commissioner Gutenberger Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the corrected
Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District charges for 2000
as prepared by the City Controller’s Office; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be requested to make the
billing at the appropriate time, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff distribute a copy of the 2000 detailed
assessment schedule for the public to review.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Funding for Adams Street Pedestrian Bridge
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the Adams Street Pedestrian Bridge over Cascadilla
Creek, connecting the 200 and 300 blocks of Adams Street, has
deteriorated to the point where routine repairs are no longer
adequate to keep the bridge safe and open to the public, and
WHEREAS, the student chapter of the American Society of Civil
Engineers at Cornell University, has submitted a proposal to work
with the City Engineer’s Office to replace this bridge, and
WHEREAS, The useful life of the new bridge is more than 20 years
and the project cost, while estimated at a total cost of
approximately $46,000, is expected to have a net expense of
approximately $37,000 due to Cornell’s contribution and un-
recovered overhead expenses; now, therefore, be it
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 7
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works asks the Budget and
Administration Committee and Common Council to reauthorize the
unexpended balance of Capital Project 348 Stewart Avenue Bridge
Repairs amounting to approximately $37,000, for use in the
Replacement of the Adams Street Pedestrian Bridge.
`
Deputy Controller Thayer asked that the project costs be amended
to show the total cost.
Superintendent Gray confirmed that the $37,000 figure included
all out of pocket expenses.
Amending Resolution:
By Mayor Cohen : Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the following language be substituted for the
existing language:
WHEREAS, the Adams Street Pedestrian Bridge over Cascadilla
Creek, connecting the 200 and 300 blocks of Adams Street, has
deteriorated to the point where routine repairs are no longer
adequate to keep the bridge safe and open to the public, and
WHEREAS, the student chapter of the American Society of Civil
Engineers at Cornell University, has submitted a proposal to work
with the City Engineer’s Office to replace this bridge, and
RESOLVED, That the useful life of the bridge is more than twenty
years and the project cost is estimated at approximately $46,000,
and therefore be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works asks the Budget and
Administration Committee and Common Council to reauthorize the
unexpended balances in related bridge Capitol Projects.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended was as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Report of Board Liasons:
Mayor Cohen introduced discussion on the excessive duties imposed
on the Board of Public Works and suggested increasing the number
of Commissioners.
Mayor Cohen stated that Board liasons to committees are conduits
for information and regular attendance is not necessary.
Different expectations of the Board could also be addressed.
Superintendent Gray supported the cohesiveness of the current
number of commissioners. He felt that outside groups should
approach the Board and not have the Board go to them.
Commissioner Ehrhardt stated that there are only two members of
the current board who have seniority. More commissioners may
provide a wider range of experience.
Superintendent Gray stated the different historical meeting
schedules. Two voting sessions have existed in the past.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Board of Public Works – December 15, 1999 - Page 8
Deputy City Clerk Mayor