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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