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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2001-08-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. August 8, 2001 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (4) - Beach, Leonardo, 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 EXCUSED: Commissioner(s) Gutenberger, Vargas-Mendez PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the July 11, 2001 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 11, 2001 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Mayor Cohen requested that 16B: Conversion of Cecil A Malone Drive Bridge to One Lane be removed from the agenda. Superintendent Gray requested that the language for resolution 18A: Approval for Funding of Demolition at 402 South Cayuga Street be added. No Board member objected. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Cohen reported that the residents of Nate’s Floral Estates have expressed their desire for safe pedestrian traffic to the retail vendors in their area and it has been brought to his attention that the large scale vehicles that support commercial businesses in the area are wider than the proposed changes. He added that comprehensive traffic study data for this area is forthcoming and the Board will have the opportunity to review its impact. Mayor Cohen noted that although the item is pulled from the agenda, the public hearing portion would continue to allow for input from the community. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Open Public Hearing: Conversion of One Lane Bridge at Cecil A Malone Drive: By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo 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 converting the one lane bridge at Cecil A. Malone Drive. Carried Unanimously Richard Woodhouse, legal representation for Nate’s Floral Estates, addressed the Board regarding the proposed bridge width and the fact that deliveries of new and old mobile homes will be impacted. Board of Public Works – August 8, 2001 - Page 2 Kevin Nole, Facility Manager for Nate’s Floral Estates, supported Mr. Woodhouse’s comments. Bill Riemer, Manager of Wallace Industries, noted that the proposed reduction in bridge width would create a problem for all commercial truck traffic. He presented the Board with an alternative of using an existing steel structure owned by Wallace Industries as a separate pedestrian bridge. Graham Littlefair, Chairman of Ben Weitzman, Inc., noted that although a pedestrian bridge should accommodate the residents, their business is supported by deliveries and the proposed change would drastically impede their business operations. Don Chandler, President of Precision Filters, Inc., requested that the Board not restrict access to the industrial park but added that safety of the residents be addressed. Bernie Carpenter, resident of Nate’s Floral Estates, agrees that the pedestrian bridge is needed and supports Mr. Reimer’s alternative solution. Frank Paolengeli, Paolengeli Construction, noted that the excavation component of his company requires the use of large commercial vehicles and added that the bridge width should not be altered. Conclude the Public Hearing: Conversion of One Lane Bridge at Cecil A Malone Drive By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works close the public hearing on the conversion of the one lane bridge at Cecil A. Malone Drive. Carried Unanimously Mayor Cohen reported that Tompkins County has notified the City that have unused bridges in their inventory and that one may be used as an alternate pedestrian bridge. Open Public Hearing: Discontinuance of Carpenter Circle By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo 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 discontinuing Carpenter Circle. Carried Unanimously Hoyt Benjamin, Owner of B&W Supply Company, stated that his company uses Carpenter Circle daily for deliveries and customer traffic. In a previous arrangement with the City, Mr. Benjamin stated that he traded land to allow the City access to Carpenter Park Circle for a curb cut. Conclude Public Hearing: Discontinuance of Carpenter Circle By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works close the public hearing on the topic of discontinuing Carpenter Circle. Carried Unanimously Discontinuance of Carpenter Circle By Commissioner Jenkins :Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and the City of Ithaca have entered a binding purchase agreement to sell the property at and adjacent to Carpenter Circle except for the Community Gardens; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed input from a public hearing concerning the discontinuance of the street known as Carpenter Circle, and be it further Board of Public Works – August 8, 2001 - Page 3 RESOLVED, That the Board hereby discontinues Carpenter Circle but retained easements for existing and future utilities and drainage located at the location. Superintendent Gray discussed the issue of accessibility for the Community Gardens and stated that the City Attorney’s Office staff is reviewing the accessibility options. Mayor Cohen noted that closing documents would need to clarify maintenance issues and that access rights should remain the same regardless of public or private ownership. Commissioner Korherr suggested that the item be tabled and that the Board grants themselves the Power to Act at their August 15, 2001 Committee Of The Whole meeting to review the draft language and ensure that truck deliveries to the business will not be affected. Motion to Table By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the item be tabled. Carried Unanimously Power to Act: Discontinuance of Carpenter Circle By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the Power to Act at their August 15, 2001 Committee Of The Whole meeting to discuss the discontinuance of Carpenter Circle. Carried Unanimously IURA staff stated that the draft language would be delivered to Superintendent Gray’s office in advance of the meeting. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT: Request for Encroachment for Town Pump Station By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has proposed building a pump station at the Oakwood Lane water tank near the town/city line within a proposed right of way to improve water service within the town and upper elevations of the city on west hill; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment of about 3 feet + to the Town of Ithaca for its proposed pump station to be built as shown on the town site plan, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works or the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Town of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously Mayor Cohen noted that this is a feasible alternative to abandonment. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK: Approval of Brick Crosswalk at Cleveland and Plain Street By Commissioner Korherr :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency has a block grant for street improvements for Cleveland Avenue which includes a raised intersection at Cleveland and Plain Streets and WHEREAS, the design has been modified to include a brick crosswalks instead due to cost restraints and design concerns; now, therefore, be it Board of Public Works – August 8, 2001 - Page 4 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the design change to a brick crosswalks at the intersection of Cleveland and Plain Street with the understanding that this modification is acceptable to the neighborhood. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC Traffic Signal on Meadow Street at Kmart Driveway. By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes a performance bond in the amount of $50,000 as required by the state in order for the installation of a new traffic signal on Meadow Street at the Kmart driveway, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with the Sear-Brown Group for design work on the signal for an amount not to exceed $12,000. Amending Resolution By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Korherr RESOLVED, That the following language be added as a third resolved clause: “RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works not take action until said time that all parties are in agreement and a written agreement has been executed.” Carried Unanimously Main Motion As Amended A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Mayor Cohen and Superintendent Gray noted that the property owner is responsible for all costs associated with the traffic signal. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: Request to Waive Pavilion Fee at Stewart Park By Commissioner Jenkins :Seconded by Commissioner Korherr WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from City Clerk Julie Conley Holcomb to waive the pavilion fee at Stewart Park for the City of Ithaca Employee Recognition Picnic on Friday, September 21, 2001; now, therefore RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of waiving the fee for the use of the large pavilion at Stewart Park on September 21, 2001, and joins the City of Ithaca in thanking its employees for their dedication and commitment to quality public service. Carried Unanimously Mayor Cohen noted that Pud’s Run is another event where the fine work of City staff can be acknowledged. Acceptance of Ownership and Award of Bid for Gateway Pedestrian Bridge By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, discussions with the City and the Town of Ithaca have taken place concerning the ownership of the proposed Gateway Pedestrian bridge, and WHEREAS, the proposed bridge construction has been bid out and reviewed by City staff; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby accepts ownership and maintenance responsibility of the proposed Gateway Pedestrian Bridge over Route 13, and be it further Board of Public Works – August 8, 2001 - Page 5 RESOLVED, That the Board awards the bid of the gateway pedestrian bridge to Economy Paving, 1819 NYS Rt. 13, Cortland, NY 13045 for their low bid of $331,053.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with the usual terms and conditions with Economy Paving Carried Unanimously Mayor Cohen reported that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has recently addressed this issue. He added that the Gateway Pedestrian Bridge will connect to sections of the Black Diamond Trail and will be owned and operated by the City and Town. Town of Ithaca Supervisor Valentino and Mayor Cohen will establish a joint working group to discuss maintenance and planning for the bridge. Wording stating that until such time as the trail is open the bridge will remain closed may be included in the Town’s resolution. Commissioner Beach noted that access to the bridge would accommodate future foot traffic in the Widewater’s development area. Commissioner Leonardo questioned the timing of the project. Superintendent Gray noted that completion would occur during Fall of 2001. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: Approval for Funding of Demolition at 402 South Cayuga Street By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) owns the vacant property at 402 South Cayuga Street, and WHEREAS, Common Council has established a capital project in the amount of $56,000 to assist with the demolition of the property, and WHEREAS, bids were received on August 6, 2001 for the demolition, and WHEREAS, City and IURA staff have reviewed the bids and recommends that the low bidder be awarded the bid; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of demolition of 402 South Cayuga Street to Diversified Developers of CNY Inc., 18 A Cherry Street, Phoenix, New York 13135 for their low bid of $53,400, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Diversified Developers of CNY Inc. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Korherr questioned the inclusion of landscaping costs in the contract. IURA staff confirmed that the costs are included. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: The progress of several bridge projects was presented. A discussion relating to the weight limitations that fire trucks place on future Cayuga Street Bridge renovations followed. A public meeting to be held at the Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for SJS sewer arrangements. A broader based discussion will take place during a future scoping session. Mayor Cohen Board of Public Works – August 8, 2001 - Page 6 explained the planning process and added that a project this size would require a full CEQR environmental evaluation which could take as long as a year to complete. The timeline for State Street work has not been altered. Rumors have been circulating that City fill has been dumped near a Brooktondale creek. Staff has viewed the debris and it is not property of the City. Commissioner Korherr shared the concern of a resident that has stated that the arch on the bridge restricts the view of oncoming traffic when pulling out onto North Cayuga Street. He added that City staff working on the North Cayuga Street sewer project acted in a professional manner and were considerate to the residents. Mayor Cohen stated that language addressing the safety of students attending schools in the area and access of emergency vehicles should be added in the future resolution regarding North Cayuga Street Bridge improvements. Commissioner Beach complimented the City staff on the Dryden Road Project. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: 2 Department of Public Works employees have required medical attention for heat stroke. Mayor Cohen confirmed that safety of the workforce is the City’s highest priority. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor