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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2002-03-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. March 13, 2002 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (5) - Beach, Leonardo, Tsegaye, Gutenberger, Jenkins 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 Acting Youth Bureau Director – Green Recreation Supervisor - Jones PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board on the following items: pedestrian bridge near Buttermilk Falls, North Cayuga Street bridge and the Cornell University animal hydrogeny project. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: Commissioner Tsegaye stated that he would be interested in reviewing pedestrian bridge design ideas. Mayor Cohen noted that the lack of visibility is already being addressed. The Planning Board, long with County Planning Board input, determined the color. PARKING AND TRAFFIC Closing of Streets for the Ithaca Festival Ithaca Festival Coordinator Laurel Guy presented the Board with the details relating to street closing for the 2002 Ithaca Festival. Coordinator Guy requested that both 100 blocks of North Cayuga and South Cayuga Streets be closed, including the Friday prior to Saturday activities. The 200 block of North Cayuga Street adjacent to the Dewitt Mall would need to be closed for vendor sites. A discussion relating to the involvement of the Ithaca Police Department, the Ithaca Downtown Partnership and the Ithaca City School District Transportation Department followed. Mayor Cohen stated that he would have a map of the area printed so that Coordinator Guy can add a visual perspective to her request that the Board could consider in the future. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS Request for Use of Skateboard Park for Youth Bureau Program By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau Recreation Department would like to run a one-week, half-day skate board camp at the Skateboard Park, and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has asked to use the Skateboard Park between the hours of 8:00 am – noon, the hours from 8:00 – 10:00 am exclusively for the use of the camp and the hours of 10:00 am – noon for the continuation of the camp but open to the general public. WHEREAS, experienced instructors will provide basic skateboard techniques, as well as introductory skate board tricks for beginners and intermediate skaters; now, therefore be it Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 2 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants permission for the use of the Skateboard Park from August 19th - 23rd from 8:00 a.m. – noon to the Ithaca Youth Bureau Recreation Department, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent is authorized to sign an agreement with the Youth Bureau for the use of said park, such agreement to include the installation of a port-a-john during the hours of the camp, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Youth Bureau staff will contact the Titus Towers Resident Council to notify them in a timely manner of the operation of this camp during the days in question, and be it further RESOLVED, That notification of the camp be posted near the facility at least two weeks prior to the start of the camp. Carried Unanimously Youth Bureau Director Green stated that the fees charged for the camp would be based on the participant’s residency and the recreation partnership fee structure. Commissioner Beach noted that the Titus Towers Tenants Council should be notified. A discussion relating to the rental, usage and after hours security of port o johns followed. Commissioner Tsegaye suggested that the local area youth that utilize the park provide the campers with a demonstration on the last day of camp. South Plain Street Bridge Width and Profile By Mayor Cohen :Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself lead agent on the Plain Street Bridge and must give preliminary design approval to the bridge configuration in order to allow the design engineer to proceed with their project design which responds to community input and allows the Board to solicit additional community input, and WHEREAS, designation of the bridge width and profile will allow planning staff to complete the preliminary environmental assessment of the proposed project while allowing the design consultant to prepare the necessary drawings for submission to site plan review, and WHEREAS, the Board wants to recommend a design that will serve the community and the neighborhood for an extended period of time, responds to the City’s bicycle plan, recognizes the complex traffic movements on a bridge with intersections at either end and is sensitive to current and future costs; now, therefore be it, and WHEREAS, The Board is interested in listening and responding to additional community input, and WHEREAS, The community input received to date that was related to traffic movements focused on the speed of traffic on the bridge and the accommodations made to pedestrians and cyclists, now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works gives conceptual approval to the 20 mile per hour design (profile #3) which provides a cross-section with a five foot sidewalk and two five foot bike lanes for a curb to curb width of thirty one feet six inches (cross-section #1), as shown in preliminary drawings provided by McFarland-Johnson Engineers, which best addresses community input, and, be it further Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 3 RESOLVED, That after the draft project design is complete the Department of Public Works will host a public information meeting and the Board of Public Works will host a public hearing prior to voting on the final design approval. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Gray expressed his desire to have the Board make a preliminary designation on the width and profile for the Plain Street Bridge. This information would be used to draft a preliminary design for site plan submission and approval. The drawings from this process would be available for the public information portion of the process. Mayor Cohen stated that the Board would be making conceptual approval on the 20 mile per hour alternative. He added that the resolution had been tailored to the public concerns to date. Superintendent Gray noted that public comments have included apprehension as to the incline slope, crest and decline slope of the bridge. He added that the shape of the alternative before the Board does not meet public criterion but will require less alteration to the existing infrastructure grade. Mayor Cohen added that public comments have also included the handrails and site line issues. Commissioner Beach questioned the costs of approving alternative conceptual profiles in the future. Superintendent Gray stated that the Board could approve alternatives but that additional costs would be involved. Superintendent Gray stated that the project timeline has been carefully defined. Commissioner Beach noted that focusing on the detail of the approved Six Point Plan would streamline the process. Superintendent Gray stated that this project would be outsourced and would not place any burden on other scheduled projects. A discussion relating to the inclusion of public input in the design process followed. Bridge Engineer Gil stated that each of the 177 public comments would be responded to. Mayor Cohen stated that the Planning Board ultimately approves the design plan. Commissioner Beach noted that the 5’ bike lanes included in the design would meet standards that have been discussed at Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council meetings. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT: Request for Expungement of Trash Violation at 411 Cascadilla Street By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, Atif Chaudhry, owner of 411 Cascadilla Street received a trash violation for a former tenant, and WHEREAS, Mr. Chaudhry did not receive the bill in a timely manner because it was mailed to the former owner of the property, and WHEREAS, because of the delay in receipt of the bill, Mr. Chaudhry returned the rental deposit to the tenant without knowing a violation was outstanding; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of the expungement of the trash violation from 411 Cascadilla Street, and be it further Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 4 RESOLVED, That because this bill has been forwarded to the property taxes of 411 Cascadilla Street, and paid, the board requests that the City Chamberlain issue a refund in the amount of $20.00 to Mr. Chaudhry. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Gray stated that the item resolves a double illing that has occurred. b Request for Encroachment at 101 Hudson Street By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Comissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Mack Travis, owner of 101 Hudson Street, is asking for an encroachment agreement based on the survey completed on February 7, 2002 by T.G. Miller, P.C.; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of an encroachment agreement under the usual terms and conditions for the property at 101 Hudson Street for the following encroachments: - carport encroaches 1.2 feet + over both the northerly boundary line and the westerly boundary line, - brick walkway encroaches 1.2 feet + over the northerly boundary line, - steps leading to the concrete pad in the back of the parcel encroach 1.2 + over the northerly boundary line, - corner of the concrete pad encroaches .4 feet + over the northerly boundary line, - stone retaining wall encroaches by approximately 3 feet + over the northerly boundary. and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Mack Travis, property owner of 101 Hudson Street. Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for GIAC Gym - General Contractor By Commissioner Tsaygaye: Seconded by Comissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on March 12, 2002 for the general contractor for the GIAC Gymnasium improvements, and WHEREAS, staff recommends that the Board of Public Works award the contract to the only bidder as the general contractor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the GIAC Gymnasium improvements general contract to McPherson Builders Inc., 710 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, New York 14850 for the bid of $41,555.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That this project be funded from Capital Project 339, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with McPherson Builders with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for GIAC Gym - Electrical Contractor By Comissioner Jenkins :Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, bids were received on March 12, 2002 for the electrical contractor for the GIAC Gymnasium improvements, and WHEREAS, staff recommends that the Board of Public Works award the contract to the only bidder as the electrical contractor; now, therefore be it Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 5 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the GIAC Gymnasium improvements electrical contract to Panko Electric & Maintenance Inc., 1080 Chenango Street, Suite B, Binghamton, New York 13901, for their bid of $18,500.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That this project be funded from Capital Project 339, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Panko Electric with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for GIAC Gym - HVAC Contractor By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, bids were received on March 12, 2002 for the HVAC contractor for the GIAC Gymnasium improvements, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed and recommends that the board award the bid to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the GIAC Gymnasium improvements HVAC contract to J&K Plumbing and Heating, Co., 24 Thorpe Street, P.O. Box 25 Westview Station, Binghamton, New York 13905 for their low bid of $129,000.00; and be it further RESOLVED, That this project be funded from Capital Project 339, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with J&K Plumbing & Heating with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK: Award of Bid for Collegetown Brick Repair By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received for the Collegetown Brick Repairs on March 12, 2002, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the board award the bid to the lowest bidder; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid for the Collegetown Brick Repair to Pro-Lawn Inc., 41 Oakbrook Drive, Ithaca, New York 14850 for their low bid of $21,840.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That this project be funded from Capital Project 249, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Pro-Lawn Inc. with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC Conveyance of Tuning Fork Traffic Signal to NYSDOT By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Seneca Way, Green and State Streets traffic signal is under a permit agreement with NYSDOT that requires the City to maintain and make necessary upgrades to the existing traffic signal to meet current standards, and WHEREAS, NYSDOT has evaluated the traffic signal at Seneca Way, Green and State Streets and has determined that it is in need of Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 6 being upgraded to conform with the latest standards the state uses for its signals on state highways, and WHEREAS, NYSDOT has agreed that they will complete the necessary upgrades on the traffic signal if the City turns it over to the State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby conveys the traffic signal at the intersection of Seneca Way, Green and State Streets to the New York State Department of Transportation with the understanding that the signal will be upgraded at no cost to the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Beach led a discussion relating to the impact of this action on the Gateway Plaza project that is being proposed. Award of Bid for Traffic Signal Installation By Commissioner Tsegaye :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger WHEREAS, bids were received for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of East State and Cornell/Giles Streets, and WHEREAS, staff recommends that the board award the bid to the only bidder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of the Traffic Signal Installation at East State and Cornell/Giles Streets intersection to Power Line Construction, Inc., P.O. Box 385, 24 Robinson Road, Clinton, New York 13323 for their bid of $75,139.40, and be it further RESOLVED, That this project be funded from Capital Project 391, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Power Line Construction, Inc. Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Bill, 526 Seneca Street By Commissioner Jenkins :Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, Noemi Kraut, owner of 526 Seneca Street received a bill from her property manager because they gave access to the property to the water and sewer crew, and WHEREAS, Ms. Kraut is requesting that the City of Ithaca pay the bill because she feels she should have been contacted rather than the property manager, and WHEREAS, a sign located at the property indicates that the property manager is to be contacted during an emergency; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request for the City of Ithaca to cover payment of the property manager for allowing access to the water and sewer crew. Carried Unanimously Lead Agency Declaration for the Sale of Water to the Town of Ulysses By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses has approached the Town of Ithaca and the City of Ithaca to supply water for their use in a water district, and Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 7 WHEREAS, State Environmental Conservation 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 both, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for action 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 action of sale of water outside the city is an unlisted action under both the state’s Environmental Quality Review Act and the city’s Environmental Quality Review Ordinance which will require review and a determination of significance; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review for the proposed sale of water to the Town of Ulysses. Carried Unanimously Mayor Cohen noted that the Planning Department has advised the Board that an environmental review must be performed in order for he sale of water to be executed. t REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Commissioner Leonardo requested that recommendations relating to the City’s work plan projects should be added to the Committee of the Whole agenda. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following items: 3,300 feet of sewer pipe that has collapsed is being replaced in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood. A new interceptor is being installed in a large scale effort from Adams Street to First Street. Construction phases continued throughout the mild winter weather so the Spring rush to complete projects has not been an issue. Evaluating maintenance needs by scoping the interior of the water tanks is occurring. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following items: Street cleaning will take place while the students are on break next week. The towing of cars that are temporarily abandoned will be an issue for some students. The install of concrete curbing will take place as an addition to the water and sewer improvements. Cliff Street will be repaved in the near future. East State Street will also be milled and repaved over the summer while the students are away. NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Cohen stated that a discussion relating to community notification of department projects should be added to the March 20, 2002 Committee of the Whole agenda. Commissioner Leonardo noted that a previous Board Commissioner, Steve Ehrhardt, had detailed the process and he would obtain a copy from him. Board of Public Works – March 13, 2002 - Page 8 Commissioner Tsegaye suggested that the Board hold meetings at facilities located within each of the five wards in an effort to reach out to the population. Further discussion will take place at the March 20, 2002 Committee of the Whole meeting. Commissioner Beach suggested that representation from the City Attorney’s Office be included in Board discussion. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor