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