HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2003-03-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. March 12, 2003
PRESENT:
Commissioners (5) - Beach, Tsegaye, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Dotson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy Clerk – Korherr
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 Leonardo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Gutenberger led all present in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the American flag.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT:
Request for Expungement of Recycling Violation
By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye
WHEREAS, Sarah Harris, tenant of 612 East Buffalo Street has
requested that a recycling violation incurred at her address be
expunged, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harris is also requesting that a refund be given for
a violation which had occurred two weeks prior to the one being
contested, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harris has told the board that she feels the
violations were actually incurred by another tenant in the
building, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harris feels that material found in the bin left at
the curb was not placed there by her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request
for expungement of the recycling violation, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board has determined that a service to the
property was made and that a refund for the first violation would
not be given but that the second violation be expunged.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Jenkins was not present for the vote, she arrived at
4:55.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, the parking committee is recommending that the Board of
Public Works establish a limit for the number of long term
parking permits in the Green and Seneca Street Garages in order
to accommodate the need for short-term parking, and
WHEREAS, the committee is also recommending that permit rates in
the Green Street Garage be set at $40 a month for both levels as
well as changes to the hourly fee structure, and
WHEREAS, staff has further recommended that the permit rate for
the upper levels of the Seneca Street Garage also be set at $40
per month, while the permit rate for lower levels remains at $50,
and
Board of Public Works – March 12, 2003 - Page 2
WHEREAS, the committee has made arrangements with the P&C on
Hancock Street and the nearby Bowl-O-Drome to provide parking for
a park and ride system that will allow commuters easy access to
the downtown area from a remote parking lot; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the parking
committee proposal to set the limit for parking spaces in the
Green Street Parking Garage to 275 and that Seneca Street Garage
permits be set at 200 for the top and 75 for the covered spaces,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board sets the Green Street parking permit
cost at $40 per month for either level, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board sets the Seneca Street upper level
permit cost at $40 per month, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board sets the hourly rate structure at: first
two hours free, $.50 each for the third and fourth hour or part
thereof, and $2 each for every hour or part thereof over four,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That these provisions recommended by the parking
committee continue throughout the duration of the construction of
the Cayuga Street Parking Garage.
The following language preceded the resolution: The proposed
Cayuga Street Garage will begin construction on April 1, 2003.
During the construction, parking lot D (at the corner of Cayuga
and Clinton) will be closed. In addition, the Seneca Street
Garage will undergo repairs, therefore reducing the number of
parking spaces. A parking committee was formed to address the
issue of loss of parking in the downtown area. The committee has
brought a proposal forward to the Board for their review.
Commissioner Beach expressed desire to have the period of time
mentioned in the language.
Alderperson Hershey arrived at 5:00 pm.
Superintendent Gray led a discussion relating to the history
involving free parking for jurors, and the framework behind
permitted parking. Several years ago the Office of Court
Administration suggested that the City offer free parking for
jurors, and this practice is subject to a 90-day non-exercise
clause. Commissioner Beach stated that this practice should be
reviewed in the event that parking customers purchasing permits
are not satisfied. Superintendent Gray stated that the memorandum
of understanding with the Ithaca Downtown Partnership should be
renegotiated if the Board disagrees with the two-hour free
parking practice.
Alderperson Hershey described the economic vision of downtown
development, and expressed concern that an increased short-term
cash flow based on high demand and short supply of parking would
have detrimental effects to the businesses that need to survive
the inconvenient construction period.
Several Board members offered alternative options.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the item be tabled.
Ayes (4) Jenkins, Tsegaye, Dotson, Beach
Nays (1) Gutenberger
Abstentions (0)
Carries
Board of Public Works – March 12, 2003 - Page 3
Power to Act – Downtown Parking During Cayuga Green Construction
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself the
Power to Act at the March 19, 2003 Committee of the Whole meeting
to discuss the downtown parking during Cayuga Green construction.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Jenkins confirmed with Controller Thayer that the
daily fee based on the monthly rate is $2.00. The Board offered
several alternatives to the parking committee’s suggestions,
including reducing the maximum number of months sold in advance,
and increasing both the monthly and hourly rates. Commissioner
Dotson requested that the Board be given an analysis of how the
spots are used, the current MOUs that are in effect, and how the
committee arrived at the rates included in the resolution.
Controller Thayer questioned the rates as stated in the
resolution and expressed interest in learning the basis for the
committee’s decisions.
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
Installation of Bocce Ball Court in Stewart Park
By Commissioner Jenkins :Seconded by Commissioner Dotson
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics has received a grant for design and
construction of a regulation size Bocce Ball Court for practice
and competition, and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2002, the City of Ithaca Parks Commission
passed a resolution recommending that the Board of Public Works
consider the installation of a Bocce Ball Court in Stewart Park;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby directs staff to
work with the Special Olympics to install a Bocce Ball Court in
Stewart Park as time and staffing permits.
The Board discussed the need for further information on the
grant, the plan for outsourcing or staffing the project from
within, and the issue of ongoing maintenance.
Motion to Table
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson
RESOLVED, That the item be tabled.
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act – Installation of Bocce Ball Court in Stewart Park
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act at the March 19, 2003 Committee of the Whole meeting
to discuss the installation of a bocce ball court in Stewart
Park.
Carried Unanimously
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
Newman Golf Course Concession Stand
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Superintendent of Public Work to extend the original contract for
Newman Golf Course Concession Stand operations with the current
vendor for an additional year based on the terms of the original
contract in order to coordinate the bidding of the concession at
the golf course with that at Stewart Park in the winter of 2003-
2004.
Board of Public Works – March 12, 2003 - Page 4
Commissioner Gutenberger questioned the legality of approving the
extension. Controller Thayer stated that both parties would need
to agree to extend the contract. Superintendent Gray stated that
the extension provides the framework for simpler negotiations in
future periods since all concession contracts would expire at the
same time.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Dotson
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Superintendent of Public Works to extend the original contract
for Newman Golf Course Concession Stand operations with the
current vendor for the 2003 golf season based on the terms of the
original contract in order to coordinate the bidding of the
concession at the golf course with that of Stewart Park not later
than February 1, 2004.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act – Intersection Design for Cayuga and Clinton Streets
By Commissioner Tsegaye: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself
Power to Act on March 19, 2003 on a resolution covering the
intersection reconstruction design for Cayuga and Clinton
Streets.
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act – M&T Bank Summer Concert Series Usage of Dewitt
Park
By Commissioner Tsegaye: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself
Power to Act on March 19, 2003 on a resolution covering a request
by the Ithaca Downtown Partnership for the use of DeWitt Park for
the M&T Bank Summer Concert Series for 2003.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Beach stated that his attendance during the months
of April and May 2003 could not be guaranteed due to a family
commitment. He has offered to resign from the Board if needed.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the
following matters:
The NYS 20-year needs analysis for water and sewer is being
completed. It will be shared with the Board.
A confidential vulnerability assessment for the water system
will be complete by December 2003.
Staff has been working with the Health Department on the
acid violation from last summer.
The comprehensive water plan is being updated.
Many issues surrounding the WWTP are being addressed. They
include the diversion of the Cayuga Heights flows, the
evaluation of alternatives for sludge storage, and the
condition of the plant itself including the deteriorating
septage unloading slab.
The installations of low meters at pump stations and
scheduled.
15 water main breaks have occurred.
The replacement of the Green Street water main is scheduled.
Children’s Garden work at Cass Park
Human Resources assistance has been requisitioned to guide
staff through the exam process. The diverse workforce is
extremely competent but an interpreter may be needed.
Board of Public Works – March 12, 2003 - Page 5
Commissioner Tsegaye suggested that Cornell’s International
Student Office be involved in acquiring assistance. He also
suggested that worker recognition become a priority.
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the
following matters:
Debris cleaning will occur during the week of March 17 – 21,
2003 while the students are gone.
Salt bays are 2/3 full and more has been ordered.
The 2003 construction schedule will have to be redone in
order to staff the pothole repair that is needed.
Work at Cass Park has included the removal of old playground
equipment and the installation of a walk bridge at Water
Front Trail.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Mary Gutenberger
Deputy City Clerk Acting Vice-Chair