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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