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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2003-08-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. August 13, 2003 PRESENT: Acting Mayor Pryor Commissioners (5) - Beach, Tsegaye, Chapman, Jenkins, Dotson OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Controller – Thayer Deputy City Controller - Andrew Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni EXCUSED: Mayor Cohen Commissioner Leonardo PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Acting Mayor Pryor led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the July 9, 2003 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 9, 2003 Board of Public Works meeting be approved with corrections noted by Commissioner Dotson. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Superintendent of Public Works Gray requested the addition of Item 14.C Update on the Taughannock Boulevard Extension - Report. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Paul Friend, City of Ithaca addressed the Board in support of the Plain Street/Center Street traffic circle and traffic calming measures in the South of the Creek neighborhood. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Dotson thanked Mr. Friend for addressing the Board, and expressed her support for the traffic circle and other traffic calming measures. REPORT OF CITY CLERK: City Clerk Conley Holcomb reported that she is working on an Ordinance that would amend the City’s Residential Parking Permit legislation regarding permit regulations. She stated that she would forward this Ordinance to the Board for their review and consideration. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: City Controller Thayer introduced Deputy City Controller Andrew to the Board. Commissioner Jenkins arrived at the meeting at 5:00 pm. 13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT: B. Renaming of the Main Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons “The Bernie Milton Pavilion.” By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye WHEREAS, Bernie Milton was first, and foremost, a person who loved his family, his church, and his community, and Board of Public Works August 13, 2003 2 WHEREAS, Bernie Milton, a son of Ithaca, was one of Ithaca’s first regional rock musicians gaining popularity outside of the Ithaca area, and WHEREAS, for many decades Bernie Milton, and his bands, played for and entertained generations of Ithacans, at Second Street block parties, on Tioga Street on the Little Red Wagon before there was a Commons, and for many years both on the Commons and at many other venues around our City and County, including the annual Ithaca festival, and WHEREAS, thousands of Ithaca College and Cornell University alums were entertained by Bernie Milton over many years and, upon returning to Ithaca would ask about Bernie, and WHEREAS, for over twenty years Bernie hosted “Looking Back”, a weekly radio show on WICB, sharing his love for music with the rest of the Ithaca community, and WHEREAS, from “Poor Town” to ‘The Waddle” to “60 – 40”, Bernie Milton left our memories filled with his wonderfully joyous music and smile, and WHEREAS, Bernie Milton was, and remains, a true Ithaca celebrity, having contributed to the cultural history of our City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That effective today, August 13, 2003, the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca hereby names the Main Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons the “Bernie Milton Pavilion”, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the City Historian propose language for a plaque to be affixed to the “Bernie Milton Pavilion” so that in years to come, both citizens and visitors to our town will know of the contributions of this man to his community. Discussion followed on the floor with Commissioner Beach requesting that a formal unveiling of the plaque occur during a large event. Commissioners Beach and Tsegaye offered to work with the Ithaca Downtown Partnership to coordinate the unveiling with the 2003 Apple Harvest Festival, and to work with the Milton family and the City Historian to craft appropriate language for the plaque. Commissioner Dotson expressed her desire to consider a Resolution to forward the Board’s policy on naming bridges, streets, pavilions, and other infrastructure to City staff and Boards and Commissions. This issue was referred to New Business. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously A. Request for Installation of Trash Can at Entrance of Recreation Trail. By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye WHEREAS, the South Hill Civic Association has requested that the City place and maintain a trash can at the entrance of the Recreation Trail which is in the City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the placement of a trash can with a small opening, not visable from the street, at the Renzetti Place entrance to the Recreation Trail, and be it further RESOLVED, That the department will be responsible for collection of the can on a weekly basis, and be it further RESOLVED, That the can be placed there in accordance with past policies, on a three month trial basis, at which time staff will report back to the Board. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the use of public trash cans in other locations and the risk of misuse. Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Ferrel reviewed the DPW staffing and budget decreases. Board of Public Works August 13, 2003 3 Sally Lockwood, President of the South Hill Civic Association further requested that the Department of Public Works provide the Association with topsoil for shaded plantings as available. Amending Resolution: By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye RESOLVED, That the following Resolved clauses be added to the Resolution: “RESOLVED, That the South Hill Civic Association will be responsible for monitoring the activity of this trash can, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the City Forester will coordinate the provision of top soil and/or mulch as available.” Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended: A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 14.C. Taughannock Boulevard Extension Update Civil Engineer West, City Planner Logue, Bridge System Engineer Gil addressed the Board to discuss obtaining Federal and State Funding for the Taughannock Boulevard Extension. Civil Engineer West explained the process to get this project included on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) list in 2004. The MPO meets in September and staff would like to present this proposal at that point. He further explained that In order to qualify for the funding through the TIP for any or all of the project phases, the City must follow the New York State DOT process. The initial project proposal must be complete and comprehensive in order to make it competitive as these funds are awarded through a competitive process. City staff recommends the selection of a consulting firm to assemble a conceptual plan that will comprise the initial project proposal. The conceptual plan will address alternative routes, environmental issues, land acquisition, railroad conflicts, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, land use concerns, costs and schedules. Civil Engineer West distributed a timeline that outlines the three phases of the project, and requested that Board members contact him with any questions or concerns regarding the project. D. Request for Waiver of Stewart Park Pavilion Fee By Acting Mayor Pryor: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby waives the pavilion fee on Friday, September 19, 2003 for the annual City Employee Recognition Picnic. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Board’s consistent practice of not waiving pavilion fees. Commissioner Dotson suggested that this fee be charged back to the appropriate department. Superintendent of Public Works Gray explained that this is an organization-wide event and is budget-neutral for the City. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (5) Pryor, Jenkins, Beach, Tsegaye, Chapman Nays (0) Abstention (1) Dotson Carried 14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK: A. Approval of Traffic Circle at South Plain and Center Streets. By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) has obtained funding to install a traffic circle at the intersection of South Plain and Center Streets in an attempt to provide traffic calming for the neighborhood; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency’s plans to install a traffic circle at the intersection of South Plain and Center Streets, at their cost, and be it further Board of Public Works August 13, 2003 4 RESOLVED, That the Board approves of the plans and the installation of the traffic circle by the IURA, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to provide any and all necessary work permits for the IURA. Discussion followed on the floor regarding IURA funding for the project. Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported that the bids received for this project are much higher than the project budget. He further clarified that the City is not obligated to fund or subsidize this project. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously B. Award of Bid for Meadow Street Highway Widening. By Commissioner Tsegaye: Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, bids were received on July 16, 2003 for the Meadow Street Highway Widening project, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and is recommending that the low bidder be awarded the bid; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the Meadow Street Highway Widening project to CCI, P.O. Box 186, 7138 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Canastota, New York 13032 for their low bid of $2,384,256.35, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent to enter into an agreement with CCI with the usual terms and conditions. Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Commissioners Dotson and Chapman voicing their opposition to the Resolution as they felt that the project had very little input from the Board and members of the public. They further discussed their opinions on the method of funding being used for this project. Acting Mayor Pryor clarified that the Board’s role was to review and award the bid for this project. She stated that Common Council is responsible for the project policy decisions. Superintendent Gray stated that this project involves a State highway so the City needs to follow State requirements and standards. He further stated that this project was not open to the same type of public input as City projects. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Tsegaye, Beach, Jenkins, Pryor Nays (2) Dotson, Chapman Carried 15. PARKING AND TRAFFIC A. Award of Bid for Traffic Signal Upgrade Phase I Project. By Commissioner Chapman: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson WHEREAS, bids were received on July 23, 2003 for the Traffic Signal Upgrades Phase, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and is recommending that the low bidder be awarded the bid; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the traffic signal upgrade Phase I to O’Connell Electric Co., 830 Phillips Rd, Victor, NY 14564-9747 for their low bid of $648,955.90, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent to enter into an agreement with O’Connell with the usual terms and conditions. Board of Public Works August 13, 2003 5 Discussion followed on the floor regarding pedestrian indicators. Board members requested additional information from the Traffic Engineer before considering this Resolution. Power to Act: By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants themselves the Power to Act at their August 20, 2003 Committee of the Whole meeting to consider the Award of Bid for the Traffic Signal Upgrade Phase I Project. Carried Unanimously 16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: A. Award of Bid for Meadow Street Bridge Widening. By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received for the Meadow Street Bridge Widening, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommending that the low bidder be awarded the bid; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the Meadow Street Bridge Widening to Economy Paving Co., 1819 NYS Route 13, Cortland, New York 13045 for their low bid of $1,085,476.68, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent to enter into an agreement with Economy Paving Co. with the usual terms and conditions. Commissioner Dotson stated that she has the same concerns with this Resolution that she noted during the discussion of the Meadow Street Widening Resolution. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Tsegaye, Beach, Jenkins, Pryor Nays (2) Dotson, Chapman Carried 17. WATER AND SEWER: A. Intermunicipal Cooperation to Implement a Storm Water Management Plan. By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach WHEREAS, Phase II Stormwater Regulations have been promulgated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is part of the urbanized area of Tompkins County and is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) as defined by the Phase II Stormwater Regulations; and WHEREAS, the Phase II Stormwater Regulations require that all MS4s implement a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), and WHEREAS, the MS4s are strongly encouraged by the NYSDEC to collaborate in SWMP implementation, including applications for funding; and WHEREAS, the NYSDEC has issued a call for applications for funding that may be used towards SWMP implementation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will cooperate with the other municipalities and school districts in the urbanized area of Tompkins County in seeking funding and implementing SWMPs and other activities relating to the control of stormwater impacts on water bodies. Commissioner Dotson expressed her thanks to Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Fabbroni for his work on this project. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works August 13, 2003 6 B. Power to Act – Award of Bid for Phosphorus Reduction Project to IAWWTP. By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself Power to Act at its Committee of the Whole meeting on August 20, 2003 to award the bid for phosphorus reduction project at the IAWWTP. A thank you was again expressed to Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Fabbroni for his work on the phosphorus reduction project. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 18. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: A. Power to Act – Award of Bid for Cass Park & Auburn Street Park Playgrounds. By Commissioner Tsegaye: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself Power to Act at its Committee of the Whole meeting on August 20, 2003 to award the bid for Cass Park and Auburn Street Park Playgrounds. Commissioner Tsegaye voiced his concern regarding playground structure materials as pressure treated wood has been determined to contain cancer carrying materials. Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel confirmed that pressure treated wood is not being considered for the playground structures as it is against State regulations. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Commons Advisory Board Commissioner Dotson reported that the Commons Advisory Board reviewed plans for façade improvements to the Home Dairy building and alley. She stated that the plans include an arch to be placed over the entrance to the alley. This issue is being reviewed by the Fire Chief to address emergency access concerns. NEW BUSINESS: Naming of City Structures By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works direct staff to write up and distribute to city advisory boards and others, our process for considering names and naming pavilions, bridges, etc. so that the community is aware of and has an opportunity to give feedback on this process. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Julie Conley Holcomb Patricia Pryor City Clerk Acting Mayor