HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2003-11-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. November 12, 2003
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (5) - Beach, Jenkins, Dotson, Leonardo, Chapman
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk - Holcomb
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Hershey
Disability Advisory Council Liaison - Roberts
Alderperson Pryor
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Tsegaye
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
2. MINUTES:
Approval of October 8, 2003 Regular Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the October 8, 2003 Regular Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
A Public Hearing for the Proposed Installation of Sidewalks on Cecil A. Malone
Drive
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the public hearing for the proposed installation of sidewalks on Cecil
A. Malone Drive be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
The following people addressed the Board in support of sidewalk installations:
Dave Peck, Super 8 Motel
David Henderson, City of Ithaca
Ken Feuro, Town of Ithaca
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca
Andy Ruina, City of Ithaca, BPAC member
Commissioner Dotson read into the record written comments regarding support for
sidewalk installation from David Nutter who could not attend the meeting.
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November 12, 2003
Resolution to Close Public Hearing:
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing for the proposed installation of sidewalks on Cecil
A. Malone Drive be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
4. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Superintendent Gray requested the addition of Item 17.A – Installation of Sidewalks on
Cecil A. Malone Drive – Resolution
No Board member objected
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE
BOARD
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of sidewalks on Route 13; speeding in
Fall Creek; the Commons; and the new flags on the Commons.
David Henderson, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the need for signs that
state that vehicles need to yield to pedestrians. He further noted that pedestrian
crosswalks need to be painted.
Andy Ruina, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding inappropriate curbing,
dangerous crosswalks/intersections at Collegetown Bagels, Oak Avenue/College
Avenue.
Ron Bergman, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding speed limits in City, and
the possibility of expanding school zones to reduce the speed limits in the City. He
further addressed the Board regarding shopping cart concerns.
Valeria Pvan, addressed the Board regarding the need for a 4-way stop sign at the
intersection of S. Plain and Center Street (traffic circle).
6. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC
Commissioner Beach responded to concerns raised about pedestrian safety in
crosswalks; and enforcement issues. He asked if traffic counts on S. Plain Street were
available. He further responded to comments made regarding the Commons fountain
repairs/vandalism/restitution.
Commissioner Leonardo responded to concerns raised regarding safety and speed
limits.
DAC Liaison Roberts responded to comments made regarding curb cuts. He stated that
curbcuts need to be addressed in a number of places in the City, and a plan should be
created so that people could find alternative routes to use while these areas are being
worked on.
Commissioner Dotson suggested that the Board work together with the community to
find the solution to the concerns raised regarding speeding and pedestrian safety. She
also read written comments from David Nutter regarding vehicles yielding to pedestrians
specifically on Route 89.
Superintendent Gray stated that DPW would be happy to look at a list of curbcuts that
need to be repaired, and that work could be scheduled for the Spring Work Program.
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Board of Public Works Minutes
November 12, 2003
7. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS
Possible Power to Act to Approve Installation of Sidewalks on Cecil A. Malone
Drive – Resolution.
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs that sidewalks be installed on both
sides of Cecil A. Malone Drive between Route 13 and the flood relief channel and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the affected property owners will be given the opportunity to install, to
city specifications, the sidewalks on their property, at their cost, by June 30, 2004 and
be it further
RESOLVED, That staff is directed to develop plans including connections and
crosswalks for the aforementioned sidewalks and bring those plans to the Board of
Public Works for design approval prior to installation.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding placement of sidewalks on both
sides of the street to the creek; property owner notification; crosswalks and snow
storage issues.
Amending Resolution:
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the following two Resolved clauses be added to the resolution:
“RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to publish notification of a
public hearing to be held at the next regularly scheduled Board of Public Works meeting
for the installation of sidewalks for the remaining length of Cecil A. Malone Drive, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works strongly encourage the Common Council
to create a capital project for the installation of a pedestrian bridge across the flood
relief channel.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
B. Yield to Pedestrians Signs at Intersection of Cayuga Waterfront Trail and
Route 89 near Cass Park Rink – Resolution.
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail crosses NYS Route 89 near the entrance to
the Cass Park Rink, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and the Ithaca and Tompkins County communities have
supported the design and construction of this section of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail,
and
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail has become a well used and loved
recreational trail by a wide cross section of community members, and
WHEREAS, a painted crosswalk exists in this location, which according to state law
creates a legal crosswalk and directs and encourages users of the trail to cross NYS
Route 89 at this location, and
WHEREAS, New York State law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in
crosswalks, and
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November 12, 2003
WHEREAS, Rick Manning, the designer of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and others
have requested signage reminding motorists of their responsibility to yield to
pedestrians in the crosswalk at this location, and
WHEREAS, Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council strongly supports Mr. Manning’s
request, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works would like to visibly support and pedestrian use
of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, including safe use of this crosswalk, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Trumansburg and the Cornell Campus are currently using
effective signage that reminds motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca can use these local examples as models for our
installation of such signage; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs to identify and install signage
appropriate to the location that reminds motorists of their responsibility to yield to
pedestrians in the Cayuga Waterfront Trail crosswalk across NYS Route 89 near the
entrance to the Cass Park Rink.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the location and placement of signs and the
future use of the free standing, mobile signs in the crosswalk.
Common Council Liaison Hershey stated that a community education campaign should
be conducted. He agreed to draft a Public Service Announcement and collaborate with
an expert on an op-ed piece.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
16. PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
Power to Act on Fayette Street Parking Regulations:
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself power to act on the Fayette Street Parking
Regulations at their November 19, 2003 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
17. WATER AND SEWER
A. Award of Bid for Phosphorus Reduction at IAWWTP.
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Dotson
WHEREAS, bids were received on August 19, 2003 for the Phosphorous Reduction at
the IAWWTP, and
WHEREAS, staff is recommending that the low bidders be awarded their respective
contracts; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the General Construction
Contract for the Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade Project at IAWWTP to Patrick
Constructors, Inc. P.O. Box 188, Bloomfield, NY 14469-0188 for their low bid of
$3,174,300, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the Electrical Contract for
the Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade Project at IAWWTP to Schuler-Hass Electric
Corp., 250 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 for their low bid of $359,600, and
be it further
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Board of Public Works Minutes
November 12, 2003
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the Ventilation Contract for
the Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade Project at IAWWTP to King & King
Mechanical, 16 Fairway Drive, Auburn, NY 13021 for their low bid of $107,600, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the award of all three bids be contingent upon the approval of the
Town of Ithaca’s budget for the project along with the local execution of Bond Act
Contract from Albany, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works and/or Assistant Superintendent
for Water and Sewer be authorized to enter into all three contracts with the usual terms
and conditions and that the funds will be drawn from Capital Project 409J.
Assistant Superintendent for Water & Sewer Fabbroni explained that this resolution was
previously adopted, and the only change in this version is the authorization of
Superintendent of Public Works to sign contracts.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
18. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Continuation of Discussion on Report from Mayor’s Task Force on 25
Mile-Per-Hour Speed Limit – Discussion
Traffic Engineer Cole provided information on the streets identified for a reduced speed
limit which included the length of the street, traffic volume, and number of accidents. He
stated that there may be an issue with continuing Federal aid for roads that have
reduced speed limits. He recommended that the City petition the State to have the
speed limit reduced throughout the City instead of identifying specific streets.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding accident rates and the factors involved.
Commissioner Beach asked if the City could also petition the State to increase speed
on Route 13 corridor to discourage the use of neighborhood streets.
Superintendent Gray stated that it would be difficult to get the State to agree to Home
Rule legislation to reduce speed limits. He further stated that speed is an enforcement
issue not a public works issue.
Alderperson Pryor stated that there should be a legal foundation of lowering speed
limits on City streets. Substantial documentation is needed to justify lowering speed
limits. She stated that Leslie Chatterton called NYS DOT regarding whether the city can
regulate the speed limit on all streets except Route 13/Green/Seneca/Fulton/Meadow
Streets. The DOT responded that no City can lower speed limit through the City lower
than 30 mph, but that the City can reduce speed limits on certain streets to 25 mph.
Mayor Cohen stated that according to The New York State Conference of Mayors, other
cities have reduced speed limits, although not to this degree, and it has been upheld in
court. He stated that the City Attorney would like to review the selection criteria, and
research whether this is a Board of Public Works or Common Council decision.
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Board of Public Works Minutes
November 12, 2003
B. Possible Power to Act for 25 Mile-Per-Hour Speed Limit – Resolution
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Chapman
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act for 25 Mile-Per-Hour Speed Limit
at their Committee of the Whole meeting on November 19, 2003.
Ayes (4) Cohen, Dotson, Chapman, Jenkins
Nays (2) Leonardo, Beach
Carried
22. ADJOURNMENT:
On a Motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
_____________________________ __________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor