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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2004-12-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. December 8, 2004 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) -Tsegaye, Jenkins, Chapman, Schlather, Romanoff OTHERS PRESENT: 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 Common Council Liaison – Coles City Chamberlain - Parsons Information Management Specialist - Myers EXCUSED: Commissioner Dotson DAC Liaison - Roberts PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the November 10, 2004 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 10, 2004 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Superintendent Gray requested that Item 16A – Request to Increase Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Capital Project – Resolution be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. Commissioner Schlather requested the addition of the following items: 1) A substitute resolution for item 15A – 2005 City Parking Garage and Parking Meter Rates – Resolution 2) Item 23 - Discussion of pedestrian safety at the intersection of West Seneca and Albany Streets. No Board member objected. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson requested that an Ice/Snow removal discussion be added to a future agenda to discuss proactive approaches. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: The following people addressed the Board regarding the proposed increased parking rates: Kyllikki Inman, Town of Ithaca David Stewart, Town of Ithaca Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca Pat White, Town of Ithaca Board of Public Works – December 8, 2004 2 Jane Marcham, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the proposed change to two-way traffic on Aurora Street between Buffalo and Court Street. Nancy Schuler, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the repair needed to the Belgium block roadway by Ferris and Quarry Streets. David Hammer, City of Ithaca – Representing the Orchard Park Neighborhood Association, addressed the Board regarding the sidewalk and sidewall on Eddy Street that is in deteriorated condition and in need of repair. Mary Tomlan, City of Ithaca 3rd Ward Alderperson, addressed the Board regarding the deteriorated condition of the Belgium block road way by Ferris and Quarry Streets, and the need for preservation of this historic roadway. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Schlather responded to comments made regarding the proposed increase in parking rates. He thanked the public for their comments and input and encouraged suggestions for innovative alternatives to avoid future increases. He explained that parking does not pay for itself, and noted that there is a significant reduction in the parking rate in the garages for all day parking from $15.00 to $7.00 per day. He further stated that the committee had to make very hard decisions. Common Council Liaison Coles stated that she wanted the public to be aware that the current administration did not put the City into this situation, but now they need to do the best they can to manage the situation. She explained that the City Chamberlain has a new and improved system in place to ensure that parking tickets are paid. She asked that people remember that the City’s taxpayers are supporting parking, and she could not agree to raise taxes to pay for parking. Superintendent Gray responded to comments made about the proposed change to two- way traffic on Aurora Street, and stated that staff members shared the same concerns. He further stated that there is a legal agreement in place tied to the Hotel project which cannot be undone. It was the hope that this change would take some of the pressure off Cayuga Street and the traffic congestion experienced there. Assistant Superintendent for Water & Sewer Fabbroni stated that he hopes to build a sewer line up Aurora Street that would require a street closure. The proposed two-way traffic pattern for that block will make the job difficult to complete. Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that he had reviewed this proposal last year and determined that every meter located on the west side of the street would need to be changed, in addition to new signage. The conversion was to be completed last Spring, but was delayed. Mayor Peterson stated that she would review the agreement made by the previous administration, and discuss this issue further with staff. Superintendent Gray responded to comments made about the condition of the Belgium blocks on Ferris and Quarry Streets, and stated that they are not in good shape. Due to the width of the street and the traffic volume he would need to talk to discuss the layout of the street and density with Fire Chief Wilbur so that emergency vehicles and garbage trucks are able to maneuver through the street when needed while preserving the historic blocked street. Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that he has inspected this area and there is significant damage. Temporary repairs are needed, but this is a major project that needs to be completed. Commissioner Romanoff questioned whether a street like this is realistic because of the density and increased traffic. A subcommittee will be formed to study this project. Board of Public Works – December 8, 2004 3 Superintendent Gray responded to comments made about the sidewalk and sidewall on Eddy Street. The City has been aware of this declining situation. The bank is very steep and the city will want to participate in the repair project because it’s not fair for the property owners to have to bear the entire cost of the repairs. The City will investigate this situation further and see what temporary measures can be taken to make the walkway safe until permanent repairs can be made. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the Board that the Traffic Engineer has submitted his resignation, and accepted a position in another state. This vacancy will have to go through the position review process and he would like to discuss this further with the Board at the next meeting on December 15, 2004. Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters: - Jeff Soule has accepted the position of Chief Waste Water Plan Operator. - Due to the TCAT transition there is a possibility that some people may bump into truck driver positions at the Water Department. Commissioner Romanoff and the rest of the Board thanked Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni for the tour he had given them of the water plant. They felt it would be useful for citizens to be able to tour and see the plant as well. 13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT: A. Award of Bid for Multi-Building Upgrade Project - Resolution By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather WHEREAS, bids were received for the multi-building modification project on November 23, 2004, and WHEREAS, the project to improve building access includes modifications to the Ithaca Police and Fire stations, the Youth Bureau and Cass Park buildings, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the low bidder be awarded the contract; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the multi-building modification project to West Construction of 1138 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901 for their low bid of$119,350, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with West Construction with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously B. Award of Bid for Streets and Facilities Building Heat System Repairs - Resolution By Commissioner Tsegaye: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff WHEREAS, bids were received for the Streets and Facilities building heat system repairs on November 30, 2004, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bid and recommends that the low and only bidder be awarded the bid; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid for the Streets and Facilities building heat system repairs to HMI Mechanical of 345 Route 14, Lyons, NY 14489-9766 for their low bid of $41,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Streets and Facilities to enter into an agreement with HMI Mechanical with the usual terms and conditions. Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works – December 8, 2004 4 C. 2002, 2003 & 2004 License Fees for use of city land - Resolution By Commissioner Romanoff: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, it has come to the Board’s attention that private properties which use city owned property under license agreements have not been issued bills for that use in recent years, and WHEREAS, a review of estimated bills indicates that this represents between $13,000 and $14,000 per year or approximately $40,000 for years 2002 to 2004; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Superintendent of Public Works to see that the bills are reconstructed and then work with the City Controller and the City Chamberlain to create a system of tracking and creating receivable bills to avoid a repeat of this failure in the future, and be if further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to the finalize the 2002, 2003, and 2004 property license fees and provide the necessary documentation in order for the City Chamberlain to collect such fees. Carried Unanimously 15. PARKING AND TRAFFIC A. 2005 City Parking Garage and Parking Meter Rates - Resolution By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works formed a subcommittee to review and propose 2005 rates for the municipal park in order to meet the adopted 2005 budget projection; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the proposed 2005 municipal parking rates as follows: Parking System or Facility Actual Proposed Projected 2004 2005 2006 Seneca Street Garage Monthly Permits day and night Upper levels 5-9 $40/mo $50/mo $60/mo All levels $50/mo $50/mo $60/mo Contract with Hotel n/a $42/mo $44/mo Hourly 0 – 2* 0 0 0 2 – 24* n/a $1/hour $1.50/hour Maximum $15/day $7/day $7.50/day Green Street Garage Monthly Permits day and night Upper level $40/mo $50/mo $60/mo All levels $50/mo $50/mo $60/mo Contract with County $40/mo $42/mo $44/mo Hourly 0 – 2* 0 0 0 2 – 24* n/a $1/hour $1.50/hour Maximum $15/day $7/day $7.50/day Dryden Road Garage Monthly Permits Day 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. $85/mo $90/mo $90/mo Night 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. $85/mo $90/mo $90/mo Hourly 0 – 24 $.75/hourly $1.25/hour $2.00/hour Maximum $24/day $12/day $15/day Other Non-Meter, Permit-Parking Facilities Board of Public Works – December 8, 2004 5 Monthly Permits (day and night)$40/mo $50/mo $60.00 Cayuga Green Garage Monthly Permits day and night Upper Level $0/mo $50/mo $60/mo All Levels $0/mo $50/mo $60/mo Contract with County $0/mo $42/mo $44/mo Hourly 0-2* 0 0 0 2-24* 0 $1/hr $1.50/hr Maximum $0/day $7/day $7.50/day Parking meters Downtown $.50/hour $1.00/hour $1.50/hour 2 hr max Collegetown .50/hour $1.25/hour $1.50/hour 2 hr max Thurston. Edgemoor & Stewart Ave. .25/hour $.25/hour $.25/hour 9 hr max Commissioner Schlather explained and emphasized that this rate structure provides for continuation of the first two hours in the garage as free; there is free parking at garages after 8 p.m. and on the weekends; and the increase in meters rates. He suggested that a sticker be put on the meters to let parkers know that they can park for free for two hours in the garages which might save them the cost of parking at the meters. Discussion followed on the floor regarding how the new rates were arrived at and discrepancies in the documentation that was provided to the Board by way of two different resolutions with different information. Extensive discussion followed on how to be consistent in the rates at all garages versus market rates and parking demand. Board members felt that they did not have enough written documentation to review and consider in order to make a decision. Power to Act: By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act at its next meeting scheduled for December 15, 2004 on the 2005 City Parking Garage and Parking Meter Rates. Carried Unanimously 16. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS: Request to increase Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Capital Project By Commissioner : Seconded by Commissioner WHEREAS, A Project for the rehabilitation of the THURSTON AVENUE BRIDGE OVER FALL CREEK, B.I.N. 2210630, P.I.N. 375322 for $8,200,000 (the Project) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code as administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as amended, and calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be borne at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds, and WHEREAS, The Policy Committee of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) approved a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendment on October 19, 2004 to increase funding for the current Thurston Avenue Bridge Project, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a commitment of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Scoping, Design (Phases I-VI), Construction, and Construction Inspection. NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Public Works, duly convened does hereby RESOLVE, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the above-subject project; and it is hereby further Board of Public Works – December 8, 2004 6 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that Common Council hereby authorize the City of Ithaca to pay in the first instance 100% of the federal and non-federal share of the cost of Scoping, Design (Phases I-VI), Construction, and Construction Inspection for the Project or portions thereof; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends in the event the full federal and non-federal share costs of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, Common Council of the City of Ithaca shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the NYSDOT thereof, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the Mayor of the City of Ithaca, of the County of Tompkins be and is hereby authorized to sign all necessary Agreements with NYSDOT to secure Federal Aid and Marchiselli Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca and the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to sign all necessary construction documents, contracts, certifications and reimbursement requests, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the Common Council authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to administer the above project, and be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Power to Act: By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Chapman RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on the Request to Increase Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Capital Project at its next meeting scheduled for December 15, 2004. Carried Unanimously 18. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS: A. Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District - Resolution By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District charges for 2005, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be requested to make the billing at the appropriate time. Carried Unanimously NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Schlather stated that in light of the tragic and fatal pedestrian/motor vehicle accident yesterday at the intersection of West Seneca Street and Albany Street, the traffic controls should be changed to an “All Stop” pedestrian phase. Mayor Peterson stated that she has formed a Pedestrian Awareness Committee which has positions that need to be filled, and would be able to work on addressing items such as this. There is a serious need for education of the public that pedestrians have the right-of-way. Commissioner Schlather questioned what would need to be done in order to move forward with changing the traffic lights at the above-mentioned intersection. Superintendent Gray responded that because that roadway is a New York State arterial, the request would need to be put in writing to the State with the reasons for the request. NYSDOT will conduct a study, and then respond to the city. Power to Act: By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff Board of Public Works – December 8, 2004 7 RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on concerns related to the intersections at West Seneca Street and Albany Street at their next regularly scheduled meeting on December 15, 2004. Carried Unanimously Mayor Peterson reported that there are appointments and reappointments that will need to done for the Board, and that BPW liaison positions need to be filled. Commissioner Tsegaye raised concerns about the proposed Apprenticeship Program and would like this Board to be part of those discussions. Superintendent Gray stated that he would update the Board at their next meeting on this item. Commissioner Chapman raised concerns about the new concrete curb ramps that were poured by Beverly J. Martin School that don’t meet ADA guidelines. Superintendent Gray responded that crews would need to go back in to make the curb cuts ADA accessible and that is how work for this type of project is routinely completed. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Information Management Specialist Mayor