HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2005-01-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. January 12, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Dotson, Chapman, Schlather, Romanoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Building Commissioner – Radke
Deputy Planning & Development Director – Cornish
Historic Preservation & Neighborhood Planner - Chatterton
Information Management Specialist - Myers
EXCUSED:
Common Council Liaison Coles
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Mayor Peterson requested that Approval of the Minutes of the December 8, 2004 Board
of Public Works Meeting be removed from the agenda.
No Board member objected.
Mayor Peterson requested that Item 17A - Agreement to Swap Parking Areas –
Resolution be moved up on the agenda as concerned parties and staff were in
attendance at the meeting.
No Board member objected.
Superintendent Gray requested that New Business Item 23A – Request from Elizabeth
A. Clune Montessori School for Use of DeWitt Park be added to the agenda.
No Board member objected.
MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Peterson reported on the following concerns that have been brought to her
attention:
1) Safety issues at the triangle intersection of South Meadow Street and Spencer
Road.
2) Snow/ice plowed back onto narrow curb line by City near new roundabout,
makes it very difficult for property owners to maintain sidewalks.
3) Snow/ice removal to keep sidewalks and crosswalks clear for pedestrians.
Building Department is responsible for enforcement of owners maintaining their
sidewalks clean and free from ice and snow.
4) Concern from employee at Dryden Road garage regarding the City recognizing
Cornell’s handicap parking permits and allowing them to use handicap spaces at the
garage. Students seem to be abusing this privilege.
Board of Public Works – January 12, 2005
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5) Issues for 2005 for the Board of Public Works, including construction work
update process and how 2004 process can be expanded to include outside contractors
and other entities so that their work schedules are communicated to city staff.
6) Low manhole covers, Mayor Peterson and Assistant Superintendent for Streets
and Facilities responded to this complaint and the complainant responded back to them
in a very negative fashion.
7) She has been meeting with Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities
Ferrel concerning gas/greenhouse emissions. They have been working with the
Chicago Climate exchange and are awaiting more data. Mayor Peterson will keep the
Board apprised of progress.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the problems that arise when
sidewalks are shoveled by property owners, and then the City comes through to plow
and puts snow back onto the sidewalk and at curb cuts. Further discussion followed on
the possibility of using community service workers to clear snow from curb cuts and on
the street near curb cuts. The Board agreed that they need to come up with a creative
solution to deal with this issue that may include changing the current legislation.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Lynn Jackier, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board to let them know that she was at the
meeting to answer any questions that might arise when they discuss the resolution
concerning the Drop in Children’s Center.
Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding speeding on North Aurora
Street. He stated that it is a residential street that acts as a highway shortcut between
Route 96 and Route 13, and talked about traffic calming measures that might be
appropriate for that street.
Bill Olney, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding parking restrictions on East
State Street below Stewart Avenue and how it negatively impacts the tenants on the
street since many of the properties do not have driveways.
17. WATER AND SEWER:
17A. Agreement to Swap Parking Areas - Resolution
By Commissioner : Seconded by Commissioner
WHEREAS, The Drop In Children’s Center (DICC) has received 2003 and 2004 CBDG
funding to expand their current daycare facilities by an additional 3600 square feet if
substantially complete by September 30, 2005, and
WHEREAS, the DICC has made arrangements to lease a 21 space off-street-
employee- parking-area from the Bowl-a-Drome owners for a minimum of 10 years, and
WHEREAS, shifting the proposed supplementary drop off location from Adams Street is
viewed by many area homeowners to more effectively buffer the residential
neighborhood to the south from potential impacts related to land use changes, noise,
and safety along the Adams Street boundary; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Assistant Superintendent of
Public Works to work with the Mayor and City Attorney to execute an agreement for
exchanging equivalent off street employee parking space use along with any associated
legal instruments including but not limited to access easements and liability assignment
for the period of time that the DICC lease for the employee lot is in force or until
alternate mutually agreeable terms are reached between the DICC and the City of
Ithaca but only if such action is in compliance with any associated required Planning
Board and Board of Zoning Appeals approvals.
Extensive discussion took place on this resolution before it was moved for discussion
and voting purposes.
Board of Public Works – January 12, 2005
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Building Commissioner Radke explained to the Board the zoning implications of the
proposed resolution. If the Board passes the above resolution as written it would
require a use variance which means that if the variance is granted, the new use would
follow the property in perpetuity. Extensive discussion followed on the floor with the
Board asking the Building Commissioner and Planning Department staff questions
about alternative parking and safety issues. Commissioner Radke explained the
difference between a variance and a special use permit. The efforts of Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni to find a good faith compromise in this complex situation were noted by Board
members.
The following resolution was moved for discussion and a vote:
17A. Agreement to Swap Parking Areas - Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff
WHEREAS, The Drop In Children’s Center (DICC) has received 2003 and 2004 CBDG
funding to expand their current daycare facilities by an additional 3600 square feet if
substantially complete by September 30, 2005, and
WHEREAS, the DICC has made arrangements to lease a 21 space off-street-
employee- parking-area on Adams Street from the Bowl-a-Drome owners for a
minimum of 10 years, and
WHEREAS, shifting the proposed supplementary drop off location from Adams Street is
viewed by many area homeowners to more effectively buffer the residential
neighborhood to the south from potential impacts related to land use changes, noise,
and safety along the Adams Street boundary; however, in order to do this, it would be
necessary for the City of Ithaca Water and Sewer division to swap its parking area on
First Street for the Drop In Children’s Center parking now leased from a private owner
for the non-conforming parking facility on Adams Street – which then would become a
permanent, grandfathered, non-conforming use in an already fragile neighborhood
according to the City Building Commissioner and City Planning staff; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That upon consideration of and in balancing all of these factors, it appears
that such an arrangement is not in the best long term interests of the neighborhood, the
Board of Public Works declines to endorse such an arrangement.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters:
1) The Traffic Engineer’s last day was January 7, 2005.
2) Assistant City Engineer Hernando Gil’s last day is January 13, 2005. The City
has entered into a 2 year contract with Mr. Gil to provide management services for
upcoming bridge work. Eight million dollars needs to be retrieved from the Department
of Transportation and the Federal Government for these projects and he will be working
on that as well.
3) He has submitted a proposal to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
for 12.2 million dollars for projects for the next 5 years. One project that was not
approved, because they wanted more information, was the Southwest Area study. He
will work to provide more information to the TIP on the Southwest Area study in the
hope that it will be approved as well.
He then answered questions from Board members concerning pedestrian and fire
department access from the new Lowe’s parking lot into Nates Floral Estates.
Board of Public Works – January 12, 2005
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Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters:
1) Crews have been working on snow removal operations. They are pleased with
this winter’s mild temperatures.
2) Pothole crews have been out everyday, they try to keep up with them by visual
inspection and by complaint.
3) The Parks and Forestry crews have been removing snow from the Commons
and ramps and will be picking up Christmas trees through the month of January.
4) The heating upgrade at Streets & Facilities is in progress and is 60-70%
complete.
5) He has submitted a proposal to the State DOT planning for a Transportation
Improvement proposal for reconstruction of East State Street from Mitchell Street to the
City line and for Elmira Road, South of the new construction to the City line. He said that
the State is interested in both projects and had questions because they thought his
figures were too low. These projects would be done in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
6) He has spent a lot of time on paperwork for a court case, researching
information, records and drawings, and working on Notice of Claims against the City.
7) Crews are waiting for their labor contract to be signed so they can get their pay
raises.
Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni reported to the Board on the following matters:
1) The addition to the Waste Water Treatment Plant is moving along. The weather
has cooperated, and they are pouring concrete for the project in January.
2) He had a very positive meeting with the Town of Ithaca today regarding water
main work to be done on First Street.
3) Work on Watershed Grants is ongoing.
4) A new Waste Water Treatment Plant Chief has been hired who is full of energy
and is inspecting all aspects of the plant.
5) There were a lot of water main breaks over the holidays; a lot of the old cast iron
pipes are wearing out.
14. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK:
14A. Request to ITCTC and NYSDOT for Safety Improvements Along Route 13-
Resolution
By Commissioner Romanoff: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received several requests from residents
and planning committees to improve safety for both pedestrians and bicycles crossing
Route 13 at the intersection with Dey Street, as well as the intersection with Third
Street, and
WHEREAS, these requests are the result of the success of the community’s Farmer’s
Market, the current and future expansion of the Water Front Trail system, and a desire
to improve park access (Stewart Park, Cass Park, Newman Golf Course, and eventually
the state parks) contained in several adopted neighborhood plans, which are all in
conflict with the increasing traffic on Route 13, and
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the importance of Route 13 as a vital transportation
link, for the state and the county as well as the city, which helps keep traffic out of city
neighborhoods if it works efficiently and safely; now, therefore be it
Board of Public Works – January 12, 2005
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RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the help of the Ithaca Tompkins
County Transportation Council (ITCTC) and the NYSDOT in developing a
comprehensive solution to this problem, which is the result of all the previously
mentioned successes, by undertaking the following, among
1) The Board of Public Works requests that the NYSDOT review the traffic
signal cycle length at the Third Street and Dey Street intersections with Route
13 and consider some means such as pedestrian buttons to lengthen the side
street phase to allow pedestrians to safely cross the Route 13 pavement.
2) The Board requests that the NYSDOT consider extending the 40 MPH zone
on Route 13 a quarter mile or more north of the Dey Street intersection and
that the north bound traffic see “End 40 MPH Zone” signs, with the 55 MPH
speed limit posted a half mile or more north of Dey Street.
3) The Board requests that the ITCTC work with the city and the NYSDOT to
develop a comprehensive solution for alternate modes of transportation to
safely cross the Route 13 corridor (such as grade separation using the
Cascadilla or Fall Creek bridge crossings) in those areas which are apparent
now or anticipated in the future in order to insure the success and full
utilization of community assets and alternate modes of transportation while
allowing Route 13 to function as a state wide asset.
Amending Resolution:
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather
RESOLVED, That the following amendments be made to item numbers 1 and 3 and
that a number 4 be added that will read as follows:
1) The Board of Public Works requests that the NYSDOT review the traffic
signal cycle length at the Third Street and Dey Street intersections with
Route 13 and consider some means such as pedestrian buttons and lights
that meet ADA requirements to lengthen the side street phase to allow
pedestrians to safely cross the Route 13 pavement.
3) The Board requests that the ITCTC work with the city and the NYSDOT to
develop a comprehensive solution for safe multi-modal, e.g.
pedestrian/bicycle crossing throughout the Route 13 corridor to safely
cross the Route 13 corridor (such as grade separation using the
Cascadilla or Fall Creek bridge crossings) in those areas which are
apparent now or anticipated in the future in order to insure the success
and full utilization of community assets and alternate modes of
transportation while allowing Route 13 to function as a state wide asset.
4) That the existing signals be adjusted and maintained to trigger for bicycle
cross traffic.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Request from Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School for the Use of DeWitt
Park:
Superintendent Gray brought this request to the Board for their input into whether or not
he should grant a permit. The request involves children creating luminaries out of
decorated shoe boxes and pulling them as sleds around DeWitt Park and then burning
them in a barrel at the park. The Board recommended that the Fire Department give
their approval for this request before a permit is issued.
Board of Public Works – January 12, 2005
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B. Power to Act:
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act at its Committee of the Whole
meeting on January 19, 2005 on an Excavator Contract for the Water and Sewer
Department.
Carried Unanimously
C. Request for Transfer of Funds:
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commission Schlather
WHEREAS, the position of Traffic Engineer has become vacant as of January 7, 2005,
and
WHEREAS, the City Vacancy Review Committee has approved a request to fill the
position, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works anticipates the need for interim traffic
engineering services which will require contracting for professional services to cover the
open period, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Superintendent of Public
Works request the transfer of funds from the 100 lines to the 400 lines within the
existing budget.
Carried Unanimously
D. Mayor Peterson stated that there will be a small interview committee made up to
interview applicants for the Traffic Engineer position and asked if any of the Board
members would be interested in serving on this committee.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Information Management Specialist Mayor