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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2007-11-20 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. November 20, 2007 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Chapman, Schlather, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney - Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Environmental Engineer – Gibson Public Works Intern - Myers EXCUSED: Commissioner Tripp Deputy City Controller - Andrew Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel DAC Liaison – Roberts Common Council Liaison – Coles Stormwater Local Law Environmental Engineer Gibson reported that changes had been made to the original proposed Stormwater local law in a meeting called by commissioner Schlather with City Attorney Hoffman, and Alderperson Coles, which were mostly related to phrasing and grammar with a substative changes. He stated that the main concern was the proposed implementation of the law and the assumptions that had been made regarding construction. He further reported that the revised proposed version will make enforcement of the law easier because it requires less administrative work and provides for a more streamlined process due to the enforcement only when the law has been disregarded as opposed to the originally proposed permitting system. He stressed that the revisions did not have any effect on the stringency of the law, which still remains above the requirements of the state. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the changes made to the law and the effects on exceptions and thresholds for requirements of projects. Commissioner Schlather expressed concern over which department will be asked to administer the law. He stated that he understood that it makes sense for the building department to be in charge of enforcing the law, however he expressed concern over the fact that with City projects it would give one department head power over another. Discussion followed regarding which City department would be charged with enforcing the law. Resolution BY Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is a permitted small Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) under State and Federal Stormwater Phase II regulations for stormwater discharges and, WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca received State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit coverage through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) on March 10, 2003 and, WHEREAS, said permit requires the City to develop a local law strategy through a Stormwater Management and Regulation Plan, adequate to protect quality of life through the control of illicit discharges, construction and post construction stormwater runoff and, Board of Public Works – November 20, 2007- Page 2 WHEREAS, the deadline for submission to the NYSDEC of the City’s Stormwater Management and Regulation Plan is December 31, 2007, and WHEREAS, this proposed local law incorporates the requirements of the state and federal stormwater program; now, therefore be it, RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works has reviewed said law and recommends endorsement and approval by Common Council with the following single change: Page 17, Section 282-8. Administration, Paragraph B shall now read, "The Building Commissioner of the City of Ithaca shall be the stormwater management officer who shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this article, except that the Superintendent of Public works of the City of Ithaca shall be the SMO who shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this article with respect to all land development activities to be undertaken by the City of Ithaca." Carried Unanimously Flow Monitoring Station Access Upgrades Bid Award – Resolution By Commisioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on October 18, 2007 for modifications to eight sewer flow monitoring stations designed to improve access to equipment and instrumentation, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the two bids received and made recommendations for award, as has the Special Joint Committee (SJC) at their meeting on October 31, 2007, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid of the Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring Station Access Improvements Project to McPherson Builders of Ithaca, New York, for a total contract of $59,991.00. Carried Unanimously Request for Waiver of Penalty on Water Bill - 106 Fairgrounds Memorial Parkway By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, Michael Harris, representing Benderson Development Company, has requested that the Board of Public Works waiver the late payment penalty on the July 1, 2007 water bill, and WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the exchange of correspondence between the City Chamberlain and Mr. Harrison on this topic, as well as reviewing procedures with the City Chamberlain, now therefore be it, RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works affirms the Chamberlain’s response to Mr. Harrison dated September 19, 2007, and denies the request to expunge the late penalty on account 540708000. Carried Unanimously Waterfront Revitalization Program Mayor Peterson reported that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced a grant opportunity that would provide state money to address the short fall in funding for phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. She stated that the program requires a 50% local fund match. Discussion followed on the floor regarding phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. Mayor Peterson questioned if, since the trail on Willow Ave functions like a sidewalk for the residents, there would be a way to charge some of the expense back to the property Board of Public Works – November 20, 2007- Page 3 owners who benefit from the trail’s presence, as was done with the North Aurora Street sidewalk expansion. Commissioner Schlather inquired if there was any way to create a pedestrian overpass or underpass on Route 13, as part of the trail. Supt. Gray reported that this had been investigated with the New York State Transportation department. He stated that the NYSDOT did not have issues with either option but that the Norfolk Southern railroad, which the path would have to cross over or under would prevent the path from being constructed as they do not allow for pedestrian crossings over their tracks. Discussion followed regarding options for a pedestrian crossing where the proposed trail would meet the railroad tracks. The Board was in favor of pursuing the New York State grant for phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trial. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Public Works Intern Mayor