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