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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2008-04-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:00 p.m. April 16, 2008 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Chapman, Schlather, Tripp, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Deputy City Controller - Andrew Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Executive Assistant – Myers DAC Liaison – Roberts EXCUSED: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Common Council Liaison – Coles Approval of Minutes: By Commissioner Wykstra; Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the January 17, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting, March 5, 2008 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting, March 12, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting, March 19, 2008 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 2008 Golf Course Rates Asst. Supt. Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that 40 memberships had been sold in the last week. He stated that was unusually high for this early in the season. Discussion followed regarding possible changes to the fee structure for youth members. Asst. Supt. Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that the course was full of juniors during the week and it was clear that there was a need for supervision. He suggested that the youth rates be changed to $50 if attending with a paying adult, weekends after 3 free with an adult. He stated that an unrestricted $50 fee for youth membership posed safety concerns. Discussion followed regarding how any changes to the fee structure might affect the revenue of the course. Further discussion followed regarding the suggested changes to the youth structure and enforcement issues. Further discussion followed regarding methods for increasing youth interest in the golf course. Commissioner Tripp arrived at the meeting 5:25 p.m. Resolution By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the advertised rates for other golf courses in the area, and WHEREAS, Newman Golf Course rates were changed in each of the last three years, and WHEREAS, the 2007 adopted rates for Newman Golf Course are competitive with neighboring golf courses for the 2008 season, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the rates established in 2007 as the 2008 Newman Golf Course rate schedule. Resolution to Amend By Commissioner Tripp; Seconded by Commissioner Schlather RESOLVED, That the following resolved clause be added at the end of the resolution “that an ad hoc committee be created to investigate means of increasing youth participation at the golf course”. Carried Unanimously Discussion followed regarding the possibility of discounted rates for City employees. Commissioner Chapman stated that employee discounts should be discussed in a sub committee meeting. Commissioner Schlather agreed that employee discount rates should be discussed in a subcommittee meeting when rates are set for 2009 but for the 2008 season he is in favor of lower the rate for employees. Resolution to Amend By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the rates for weekdays and weekend golfing be increased and that the rate for city employees be the same as the rate charged to college students. There were no objections to the amendment. Vote on Main Resolution as Amended WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the advertised rates for other golf courses in the area, and WHEREAS, Newman Golf Course rates were changed in each of the last three years, and WHEREAS, the 2007 adopted rates for Newman Golf Course are competitive with neighboring golf courses for the 2008 season, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the 2007 rates with minor changes, as shown below, for the 2008 Newman Golf Course rate schedule, and be it further 2008 Rates Individual Resident 500.00 Individual Non-Resident 550.00 Sr. Individual Resident 450.00 Non-Resident 500.00 Domestic Couple Resident 700.00 Non-Resident 770.00 Family Resident 770.00 Non-Resident 840.00 Weekday Only Resident 325.00 Non-Resident 360.00 Weekday Domestic Couple Resident 480.00 Non-Resident 520.00 Senior Domestic Couple Resident 630.00 Non-Resident 770.00 Junior Resident 200.00 Non-Resident 220.00 College Membership (Ages 18-22) $275.00 (Restricted weekdays before 4 p.m. w/college ID and weekends after 12 noon) City Employee Rates $275.00 Daily Fees 2008 Weekday 18 holes 17.00 Weekday 9 holes 13.00 Weekend 18 holes 20.00 Weekend 9 holes 15.00 after 2 p.m. Member User Fee N/A League 12.00 daily RESOLVED, That an ad hoc committee be created to investigate means of increasing youth participation at the golf course. Carried Unanimously Gateway Easement Approval of Easement and Boundary Line Agreement, Gateway Property on East State Street By Commissioner Wykstra; Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, various historical easements for the benefit of the City of Ithaca are currently associated with the property between East State Street and Six Mile Creek (Tax Map Parcel 69-6-3), now known as the Gateway property and owned by GPA Management, LLC, and the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency; and WHEREAS, City staff advises that certain of the afore-mentioned easements are no longer needed by the City; and WHEREAS, in 1999, the City negotiated with the former owner of the property in question, Donald Dickinson, permission for the City to install a 16-inch water main through a portion of the property, parallel to the existing retaining wall along the north side of Six Mile Creek (the “Creek Wall”), with the intention that this main could eventually serve as part of a new or back-up main extending from the City’s water filtration plant on Water Street to the downtown area; and WHEREAS, the water main was constructed, but the easement negotiated with Mr. Dickinson was never recorded by the City, and the subsequent purchase of the property by the current owner, without proper notice of the easement, may render this easement unenforceable; and WHEREAS, as a condition of site plan approval for the redevelopment of the Gateway property (and of Tax Map Parcel 69-6-14, which is contiguous and under related ownership), the owner/developer was required to construct a public pedestrian/bicycle walkway (the “Creek Walk”) along the Creek Wall, extending for approximately 400 feet easterly from the Green Street sidewalk, and to reserve a similar corridor for the future, easterly extension of the Creek Walk (by the City), to the easterly end of the Gateway property; and WHEREAS, although surveys show the westerly portion of the Creek Wall to be owned by GPA Management, and the easterly portion to be owned by the City, a review of the title to the Gateway property provides evidence the existing Creek Wall was constructed by the City (perhaps in the early 1900s), and that at that time the City was given access across the property for the purpose of maintaining part or all of the wall; and WHEREAS, clarification of the ownership of and responsibility for the Creek Wall will facilitate proper monitoring of its condition and will reduce the possibility of future disputes about its maintenance or delays in its repair; and WHEREAS, proper maintenance of the Creek Wall is necessary to protect the City’s water main and its Creek Walk; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to secure appropriate, permanent easements (and, where necessary, temporary easements for construction) for the afore-mentioned water main and the full length of the Creek Walk (as built and as planned), and for access to and maintenance, repair or replacement of the Creek Wall; and WHEREAS, GPA Management wishes to donate such easements to the City; and WHEREAS, GPA Management has requested that the City provide to it a permanent easement allowing GPA Management pedestrian access the adjacent parcel owned by the City (containing Six Mile Creek), for the purpose of removing trash from that parcel, which easement would not substantively expand upon the current availability of such access to the general public; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approve the relinquishment and termination of four easements for the benefit of the City, referenced in a deed to the City from Robert H. and Laura H. Treman (dated August 21, 1918, and recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office, in Liber 191 of Deeds at Page 240), that are described in Paragraph 6 of the attached, draft agreement, said easements no longer being needed by the City; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approve the grant, to GPA Management, LLC, and the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, of the easement described above (across the Six Mile Creek parcel), and the receipt, by donation, from the same parties, of the easements described above, for the City’s water main and Creek Walk, and for access to the Creek Wall; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board approve the fixing of the northerly boundary of the City’s Six Mile Creek parcel, vis-a-vis the Gateway property, along the inside (i.e., northerly) face of the Creek Wall, with the understanding that by doing so the City will clarify and/or confirm its responsibility, henceforth, for maintaining the wall as needed; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorize the Mayor, upon the advice of the City Attorney, to execute an Easement and Boundary Line Agreement, among the City and GPA Management, LLC, and the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, substantially in the form of the attached, draft document of the same title, dated April 16, 2008, together with any other documents necessary to implement the steps approved by this resolution. City Attorney Hoffman stated that all of the changes made to the draft that was distributed last week were based on maps and further research. He further explained all the changes and stated that the Board needed to vote on this today to avoid losing grant money for the second phase of the creek walk. Discussion followed on the creek walk and ideas for further expansion of the walk. Vote on the resolution Carried 5-0-1 Commissioner Schlather recused himself from the vote since his business partner works for one of the parties involved. Resolution Declaring the Board of Public Works Lead Agency for the Environmental Review of the Proposed Improvements to Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, Located in Cass Park on NYS Route 89 in the City of Ithaca By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Ithaca Babe Ruth League has made a proposal to improve, at its own expense, Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, located in Cass Park in the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, improvements for Field 8 include 80 LF of 8 ft. high chain link fence, 40 ft. of 4 ft. high, capped chain link fence on each side of the infield for a total of 80 LF, approximately 340 LF of 4 ft. high capped chain link fence in the outfield. Improvements to Field 9 include enclosing both dugout openings with approximately 20 LF of 8 ft. high chain link fence with a 4 ft. wide opening at the outfield end of the dugouts, and WHEREAS, this is a an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, now therefore be it, RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself Lead Agency for the environmental review of the proposed improvements to Field #8, located in Cass Park on NYS Route 89 in the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously Resolution for the Environmental Review of the Proposed Improvements to Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, Located in Cass Park on NYS Route 89 in the City of Ithaca By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Ithaca Babe Ruth League has made a proposal to improve, at its own expense, Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, located in Cass Park in the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, improvements for Field 8 include 80 LF of 8 ft. high chain link fence, 40 ft. of 4 ft. high, capped chain link fence on each side of the infield for a total of 80 LF, approximately 340 LF of 4 ft. high capped chain link fence in the outfield. Improvements to Field 9 include enclosing both dugout openings with approximately 20 LF of 8 ft. high chain link fence with a 4 ft. wide opening at the outfield end of the dugouts, and WHEREAS, this is a an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council, Tompkins County Planning Department and other interested agencies have been given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and all comments received have been considered, and WHEREAS: the Board of Public Works, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review, has, on April 16, 2008, reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form, submitted by City of Ithaca Planning Staff, plans entitled “Cal Ripken – Field 8” hand dated 4/9/08 and “Babe Ruth – Field 9”, hand dated 4/4/08, prepared by HMH Site and Sports Design, and other application materials, now therefore be it RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works determines that the proposed improvements to Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, located in Cass Park in the City of Ithaca, will result in no significant impact on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Carried Unanimously Discussion followed regarding the possibility of increased night play at the field due to the project. Resolution Approving Proposed Improvements to Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, Located in Cass Park on NYS Route 89 in the City of Ithaca By Commissioner Schalther, Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the Ithaca Babe Ruth League has made a proposal to improve, at its own expense, Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, located in Cass Park in the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the proposed improvements to Field 8 include 80 LF of 8 ft. high chain link fence, 40 ft. of 4 ft. high, capped chain link fence on each side of the infield for a total of 80 LF, approximately 340 LF of 4 ft. high capped chain link fence in the outfield. Improvements to Field 9 include enclosing both dugout openings with approximately 20 LF of 8 ft. high chain link fence with a 4 ft. wide opening at the outfield end of the dugouts, and WHEREAS, under the League’s proposal, it would be responsible for maintaining the afrore-mentioned fences and would be permitted to contract for advertising signs or banners on the inside of the filed fences, subject to prior approval of any such advertising by the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and to use any fees collected for such advertising solely for the purchase and repair of League uniforms and equipment, and WHEREAS, this is a an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act for which the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency in environmental review, has on April 16, 2008, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form, submitted by City of Ithaca Planning Staff, plans entitled “Cal Ripken – Field 8” hand dated 4/9/08 and “Babe Ruth – Field 9”, hand dated 4/4/08, prepared by HMH Site and Sports Design, and other application materials, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works approves the proposed improvements to Cal Ripken – Field 8 and Babe Ruth – Field 9, (described above) located in Cass Park in the City of Ithaca, and authorizes the Mayor, upon advice of the City Attorney, the Superintendent of Public Works and the Director of the Youth Bureau, to execute a License Agreement with the Ithaca Babe Ruth League, intended to allow the improvement described in this resolution, the above-described arrangement regarding advertising on the field fences, and use of the fields per customary practice. Carried Unanimously Presentation on Commons Repair Project Civil Engineer West and Assistant Civil Engineer Yost reported to the Board on possible repair options for the Commons Repair Capital Project. Assistant Civil Engineer Yost stated that 8 or 9 repair options had been discussed and after public outreach and comments options had been revised. She further explained the proposed method for the repair project and a possible schedule for approval. She stated that the Board will need to take action at the May 7th meeting. Discussion followed regarding the extent of the repairs, the material options and the brick circle. Joseph Gaylord, American Crafts, requested that staff look into the warranty from the contractor on the brick circle. Civil Engineer West stated that the warranty on the work was expired. Mack Travis and Gary Ferguson, Ithaca Downtown Alliance stated that they appreciated the revisions to the repair project that were made based on the public comment. Fay Gougakis, Commons Resident, stated that there had not been enough outreach to the residential community on the Commons. She further stated that it doesn’t make sense to do this work during the busiest shopping season on the commons. Further discussion about the proposed repair options followed. Mini-Traffic Circle at South Plain and Center Street Engineering Technician Johnson stated that staff has reviewed this intersection and recommends that a 4-way yield be installed. He stated that the Board does not need to pass a resolution just voice their support. Alderperson Rosario stated that the residents are in favor of a 4-way yield at that intersection. Discussion followed regarding the development of the intersection and the need for the 4-way yield. The Board was in favor of staff’s recommendation and requested that staff move forward with implementation. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. ________________________ Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor