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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2008-05-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Special Meeting 5:00 p.m. May 7, 2008 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Schlather, Tripp, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney - Hoffman Deputy City Controller - Andrew Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Common Council Liaison – Coles Executive Assistant – Myers Assistant Civil Engineer – Yost Community Development Planner – Kittel Director of GIAC – Fort City Chamberlain - Parsons Traffic Systems Engineer - Logue EXCUSED: Commissioner Chapman DAC Liaison – Roberts PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Dominick Versage, 107 Brandon Place, addressed the Board regarding the upcoming road construction on Brandon Place. He stated that the neighborhood would like to discuss the project and their concerns prior to the work starting. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Asst. Supt. of Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that the Brandon Place paving project would begin after the East State Street paving project was complete. He stated that Brandon Place is very narrow and that many changes need to be made. He further stated that it would be very difficult to fit the sidewalks, roadway and curb in the right of way. Buildings, Properties, Refuse, and Transit GIAC Project Update GIAC Director Fort and Community Development Planner Kittel reported on the status of the $4 million repair and renovation project at GIAC. They stated that the first client committee meeting had been held and that the Request for Proposals was out and generating a lot of interest. They stated that the contract should be prepared for authorization by late June, with a construction bid in January and construction during 2009. GIAC will operate at a different location for the year of construction. Community Development Planner Kittel stated that the project is half funded by the City and half funded by IURA. Brief discussion followed regarding the age of the building and the responses to the RFP. Creeks, Bridges, and Parks Cass Park Dock Design Community Development Planner Kittel reported on the IURA funded project for the design and construction of a dock at Cass Park. She stated that it will be a public dock designed to be accessible to dragon boats and with a canoe launch. Discussion followed regarding the use of the Dock and safety precautions for the dock. May 7, 2008 Board of Public Works Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 Community Development Planner Kittel stated that the City will set the policies on the use of the dock. Highways, Streets, and Sidewalks Commons Repair Project – Report and Resolution By Commissioner Schlather; seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the condition of pavement on the Ithaca Commons led to approval of $120,000 in capital project funds to implement short-term repairs, and WHEREAS, discussions with contractors, city staff, Project Coordination Committee, Commons Advisory Board, Board of Public Works, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the business community and the public led to desire for a low-impact approach to repairs, and WHEREAS, funds have been allocated for the design of a larger scale project to address defects on the Ithaca Commons that are beyond the scope of this project, and that project is progressing, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the City Engineer’s Office to solicit bids for Ithaca Commons – Short Term Repair Project, and include restrictions on work area size, number of work areas in use at any one time, hours of work, and work methods to achieve a low-impact approach to the repairs to minimize the disruption to the commercial environment and the ambience of the area, and be it further RESOLVED, That the repair project include a selection of unit price repairs and two bid alternates for temporary repairs to the brick circle/ trolley track design sculpture located in the center of the Ithaca Commons, with the understanding that no modifications will be authorized or made to the sculpture that are not in compliance with the NYS Arts and Cultural Affairs Law and the federal Visual Artist Rights Act. Discussion followed on the laws involved with the sculpture and ways to preserve the integrity of the art while making it safer without having to get the artist permission. Carried Unanimously Sidewalk Program Update to City Code – Discussion City Chamberlain Parsons discussed the recommended changes to City Code regarding sidewalks. She stated that the proposed changes are meant to cut down on the administrative process in handling sidewalk repairs, or to make the language of the code more clear. Discussion followed regarding the changes. Commissioner Schalther stated that the code should outline a set period of time for individuals to take action and to specify that if the sidewalk were very dangerous that repairs would be made prior to the end of 30 days. The Board agreed that they would take action on this change at their next meeting. City Code for Water and Sewer Rents – Discussion City Chamberlain Parsons discussed the recommended changes to City Code regarding the billing cycle, penalties for water and sewer bills. She indicated that the changes extend the due date on the bill to 30 days but split the additional day between the City and the Customers. She further stated that the revised language is clearer than the existing language. Discussion followed regarding the billing process and the suggested changes. City Chamberlain Parsons stated that the billing system would need to be reworked to accommodate these changes. May 7, 2008 Board of Public Works Special Meeting Minutes Page 3 Traffic Signal Removal Study: East Lincoln and North Tioga Street – Report Traffic Systems Engineer Logue discussed the study that was conducted on the traffic light at East Lincoln and North Tioga Streets. He stated that the study revealed that area did not meet the thresholds to qualify for a traffic light and that, after discussions with the neighborhood, he was recommending that the light be removed and replaced with an all way stop. He stated that the neighborhood is in favor of this change. Discussion followed regarding speeding and pedestrian safety at the intersection if the light is removed. Further discussion followed regarding the process to remove the traffic light. The Board agreed that they would take action in favor of Traffic Systems Engineer Logue’s recommendation at the next meeting. Ithaca Farmers Market Update Supt. Gray stated that the Farmers Market lease agreement is being renegotiated. He further stated that he would like input from Board members about any changes that they would like made to the next agreement, which is being modeled after the last agreement. Discussion followed regarding the terms of the contract and the land issues with the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Alderperson Coles stated that she would be willing to act as a representative for the Board at the negotiating table as well as provide an update to the Board on negotiations. Commissioner Schlather recused himself from the conversation on this item because of the involvement of his law firm. Water and Sewer Watershed Program Supt. Gray stated that the Board needs to adopt the annual storm water report however the report was not ready for discussion at this meeting. Shopping Cart Discussion Alderperson Coles requested that the board discuss the issue of shopping carts that are left around the City. Commissioner Schlather stated that he had been involved with a subcommittee two years ago to discuss this issue. He indicated that the subcommittee meetings had not gone as well as planed and there was never a resolution to the issue. He stated that the City should just follow the City Code. Supt. Gray stated that the police can take action under the current City Code. Further discussion flowed regarding the current code and the actions the City can take. The Board agreed that a subcommittee should be formed to explore the issue. Commissioner Schlather and Tripp, and Alderperson Coles all volunteered to serve on the subcommittee. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. ________________________ Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor