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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2008-07-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. July 9, 2008 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Chapman, Schlather, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Executive Assistant – Myers GIAC Director - Fort EXCUSED: City Attorney – Hoffman Deputy City Controller - Andrew Common Council Liaison – Coles DAC Liaison – Roberts Commissioner Tripp Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the following meetings be approved as published:  February 7, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting  March 7, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting  March 14, 2007 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting  March 21, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting  March 28, 2007 Board of Public Works Special Meeting Carried Unanimously By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the following meetings be approved as published:  June 4, 2008 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting  June 11, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting  June 18, 2008 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting Carried Unanimously By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself power to act on the minutes of the following meetings at the July 16, 2008 meeting :  April 4, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting  April 9, 2007 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting  April 11, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting  April 18, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting Carried Unanimously Additions or Deletions to Agenda July 9, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting Minutes Page 2 Mayor Peterson stated that City Attorney Hoffman would not be able to attend the meeting and that the discussion on the Sidewalk Public Hearing as well as University Avenue would need to be postponed until the July 16, 2008 meeting. Supt. Gray requested that a resolution be added to deny the request for installation of a curb cut at 404 Cascadilla Street at the City’s expense. No one objected to these changes. Communications and hearings from persons before the Board Harvey Baker addressed the Board regarding DeWitt Park. He stated that the park has an obligation to protect and maintain the monuments in the park that are memorials for those who paid the ultimate price serving their country. He stated that the park needs to be protected from vandalism, trash, protests and open air markets in order to build and maintain respect for the memorial and honor those remembered there. Holly Hollingsworth, addressed the Board regarding DeWitt Park. He stated that the monuments have become a playground and the park is home to drugs, alcohol and graffiti. He stated that it illustrates Ithaca’s total lack of respect for those who died serving their country. He stated that the Ithaca Festival only intensifies this issue with their annual use of the park for noisy activities and further lack of respect for veterans. He stated that events in the park should only be held on veteran’s holidays. Commissioner Chapman arrived at the meeting at 5:05 pm. Travis Brooks addressed the Board regarding the GIAC basketball court relocation to Conway Park. He stated that this is a great opportunity for the neighborhood since the existing court in the park is too small and is not utilized as it could be. He stated that it is important that the court not be built too far away from GIAC as it would have a great impact on their programming. Audrey Cooper addressed the Board regarding the GIAC basketball court relocation to Conway Park. She stated that GIAC has faced many large problems in the last 2 years, which have greatly impacted their programming. She stated that GIAC is a neighborhood hub and the basketball court plays a large role in that. She stated that it is important that the court not be moved across town to Cass Park was once suggested by the Parks Commission. She stated that the Ithaca Police Department often conducts outreach at GIAC events. Michael Thomas addressed the Board regarding the GIAC basketball court relocation to Conway Park. He stated he helped to start the summer basketball leagues back in the 1980’s. He stated that crowds from the neighborhood come to watch the games and create a very family friendly environment. He stated that moving the Court to Conway Park will help to revitalize that neighborhood. Annette Machesseault addressed the Board regarding the GIAC basketball court relocation to Conway Park. She stated that she lives across the street from Conway Park. She stated that the neighborhood could benefit from a large court but she would like to see more information on the proposed plan before deciding if she supports it or not. Dan Krall addressed the Board on behalf of the Parks Commission. He stated he was concerned about lines of communication in the city involving & including the boards. He stated that he doesn’t understand why so many groups think they have ownerships rights over City Parks. He further stated that the City has a dog park, a skate park, and now a veterans park and a GIAC park. He stated that DeWitt Park was given to the city residents and not veterans and that the memorials should never have been erected there in the first place. He stated that the individuals using the park not those who feel they have ownership over the park should define respectful use. He further stated that installing signs outlining rules of parks is disrespectful to park users. He stated that the Parks Commission was concerned about lights, noise, parking and water/bathrooms for the basketball court if it is installed in Conway Park. He further stated that the Parks Commission would prefer to see July 9, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting Minutes Page 3 the installation of the court done in an active rather then a passive use neighborhood park. Commissioner Schlather stated that DeWitt Park is not just a veteran’s memorial park but should be used under the terms set forth in the 1992 resolution so as to pay respect to those veterans remembered by the monuments there. Response to Public Asst. Supt. Streets and facilities Ferrel stated that all of the plans for the basketball court at Conway Park are conceptual at this point in time. Mayor Peterson requested that signs be installed at the entrances to DeWitt Park at least stating the time that the Park opens and closes. Commissioner Wykstra stated that the Board should work to get information out about respectful use of a memorial park until the Parks Commission makes a formal recommendation on rules for the Park. Buildings, Properties, Refuse, and Transit GIAC Basketball Court – Discussion GIAC Director Fort discussed the process for the relocation of the basketball court and the plans for a public meeting to discuss the impacts of the move with the neighborhood. She discussed how concerns like landscape, accessibility, water, maintenance, trash removal and bleachers had been discussed and solutions were being worked on. Mayor Peterson stressed that the move must be completed in the 2008 construction season to avoid impacts on GIAC’s programming next year. Discussion followed regarding the proposed design on the new court as well as the current schedule for the work. Further discussion followed regarding the lighting for the park. Lights will be on a timer to cut off prior to the close of the park at 10 pm. GIAC staff stated that the families welcome police to the games to insure a family friendly environment and also help with clean up during and after the games. They stated that the basketball court currently used by GIAC is cleaner than most of the City parks. Further discussion followed regarding programming and the use of the basketball court. GIAC staff stated that they would be interested in expanding their programs to both courts after the coal tar remediation was complete and a new court was built at GIAC. They stated that the programming would have to be held in Conway Park for two if not three years while the remediation work was being completed. The Board agreed that they would like to see sketches of the proposed court as soon as possible. Highways, Streets, and Sidewalks University Avenue - Discussion Mayor Peterson stated that there were no new updates. She stated that Common Council had declared lead agency for the discontinuance of University Avenue. Commissioner Schlather asked what the process would be for the Board to contest Common Council’s declaration. Mayor Peterson stated that there is a 30 day window where the Board can contest. She stated that she was not entirely sure about the process of contesting the declaration. Resolution for Power to Act By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra July 9, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting Minutes Page 4 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants itself power to act to either accept or contest Common Council’s declaration of lead agency on the discontinuance of University Avenue at the July 16, 2008 meeting. Carried Unanimously 404 Cascadilla Street Curb Cut Denial By Commissioner Chapman, Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed a request by Susan Consentini for the City to install a curb cut at her property at 404 Cascadilla St., based on her understanding that it had previously existed, as well as staff’s response that she should undertake this work herself, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the appeal to have the curb cut installed at city expense. Carried Unanimously Creeks, Bridges, and Parks Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan – Steering Committee Report The Board requested that the Minutes from the first meeting of the steering committee be provided with the next agenda packet. Water and Sewer New Water and Sewer Rates – Resolution By Commissioner Schlather, Seconded by Commissioner Chapman WHEREAS, Common Council at its meeting on July 2, 2008 has adopted a local law which amends Chapter 348, Water and Sewers of the City Code under which “the Board of Public Works shall from time to time by resolution set water and sewer rates to meet budgeted revenue projections”, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works adopts the following water and sewer rates and fees, effective upon notice from the NYS Department of State that the law has been filed (anticipated prior to August 1, 2008) and until such time as the Board adopts new rates: Water at $2.91 per hundred cubic feet and Sewer at$3.73 per hundred cubic feet of water consumption, with minimum bills as following, based on meter size: Unmetered sprinkler service: $6 per inch diameter per quarter Unmetered water for circuses and carnivals (suitable connections to hydrants shall be made by the Water and Sewer Division): $200 per day or fraction thereof Bulk water for filling spray rigs, tank trucks, etc, available at the Water Building: $50 per load up to 500 gallons, plus $25 per thousand over 500 gallons Meter removal and or resetting, or turning water off or turning water on at curb: $35 Testing of meter: $50, if meter found to be within industry tolerances; otherwise no charge Replacement of frosted water meter: a. During business hours: $105 Meter size in inches Water Sewer Total Small $34.92 $44.76 $79.68 1 $93.12 $119.36 $212.48 1.5 $160.05 $205.15 $365.20 2 $325.92 $417.76 $743.68 3 $465.60 $596.80 $1,062.40 4 $701.31 $898.93 $1,600.24 6 $1,225.11 $1,570.33 $2,795.44 July 9, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting Minutes Page 5 b. After hours, without employee call in: $195 c. After hours, with call employee in $315 Repair of remote meter, caused by owner/occupant negligence: $35 Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $35.00 Carried Unanimously Supt. Gray stated that Common Council had adopted new legislation and that the City attorney recommended that the Board re-adopt the rates they set last year. Administration and Communications 2008 Work Program Funding Resolution By Commissioner Schlather; Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is concerned about the unanticipated increased costs of materials and fuel, which increased costs exceed the amount budgeted for such items, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and the Common Council have committed to a multi-year program to restore the City’s infrastructure, including its streets and sidewalks, to a more acceptable level of quality, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works urges Common Council to take all steps necessary to ensure that the 2008 work program of the Department of Public Works which previously was set and agreed upon be funded sufficiently so as to allow its completion in 2008 including funding for unforeseen contingency if necessary. Carried 4-0-1 Abstentions: Mayor Peterson Commissioner Schlather stated that the Board has a responsibility to protect the City’s infrastructure. He stated that any problems with the infrastructure will cost the city money one way or another, either to fix them or as a liability, and the City should spend the money fixing any problems. He stated that it is important that the Board pass this resolution so that Common Council will see that DPW budget issues should be a priority in budget decisions. Mayor Peterson stated that she would abstain from the vote since she is a member of Common Council. 2009 Budget Introductions/Discussion - Mayor’s Guideline Report Mayor Peterson summarized the 2009 budget guidelines. She stated that new positions are very unlikely and that 2009 will be a very tight year. She stated that in addition to the rise in the cost of fuel there has also been an increase in the cost of health insurance claims. She further stated that since many other departments are much more labor intensive with the annual pay increases it will be hard to meet budget guidelines. Discussion followed regarding the steps to get the City’s infrastructure back in to good working order with a regular and manageable maintenance schedule. Commissioner Schlather stated that DPW should look at presenting budget options that focus on the work product the public will get for their money in scenarios that both increase and decrease the number of staff and the materials that they have to work with. Reports Rick Ferrel’s Report Asst. Supt. of Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that 2/3 of Brandon Place is complete. He stated that Elmira Road experienced some flooding near the southwest park with today’s rain. He stated that the department is also working to secure the building at Van Natta Dam so that it is inaccessible to the public and can prevent more accidents like the one this past weekend from happening. July 9, 2008 Board of Public Works Voting Meeting Minutes Page 6 Discussion followed regarding swimming in the gorges and various creeks in the area. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. _____________________ Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor