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