HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2009-01-14BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. January 14, 2009
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Brock, Schlather, Tripp
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney - Hoffman
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
City Chamberlain – Parsons
GIAC Director – Fort
Supervisor of Streets - Benjamin
Information Management Specialist - Myers
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Wykstra
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Superintendent Gray requested the addition of item 8.2 entitled “Sidewalk Discussion
and Possible Power to Act”.
No Board member objected.
Superintendent Gray requested the possible removal of item 8.1 entitled “Possible
Projects for Response to the Stimulus Package – Resolution” from this agenda so that
additional information can be obtained.
Commissioner Schlather requested that item 8.1 entitled “Possible Projects for
Response to the Stimulus Package” not be removed from this agenda in order for the
record to reflect the Board’s interest in this item.
Commissioner Schlather announced that on Monday, January 19th, in observance of
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there would be an unveiling of the long awaited dual street
designation signs at the corner of N. Albany Street and State Street, as befitting the
beginning of daylong celebrations taking place to honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
He stated that the Board has been an important part of this process and hoped that it
would be well represented at the unveiling.
Mayor Peterson requested that item 10.2 entitled “Renovation of Wood Street
Basketball Court” be discussed first as members from the public, staff, and Common
Council were attending this meeting for this specific item.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Dan Krall, representing the Parks Commission, addressed the Board regarding the
proposal to use Wood Street Park for GIAC’s basketball court and programming needs.
He stated that the Parks Commission is very supportive of the proposal and that they
would be providing a resolution in support of it to the Board very soon.
Cynthia Yahn, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding manhole covers that are
not even with the pavement at the intersection of West Buffalo and Fulton Street and
the problems residents have with the vibrations and noise caused by traffic driving over
them. She further stated that some buildings have structural damage because of the
severe vibrations.
Board of Public Works –January 14, 2009- Page 2
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel responded to the concern raised
about manhole covers and noted that NYS DOT purchased rubber-topped risers for
them and he will contact them again to request that they install them on the manholes at
this intersection.
Commissioner Brock arrived at 5:05 p.m.
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Renovation of Wood Street Basketball Court - Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, as New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) is undertaking remediation
of environmental damage from the former coal gasification plant adjacent to the Greater
Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and the Alex Haley Municipal Pool which resulted in the
removal of the Melvin Bell basketball court for the duration of NYSEG’s cleanup, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG has agreed to assist GIAC in the temporary relocation of the
basketball court and related programs, including picking up the reasonable costs of the
relocation and related ancillary expenses, and
WHEREAS, GIAC and the Board of Public Works, in consultation with the Parks
Commission, have selected renovating and upgrading the Wood Street Park basketball
court after extensive discussion and public input, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to work with GIAC to finalize a
design for the court and environs in order to submit it to NYSEG for its review and
construction prior to the start of GIAC’s summer basketball league in June 2009, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests updates from staff at various milestones, such as
completion of the design, “sign off” by NYSEG, and start of construction, in order for the
Board to monitor progress and support GIAC’s relocated program.
GIAC Director Fort addressed the Board to report that Audrey Cooper, representing the
Board of GIAC, Deputy Director of GIAC Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, and GIAC
Supervisor Michael Thomas attended the most recent Parks Commission meeting and
the Parks Commission strongly supports this recommendation. She stated that they
also held a neighborhood meeting at Titus Towers on December 18, 2008 with
attendance by residents, neighbors, and users of the skate park. She further explained
that concerns were raised about the same issues that came out of previous meetings
including restroom needs, enforcement of park hours, trash removal, and lighting. She
stated that GIAC staff can address those concerns and would keep the community
informed of the status of the project.
Commissioner Schlather stated that he considers this the end to a long process and he
wants to make sure that it accommodates GIAC’s programming needs and has
NYSEG’s support.
GIAC Director Fort stated that NYSEG is aware of the proposed location and they do
support it including the cost of the upgrades and transportation needs.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding suggestions to provide additional asphalt
walkways, and to work to address the concerns raised by residents of the
neighborhood. Further discussion followed on the carry in/carry out trash policy for City
Parks and the need for the Board to review this policy for possible changes.
A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works –January 14, 2009- Page 3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the June 6, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of
the Whole Meeting- Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 6, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of
the Whole meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the June 13, 2007 Board of Public Works Regular
Meeting - Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 13, 2007 Board of Public Works Regular
Meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the November 5, 2008 Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole Meeting- Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 5, 2008 Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the November 19, 2008 Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole Meeting- Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 19, 2008 Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the December 10, 2008 Board of Public Works Regular
Meeting- Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 10, 2008 Board of Public Works
Regular Meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Peterson requested that item 9.1 entitled “Monthly Parking Permits – Resolution”
be moved up on the agenda to accommodate staff who were here to discuss it with the
Board.
Monthly Parking Permits- Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain’s Office has proposed changes to the city’s monthly
parking permits based on requests for customer service improvements, and
WHEREAS, parking proximity cards are currently sold in whole calendar month
increments or for the second half of a calendar month only, and
WHEREAS, upgrades to the City of Ithaca’s parking lot equipment will allow proximity
cards to be automatically shut off according to an expiration date, programmed by
Chamberlain’s office employees, making flexible expiration dates possible, and
WHEREAS, customers have asked to purchase specific increments of time other than a
calendar month, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Chamberlain’s Office to sell
parking permits as follows in the attached table, which is based on rates originally
adopted by the Board on November 19, 2008, and be it further
RESOLVED, Starting January 1st, 2009, parking permits will be sold in one month or
one week increments with flexible start and end dates.
Board of Public Works –January 14, 2009- Page 4
PARKING RATES
Seneca Street Garage (Day and Night) All levels.
-Monthly rate $76.00
-Weekly rate $23.00
Green Street Garage (Day and Night) All levels
-Monthly rate $64.00
-Weekly rate $20.00
Dryden Road Garage (Day OR Night) All levels
-Monthly rate $107.00
-Weekly rate $ 32.00
Dryden Road Garage 24 Hour Parking
-Monthly rate $214.00
-Weekly rate $ 64.00
City Chamberlain Parsons addressed the Board to explain that her office receives many
requests for this type of permit. She stated that this enables the City to charge a
premium amount for special periods of time for customers. This also offers the
customers flexibility and long term parking options. She further stated that she does not
see this as having an impact on revenue, and noted that it would be revenue neutral.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the possible use of credit cards to pay for
parking in City garages. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding parking on
the surface level of the Green Street garage and enforcement of the two hour parking
limit there. Discussion followed on the problems with pay stations, the need for new
signage, and giving the public advance notice of any changes that will be taking place
regarding time limits for parking on the surface level of the Green Street garage.
A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Peterson reported on the meeting that took place this week with many outside
agencies regarding dredging of the inlet. She stated material from the inlet has been
tested and determined that it is Class A spoils which are clean and can even be used as
fertilizer in gardens. She further stated that the discussion focused on how much
material can be moved in 2009, where to dispose of it, and how to facilitate the work.
Mayor Peterson further reported that immediate repairs are needed in the Seneca
Street parking garage to replace steel supports in various locations that have failed. She
stated that there is an approved capital project for this work that may involve closing
some if not the whole garage.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the age of the garage, the extensive repairs
made a few years ago to this same garage, and the differences between this garage,
the Dryden Road garage, and the Green Street garage.
Superintendent Gray explained in more detail the repairs that are needed, what caused
the failures, previous work done, and what work will need to be done to the garage.
Mayor Peterson updated the Board on recent discussions of the Joint Sewer
Committee. Discussions have been taking place regarding accepting various materials
for treatment at the Wastewater Treatment plant, including frac water from gas drilling
and waste materials from Cornell University.
The Board requested that an update from the Joint Sewer Committee be added to the
agenda for the January 21, 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Board of Public Works –January 14, 2009- Page 5
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT:
There were no items submitted for the agenda.
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS:
Possible Projects for Response to the Stimulus Package - Resolution
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has been involved in several “nuts and bolts”
discussions about possible capital projects for inclusion in any city response to a
national stimulus package, and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that this may be an opportunity to look beyond steel and
concrete and seek projects that will advance and improve our surroundings, rather than
simply stabilize our infrastructure, and
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that the national response seems to be expanding to
incorporate these, or similar broad-based forward-looking concerns, such as energy
efficiency, quality of life, or sustainable use of resources, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Mayor and the Chair of
the City Administration Committee strive to keep the Board involved in decisions about
the city’s participation in a national stimulus package, especially as the pace picks up in
the next two months.
Power to Act – Possible Projects for Response to the Stimulus Package –
Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on Possible Projects for
Response to the Stimulus Package for the January 21, 2009 Committee of the Whole
Meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Power to Act – Various Sidewalk Issues – Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on Various Sidewalk Issues for
the January 21, 2009 Committee of the meeting.
Carried Unanimously
DAC Liaison Roberts left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Grant Application Submission for Natural Area - Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Brock
WHEREAS, the Natural Areas Commission has identified a serious problem due to the
spread of stilt grass, an invasive, exotic plant, in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, and
WHEREAS, the Terrestrial Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program, administered
by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is a potential source
of funding to assist the City of Ithaca in its efforts to control and/or eradicate stilt grass,
and
WHEREAS, the match requirement from the city for the proposed grant may be
comprised of volunteer time, use of existing facilities (i.e. Water Treatment Plant phone
and computer), and DPW Parks & Forestry 2009 budgeted labor, tools, and materials,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Andrew Hillman as Forester of the City of Ithaca, or his successor, is
hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the Terrestrial
Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program in an amount of $21,450, and upon
approval of said request, the Assistant Superintendent is authorized to enter into and
execute a state assistance contract with the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation for such financial assistance to the City of Ithaca for the
eradication of stilt grass in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area and further, to carry out and
comply with the terms of such project agreement.
Board of Public Works –January 14, 2009- Page 6
Extensive discussion followed on the floor on what stilt grass is, how it will be removed,
and why the Natural Areas Commission is requesting the removal of it. The Board
requested additional information and asked that this be placed on the January 21, 2009
Committee of the Whole meeting agenda.
Power to Act – Grant Application Submission for Natural Area – Resolution
By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act – Grant Application Submission
for Natural Area – Resolution at the January 21, 2009 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER:
There were no items submitted for the agenda.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Thank You to Ronald Chapman – Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, Ronald Chapman was appointed to the Board of Public Works on July 9,
2003, and served on the Board through December 2008, and
WHEREAS, Ron brought his experience and concern for quality communication with the
public, his sense of fairness in programs involving individuals, and a strong motivation
to improve conditions for the public at large, and pedestrians and bicyclists in particular,
and
WHEREAS, Ron’s strong sense of public involvement resulted in close review of public
input to the Board and strengthened projects for the public, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works thanks Ronald Chapman for his
leadership, insight, creativity, passion and many selfless hours dedicated to public
issues during his five years on the Board.
Commissioner Schlather stated that it had been a real privilege serving with
Commissioner Chapman. He further stated Commissioner Chapman brought a sense of
history of the community to the Board as a long time resident of the City of Ithaca which
was very useful. The most impressive quality that Commissioner Chapman brought to
the Board was that he just did the job without waiting for public acknowledgement and
he was effective. He noted that Commissioner Chapman comported himself as a perfect
gentleman with quiet persistence, most notably during the recent discussions involving
University Avenue and GIAC’s basketball court re-location. Commissioner Chapman
exemplified the most important aspects of public service during his time on the board –
he was quiet, detail oriented, passionate, honest, hard working, and very effective.
A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS:
Superintendent and Staff
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board that it has been a busy winter
season and crews are spending a lot of time on private property snow removal
especially the new sidewalks on Elmira Road. He noted that property owners would be
charged for this service.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the City’s responsibilities for shoveling
sidewalks and property owner’s responsibilities, especially for corner properties.
Assistant Superintendent Whitney reported that there had been a water main break at
Giles Street/Hudson Street caused by corrosion to some of the valves and 400,000 to
500,000 gallons of finished water were lost.
Board of Public Works –January 14, 2009- Page 7
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Information Management Specialist Mayor