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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