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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2009-07-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:51 p.m. July 1, 2009 PRESENT: Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Brock, Schlather, Tripp, Wykstra OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney - Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Acting Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Benjamin Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Common Council Liaison – Zumoff Executive Assistant – Gehring Director of Planning and Development - Cornish EXCUSED: Mayor Peterson DAC Liaison – Roberts Water Supply – Discussion of Findings and Options Commissioner Schlather stated that he reviewed the document, is comfortable with the revisions and is ready to accept the document. Commissioner Tripp questioned whether Director of Planning and Development Cornish had reviewed the Findings Statement and if she would be available for questions. Discussion followed on the floor regarding further revisions to the Findings Statement. O’Brien & Gere consultants Steve Eckler and Rick Gell joined the discussion. City Attorney Hoffman noted that the footnote in Table 1 regarding oversight of mitigating measures might be confusing to the reader. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding mitigation measures, required approvals, and who would provide oversight of those measures. Alderperson Zumoff stated that Common Council would make the decision as to which water supply option will be chosen. The Board of Public Works will then have to ensure the chosen option is implemented and installed properly. Discussion followed on the floor regarding specific items that would be mitigated versus tasks that would be recommended (i.e. lighting mitigated so it does not spill onto neighboring properties versus recommending workers ride bicycles to work rather than drive their cars). Commissioner Schlather proposed that the Board act on the resolution to accept the Findings Statement at the meeting on July 8, 2009. In addition, he would propose the Board act on the resolution which he drafted that recommends Common Council choose the rebuild option at the July 8, 2009, meeting as well. City Attorney Hoffman stated that the proposed resolution meets legal requirements and is very comprehensive. He noticed, however, that it does not mention Common Council’s resolution of February 7, 2007, in which they resolved to make the decision on the City’s future water supply. He further stated that decision is an interesting piece of history since the Board declared themselves lead agency. The draft resolution was amended to include that Common Council resolution, and Commissioner Schlather requested that City Attorney Hoffman review the draft resolution to ensure it includes the request for funding the capital project. Cayuga Waterfront Trail Phase III Site Plan Review – Discussion Commissioner Tripp reported that she attended a meeting prior to the Board meeting regarding which department should be lead agency, the Planning Department or the Department of Public Works. She summarized the meeting by stating that participants agreed to the following: • The environmental impact study should be completed quickly and carefully and Planning Board feels it could, by virtue of its experience. Board of Public Works Page 2 July 1, 2009 Committee of the Whole • The Board of Public Works would rescind its desire to be lead agency, and the Planning Board would work very quickly, completing the Site Plan Review and SEQR requirements by July 28, 2009. Supt. Gray stated the Planning Board has the expertise to accomplish the requirements by the required deadline. He further stated that timing is very important in this project due to funding timelines. He noted that the Planning Board had been lead agency for the first two phases of the trail. He further stated that there are cultural, aesthetic and community issues that come up, as well as transportation issues among the review process, and the Planning Department can address these easily. Director of Planning and Development Cornish stated the Board of Public Works would not be removed from this review process, there is a lot of paperwork to complete in a short period of time, and if a decision could be made at this meeting the process could start sooner. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the processes that need to be followed for site plan review for Phase III of the project. Commissioner Schlather stated that he has full confidence in the Director of Planning and Development and in the Board of Public Works’ representative on the Planning Board, and would support the Planning Board, as lead agent for this project. Commissioner Brock stated that based on funding deadlines, she would also support the Planning Board as lead agent, with reservations. The Board requested that the resolution be placed on the agenda for the meeting on July 8, 2009. Natural Areas Commission (NAC) Guidelines Supt. Gray stated that the Mayor had noted references to the NAC Guidelines for the watershed area in the Water Supply fEIS. She thought it would be a good idea to adopt the guidelines prior to the vote on the recommendation. Commissioner Schlather stated that he is not prepared to vote on the guidelines, and noted that the guidelines in the Findings Statement are only recommended actions. Asst. Supt. Whitney stated that to adopt the guidelines might help the relationship between the NAC and the Dept. of Public Works. Supt. Gray suggested reviewing and adopting the guidelines within the next two to three months. Commissioner Tripp stated she would feel more comfortable with that suggestion rather than rushing to vote on them at the next meeting. Commissioner Wykstra stated that the NAC’s official stance on the water source is neutral, and that whatever takes better care of the natural area is their choice. Administrative Reports: Asst. Supt. Whitney invited Board members to review the proposed improvements to the new access route to the 30-foot dam before July 10, 2009, as construction of the access route will begin then. City Attorney Hoffman suggested using the proposed access route to the 30-foot dam as a trial run of the NAC guidelines. Asst. Supt. Whitney stated he would complete the proper paperwork and submit it to the NAC for their review and Board members supported that suggestion. Acting Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that two gorge rangers have been hired, and will attend training before monitoring the gorges can begin. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor