HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2009-09-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. September 9, 2009
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Brock, Schlather, Tripp, Wykstra
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Acting Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Benjamin
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Common Council Liaison – Zumoff
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Assistant City Attorney – Este-Green
Alderpersons Clairborne, Coles, Rosario
EXCUSED:
City Attorney - Hoffman
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Power to Act - Approval of the June 10, 2009, July 8, 2009, and August 19, 2009
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on approval of the minutes of the
June 10, 2009, July 8, 2009, and August 19, 2009 Board of Public Works meeting at the
September 16, 2009 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Carried Unanimously
MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Peterson asked if all Board members received the memo from Ithaca City School
District Superintendent Pastel regarding parking at Beverly J. Martin School.
All Board members indicated that they did receive a copy of the memo.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Alderperson Rosario addressed the Board regarding the proposed removal of the traffic
signals on Albany Street at the intersections of North and South Titus Avenue. He
expressed concerns about the lines of sight being challenging at those intersections and
that fact being understated in the traffic study report. He further expressed concern
about north and south bound traffic having to stop twice at these intersections and that
the noon time peak traffic count not being included in the report. He stated that the trial
period will give the City an opportunity to use interns to study this change and obtain
input from residents in the neighborhood which he feels is very important before a final
decision is made.
Lyle Neigh, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board in complete opposition to the proposed
removal of the traffic signals on Albany Street at the intersections of North and South
Titus Avenue.
Alderperson Coles addressed the Board regarding the request from the Ithaca City
School District for a curb cut at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. She urged the
Board not to grant this request based on safety concerns expressed by residents of the
neighborhood. She distributed to Board members information from neighbors regarding
their specific safety concerns.
Michael Cannon, member of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board and representing
Tompkins Trust Company addressed the Board regarding the clock towers on the
Commons. He encouraged the Board to accept the generous donation from Tompkins
Board of Public Works – September 9, 2009- Page 2
Trust Company for the repair of the clock towers and to agree to their request for
advertising their contribution on the clock towers.
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding certain dangerous
intersections, the bike lane on Green Street, water contamination concerns from gas
drilling, and her support for the rebuild option for the city’s water supply.
Alderperson Clairborne addressed the Board regarding the proposed removal of the
traffic signal on Albany Street at the intersections of North and South Titus Avenue. He
supports the proposed change with a trial period to see how it works. He further
addressed the Board regarding the proposed creation of a school zone on First Street to
control speed through that area between Adams Street and Franklin Street. This is a
particularly important area because the Drop-In Children’s Center is on one side of the
street and Mutual Housing on the other so most children in that area are under twelve
years old and the reduced speed will help with safety concerns. He stated that
neighbors in that area support this proposal as well.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
DAC Liaison Roberts expressed his complete support for the proposed traffic signal
change on Albany Street at the intersections of North and South Titus Avenue.
Commissioner Schlather responded to comments made about the bike lane on Green
Street and visibility concerns. He noted that the speaker’s comment was well made that
it is difficult to see to the right when exiting the parking garage because of the parked
cars. He suggested that the three parking spaces to the east of the pedestrian crossing
by the garage on Green Street be removed. He noted that by doing this it would resolve
the two issues regarding visibility and bicyclists safety on the left hand side of Green
Street.
Supt. Gray asked the Board if they would like staff to undertake a study of this
suggested change by Commissioner Schlather and implement them if appropriate.
The Board agreed that they would like this work to be done.
Commissioner Brock questioned Mr. Neigh about what makes the intersections on
Albany Street at North and South Titus Avenue so dangerous. He responded that there
are many more children in that neighborhood now which raises these safety concerns;
as well as many people in the neighborhood who use wheelchairs to get around and
their safety.
Alderperson Clairborne clarified for the Board that at the neighborhood meeting which
was held about the proposal for the traffic signal changes on Albany Street that not
everyone was supportive of the proposal to remove the signal and replace it with stop
signs.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
Traffic Signal Removal Study: South Albany Street and Titus Avenues (North and
South) – Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp
WHEREAS, the City Transportation Engineer presented a report dated August 28,
2009, to the Board of Public Works on September 2, 2009, with a recommendation to
remove the traffic signals at the intersections of South Albany Street and Titus Avenues
(North and South), and
WHEREAS, the neighborhood residents participated in a meeting about this proposal
and several have requested that both traffic signals be set to flashing red for a nine-
month trial period in order to better understand the impacts of the proposed change
prior to removal of the signals or restoration of the traffic signal function, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works accepts this request for an extended trial period,
and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City Code
to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and
Traffic Law, now therefore be it
Board of Public Works – September 9, 2009- Page 3
RESOLVED, That the intersections of South Albany Street and Titus Avenues (North
and South) be removed from Schedule I, Traffic Control Signals, and that they be
placed in Schedule VIII, Stop Control Intersections, in the subsection designating
control by an all-way stop, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Department of Public Works is authorized to make the necessary
changes to transition the intersection operation from a traffic signal to all-way stop
control, with the understanding that the signal heads will remain in place, in flash mode,
to augment the stop signs and that the Board of Public Works will receive a
supplemental report from the Transportation Engineer in May 2010 in order to complete
their discussion prior to the actual removal of the hardware or restoration of the traffic
signal function, and be it further
RESOLVED, That four crosswalks at each intersection be clearly established and
marked and that such further signage be installed to alert motorists to the presence of
pedestrians and the four way stops.
Supt. Gray explained that traffic signals/stop signs each have their own advantages and
disadvantages and that traffic rules indicate when they should be used and where. He
explained the traffic studies that have been done at these intersections throughout the
years and how the changes in the traffic pattern on Route 13, Spencer Street, and the
round-about have decreased the amount of traffic in the neighborhood. He further
explained that the traffic signals in place currently at these two intersections are old and
that the City has been upgrading all the older signals to meet code requirements. He
stated that it would cost approximately $250,000 to replace the traffic signals at these
two intersections.
Traffic Engineer Logue reported to the Board that there is one third less traffic in this
neighborhood since the above changes were made, which is dramatic. He stated that
there was clearly a lot of concern from residents of the neighborhood about safety and
speeding at these intersections, but he does not expect the number of accidents to
increase because of the proposed change. He stated that at some point these signals
will need to be upgraded and if a need is shown through this trial period that they are
needed, it would help support the capital project request fund the replacement costs.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding signals versus signs and
monitoring of these intersections. Traffic Engineer Logue stated that Ithaca Police
Department would increase its monitoring of these intersections to enforce the four-way
stop at each intersection. Discussion followed on the floor regarding changes that the
City has made in the neighborhood to discourage through traffic, and why staff believe
that signs would work at these intersections. Discussion followed on the floor regarding
the City’s success at similar intersections where this same process had been followed
and traffic signals removed leaving four way stop signs.
Commissioner Jenkins expressed concern about “rolling” stops at intersections by
motorists and concern about the safety of the children in the neighborhood. She stated
that she would support this trial period, but does not feel that signs will work at these
intersections.
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding whether or not additional signage
would be needed to alert motorists to the new stop signs at these intersections and that
there would be no real trial period of how the signs will work by themselves since the
traffic signals will be flashing red throughout the trial period as well. Traffic Engineer
Logue explained that it would be hard and cost more if the signals were removed during
the trial period and then had to be replaced if it is determined that they are needed at
these intersections. He further noted that additional signage should not be needed to
alert motorists of the stop signs because motorists should expect to see people at
intersections, as at other intersections in the city, and be prepared to stop.
Alderperson Zumoff stated that when this was briefly discussed a month or so ago,
there was a question about whether it was legal to do a trial period for nine months, did
anyone check into that?
Board of Public Works – September 9, 2009- Page 4
Assistant City Attorney Este-Green responded that there is no legal prohibition with
respect to a time limit. However, if you’re going to exercise a trial period, there should
be notice to the community that this particular practice is going to cease and desist as of
such and such a date. There is no prohibition against nine months, six months or a
year for that matter.
Traffic Engineer Logue stated that the guidance in the traffic engineering world is that
when you’re going to make this kind of change from a signal to a stop sign that you
leave the flashing light up to accompany the stop signs for at least three months. That
way people will still be looking up at the signal, they are not necessarily going to be
looking down for signs if they have been driving through this intersection for decades
and decades. So, keeping that light up helps reiterate stop at all four intersections. At
some point everyone gets used to the signs and the signal can be taken down and
leave just the signs. He further stated that within the nine month period staff would
come back and confirm whether to leave the intersection as is or put the traffic signal
back.
Assistant City Attorney Este-Green stated that the extra language that was just inserted
as the resolution was moved reinforces what the City’s obligation is.
Amending Resolution:
By Commissioner Brock: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be amended to read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That four crosswalks at each intersection be clearly established and
marked and that such further signage be installed to alert motorists to the presence of
the four way stops.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended:
A Vote on the Main Motion As Amended Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Amendment to Vehicle and Traffic Schedule III in order to Create a School Speed
Limit Zone on First Street - Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City Code
to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and
Traffic Law, and
WHEREAS, the Drop-In Children’s Center and residents of the Northside neighborhood
have requested a school speed limit zone on First Street between Franklin and Adams
Streets, which is supported by the Ithaca Police Department, and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Engineer has reviewed this request and recommended
that the Board of Public Works approve such a school speed limit zone, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby amends Schedule III of the City
Vehicle and Traffic Schedules to add:
Fifteen (15) MPH on First Street, from Franklin Street to Adams Street,
including 150 feet from such intersections in all directions, from 7:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. on school days.
Commissioner Brock stated that the only thing about this that concerns her is one of the
things that the Board discussed was that unlike other schools, this school is open year-
round. She further stated that we need to be clear in our signage that there is school all
throughout the year and somehow we need to address that so people understand that.
Traffic Engineer Logue stated that he would look to see if there was another sign that
could be used instead of just saying “school days” which is the standard and which is
what the City is supposed to use. He agrees with Commissioner Brock though that it is
a little unclear here. The other option would be just to do it through education through
the police department as they enforce the zone year round.
Board of Public Works – September 9, 2009- Page 5
Commissioner Brock would like to amend the resolution to eliminate the word “school”
and replace it with “week” days.
Assistant City Attorney Este-Green stated that school could invariably be held on
Sundays and Saturdays and there could be classes on weekends. She thinks that we
need to be careful not to restrict the signage to Monday through Friday.
Mayor Peterson asked staff to prepare language and bring it back to the Board. The
Board stated that they would trust staff to use appropriate signage, in consultation with
Alderperson Clairborne.
Commissioner Schlather stated that the issue is that you can only have 15 mph if it is on
school days. In other words that is part of the vehicle and traffic law. He thinks that we
have to limit it to school days but that we are allowed to define school days to whatever
is unique for that particular institution. In this case, the school day is whenever there are
kids there.
Commissioner Brock asked, if for clarity’s sake, that could be defined here.
Mayor Peterson recommended that the Board leave it up to staff to come up with
appropriate language and if the Board would like it to come back to them it could.
Amending Resolution:
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Brock
RESOLVED, That an additional Resolved clause be added to the resolution as the last
clause that would read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That the signage reflect the unique “school days” for this particular
location.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended:
A Vote on the Main Motion As Amended Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT:
Commons Clock Tower – Report/Possible Resolution
Mayor Peterson directed the City Attorney’s office to investigate the concept of private
businesses advertising on public property and report back to the Board.
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Request to Use DeWitt Park - Discussion
Mayor Peterson requested that she and the Board be provided with additional
information that would clarify the request that has been made to the City for the use of
DeWitt Park.
Power to Act – Commons Clock Tower and Request to Use DeWitt Park –
Possible Resolutions:
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Wykstra
RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on the Commons Clock Tower
and Request to Use DeWitt Park at the September 16, 2009 Committee of the Whole
Meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the regular voting meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. The Board then
entered into a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the 2010 DPW budget.
Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Information Management Specialist Mayor