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Home My WebLink AboutMN-BPW-2009-09-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:52 p.m. September 16, 2009 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Brock, Schlather, Tripp 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 EXCUSED: Commissioner Wykstra DAC Liaison – Roberts Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Construction Project – Update City of Ithaca Bridge Systems Engineer, Addisu Gebre, Margo Chiuten, Landscape Architect with Trowbridge & Wolf, and John Papponetti, P.E., Structural Engineer with LaBella Associates, P.C., provided an update on the project to the Board. Mr. Papponetti explained that the City contracted with LaBella Associates to rehabilitate the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge, and to improve the aesthetics of the bridge. He further explained that Trowbridge & Wolf are subcontractors for landscape services related to the project. Mr. Papponetti stated that the project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), with the City funding the design portion only. Commissioner Schlather arrived at 4:57 p.m. Mr. Papponetti explained that the bridge was constructed in 1970, it spans 320’ across the gorge, and carries water & sewer mains across the gorge. He further stated that the deck is in very poor condition, is very narrow, allowing only one path of travel in each direction, with only 6’ across from concrete wall to concrete wall. The current code requires that the minimum width of pedestrian bridges be 8’, with the average pedestrian bridge being 12’ wide. He went on to explain that the bridge is 80+ feet above the creek bed and the steel girders are very weathered. The condition of the bridge presented many safety hazards prior to the City’s bridge crew repaired holes on the bridge. He further stated that the stairway from the bridge down to the creek bed is in poor condition and they are investigating replacing the stairway with a walking trail. He further explained the project involves widening the bridge to 8’ across, which will require the reinforcement of the steel girders for strengthening. He stated that the strengthening and widening of the bridge deck will add approximately 35 to 40 years to the life of the bridge. Commissioner Jenkins arrived at 5:10 p.m. Landscape Architect Chiuten explained the proposal to formalize the approach to the bridge by installing decorative paving, block benches and railings which would enhance the pedestrian experience. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the height of the railings and whether they would deter people from climbing on them. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding how to reduce loitering around the bridge and the associated noise problems to nearby properties. Commissioner Schlather requested information about structural replacement versus strengthening the existing structure so the bridge deck could be widened to 12’ across and its use expectancy doubled from 40 years to 80-100 years for relatively little additional financial cost to the City. Supt. Gray stated that he would work with the Board of Public Works Page 2 September 16, 2009 Committee of the Whole design team to develop a new design with an alternate option for a superstructure replacement and tone down the proposed enhancement to the approaches to the bridge. Structural Engineer Papponetti stated that a design report must be submitted to NYS Department of Transportation prior to October 2009 and that the design report can be modified after it has been submitted if the Board decides to change the scope of the project. He further stated that it is very important to at least submit a report by the deadline because of the funding. The Board agreed to send the current report subject to possible modifications. Approval of the Minutes of the June 10, 2009, Board of Public Works Meeting – Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 10, 2009, Board of Public Works meetings be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously Approval of the Minutes of the July 8, 2009, Board of Public Works Meetings – Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 8, 2009, Board of Public Works meetings be approved with noted corrections. Discussion followed on the floor regarding Commissioner Wykstra being absent from the discussion of this set of minutes and some concerns he had about them. The Board decided to wait to approve the minutes until Commissioner Wykstra could be present. Power to Act – Approval of the Minutes of the July 8, 2009, Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on the approval of the July 8, 2009 Board of Public Works meeting minutes at the October 7, 2009, Committee of the Whole meeting. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Ayes (4) Schlather, Tripp, Jenkins, Brock Nays (1) Peterson Abstentions (0) Carried Approval of the Minutes of the August 19, 2009, Board of Public Works Meeting- Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Brock RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 19, 2009, Board of Public Works meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously Request to Use DeWitt Park – Discussion Patricia Haines, Coordinator of the Bioneer’s Conference, joined the Board in the discussion. She explained that the Bioneer’s Conference would be held at Ithaca College on Sunday, October 4, 2009, rather than downtown. She further explained that the request to use DeWitt Park is no longer necessary as the person spearheading the labyrinth, made from t-shirt material, has been withdrawn. Ms. Haines thanked the Board for their time and consideration. Approval of Commons Clock Tower – Resolution Mayor Peterson stated that the City Attorney’s office was unable to research this topic. Discussion followed on the floor regarding solicitation of sponsorship, advertisements on the clock tower and that the replacement of the time/temperature panels must be completed by the end of 2009 or the current sponsor would withdraw their donation. Board of Public Works Page 3 September 16, 2009 Committee of the Whole Power to Act – Approval of Commons Clock Tower – Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act on the approval of the Commons Clock Tower resolution at the October 7, 2009, Committee of the Whole meeting. Carried Unanimously Trash Facility Agreement with Center Ithaca – Discussion City Attorney Hoffman explained the history of how the trash facility came to be under the City’s control. He stated that when the Green Street Garage was demolished, Center Ithaca’s trash was consolidated with the City’s trash facility, causing issues with trash maintenance. He further stated that a Request for Proposals should be sent out so that a private contractor can be chosen to maintain the facility and ensure that payments are received from those who use the facility. Supt. Gray stated that the City’s use of the trash facility is 10% or less, with the majority of the trash coming from the businesses located around it. Commissioner Tripp expressed her support for contracting a private company to maintain the trash facility. Commissioner Jenkins volunteered to assist with developing the Request for Proposals and the contract. Home Depot Traffic Signal – Report City Attorney Hoffman stated that Traffic Engineer Tim Logue explained to him that two traffic signals within City limits do not belong to the City. He further stated that one is located at the entrance to Home Depot and the other is located near Friendly’s Restaurant. He explained that both of these traffic signals were required as part of the site plan review by the Planning and Development Board. He further stated that it was unclear that, once the traffic signals were installed, who would be responsible for maintaining them. He further explained that staff have identified two options regarding signals: the City could take ownership of them and maintain them or negotiations could be opened with the owners of the properties to maintain the signals in exchange for an annual fee. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the two options, the setup of the traffic signals, and the requirement of easements. He stated that his office would review site plan requirements and that further discussion would occur at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on October 7, 2009. Appeal of Water Bill for 318-320 W. Seneca Street, Illegal Connection – Discussion This item was not discussed. Commissioner Schlather is recused from discussion of this topic. Ithaca City School District Curb Cut Request – Discussion This item was not discussed. DPW 2010 Budget Requests – Discussion The Board moved to another room for review and discussion of the 2010 budget. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor