HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2009-12-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:54 p.m. December 2, 2009
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (5) – Brock, Jenkins, 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
Bridge Systems Engineer – Gebre
Alderperson Schuler
EXCUSED
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Power to Act – Approval of the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Approach
Plaza – Update
Supt. Gray explained that the City is under a tight time schedule regarding the bid and
construction of the pedestrian bridge so that construction could be completed by the
time students return in the Fall of 2010. He further explained that in order for the design
team to move forward, they require the Board’s concurrence with the design of the
bridge, the approach plazas, and the handrails.
Commissioner Schlather arrived at 4:57 p.m.
Bridge Systems Engineer Gebre, Margot Chiuten, Landscape Architect with Trowbridge
& Wolf, and John Papponetti, P.E., Structural Engineer with LaBella Associates, P.C.,
joined the Board for the discussion of this item.
Structural Engineer Papponetti stated that comments from the Board and residents
were considered when they reworked the design of the approach plazas to the
pedestrian bridge. Landscape Architect Chiuten explained some of the changes that
were made to the designs to reduce noise and the potential for gatherings, to help
address neighborhood concerns. She further explained that low-growing shrubbery
would replace some of the pavement on the plaza on the north side of the bridge and
decorative paving would be installed on the south side plaza, along with the reduction of
the number of stone blocks around the south side plaza to discourage long term
loitering in the area.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the revisions to the design of the approach
plazas and the use of the bridge by bicyclists and pedestrians. Further discussion
followed on the floor regarding the timeline for design, bidding and construction.
Comments from neighborhood residents were encouraging and supportive and were
accepted by the Board. Planning Director Cornish stated that the design must have a
public comment period due to the need for a site plan review.
Supt. Gray stated that the height of the handrail is determined by the use of the bridge
by bicyclists along with pedestrians. He further explained that the bridge would require
approximately 900 linear feet of handrails between the approach plazas and the bridge
and the decision to change the design from curved to straight handrails was to reduce
expenses. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the benefits of the design of the
railing along with the cost savings between the curved and straight railings. Further
discussion followed on the floor regarding how to prevent or deter jumping off of the
Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Commissioner Schlather stated that the Board should give approval for the design so
the site plan review process could begin. The Board agreed.
Committee of the Whole Page 2 December 2, 2009
Power to Act - Approval of the October 7, 2009 Board of Public Works Committee
of the Whole Meeting Minutes – Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Brock
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the October 7, 2009 Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Brock expressed her appreciation to Mayor Peterson and City Attorney
Hoffman for their work on the agreement with the Ithaca City School District regarding
the curb cut on Albany Street for Beverly J. Martin Elementary School.
Water Plant – Next Steps – Discussion
Supt. Gray explained the tasks that would need to be taken next in the design of the
new water plant, what studies are required, concerns from the neighborhood, and what
contracts must be in place. He stated that the deadline for new standards is Feb. 2013.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding timelines, required tasks prior to the
construction of the plant and pilot testing.
Mayor Peterson expressed her belief that a significant amount of federal money may be
available for water projects and her desire that the City apply for available grants.
Mayor Peterson left the meeting at 6:04 p.m.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding awarding an amendment to the existing
contract for design services with the current consultant and ensuring deadlines are not
missed.
2010 Budget Issues: Parking, Solid Waste, Water and Sewer – Discussion
Commissioner Schlather explained that the subcommittee assigned to parking rates
was attempting to find ways to generate revenues other than eliminating the one hour
free parking. He stated that suggestions included tougher parking enforcement, slightly
higher rates in the Green Street Surface Lot, extended hours in the parking garages
until 8:00 p.m., raising the daily maximum rate to $10, raising monthly rates, and setting
up a West End parking permit system for the surface lots in that area.
Discussion followed on floor regarding the possibility of changing the free parking hour
to the third hour of parking, rather than the first hour.
Supt. Gray explained that the Chamberlain’s Office requested the Board set parking
rates so they could begin selling permits for next year. He further stated that
water/sewer rates and solid waste rates needed to be set and resolutions would be on
the agenda for the December 16, 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Green Street Garage Exit Sight Distance
This item was not discussed
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor