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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