HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-12-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:46 p.m. December 8, 2014
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (5) – Darling, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Morache, Warden
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin
Director of Engineering – West
Director of Parking – Nagy
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
Executive Assistant – Gehring
EXCUSED:
City Attorney – Lavine
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Supt. Thorne requested the addition of Item 9.3, “Update on Dam Engineering Assessments.”
No Board member objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor had no communications at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Brian Horvath and Louis Cassaniti Sr., Informally called themselves Ithaca Commons Food
Vendor Association, addressed the Board regarding mobile vending on the Commons. They
requested the opportunity to participate in creating the new rules regarding vending on the
Commons.
Commissioner Goldsmith arrived at 4:49 p.m.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Mayor Myrick thanked Mr. Horvath and Mr. Cassaniti for addressing the Board. He stated the
Commons Advisory Board has been working on the new policy regarding the Commons, but
he would contact Kris Lewis, chair of Commons Advisory Board, to request Mr. Horvath and
Mr. Cassaniti’s involvement, along with a council member.
REPORTS
Special Committees of the Board
Commissioner Darling, Liaison to Natural Areas Commission (NAC), reported that the
Commission wondered what the status was on pipe inspection in Six Mile Creek, they were
interested in an assessment of the natural areas, they wondered if the Land Acquisition Fund
was still in existence, and whether an old Quaker parcel, purchased while Dan Hoffman was
city attorney, had been incorporated into the natural areas. He further stated that the NAC
would like to be involved more with the Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
Commissioner Darling stated he suggested NAC invite Supt. Thorne to their next meeting.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the parcel at the entrance of Ithaca Falls near Lake
Street Bridge, which is not considered parkland, and possible funding sources for the
assessment.
Board Liaisons
Alderperson Fleming reported that Common Council discussed the Lake Street Bridge project,
which was tabled due to concerns that the property was contaminated. It would go to City
Administration Committee then back to Common Council.
Superintendent and Staff
Board of Public Works Page 2 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that several day crew members would be switched to nights,
due to a lack of staff on nights. He further stated that four new employees had begun work,
but they could not drive any trucks yet until the pre-employment drug test was complete.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that there have been four water main leaks, four new hydrants
and three new water services have been installed since the Board’s last meeting. Along with
that, two new wastewater operator trainees have been hired, including the first female
operator.
Director of Parking Nagy reported the revenues for on-street and off-street parking, 135 people
have paid their back tickets in order to be removed from the boot list. He stated that on-street
collection was down 10% for November, and ticket issuance was down 38% due to missing a
staff member.
VOTING ITEMS:
Parking and Traffic:
2015 Parking Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered the proposed 2015 rates for municipal
parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2015 budget revenue projection, and
WHEREAS, the following chart contains the entire rate structure for all rates within the City for
2015, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the proposed 2015 parking rates
as follows in the attached table; and, be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will revisit the parking rates no later than its final
July meeting in 2015; and, be it further,
RESOLVED, That all rates shall go into effect January 1, 2015, and shall remain until the
Board of Public Works directs otherwise.
Monthly Permits
Actual
2014 Rates
Effective
1/1/14
Proposed
2015 Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, Full Access (24/7) $90.00/mo $92.70/mo 3% increase
Contract with Hotel1 $52.00/mo $53.56/mo 3% increase
Contract with Cascadilla Plaza, LLC $90.00/mo $92.70/mo 3% increase
Worker’s Special (M-F/10 hrs/day,
210 hrs/mo) $76.00/mo $76.00/mo
No Change
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) $65.00/mo $65.00/mo No Change
Overnight Only Special (5pm-8am) $45.00/mo $45.00/mo No Change
Primo Part time Special (24/7,
68 hrs/mo) $41.00/mo $41.00/mo
No Change
Green Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, Full Access $79.50/mo $81.89/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $54.00 $54.85/ mo 1.58% increase
Worker’s Special (M-F/10 hrs/day,
210 hrs/mo) $67.50/ mo $67.50/mo
No Change
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) $58.00/ mo $58.00/mo No Change
Overnight Only Special (5pm-8am) $40.00/ mo $40.00/mo No change
Primo Part time Special (24/7,
68 hrs/mo) $37.00/ mo $37.00/mo
No Change
Cayuga Street Garage, Day and Night (before sales tax)
All Levels, including long-term storage $63.00/mo $65.00/mo 3% increase
Contract with Cornell2 $48.00/mo $52.53/mo 1.58% increase
Contract with County (Library)3 $60.48/ mo $65.00/ mo 100% of market
Premium Area Rates $116.00/mo $119.00/mo 3% increase
Board of Public Works Page 3 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
Dryden Road Garage
Full Access (24/7) $150.00/mo $150.00/mo
No Change
until July 1,
2015,then
increase 3%
with new school
year to $154.50
Discounted Hourly (250 hours)4 $120.00/mo $120.00/mo No change
Worker’s Special (M-F/10 hrs/day,
210 hrs/mo) $125.00/mo
Discontinue
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) 68.00/mo $68.00/mo No Change
Overnight Only Special (M-F/6pm-9am/
Free Weekends) 125.00/mo $125.00/mo
No Change
Primo Part time Special (24/7,
68 hrs/mo) $45.00 /mo $45.00/mo
No Change
Other Non-Meter Permit Parking
Contract with County (DSS)3 $48.00/mo $ 2% increase
Weekly Rates
Actual
2014 Rates
Effective
1/1/14
Proposed
2015 Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night $22.75 $23.43 3% Increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night $22.75 $23.43 3% Increase
Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours $35.75 $36.82 3% Increase
Hourly Rates5
Actual
2014 Rates
Effective
1/1/14
Proposed
2015 Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Amount
Changed
Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street Garages6
Per hour $1/hour $1/hour No Change
Maximum $7/day $7/day No Change
Dryden Road Garage
0 – 24 $1/hour $1/hour No Change
Maximum $15/day $15/day No Change
Bulk Purchase: Garage Tokens or Tracer Tickets $26.00/
40 hours
$26.00/
40 hours
No Change
Special Event Rate (weekend day entrance fee, 24 hour parking limit)
Downtown garages $5 $5 No change
Parking Meters and Pay and Display
Surface Lot: Green Street Garage7
$2.00/hour
No max.
$2.00/hour
No max. No change
Downtown (begin As Pay Machines are
installed)
$1.00/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.50/hr
2 hr. max. $.50/hr increase
Collegetown (begins as pay machines are
Installed)
$1.00/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.50/hr
2 hr. max. $.50/hr increase
Thurston & Stewart Ave. & Edgemoor
(begins as pay machines are installed)
$0.50/hr
9 hr. max.
$0.75/hr
9 hr. max. $.25/hr increase
Foot Notes
1 – Volume discount rate for 104 spaces – see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate adjustment annually
on 8/1 based on average increase in other rates, but not more than 3%
2 – Up to 40 permits in Seneca Street Garage at posted rate (except handicap permits, are at special
Cayuga Garage rate); up to 100 permits in Green Street Garage, up to 150 permits in Cayuga Street
Garage, total not to exceed 250 permits. Right to purchase additional 150 permits at posted rates –
see contract dated June 6, 2006. Rate to change for first 250 permits after August 1, 2007, “from time
Board of Public Works Page 4 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
to time” based on percentage change in the CPI between adjustment dates. The rate was last changed
on January 1, 2014, based on August 2013 CPI. The percentage change in the CPI from August 2013
to August 2014 was 1.33%.
3 – The County’s Mental Health/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street Garage (and/or Lot
D) has expired. The Board of Public Works agreed to transition the rate charged to County employees
to the full market rate over a period of five years. The rate for 2015 is 100% of the market rate.
County’s DSS agreement for 20 spaces on West State Street (in “Fire Station lot”) expires December
31, 2016.
4 – The Dryden Road garage permits for only day use or only night use were discontinued in 2011, and
replaced with a monthly permit valid for up to 250 hours of parking.
5 – Fees charged: Downtown garages, 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday: Dryden Road
garage and Green Street Surface Lot, 24 hours / 7 days.
6 – The City has an agreement with TC3 that allows TC3 to issue passes for students, clients, and
customers, for which the City charges TC3 88 percent of posted rates for the accumulated parking fees.
7 – In 2011, the pay station for the Green Street Surface Lot was put on line, and the hourly rate
increased to $2 per hour.
8 – Rates include sales tax, which must be collected at the Cayuga Garage as it is not owned and
operated by the municipality. In 2014, $48.00 without tax equates to $51.84 with tax. In 2015, $48.64
without tax equates to $52.53 with tax.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the parking agreement with Hilton Garden Inn
concerning daytime, short-term parking in the Seneca Street Garage, and the sale of parking
tokens, which would be the best deal for parking in city garages.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Water and Sewer:
Approval of the Amended Intermunicipal Water Services Exchange Agreement –
Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, the City and the Town have entered into a binding agreement, dated January 9,
1978 (the “1978 Agreement”), relative to certain interchange of water services, and
WHEREAS, the Town required certain remuneration with regard to the Coddington Road
Water District at the time of the 1978 Agreement, and
WHEREAS, SCLIWC is now the producer of water supplied by the Town to the City under the
1978 Agreement, and
WHEREAS, the City and Town wish to update the 1978 Agreement so as to incorporate
SCLIWC as a party thereto (now to be the “Amended Intermunicipal Water Services Exchange
Agreement”), and
WHEREAS, reconciliation of exchanged water services has not occurred in recent memory,
and
WHEREAS, based on initial efforts to collect and share data, it is believed that the amount of
water supplied by the City to the Town under the 1978 Agreement from January 1978 to
November 2011 is similar to the amount supplied by the Town to the City during that period,
and
WHEREAS, ascertaining the exact amounts of water supplied in previous periods by the City
and the Town would be extremely difficult, and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth the rights, obligations, remuneration,
procedures, and duties to hereafter be binding upon and among the parties hereto, and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law Article 5-G, Section 119-o, in addition to any other general
or special powers vested in municipal corporations and districts for the performance of their
respective functions, powers or duties on an individual, cooperative, joint or contract basis,
Board of Public Works Page 5 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
authorizes municipalities to enter into, amend, cancel and terminate agreements for the
performance among themselves of their respective functions, powers and duties on a
cooperative or contract basis, or for the provision of a joint service, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby approves the Amended
Intermunicipal Water Services Exchange Agreement and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute this contract, and that the
Superintendent of Public Works be and hereby is authorized to administer the same.
Supt. Thorne explained the amended draft agreement was presented to the Board in August
2014, then was reviewed and modified by the City and Bolton Point.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Stormwater User Fee Credits for Stormwater Utility Law – Proposed
Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
WHEREAS, on August 6, 2014, Common Council adopted a local law authorizing the creation
of a Stormwater Utility and the Establishment of a Stormwater User Fee, creating a new
Chapter 283 of the City Code, entitled “Stormwater Utility”, and
WHEREAS, the Stormwater User Fee charged for a lot is based on the amount of impervious
surface area on the lot, and
WHEREAS, Section 283-2(C)(1) of the City Code allows eligible owners to file an application
contesting the calculation of impervious surface area on their lot, and
WHEREAS, Section 283-3 of the City Code authorizes Stormwater User Fee Credits for those
practices or structures that reduce the quantity and/or improve the quality of runoff from eligible
properties and are included on a list of “Approved Stormwater User Fee Credits,” to be
established by the Board of Public Works and maintained by the Superintendent of Public
Works, and
WHEREAS, Section 283-3(E) requires an eligible property owner to apply for Stormwater User
Fee Credits in a form that is satisfactory to the Superintendent, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works establishes the following list of Approved
Stormwater User Fee Credits, to be updated by the Board from time to time:
Treatment Quality Credits
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
2010 Stormwater Design Manual Reference Section
Rain Garden 5.3.7
Green Roof 5.3.8
Stormwater Planter 5.3.9
Porous Pavement 5.3.11
Bioretention (F-5) 6.4
Quantity Attenuation Credits
Stormwater Pond 6.1
Stormwater Wetland 6.2
Stormwater Infiltration 6.3
Stormwater Filters 6.4
Open Channel (O-1) 6.5
, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the attached “Stormwater User Fee
Revision/Credit Application” as a form by which owners may:
contest the calculation of impervious area on their lot under 283-2(C)(1), and
apply for Stormwater User Fee Credits under 283-3, in a manner that is satisfactory to
the Superintendent under 283-3(E), and be it further
Board of Public Works Page 6 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works establishes Application Fees to pay for a portion
of the staff time and processing costs involved in reviewing applications in the amount of
$50.00 for Part 1 of the application and $200 plus 10% of the Calculated User Fee Credit for
Part 2 of the application, and be it further
RESOLVED, That no approved credit shall take effect prior to January 1, 2015.
Supt. Thorne stated that fees were finalized since the Board’s last meeting.
A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
2015 Water and Sewer Rates – Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Charter, the Board of Public Works has the authority to
set water and sewer rates, and
WHEREAS, staff has provided water and sewer usage projections for 2015, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the following water and sewer rates and
fees starting for bills due on or after January 1, 2015, and the rates are effective until changed:
Basic Rates (per 100 cubic feet):
Existing 2014 2015
Water $5.11 $5.62
Sewer $5.47 $5.47
Minimum Billing (per quarter year)
METER
SIZE
CU FT
ALLOWED WATER SEWER TOTAL
Small 1,200 $67.44 $65.64 $133.08
1" 3,200 $179.84 $175.04 $354.88
1.5" 5,500 $309.10 $300.85 $609.95
2" 11,200 $629.44 $612.64 $1,242.08
3" 16,000 $899.20 $875.20 $1,774.40
4" 24,100 $1,354.42 $1,318.27 $2,672.69
6" 42,100 $2,366.02 $2,302.87 $4,668.89
Other Services
Unmetered sprinkler service: $12 per inch diameter per quarter
Metered water for circuses, carnivals contractors, etc., through suitable connection at
hydrant installed by Water and Sewer: charged by use, with minimum bill of $200 per day
for the first 7 days and $50 per day thereafter.
Bulk Water for street sweepers, tank trucks, spray rigs, etc., available at the Water building:
$100 per load up to 500 gallons, and $25 per thousand over 500 gallons.
Meter removal, meter resetting, turning water off, or turning water on at curb stop: $40 per
event.
Residential Meter Testing: $75 if meter is found to be within industry tolerances; no charge
if out of tolerance.
Replacement of frosted or damaged residential meter:
During business hours – cost of the meter plus $50
After hours without a call-in – cost of the meter plus $125
After hours with a call-in – cost of the meter plus $220
Replace damaged AMR meter head, caused by owner/occupant negligence: cost of new
meter plus $60.
Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $45 per special read.
Board of Public Works Page 7 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
Data Logs: the first obtainable data log is free, delivered electronically in a PDF format.
Paper copies will be printed upon request at the cost of duplication. All additional data logs
shall be charged at $45 each delivered electronically. If a City issue is found as a result of
a data log, there shall be no charge.
All other special services: To be billed at cost (including overhead) with supporting bill
documentation.
Carried Unanimously
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Award of Contract for On-Street Parking Pay Stations
WHEREAS, Proposals were received on Thursday, November 20, 2014, for On-Street Parking
Pay Stations, and
WHEREAS, The request for proposals identified several criteria for selection including, but not
limited to, per-unit-cost, service accessibility, inter-communication capabilities and validation
options, and
WHEREAS, Pay stations will be purchased over a 3 to 5 year time frame at the price
established in this proposal, and
WHEREAS, Staff has reviewed all four proposals that were received and has made a
recommendation, and
WHEREAS, after review, the proposal from Cale America was deemed non-responsive
regarding merchant validations and the number of service locations in New York State, and
WHEREAS, after review, the proposal from IPS Group was deemed non-responsive due to
lack of merchant validation, lack of ability to interact by phone and lack of customer base in
New York State, now be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works awards the contract for On-Street
Parking Pay Stations to Digital Payment Technologies for their cost per unit of $8,810.77, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be hereby authorized to enter into said
contract under the usual terms and conditions.
Director of Parking Nagy explained the proposals that were received and that staff reviewed
each proposal for what the companies could do for the City. He stated that Digital Payment
Technologies could provide all of the services the City needs, and they have multiple locations
within New York State, which indicates the equipment would withstand New York weather. He
further explained the pros and cons between the four bidders.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the number of pay stations that would be purchased
in the first year, installation would take at least 3 months, and whether conversations would be
held with other companies that were current customers of the bidders. Director of Parking
Nagy stated that customer reviews for Digital Payment Technologies and Cale America were
very good. He further stated that the average life of the machines was 10 years before
needing to be replaced or updated, but the payback time was 5-7 years.
Further discussion followed regarding the limited time of the warranty, the ability to handle
dynamic parking rates, the removal of the existing meters which would be replaced by one pay
machine for 10-15 meters, and the diversity of choices provided by the pay machines, like pay
by plate, pay by space, or pay and display. The Board agreed to include the resolution on the
next meeting’s agenda.
Commissioner Warden left the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 171 East State Street – Proposed
Resolution
WHEREAS, Scott Dolphin on behalf of TTH Associates LLC, which is the Owner of the
property at 171 East State Street, known as Center Ithaca (Tax Map Parcel No. 70.-4-5.1), in
the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City into the
adjacent airspace above the street right-of-way for East State Street; and
Board of Public Works Page 8 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following:
A LED display marquee, at an elevation of 9 feet, 7 inches above the ground
and upward 3 feet, 6 inches, encroaching in the street right of way starting
from the north face of the building located at 171 East State Street, and
extending over the right of way to the north approximately 4 feet, 1 inch for a
span of approximately 15 feet, 5 inches running east and west, parallel to the
building, thereby encompassing an encroachment into the right of way by
approximately 62.95 square feet, which is shown on a drawing entitled “171
State St – Center Ithaca Proposed New LED Marquee” prepared by Scott
Dolphin Studio,
WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed overhang encroachment is inside the current location
of the existing public sidewalks on the south side of East State Street and will not interfere with
the sidewalk and right of way as currently constituted; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has submitted a sign permit application for the proposed LED
display marquee, and the Building Division has informed the applicant that the proposed
marquee will require a variance; and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public
works uses or needs; and
WHEREAS, the 2013-14 schedule of fees for use of City-owned property requires an initial
application fee of $100 for new licenses, and stipulates that annual use fee for the Ithaca
Commons, primary or secondary license fee category shall be calculated at $2.77 per square
foot resulting in an annual use fee of $174.37 with such rate thereafter subject to adjustment
by the consumer price index and property taxes assessed against the City, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment
at 171 East State Street, as proposed, contingent upon the following:
compliance with all requirements of the sign permit application process, including
obtaining any applicable variances, and any other City requirements as directed by the
Building Division, and
the execution of a license/agreement and submission of the required application form
and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent terms) and proof of required insurance,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is
hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable
upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is
required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those
specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code.
Commissioner Darling stated he had no objection to the request. The Board generally agreed.
Mayor Myrick noted that pedestrians walking on the Commons would be able to see the
notices on the sign. The Board agreed to include the resolution on the next meeting’s agenda.
Update on Dam Engineering Assessments
Asst. Supt. Whitney explained the memo that was provided to the Board, which listed the
inspections that were required by the State of New York Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC). In August 2014, the City provided NYSDEC with a plan for updating
the 60 foot dam, relating it to the Water Treatment Plant Rebuild Project. He stated that by
August 2015, the City must provide a plan for the 30 foot dam, whether to remove the dam or
rebuild it.
He further reported that NYSDEC authorized the City to handle a limited number of issues at
the 60 foot dam, such as fixing the gate house, and limited dredging. The City would not have
the expense of doing all the required repairs all at once. He noted that the City would have the
expense of making the repairs to the dam whether or not it was rebuilding the water treatment
plant.
Board of Public Works Page 9 December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting
Commissioner Morache noted that if the 30 foot and Van Nattas Dams were removed, the
entire gorge area would be modified, changing the vegetation, sediment, and wildlife areas.
Commissioner Darling strongly urged the City to install a fence/gate across the newly paved
access road to the 60 foot dam to restrict access.
New Business
Commissioner Darling stated that he spoke with Albert Smith about the Hot Truck, who would
like to move his permanent location from Stewart Avenue to Eddy Street at Dryden Road.
Commissioner Darling stated he told Mr. Smith that he could enter the lottery under the new
policy or remain where he was with the Heritage Permit. He further stated that Mr. Smith
wanted to move his location, then transfer ownership to someone else. Commissioner Darling
suggested the topic be on the next Board’s agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor