HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2015-10-26BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. October 26, 2015
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (5) - Warden, Darling, Jenkins, Goldsmith, Greene
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne
Asst. Supt. for Streets & Facilities – Benjamin
Asst. Supt. For Water & Sewer – Whitney
Director of Parking – Nagy
Information Management Specialist – Myers
Alderperson - Fleming
Director of Engineering - West
Assistant Civil Engineer (Water & Sewer) – Sledjeski
Traffic Engineer – Logue
Asst. City Attorney - Flaherty
Call to Order/Agenda Review:
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
Mayor's Communications:
The Mayor had no communications for the Board at this time.
Communications and Hearings from Persons Before the Board:
Tom Porter, New Facilities Director for Collegetown Bagels and Ithaca Bakery, addressed the
Board regarding the water & sewer bill for both businesses. He reported that for the last 30
years they have been charged by the City as if the same amount of water coming in was the
same amount going out. He stated that 70% of the water coming in is used in food preparation,
and so it does not go back out and have to be treated as sewer water. They would like to make
a request of the City to reduce their water and sewer bill because of that fact. He calculated the
amount they have paid for the last 30 years for both water and sewer is almost $300,000. The
owners of the businesses would like to save some money. They can quantify their use of the
water by weighing each gallon as part of the ingredients in every recipe.
Woepa Zegid, addressed the Board on behalf of the owner of “That’s How I Roll” which is a new
food truck that has been in operation almost six months. They have tried a few different spots
around the City to vend including North Campus and Collegetown. They would really like to be
near the Chapter House on Stewart Avenue, but the food truck regulations require that a food
truck be 200’ away from any other food establishment. He would like to request that the Board
consider, as a future agenda item, a discussion regarding the possibilities for finding exceptions
to the current food truck regulations and rules. They noted that one possible location for
consideration would be by 215 College Avenue.
Response to the Public:
Supt. Thorne responded to comments about new food truck locations in Collegetown. He
wondered if they had discussed their request with his Executive Assistant, Kathy Servoss, about
the possible new location for the food truck. Mr. Zegid responded that Ms. Servoss
recommended they approach the Board of Public Works with their request. Director of
Engineering West reported that at the 215 College Avenue location, the sidewalk is only 4’ wide
and there is a hedge so staff were not comfortable agreeing to that proposed location. He noted
that there would be a better place to locate the food truck just a little further up the street, but it
would put it less than 200’ away from a restaurant.
Mayor Myrick asked what hours the food truck operates; Mr. Zegid responded that they operate
from 4:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., so those hours would be the same as the restaurants in the
Collegetown area, which could be an issue.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
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Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he would like to discuss the request at a future meeting,
with staff input. The Board could review the current designated spots to evaluate whether there
might be a possibility to make some changes or add locations for food trucks in Collegetown.
Commissioner Warden expressed concern regarding a new location that would be less than
200’ from a restaurant. He would like to know whether that restaurant had any concerns about
a food truck being in a location that close to them.
Mr. Zegid responded that they would contact the affected restaurant to explain that they are
interested in having their food truck in a location less than 200’ from them, and what, if any,
concerns they would have with it. He would then report back to the Board when this request is
on the agenda for discussion.
Director of Engineering West stated that he would work with staff on Mr. Zegid’s request and
provide a recommendation to the Board.
Asst. Supt. Whitney responded to comments about adjusting the water/sewer bill for
Collegetown Bagels and Ithaca Bakery.
Mayor Myrick stated that he can understand the sense of the request; that if the water does not
go out into the sewer, it shouldn’t have to be paid for.
A brief question and answer period followed with staff and Mr. Porter. The Board would like to
have this request as a future agenda item for discussion after staff have met with Mr. Porter,
reviewed how other municipalities handle similar situations, and are able to provide a
recommendation to them. The Board also requested that when this item is placed on their
agenda that Mr. Porter be notified so that he can attend the meeting as well.
Reports:
Common Council Liaison Fleming reported on the following:
Common Council is currently in budget meetings
A concern from one resident on East State Street was shared with her about pot holes in
the street that when trucks hit them causes their house to vibrate. She did assure them
that the City is working on a lot of streets to make repairs.
Two constituents expressed their thanks for the new striped sidewalk on Quarry Street,
and for the additional trash cans in Collegetown and extra pick up scheduled in
Collegetown
Mayor Myrick reported that he has also received a lot of appreciative e-mails from constituents
for the additional trash cans and pick up scheduled in Collegetown by the Department of Public
Works.
Parks Commission Liaison Goldsmith reported on a proposal that had been submitted that
involves developing more/additional parkland at Strawberry Fields (located by Belle Sherman
Elementary School). The Parks Commission will be discussing the request at their meeting on
November 10th. He also reported that he met someone who likes the bike lanes on North
Cayuga Street.
Mayor Myrick reported that the complaints received he has received regarding the bike lanes
recently painted on North Cayuga Street have not been so much about the loss of parking on
one side of the street, but on both sides of the street. He stated that the City will see, going
forward, what if any changes are possible. He also stressed the importance of communicating
to affected residents about this type of construction and the possible impacts on neighborhoods
in the future.
Commissioner Warden noted that it would also be good to have a parking study done on North
Cayuga Street to show when parking is packed and when it is empty as possible changes are
considered.
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Director of Parking Nagy suggested that his staff conduct a parking inventory daily, and report
those findings to the Board.
Commissioner Warden reported that he sent an e-mail to everyone regarding a new business in
the City offering broadband services, including links from different cities, municipalities, and
different sizes to see what they are doing with broadband businesses and services. He would
love to have a discussion about it with the Board at some point.
Mayor Myrick noted that it would be good to have City-wide Wi-fi through the use of broadband
which would take away the overloads to the internet which occur with Time Warner Cable.
Commissioner Jenkins asked whether the Board would be discussing the Cass Park Rink Roof
at any point in the near future. Mayor Myrick responded that he would add that item under “New
Business” for discussion later in the meeting.
Director of Engineer West reported on the following items for the Board:
o Sidewalk work has been completed
o The boathouse roof is being repaired
o Evaluation of the north end of the Green Street parking garage will begin on
November 9th in order to determine a projected life expectancy.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported on the following items for the Board:
o The North Aurora Street bridge is now open
o Crews are working on the Hancock Street bridge
o Crews are milling and will repave Kline Road today and will work overtime tonight
to replace the culvert because there because this area is limited in size and hard
to work in, and they’re trying to wrap up all the work they can before winter
o Staff have begun work on the construction schedule for next year; they always
plan for more work than what can actually be done.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported on the following items for the Board:
o He has been working with Supt. Thorne and Asst. Supt. Benjamin on the 2016
work plan to make sure it’s inclusive of the water and sewer work that also needs
to be completed.
o Crews installed water lines for the new construction on the 300 block of East
State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. The street was closed on October 19th for
the work, and will take about a week to complete as the bricks in the street need
to be removed and replaced as well.
Director of Parking Nagy provided the following parking revenue report for the Board for the
month of October:
$23,000 in coin collection
$ 8,000 for Park Mobile
$35,000 for pay machines
Total: $66,000 revenue for October; which is a 31% increase from October 2014
Commissioner Warden reported that he has received some complaints from elderly residents
regarding parking who don’t have smart phones to pay for parking.
Director of Parking Nagy responded that smart phones are not required; residents can use a
regular phone to pay for parking. New pay machines are ordered and will be installed soon,
which should help as well.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that it would be nice to know, as a result of the increase in
parking fees, whether there is some evidence that the new system is working to take long term
on-street parkers into the parking garages and the pattern of open spaces.
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Director of Parking Nagy responded that he can print out a report of occupancy in the garages.
He noted that long term parkers are moving from the street into garage, so this program does
seem to be working as predicted.
Commissioner Goldsmith questioned whether there is information about how quickly someone
can find a parking space on the street. Director of Parking Nagy responded that there are more
and more open spaces on the street to the extent that he has received complaints that the street
is bare of parkers.
Supt. Thorne reported to the Board on the following items:
o Staff is working on developing the 2016 construction schedule, determining what
the City can and can’t do itself and what work to contract out
o Staff is reviewing and checking off projects completed in 2015, quite a few
projects were added into the schedule such as the Aurora Street bridge, the Kline
Road mill and repave, and work on Pearl Street. It was a great construction
season.
o The Water Recreation Committee has been meeting regularly, and is very close
to a document regarding recommendations for boat storage. Then it will need to
be reviewed by the Parks Commission, the Board of Public Works, and then
Common Council for final approval. He will plan to present it to the Board within
the next month, and staff hope to implement some of the changes in 2016.
New Project Presentation:
A. Water Treatment Plan Project Update:
Asst. Civil Engineer Sledjeski provided a PowerPoint presentation for the Board to show what
work on the new water plant has been completed, what work is currently being done, and the
schedule for completion of the project by October 2016.
Asst. Civil Engineer Sledjeski highlighted the following items of the project for the Board:
The City received the notice to proceed with project in September 2014. Phase I is complete
and producing water, Phase II demoed more of the settling tanks, and Phase III will demolish
the old building, and complete the remaining work on site.
Installation of two, large, underground water storage tanks has been completed. They are just
about half-way through completion of the project. The first milestone will be completed on
November 20, 2015 of the new membrane skids which will become operational and begin
producing water. A lot of work is currently going on with Phase II to enclose the underground
water storage tanks for the winter. The contractor for the project has been very good with
advancing the schedule and keeping everything on track.
The City is currently receiving water from Cornell University and Bolton Point, which began last
week. Staff is hoping to bring a portion on the water plant online by tomorrow afternoon to cut
down on the need for shared water; November 9th, the work should be completed so that the
use of water from Cornell University and Bolton Point can be discontinued.
One of the major upgrades with the project will be that the operation of the water plant will be
monitored by a computer controlled and fully automated system. Staff will be able to monitor
information from anywhere in building as well as from other locations around the City.
Asst. Civil Engineer Sledjeski requested that if any Board members had questions to just let him
know, and if anyone wanted to take a tour of the site and ongoing work to just let him know.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
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Administration and Communications:
Approval of the September 28, 2015 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 28, 2015 Board of Public Works meeting be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Buildings, Properties, Refuse & Transit:
Resolution to Establish Fees for the Use of the Commons Telecommunication Space
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, as part of the Commons Project, the City installed a comprehensive structure to
facilitate installation of telecommunications equipment by multiple providers; and
WHEREAS, the City is interested in licensing space within the Commons conduit structure to
interested telecommunication providers; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 170 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled “Use of City Real
Property” establishes the Board of Public Works’ authority to issue licenses and set fees for
uses of City-owned structures; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received one request to use such conduit structure
and believes that other telecom providers may express interest in use the Commons conduit
structure, and therefore wishes to set forth a fee structure for licenses of conduit on the
Commons; and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed staff’s proposal to base the license fee on the City’s costs
of constructing and installing the Commons telecommunication system space structure, and the
Board is supportive of this approach; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works hereby sets forth the following annual license fee
structure for use of the Commons telecommunication system space:
$1.48 per linear foot of dedicated 4 inch conduit;
Each dedicated conduit line licensed shall include a license to use up to 2.25 square feet
of wall space in a corresponding vault;
$0.48 per linear foot of shared 4 inch conduit;
and; be it further
RESOLVED, The annual use fee set forth above shall be considered the base license fee for
use of Commons Telecommunication space, and that at the City’s discretion, the same may be
adjusted for each year by an amount up to the amount of the increase in the consumer price
index; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the license agreement allowing said use of City-owned structure shall contain
the usual terms and conditions of the City’s license agreement, including those specified in
Chapter 170 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled “Use of City Real Property”.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that he would rather see the rate increase by the construction
price index rather than the consumer price index because he suspects that is a higher rate.
Supt. Thorne responded that the consumer price index is easier for staff to use, and has always
been used to determine fee increases. Director of Engineering West noted that the rate is
based upon actual construction cost per linear feet, which seemed reasonable for this use, and
is about the same rate as the national average for similar use.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
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Mayor Myrick stated that he would like the City Attorney to weigh in on this proposal in the
future, and asked Commissioner Goldsmith to forward him and the City Attorney the names for
other indexes so they can be researched accordingly.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Highways, Streets & Sidewalks:
A. A Resolution to Declare the Board of Public Works Lead Agency for Purposes of
Environmental Review of the Discontinuance of the Northern Section of Lake Avenue and
Eastern Portion of Adams Street and Referral to Planning and Development Board for the
Report on the Proposed Discontinuance
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
WHEREAS, the proposed action involves the discontinuance of portions of two City streets,
namely Lake Avenue and Adams Street, which collectively are referred to as the “Street
Parcels” and are more particularly described as follows:
That portion of Lake Avenue commencing at the western corner of Lake Avenue and
Hancock Street, running northeast approximately 37 feet, then 393 feet to the northwest
to meet the eastern corner of Lake Avenue and Adams Street, then 173 feet to the
southwest to meet the eastern curb face line of Alice Miller Way, then southeast
approximately 73 feet, then northeast approximately 167.5 feet, and then southeast
approximately 327 feet to the beginning; and
WHEREAS, if the above-described Street Parcels are discontinued, they will be used for green
space, pedestrian and bicycle space, and a public use playground, in accordance with the
approved Site Plan dated August 25, 2015, and the Agreement executed between Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) and the City on September 4, 2015; and
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled
“Environmental Quality Review” require that a lead agency be established for conducting
environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law; and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the
lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, the proposed discontinuance of the northern section of Lake Avenue and the
eastern section of Adams Street is a Type I Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality
Review (CEQR) Ordinance because it occurs wholly within 100 feet of Cascadilla Creek, which
requires environmental review under CEQR; and
WHEREAS, Section C-71 of the City of Ithaca Charter entitled “Street, Highways, Bridges and
Sidewalks” grants the Board of Public Works the authority to “lay out, alter, discontinue,
regulate, straighten, widen, pave, curb, clean and sprinkle the streets, highways, bridges and
crosswalks,” and the City of Ithaca Charter Section C-61 entitled “Scope and Authority of the
Board of Public Works” provides that the Board shall “have control” of the City department
pertaining to “Streets and Sidewalks” and its property, albeit “subject to the limitations herein
contained and the direction and review of the Common Council”; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board typically is provided an opportunity to report
on a proposal to discontinue a street prior to its discontinuance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself
lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed discontinuance of the Street Parcels;
and, further be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby refers the proposal to discontinue the
Street Parcels to the Planning and Development Board to make a report within thirty days of the
passage of this resolution.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
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Carried Unanimously
Discussion Items:
Request for Variance Regarding Water & Sewer Lines:
Supt. Thorne explained that the properties at 701 and 705 North Aurora Street are owned by the
same property owner. One is a single family home (701), and the other is a duplex (705), at the
back of 705 is an office and storage space, which was converted from a garage in the mid-
eighties, with City Approval. It is heated and has a full bathroom, with the water and sewer lines
being serviced from 705 North Aurora Street. The current property owner wants to turn this
back building into a studio apartment, but due to our zoning, it would have been extremely
difficult to secure a use variance to do so; an added apartment would have meant that 705
North Aurora Street had three units on the property. The zoning allows for a single and two-
family residences. The Zoning Director told him that he may be able to accomplish his goal if
were to allowed to re-draw the lot line, so that the back building is part of the property at 701
North Aurora Street. Thanks to that recommendation, the Board of Zoning Appeals granted a
variance for the proposed use. When the property owner met with the City of Ithaca Plumbing
Inspector, as recommended by the Building Department, he was informed that because the
back building would now be a separate primary use, a brand new water and sewer line would
need to be run from the back house over to Yates Street. That would require the property
owner digging up their whole back yard, which they would like to avoid, if at all possible. In
doing research, the property owner learned that 701 North Aurora Street has two sewer lines,
one to Aurora Street and one to Yates, but tying into either of those would be difficult and
expensive. The Plumbing Inspector understood the problem and was not unsympathetic, but he
said his jurisdiction only allowed him to give a permit for this course of action. He suggested
that the property owner might want to talk to the Board of Public Works, which did have the
authority to grant variances to do it in another way.
The property owner is requesting the Board’s permission to run a much shorter, easier, less
intrusive and much less expensive water line from 701 North Aurora Street to the back building,
and have this service provide the water instead of the service at 705 North Aurora Street
(basically a swap). Further, the property owner would like to grant himself an easement for the
back house to continue using the sewer line of 705 North Aurora Street, which he owns.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that a similar request has only been done once; the easement
includes a uniform maintenance agreement that everyone using the sewer pay for it. This way it
saves a lot of angst among the property owners.
Supt. Thorne stated that, right now, the same property owner owns both properties. Any
easement granted would carry with property, and not the current owner. Asst. Supt. Whitney
confirmed that the easement and maintenance agreement would be required to be included in
the deed and go with the property.
Commissioner Warden expressed concern about the sewer going into the basement of the
second unit, and whether the City water and sewer department staff or the City of Ithaca
Plumbing Inspector had been contacted to see if they would approve the request.
Mayor Myrick asked whether the Board would support the request, if Commissioner Warden’s
questions are answered to his satisfaction, and so it could be voted upon at the Board’s next
meeting.
The Board supported that idea; Commissioner Warden asked the property owner to meet with
him and Plumbing Inspector Albanese, so that his questions could be addressed, and if
answered to his satisfaction, he would have no problem with voting in support of the request at
the next meeting of the Board.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
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Potential Fence Donation for Stewart Park Carousel:
Diana Reisman joined the Board for discussion of the request on behalf of the Friends of
Stewart Park.
The Friends of Stewart Park are proposing a new fence to replace the current unattractive fence
that would make the carousel look better especially since the carousel horses have recently
been repainted after 31 years. She has been to the Parks Commission and met with city staff,
and everyone supports the request. Whitmore Fence is ready to install it anytime approval is
given by the Board of Public Works.
Commissioner and Parks Commission Liaison Goldsmith reported that the Parks Commission
expressed unanimous and enthusiastic support for the request and proposed design of the
fence.
Board Members expressed their support for the request as well so it will come back to the Board
for a vote at their next meeting.
Curb Re-Alignment Proposal for Dryden Road:
Director of Engineering West explained the reason for the proposal and provided the Board with
information on three alternative layouts for curb realignment to choose from. He stated that this
seems like a good opportunity to clean up the neighborhood, make the sidewalk more
accessible, and increase public safety (IFD access) as two new buildings are constructed on the
south side of the 200 block of Dryden Road. He provided the following information for the
Board:
“Two new buildings are currently under construction on the south side of the 200 block of
Dryden Road. These projects present an opportunity to rehabilitate the streetscape of that
block to provide better pedestrian access, reconfigure loading areas and, most significantly, put
overhead electric and telecommunication lines underground. Superintendent Thorne is actively
engaged in discussions with New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) regarding
“undergrounding” overhead lines as well as upgrading and extending existing gas mains. These
are major undertakings, even for NYSEG. In addition, the Department of Public Works will have
an opportunity to upgrade a 6” tile sewer and an existing water main. Storm sewers will, of
course, need to be reconstructed.
The following considerations drive the streetscape alternatives that are presented:
• NYSEG has existing underground facilities on the south side of the 100 block of Dryden
Road. Extending these facilities along the south side of the 200 block will make undergrounding
somewhat easier.
• North side businesses are primarily restaurants or service providers; they have need for
truck delivery and customer “take-out” loading zones.
• One of the new buildings will be mixed use, the other office space for some 300 Cornell
University employees and students. Occupants will require pick-up/drop-off space.
• Current zoning requires new construction be set back 5 feet from the front property line.
Alternative 1 provides a continuous loading zone on the south side of the block. Chokers at
either end define the loading zone and provide a shorter crossing distance at the very busy
College Avenue intersection. The chokers also provide space for large underground vaults
required by NYSEG for transformers and switches. Wider sidewalk on the north side of the
block provides room for underground vaults for tele-communications. Travel lanes are 11 feet
wide, the loading zone is 8 feet wide. This alternative does not provide loading on the north side
where businesses are located; this will encourage double-parking on a narrow street.
Alternative 2 provides a continuous loading zone on the north side of the block. Similar to
alternative 1, chokers define the loading zone and provide a shorter crossing distance at the
very busy College Avenue intersection. The south curb line is slightly further north than in
alternative 1 which provides space for electric and telecommunication vaults on the south side.
Travel lanes are 11 feet wide, the loading zone is 7 feet wide. This alternative does not provide
loading on the south side where residential and office spaces are located; an extended loading
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
9
zone on the north side of the street will provide plenty of flexibility for a variety of loading and
parking options. In addition to providing more space for vaults and conduits alternative 2
provides more space for plantings, as required by the site plan review process.
Alternative 3 provides a truck loading zone on the western half of the north side of the block and
a loading zone on the eastern portion of the south side of the block. Each loading zone can
best serve the specific uses of the businesses that they abut. A choker is provided on the north
eastern corner of the College Avenue/Dryden Road intersection for pedestrian accommodation.
The south side sidewalk is slightly wider than in alternative 1 in order to accommodate the large
electrical vault on the south east corner of College Avenue/Dryden Road.
All alternatives offer the option to do nothing to the curb line on the north side of the block and
live with the existing narrow sidewalks and existing crossing distance. All three alternatives will
require that accommodation for telecommunications be provided with a number of vaults and
conduits (similar to the system on the Commons). All alternatives require the installation of new
street lighting since there will be no poles.”
Commissioner Goldsmith asked what alternative staff would prefer?
Director of Engineering West responded that staff would recommend Alternative 2 because it
would accommodate utilities well, put the loading zone on the side of the street where they are
needed more than in their current location. He stated that, in essence, staff is looking for the
sense of the Board regarding whether they support the idea or not. Staff would like to let
NYSEG know that the City is prepared to do this streetscape work, and at least one building
encroaches on city property. There is also a larger gain in the width of the sidewalk, as well as
meeting new zoning requirements - especially on the south side which is still private property
that is required to meet the zoning setback requirements.
Commissioner and Planning & Development Board Liaison Darling stated that the Planning and
Development Board have had long meetings on these two new buildings, and any one of these
three alternatives will make the Board, city staff, and the architect for the new building very
happy. They will complement the streetscape requirements to make the street and sidewalk
look the best they can.
Director of Engineering West stated that the City will also need to work with the developer of the
projects about the street lamps that will need to be replaced.
Board members expressed their support for staff’s recommendation of Alternative #2.
Commissioner Greene wondered that given what happened with the new bike lanes on North
Cayuga Street whether the Board should notify affected owners. Common Council Liaison
Fleming responded that Director of Engineering West has informed the appropriate Common
Council representatives for the area and will also do outreach to the public before proceeding
with the work.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that this is a very congested intersection and this would be an
improvement; however, he also encouraged the Common Council representatives for that area
to also discuss the project and proposed alternatives with their constituents.
Supt. Thorne stated that before that is done he would like NYSEG’s feedback about the
alternatives as well. Director of Engineering West explained that the proposed changes will also
make pedestrians more visible to drivers.
Mayor Myrick stated that from the discussion today, it appears that the Board supports staff’s
recommendation of Alternative #2. Board members confirmed that statement.
Fencing for Ithaca Falls:
Supt. Thorne reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed their required
clean-up work at Ithaca Falls. At the base of the falls, where a little bit of rock/dust can come
down, there is an area that catches lead contaminated soil when it rains. Currently, there is a
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
10
plastic fence about two feet away from the area to keep people out of it. The EPA is going to
install a barrier about four feet from the bottom of the edge of the rock they cleaned. The EPA
will be paying for the fence and is willing to install whatever type of fence that the Board of
Public Works would recommend. The EPA would like to install the fence before winter arrives.
The City Forester and the Natural Areas Commission has recommended a chain fence similar
to the one in Cascadilla Gorge. That one has two chains and would be less of a visible
distraction, while still accomplishing the task of conveying the message that visitors should stay
away from the area, that type of fence would also discourage people from sitting on it.
The Board expressed support for that recommendation and encouraged staff to proceed with
coordinating the installation with the EPA. The Mayor asked Board members if they would be
comfortable voting on this item today, and they all expressed their readiness to vote today so
that work to install the fence can be completed before winter.
A Resolution in Support of the Installation of Fencing at Ithaca Falls
By Mayor Myrick: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency has completed their required clean-up work
at Ithaca Falls; and
WHEREAS, The EPA is willing to pay for and install whatever type fencing that the Board of
Public Works recommends; and
WHEREAS, Board of Public Works has considered the recommendation from the City Forester
and the Natural Areas Commission to install a chain fence similar to the one in Cascadilla
Gorge; now, therefor be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports installation of the fencing recommended
by the City Forester and the Natural Areas Commission, and encourages staff to coordinate with
the EPA for the installation of the fence.
Carried Unanimously
Proposed Commons Use Rental Fees:
Supt. Thorne explained that with the completion of the Commons Project, the fact that rates
have not been increased in decades, and with the support of the Commons Advisory Board,
staff is recommending the following fee structure for Commons Use Permits. He stated that if
the Board of Public Works supports the recommendation, staff will then take it to Common
Council for final approval.
Supt. Thorne did note, for the Board, that after quite a bit of discussion regarding the fee for
information tables, the Commons Advisory Board did not support it, so no fee will be charged for
them.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the reasons that the Commons Advisory Board did
not support a fee being charged for information tables. Supt. Thorne stated that the discussions
regarding tabling fees with the Commons Advisory Board focused on the use by “not-for-profit”
and “for-profit” organizations, and how the rate should be set for either use. He further noted,
that staff felt that there should be some value established for being able to occupy and set up a
table on The Commons.
Board members expressed their opinion that they support staff’s recommendation that a fee be
charged for information tables being set up on the Commons. They also supported charging
“for-profit” organizations more than “not-for-profit” organizations. Board members felt that with
the completion of the new Commons it is reasonable to charge for use of this valuable space.
Supt. Thorne responded that he would share the Board’s support for different rates being
established for tabling permits on the Commons by “not-for-profit” and “for-profit” organizations.
He stated that, ultimately, it would be up to Common Council to approve those rates.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes October 26, 2015
11
Future Discussions:
Cass Park Rink Roof: Staff submitted a proposal to make repairs, and it will take a lot of money
to undertake this major renovation project. The proposal to submit a grant application was
supported but all grants right now require matching funds which the City of Ithaca does not
have. If the roof continues to deteriorate, the rink will need to close. The Mayor has instructed
staff to research possible funding sources for the renovations in 2016. Director of Engineering
West explained that this would be Phase II of renovations to ice rink; 3 years ago, the rink itself
was rebuilt. Mayor Myrick stated that he would encourage Common Council to approve a small
amount of funding as a match to a grant application that would allow staff to then go out and
search for funding. If necessary, staff will need to request emergency funding from Common
Council to make the needed repairs in order to keep the rink operational.
Broadband in the City of Ithaca: This will be a future discussion item.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
___________________________________ ______________________________
Svante L. Myrick Sarah L. Myers,
Mayor Information Management Specialist