HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2015-11-23BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS MEETING PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. November 23, 2015
Present:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (4) Greene, Darling, Goldsmith, Jenkins
Others Present:
Supt. of Public Works – Thorne
Director of Engineering – West
Asst. Supt. S & F - Benjamin
Asst. Supt. W & S – Whitney
CC Liaison – Fleming
Transportation Engineer – Logue
Information Management Specialist – Myers
Excused:
Commissioner Warden
Call to Order - Additions to or Deletions From the Agenda:
Supt. Thorne requested the addition of the following items to the agenda:
1. “Approval for Installation of a Fence Around the Stewart Park Carousel - Resolution”
2. Discussion regarding asbestos in City Hall
3. Item 11A entitled “Approval for the Use of a Portion of Stewart Park for a Cayuga
Wetlands Restoration Program - Resolution” should not be a voting item. He needs to
make some wording changes to the resolution before the Board votes on it.
No Board Member Objected.
Commissioner Jenkins requested that the order of the Board of Public Works agenda be
changed permanently to have “Administration and Communications”, which usually
includes approval of minutes, become item number five on the agenda right after
“Response to the Public”.
No Board Member Objected.
Communications and Hearings From Persons Before the Board:
Mimi Mehaffey, Town of Enfield and employee of Collegetown Bagels on College
Avenue, addressed the Board regarding food trucks in Collegetown. She expressed her
agreement that food trucks are an up and coming trend. She also voiced concerns
about the need for the City to have a well thought out plan for the placement and
regulating of food trucks around the City. She noted that enforcement of food truck
regulations and requirements will need to be addressed and should be done by other
than the Ithaca Police Department as that is not their responsibility. She noted that thus
far with the City’s current food truck program issues have arisen such as obstructed
sidewalks, lack of trash removal, and lack of compliance with ADA requirements. She
left her written comments, which she was not able to complete during her three minutes,
to be distributed to Board members after the meeting.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
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Response to the Public:
Commissioner Darling responded to comments made regarding food trucks in
Collegetown related to obstructed sidewalks, lack of trash removal, and his serious
concerns about those issues.
Commissioner Greene expressed his opinion that the points made by Ms. Mehaffey
about food trucks were well thought out and very much appreciated. He agreed that the
City does need to think about the broader issue of enforcement and future regulation by
the Ithaca Fire Department of food trucks related to their use of propane. It was noted
that both the Ithaca Fire Department and Ithaca Police Department have the capability
to provide 24 hour enforcement of the rules.
Director of Engineering West reported that staff from the Ithaca Fire Department
attended the last Commons Advisory Board meeting to discuss proposed changes to
the regulation of food trucks. The fire department has heard concerns from community
members regarding the safety and what, if any, regulations are in place for monitoring
the safety of food trucks. The department is proposing the implementation of new
requirements related to the use of propane and fire safety compliance measures for
operation a food truck in the City of Ithaca.
Commissioner Goldsmith thanked Ms. Mehaffey for her very clear, precise, and useful
comments regarding food trucks.
Mayor Myrick stated that the Board of Public Works is not inclined, at this point in time,
to support the expansion of spots for food trucks in the City of Ithaca. It is important that
they be safely regulated, which is why the fire department is proposing specific
requirements for the operation and use of propane by food truck vendors. He thanked
Ms. Mehaffey for her comments.
Reports:
CC Liaison Fleming reported that she, Alderpersons Smith and Graham, the former
owner of Student Agencies, and Mark Kielman met Ms. Mehaffey to share concerns
about food trucks. They noted that one of the reasons cited to support the allowance of
food trucks in the City of Ithaca was their ability to offer a variety in late night food
options in Collegetown since most restaurants closed by 10:00 p.m. However, that is
not necessarily the case as there are some brick and mortar restaurants that remain
open and serving food until 1:00 a.m. Alderperson Kerslick felt that it would be good for
the Planning and Economic Development Committee to have this topic on a future
agenda. The Committee could then discuss and review some of the issues and
concerns that have been raised by both the food truck owners and owners of the brick
and mortar restaurants in the Collegetown area.
Director of Engineering West reported that the evaluation of the Green Street parking
garage was completed. During the evaluation they found an additional beam which was
severely deteriorated located on the western third of the parking garage. The area has
been closed, and the contractor for the City, Crane Hogan, is making the repairs. The
garage has been braced and will remain in place until repairs are completed.
Director of Engineering West further reported that staff recently met with a merchant
from Collegetown during an economic development committee meeting. A Collegetown
Business Association has been created that will then specifically address both private
and public streetscape development in Collegetown. He then explained that today was
his last Board of Public Works; he is retiring.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
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Mayor Myrick and Board members expressed the fact that everyone would miss Tom’s
sense of humor and expertise. That expertise enabled him to point to them many useful
suggestions for making decisions about various topics, which they all very much
appreciated.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the Snow Watch crew started Sunday night. Until
snow falls, the crew will be picking up leaves and yard waste. The day crew is busy
repairing pot holes, and other miscellaneous and odd jobs that staff can’t find time
during the summer to complete.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that crews have had a little respite from water main
breaks. This has enabled them to devote time to new service work including the new
Holiday Inn Express on Elmira Road, and the new siting of water mains for Texas Road
House restaurant on Meadow Street. When the days are too cold they will go to work
on the rebuild of the Wood Street sanitary main.
Director of Parking Nagy provided bar graphs on occupancy rates for all three parking
garages; he noted that he would try to provide revenue reports for the Board in the
future. The Green Street parking garage has seen a steady increase in occupancy from
40% to 70% since 2013. There is also information showing the difference in occupancy
and revenue from when students are here and not here. Staff will pay attention to
occupancy figures to see if the increase in parking rates for on street parking is freeing
up on street spaces and increasing occupancy in the parking garages. Rates will be
adjusted accordingly.
Administration:
Approval of the October 26, 2015 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes -
Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the October 26, 2015 Board of Public Works meeting
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
New Project Presentation:
Municipal Broadband Presentation from Fiberspark:
Two representatives from Fiberspark explained a little about what they’re doing in Ithaca
to expand broadband choices for the public. They are an internet service provider
building their own fiber optic network for high speed internet. Currently, they are
primarily focusing on home internet service by providing another option other than from
the big cable service providers. They are also trying to solve some of the issues
customers find related to customer service by other providers. They foresee that in the
future the public be watching a lot of video online, i.e. Netflix, as well as wanting the
capability for high quality video conferencing that will improve their ability to work from
home. Another driver in their work to provide broadband service in the City of Ithaca is
the fact that there aren’t a lot of options for providers of high speed internet to choose
from. Currently, 75% of homes in the United States have only one option for high
speed internet, and for City of Ithaca residents that is Time Warner Cable. Their
solution for Ithaca would be to run fiber optic lines along telephone poles, connecting to
residences and small business with a fiber jack in the wall to connect to the Internet.
They offer two options for speed service (1,000 mgb and 100 mgb), that compares to 50
mgb for the fastest download that Time Warner Cable is able to provide, at a cost of
$70/$50 per month. Right now, they are working in the Belle Sherman area by getting
people to sign up first for their service, and then laying the fiber optic lines. They have
been operating a pilot network in Collegetown, mostly to students, and are now looking
to expand their service neighborhood by neighborhood across the City to whoever
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
4
wants it. They are just now on the cusp of doing a big additional build out in
Collegetown using Syracuse utilities for line work, then doing some of the line drops
from poles to customers themselves, that work will begin shortly.
Commissioner Goldsmith asked whether they rent space on the poles or how that is
done. They explained that they are in the public right-of-way for the City, and NYSEG
and/or Verizon own the existing utility poles. The NYS regulatory authority controls the
transmission through the poles and any hook up to them. Right now, they interface
indirectly with NYSEG and Verizon to which they pay rent for use of the poles because
they already have agreements in place with the regulatory authority. They also
explained that there are multiple upstream providers (Finger Lakes Technology and
Windstream, with a few others to tie into soon) to provide actual internet services, but
that right now these companies only serve businesses in the City.
Director of Engineering West explained that with the recent reconstruction of the
Commons, the City of Ithaca installed a fairly extensive underground highway for
utilities. There are points of connection to either Finger Lakes Technology or Verizon.
Downtown businesses and residences hope that Fiberspark will look downtown soon for
expansion of their broadband service because access to those utility lines would be
directly from the City of Ithaca to them. Further, the same type of underground utility
system is planned for the Collegetown area, and he encouraged Fiberspark to be active
participants in that process as well.
Fiberspark representatives responded that they have been following the utility work on
the Commons and need to work with the City Attorney to get things sorted out in order
for them to begin to provide service downtown.
Director of Engineering West stated that the Board of Public Works recently approved
an agreement, which was created and approved by the Board that allowed Finger Lakes
Technology to tap into the underground utility lines on the Commons so it should not
take long for Fiberspark to work with the City Attorney and come to an agreement.
Commissioner Greene noted that with the Collegetown development planned, the utility
poles are probably going to be removed and utilities placed underground. Is that
transition going to be something that Fiberspark can adapt to easily? The
representatives responded that they have already gone to the use of underground
utilities at Eddygate, so it will not be a problem for them. They did inquire, though, as to
how they can best stay on top of the new underground utility lines being built in
Collegetown. Supt. Thorne requested that they leave their business card with him so he
can reach out to them as needed. He stated that the City is working with NYSEG who
will be installing the underground conduits that will incorporate Verizon, cable, and other
utility needs as the development in Collegetown progresses.
Board members expressed their thanks for the presentation.
Highways, Streets & Sidewalks:
Update of Mobile Vending Rates - Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Darling
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works adopted the Street Vending Policy for the City of
Ithaca on January 27, 2014; and
WHEREAS, vending fees are based on the parking rate charged for on-street parking at
each location; and
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
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WHEREAS, on-street parking rates are updated on an annual basis; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Street Vending Policy be amended to read as follows:
“V. Fees
B. Permit Fees
1. Permit Fees are based on on-street parking rates and determined by the location
requested, taking into account the zone and time limits per location. (see
Appendix A) Quarterly fees must be paid at least 10 days prior to the end of the
quarter.”
and be it further
RESOLVED, That future vending fees shall be updated automatically to reflect on-street
parking rates.
Carried Unanimously
Parking & Traffic:
2016 City of Ithaca Parking Rates - Resolution
By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered the proposed 2016 rates for
municipal parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2016 budget revenue
projection; and
WHEREAS, the following chart contains the entire rate structure for all rates within the
City for 2016; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the proposed 2016 parking
rates as follows in the attached table; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That all rates shall go into effect January 1, 2016, and shall remain until
the Board of Public Works directs otherwise.
Monthly Permits
Actual
2015
Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Proposed
2016 Rates
Effective
1/1/16
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, Full Access (24/7) $93.00/mo $96.00/mo 3% increase
Contract with Hotel1 $54.00/mo $56.00/mo 3% increase
Contract with Cascade Plaza, LLC $93.00/mo $96.00/mo 3% increase
Worker’s Special (M-F/10 hrs/day,
210 hrs/mo) $76.00/mo $78.00/mo
3% increase
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) $65.00/mo $67.00/mo 3% increase
Overnight Only Special (5pm-8am) $45.00/mo $46.00/mo 3% increase
Primo Part time Special (24/7,
68 hrs/mo) $41.00/mo $42.00/mo
3% Increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night
All Levels, Full Access $82.00/mo $85.00/mo 3% increase
Contract with Ciminelli2 $54.00 $54.32/ mo
0.6% increase
CPI
Worker’s Special (M-F/10 hrs/day,
210 hrs/mo) $67.50/ mo $69.50/mo
3% Increase
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) $58.00/ mo $60.00/mo 3% Increase
Overnight Only Special (5pm-8am) $40.00/ mo $41.00/mo 3% Increase
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
6
Green Street Continued
Primo Part time Special (24/7, 68 hrs/mo) $37.00/ mo $38.00/mo 3% Increase
Cayuga Street Garage, Day and Night (before sales tax)
All Levels, including long-term storage $65.00/mo $67.00/mo 3% increase
Contract Cornell Rate $52.66 $52.98
0.6% increase
CPI
Contract with County (Library)3 $65.00/ mo $67.00/ mo 3% Increase
Premium Area Rates $119.00/mo $123.00/mo 3% increase
Dryden Road Garage
Full Access (24/7) $154.50/mo $159.00/mo
3% increase
beginning July
1, 2016,
Discounted Hourly (250 hours)4 $120.00/mo Discontinue
Worker’s Special (210 hrs/mo) $125.00/mo 129.00/mo 3% Increase
Part time Special (24/7, 105 hrs/mo) 68.00/mo $70.00/mo 3% Increase
Overnight Only Special (M-F/6pm-9am/
Free Weekends) 125.00/mo $129.00/mo
3% Increase
Primo Part time Special (24/7,
68 hrs/mo) $45.00 /mo $46.00/mo
3% Increase
Other Non-Meter Permit Parking
Contract with County (DSS)3 $49.00/mo $50.00 2% increase
Weekly Rates
Actual
2015
Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Proposed
2016 Rates
Effective
1/1/16
Amount
Changed
Seneca Garage, Day and Night $23.50 $30.00 28% Increase
Green Street Garage, Day and Night $23.50 $28.00 20% Increase
Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours $37.00 $50.00 35% Increase
Hourly Rates5
Actual
2015 Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Proposed
2016 Rates
Effective
1/1/16
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.
$2.25/hour
No max. 12% increase
Downtown (begin As Pay Machines are
installed)
$1.50/hr
2 hr. max.
$1.50/hr
2 hr. max. No Change
Collegetown (begins as pay machines $1.50/hr $1.50/hr No Change
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
7
Hourly Rates5
Actual
2015 Rates
Effective
1/1/15
Proposed
2016 Rates
Effective
1/1/16
Amount
Changed
are Installed) 2 hr. max. 2 hr. max.
Thurston & Stewart Ave. & Edgemoor
(begins as pay machines are installed)
$0.75/hr
9 hr. max.
$0.75/hr
9 hr. max. No Change
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 to
time” based on percentage change in the CPI between adjustment dates. The percentage change in the
CPI from August 2014 to August 2015 was 0.6%.
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 is100% 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. In order to keep consistency between
the garages we will discontinue the 250 hours permit and keep the 210 hour permit at all three city
locations.
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. There has been no increase in 5 years.
8- Increase in Garage weekly rate is to discourage people buying 4 weeks would be less than a month
rate.
Carried Unanimously
Creeks, Bridges & Parks:
Support for the Use of a Portion of Stewart Park for a Cayuga Wetlands
Restoration Project - Resolution
By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, New Roots Charter School presented a proposal for wetland restoration
along the shore of Cayuga Lake in Stewart Park; and
WHEREAS, the project would involve students planting cattails to study natural water
purification and aquifer protections; and
WHEREAS, the students would grow cattails and transplant them to the location; and
WHEREAS, they would then research water quality and track animal life; now, therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports the use of Stewart Park for this
project; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board requests a site plan showing the planting locations and
schedule from New Roots Charter School prior to the beginning of the project; and, be it
further
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
8
RESOLVED, That the Board requests that New Roots Charter School contact the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the project and report
back to the Board on their recommendation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That once the City receives the report from the NYSDEC that the Parks
Commission, Natural Areas Commission, and Conservation Advisory Council be
consulted about the proposal in order to provide any recommendations they may have
prior to any approval given by the Board for the project to proceed.
Supt. Thorne reported that staff met earlier today to discuss the proposal, they want to
make sure that special consideration for containment of hydrilla and prevention of its
spread in the area be given to the project. They would recommend that New Roots
Charter School discuss the project with New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) to seek their approval prior to beginning the project.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding concerns that have been raised regarding the
appropriateness of cattails in the area, how the project might impact the bird sanctuary,
and the importance of obtaining support and guidance for the project from the NYSDEC.
In addition, prior to any approval the Board might provide for the project, the Parks
Commission, Natural Areas Commission, and Conservation Advisory Council would all
need to be consulted in order to have an opportunity to provide a recommendation to
the Board.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Water and Sewer:
Authorization to Resend the Water Bill for the Correct Amount for 113 Dryden
Road Water Billing – Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2008 the City replaced a manual-read Badger 4-inch dual
body compound water meter (Badger) with a new radio-read capable Master Meter 4-
inch dual body compound water meter (Master Meter); and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2015 City Water Meter Technicians replaced the Master Meter
due to consistent readings well below the historical range for this account, and upon
examination of the Master Meter, it was discovered that the radio reading transmitted
from the high flow register was incorrect by a factor of 10 {i.e. meter head mechanical
register read 17,857-HCF, radio read picked up 1,785-HCF}; and
WHEREAS, based on the actual reads from the mechanical registers (less the previous
billings) a bill for an additional 13,020-HCF {$120,695.40} was prepared and sent on
July 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, upon request by the Owner of 113 Dryden Road, the account history was
reviewed by the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Water and Sewer, the
Superintendent of Public Works, and a member of the Board of Public Works, and upon
review, it was discovered that in addition to the decimal point error on the high flow
readings, the high flow register stopped working in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2012; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has prepared an adjusted consumption
and billing schedule which accounts for the decimal point error on the high flow register,
and assumes a minimum quarterly consumption for the billing periods for which the high
flow register was not working; and
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
9
WHEREAS, the prior bill sent on July 1, 2015 in the amount of $120,695.40 is incorrect
because it did not account for the period of time that the high flow register was not
working and also included billing periods prior to the 6-year statute of limitation; and
WHEREAS, the adjusted consumption and billing analysis properly accounts for the
non-functioning meter and 6-year statute of limitations, and the revised billing amount is
$154,817.96; now. therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca expunges the $120,695.40 billed on July 2, 2015;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca issue a new bill for the quarter ending January 5,
2010 through the quarter ending April 3, 2015 in the amount of $154,817.96.
Supt. Thorne explained how staff reviewed the data and determined what the correct
water meter readings should have been, and then what the amount of the
corresponding bill should be. He stated that staff are giving the property owner a lot of
benefit of the doubt, by going with the lowest minimum billing rate rather than just an
average.
Commissioner Goldsmith expressed his opinion that this is a very generous way to
determine what bill should be. He would also like to vote on the resolution today, since
the Board discussed it at a previous meeting.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Discussion Items:
Street Lights in the 500 Block of West Clinton Street:
Transportation Engineer Logue joined the Board for this discussion. The applicant, was
also at the meeting to participate in the discussion.
Transportation Engineer Logue reported that the applicant, who lives on the 500 block
of West Clinton Street, submitted a petition with 20 signatures (not incl. their own)
representing approximately 16 households in the vicinity of the 500 block of West
Clinton Street requesting that additional street lights be installed to better illuminate the
sidewalks and to make the area feel safer at night. He explained that he visited the
area to see the locations of the existing street lights. The street lights are installed, as is
typical, on every other utility pole; resulting (if his recall is correct) in two midblock lights
and one near the Corn Street intersection. The tree canopy possibly reduces the
effectiveness of the lights; perhaps some trimming could be performed. He does
sympathize with the residents and agree that additional street lighting would make it
easier to walk at night and would make neighborhoods feel safer. However, there is no
particular defect with the lights in the 500 block of West Clinton Street and it seems that
the street lights are installed according to our typical practice. Therefore, he feels that
this is not an issue that can be appropriately addressed by staff, but rather a policy
question that the Board of Public Works should consider. Also, there is an additional
annual cost associated with installing additional street lights which would need to be
budgeted. That is why it was recommended that a written request be submitted to the
Board of Public Works, well as that a petition from residents would likely help their case.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
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Commissioner Goldsmith noted that this matter has come to the Board’s attention
because it is a safety concern. He supports the request for more lights, and reported
that some cities, instead of just running street lights, pay for everyone’s front porch light
to be left on at night; which reports say do wonders for neighborhoods. The typical and
current high arching lights are not as good as the little old fashioned street lights which
light the sidewalk rather than the street.
Commissioner Greene stated that street lighting around the city differs greatly
neighborhood from neighborhood. On Mitchell Street it’s overkill with stadium like
lighting. There has to be a better solution to the problem, and agreed that whatever
type of lighting is chosen, it is more appropriate that it light up the sidewalk rather than
the street.
Commissioner Goldsmith wondered whether the City might investigate whether there
might be grants available somewhere to fund street lights (i.e. the safe routes to school
grant project). It would be a project worthy of the city taking on in an effort to provide
increased sidewalk lighting around the City for everyone – especially since there are
five to six months out of the year that the days are so short and dark.
Commissioner Greene supported that idea and suggested that whatever is done, that
the city coordinate it in an efficient manner such as neighborhood by neighborhood. He
is sure that there are many other neighborhoods of the city that would appreciate better
lighting at sidewalks.
Director of Engineering West stated that the city received a similar request from the
Cleveland Avenue neighborhood, and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)
responded with street lighting on a pedestrian scale as well as some front door lighting.
He thinks it was done as a community development block grant project, so there might
be funding available from the IURA that could be used in this instance.
Mayor Myrick agreed that a short term goal should be to improve the lighting along the
sidewalk on the 500 block of West Clinton Street, and to see whether the IURA might
have funds to use. In the long term, there should be a city-wide program to improve
lighting in every neighborhood. He asked whether the City could, in the meantime,
make a request to NYSEG to change the light poles.
Transportation Engineer Logue responded that there is a process with NYSEG to
request additional streets lights at a cost of $300,000 per year per light. The City could
just request NYSEG add one additional light on West Clinton Street, but then it would
open the City up for questions about why not other neighborhoods around the City as
well. The rule that the City has been following has been a light on every other pole.
Staff talked about taking a meter out to see what the light along the street and sidewalk
looks like and whether another street light would help, which would be the fastest way to
improve the lighting, and then in the long term develop a project and work on it with the
IURA.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding what the various costs might be for adding
one or many additional street lights on the block, and to check with NYSEG to see if
there are other types of street lights that might provide better lighting for pedestrians.
Commissioner Darling stated that he likes the three pronged approach; address this
particular neighborhood concern objectively, and when the next request comes in the
city should determine the best way to improve pedestrian lighting city wide. At that time,
he expects the technology used for exterior lighting should be very wide and so there
should be an affordable and effective solution to address the safety concerns of all the
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
11
neighborhoods in the City. He noted that fortunately neighborhoods in the Belle
Sherman and the Collegetown area are currently very well lit.
Supt. Thorne stated that he met recently with some Common Council members, and
one of the concerns raised was the lighting on Cayuga Street. Would it be worthwhile to
get recommendations from lighting experts for what lighting should be used in different
areas of the City? He agrees that whatever way the City proceeds, it needs to be done
in a very cohesive and planned way utilizing lighting experts.
Mayor Myrick suggested that staff work with different blocks/neighborhoods for what
each area wants and needs to improve lighting on the sidewalk. This is a perfect
example of a neighborhood coming together (500 block of West Clinton Street) with a
proposal to address safety concerns. Both the Board and Staff agree, though, that
something needs to be done in the short term for this particular block of West Clinton
Street.
Commissioner Darling suggested that city residents be invited to participate in this
process, and suggested that a project of this type might have support from both staff
and city residents to be funded in a manner similar to the Sidewalk Improvement
Districts and Stormwater Management programs. Commissioner Greene stated that he
would love to see what other communities are doing with lighting strategies in
neighborhoods that are innovative. This is also a good opportunity to ask NYSEG
whether they are doing anything different with neighborhood lighting around New York
State.
Asst. Supt. Whitney stated that under Municipal Law, the City of Ithaca would be able to
create a lighting district, similar to the current water and sewer districts so that
mechanism is already in place should the City want to implement such a district. It was
noted that with all the new development occurring around the City, that it would also
help increase and improve lighting around the City.
Board Members expressed their thanks to the applicant and Transportation Engineer
Logue for bringing this matter to their attention.
Recommendations from the Parks Commission:
Proposed Paddle Craft Storage and Concessions Locations:
Supt. Thorne reported that he has provided this proposal regarding paddle craft storage
and concession locations to the Board today for their endorsement, and discussion only.
Since a lot of the locations are in city parks, the proposal will need to go to Common
Council for final approval. The details and proposed locations for the storage and
concession areas will be attached to the minutes. The Parks Commission provided the
following recommendation regarding the proposal:
“Superintendent Thorne presented the Water Recreation Committee's proposed locations
for paddle craft storage and concessions. Parks Commissioners noted that the storage
and concessions would improve water access for many in the community. The Parks
Commission voted unanimously to support locations (1-4). Commissioners also seemed
supportive of locations 5 and 6 but noted these sites are not on City parkland”.
Commissioner Goldsmith stated that Supt. Thorne has done a great job on the Water
Recreation Committee and its responsibilities as chair; it has almost become a fulltime
job for him. He thanked him for his work to move the committee forward and on task in
a very short amount of time.
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Supt. Thorne stated that the committee was looking at ways to improve access to the
water for the public. One way is boat storage for man powered vessels to make it easier
to get them into the water. It will be easier to get boats in the water if there is storage
nearby. The proposed locations for boat storage are Cass Park, the Ithaca Farmers’
Market, and the area adjacent to the city golf course.
Commissioner Goldsmith clarified that the word concession refers to renting water craft.
Already, there are several vendors interested in applying to the City to provide the
service.
Supt. Thorne explained that he followed the New York State Parks standard when he
was working on the proposal. The storage racks will hold 12 boats, NYS charges
$100.00 per slot per season. He estimated the rates here a little on the high side.
However, the point is they could pay for themselves in one season, and be built by the
city and managed by Youth Bureau staff. The Youth Bureau Director is supportive of the
proposal. The new sheds would be placed next to the existing sheds at the Youth
Bureau. He stated that Cornell University Kite and Boarding have expressed interested
in participating in the City’s program, so the city would have to come up with rate for
them. The portable concessions are where a vendor would pull a trailer, loaded with
canoes, to set up at their licensed location and then rent canoes to the public. The
locations for the storage sheds could be either semi or permanent locations that would
operate out of a city-owned facility. The dock would be a floating one for the public to
pull up next to for entering or exiting the water. The proposal includes a location for the
storage racks next to the State Park boat racks, and the rate would be $99 per season.
He reported that the State has two boat racks in that location, and they are constantly
full.
The City Attorney has instructed him to talk with the staff at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market
on how to work out an arrangement for the proposed location that is within their leased
area.
Mayor Myrick thanked Supt. Thorne for his work on the committee and for providing the
proposal for possible locations for storage and/or leasing of man powered water craft by
Cayuga Lake. He noted that some of the suggestions may take longer than others to
implement. Supt. Thorne explained that there should be 3 to 4 of the proposals ready to
implement by the next boating season.
Supt. Thorne stated that city crews will work on building the docks and will utilize wood
and materials from the old Bernie Milton Pavilion that were salvaged to help keep the
costs low for the City.
Mayor Myrick asked what the Board needed to do next to move this recommendation
onto Common Council. Will there be a resolution listing each of the locations for the
Board to approve? Supt. Thorne responded yes, the resolution will include approval of
four locations, and then it will go onto Common Council for final approval.
A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding interest raised by community
members about locations in the City of Ithaca where swimming might be allowed.
Proposed Changes to Chapter 157 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled
“Commons”:
Mayor Myrick explained that the proposed changes to the ordinance are minor and non-
controversial. The ordinance with proposed changes outlined will be attached to the
minutes of this meeting for informational purposes.
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
13
The Board did not object to the proposed changes to the legislation, so Supt. Thorne
will provide a resolution for them to approve at their next meeting. It will then go to the
Planning and Economic Development Committee for review and approval, and then to
Common Council for final approval.
New Business:
Asbestos Abatement - City Hall
Director of Engineering West provided the following information to the Board which
explains the reason and need for the abatement work:
“This is a recommendation for a program of limited remediation and abatement of
broken vinyl asbestos floor tile in various locations in City Hall. With the Board’s
concurrence, this recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council for
authorization of a budget not to exceed $50,000.
In response to employee complaints about broken floor tiles on the fourth floor of
City Hall, the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) conducted an investigation of
the complaint. The DOL issued notices of violation regarding incidental disturbance of
asbestos containing materials which require immediate correction by the City.
The City has engaged the services of Delta Engineers to inventory the extent and
condition of the floor tiles in the building. Delta analyzed samples of all floor tiles and
other building materials for the presence of asbestos. In addition, both DOL and Delta
conducted air monitoring to determine if employees have been exposed to asbestos
fibers.
Air monitoring by both the DOL and Delta indicate fiber counts “significantly
below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit.” That’s the good news.
The majority of floor tile in the basement and on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors does
contain asbestos. Delta identified 12 locations where tiles are broken and are, or could
be, subject to remediation (remediation option 1). An additional 35 locations were
identified as “deteriorated/damaged/delaminated”. Although these locations are not
mentioned in the notices of violation, they constitute likely future disturbances that will
require remediation (remediation option 2). Lastly, Delta presented a third option for full
abatement of all vinyl asbestos tile in the building (remediation option 3).
Delta provided an estimate for abatement for each remediation option. These
estimates do not include expenses associated with bidding, administration, re-location
of employees, moving and re-moving furniture, clearance air monitoring, temporary
operations space or restoring finished surfaces in the abated areas. However; the
estimates are very general indications of the relative cost of each option. Based upon
the abatement estimates option 2 is 6 times greater than option 1 and option 3 is 9
times greater than option 1.
In the interest of making an immediate response to the DOL notices of violation
and responding to employees’ concerns regarding disturbed vinyl asbestos floor tiling,
engineering staff recommends establishment of a budget not to exceed $50,000 to
complete option 1.”
Director of Engineering West reported that there is no indication that staff have been
exposed to any fibers of asbestos, and the asbestos found poses a very low threat. The
City of Ithaca has to respond to the “Notice of Violation” from the New York State
Department of Labor. Proposals for how to proceed with the abatement of the asbestos
have been provided to the City, they are: abate the twelve (12) incidental disturbances
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
14
in City Hall plus another 35 (i.e. cracked floor tiles); or, abate and remove all tiles from
City Hall.
He further reported that costs for abatement have been estimated at $14,000, $28,000,
and $130,000. They consist of costs for air monitoring, cost for moving employees and
office furnishings twice, and the cost for setting up a place for the displaced employees
to work while the abatement work is performed. The price might even escalate well into
six figures. Staff would recommend that the City take care of the 12 required items
($14,000.00). Staff would like to request of Common Council approval of a budget for
the abatement needed in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
Director of Engineering West explained that with the Board’s concurrence and approval,
this item would be placed on the December 2, 2015 Common Council meeting agenda
as a member-filed resolution to approve the requested budget amount for the project.
The Notice of Violation requires that the City of Ithaca correct the violations immediately
– within 30 days.
The Board supported staff’s recommendation and voted on the following resolution.
Resolution to Fund Abatement of Asbestos Containing Materials – City Hall
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Greene
WHEREAS, much of the floor covering in the building which is now City Hall was
constructed with floor tiles containing asbestos; and
WHEREAS, the original floor tiles in City Hall are breaking and crumbling which causes
concern for employees and limits the ability of staff to appropriately maintain the floors;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a notice of violation from the New York
State Department of Labor, Asbestos Bureau regarding broken floor tiles which contain
asbestos; and
WHEREAS, the notice of violation requires that the broken floor tiles be repaired and
abated; and
WHEREAS, Department of Public Works staff and the City's consultant, Delta
Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors have identified several viable methods for
abatement of the floor tiles which contain asbestos; and
WHEREAS, repair and abatement of asbestos containing materials requires the
services of specialized engineers and contractors as well as various permits, relocations
and restoration; and
WHEREAS, a schedule and a budget for accomplishing this work needs to be
established; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends a budget authorization not to
exceed $50,000.00 for undertaking the abatement of asbestos containing materials in
City Hall.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Darling stated that the Board of Public Works should direct the Supt. of
Public Works to consider future asbestos abatement work at City Hall and budget in
order to come up with a long-term plan for remediation. The City should think about the
project strategically including the opportunity when employees are displaced from their
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
15
work space whether there are building/office upgrades that need to be made. An
evaluation of everyone’s workspace and needs for doing their job should be done. The
asbestos in the building will not go away and will come up again in the future, so the
City of Ithaca should be prepared accordingly.
Approval for Installation of a Fence Around the Stewart Park Carousel -
Resolution
By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Stewart Park Carousel has just been repainted after 31 years; and
WHEREAS, the current chain link fence is old and unsightly; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Stewart Park has raised the funds from the community for a
new durable and attractive metal fence; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission and the Board of Public Works have enthusiastically
supported the idea of a new carousel fence; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the installation of a new fence
for the Carousel in Stewart Park.
Carried Unanimously
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
__________________________________ ________________________________
Sarah L. Myers, Svante L. Myrick
Information Mgt. Specialist Mayor