HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-14 Board of Public Works Meeting AgendaBOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
A meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014, at 4:45 p.m.
in Common Council Chambers — Third Floor, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New
York.
Agenda
1. Additions or Deletions to Agenda (Items 1 -5:15 min.)
2. Mavoes Communications
3. Communications and Hearings from Persons Before the Board
4. Response to the Public
5. Reports
Special Committees of the Board
Council Liaison
Board Liaisons
Superintendent and Staff
Other Department Heads
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Administration and Communications
8. VOTING ITEMS
8.1 Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit
8.2 Highways. Streets and Sidewalks (20 min.)
A. Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 411 Cascadilla Street — Resolution
B. Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 709 North Cayuga Street — Resolution
C. Approval of the Schedule of Assessments Constituting the 2014 Sidewalk
Assessment Roll — Resolution
8.3 Parking and Traffic (15 min.)
A. A Resolution to Grant Hardship for 109 Parker Street for the Residential
Parking Permit System
B. A Resolution to Amend the Regulations for the Residential Parking Permit
System
8.4 Creeks. Bridges and Parks (5 min.)
A. Recommendation of Funding to Treat the Tree Infestation in the City
Cemetery — Resolution
B. Endorsement of the Forestry Master Plan for the City of Ithaca —
Resolution
8.5 Water and Sewer
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS (30 min.)
9.1 Request for Lease Agreement for a Community Garden on Floral Avenue
9.2 Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 214 North Plain Street
9.3 House at 967 East State Street
10. New Business
11. Adjournment
If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in order for you to fully
participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 607 - 274 -6570 at least 48 hours before the
meeting.
The Board of Public Works meets on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the months at 4:45 p.m. All meetings are voting
meetings, opening with a public comment period. Meeting agendas are seated from prior public input, Department operating, planning
issues, and requests made to the Superintendent The Board reserves the right to limit verbal comments to three minutes and to request
written comments on lengthy or complex issues. This information may then be used to create committee agendas, with the speaker or
author invited to attend.
Notes for BPW Aaenda. March 24. 2014
8.2A Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 411 Cascadilla Street — Resolution
8.2B Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 709 North Cayuga Street — Resolution
Resolutions are provided that reflect the Board's discussion on March 10, 2014.
8.2C Approval of the Schedule of Assessments Constituting the 2014 Sidewalk
Assessment Roll — Resolution
The Attomey's Office has provided a resolution that reflects the Board's decision regarding the
Sidewalk Improvement Districts Assessment Rolls and Work Plan for 2014. The final budget is
also provided for your information. The Sidewalk Assessment Roll document, which is very
large, is posted to the City's website. A hard copy will be available for anyone's review at the
meeting.
8.3A A Resolution to Grant Hardship for 109 Parker Street for the Residential Parking
Permit System
A resolution granting the request to purchase residential parking permits has been provided.
8.36 A Resolution to Amend the Regulations for the Residential Parking Permit
System
The Department of Public Information and Technology (formedy City Clerk's Office) has
provided a modified version of the Residential Parking Permit System Regulation that
addresses a specific situation regarding the transferability of permits. In addition, other minor
changes have been made to update the regulation's wording.
8.4A Recommendation of Funding to Treat the Tree Infestation in the City Cemetery —
Resolution
8.41B Endorsement of the Forestry Master Plan for the City of Ithaca —Resolution
City Forester Jeanne Grace has provided two resolutions that reflect the Board's discussions
on March 10, 2014.
9.1 Request for Lease Agreement for a Community Garden on Floral Avenue
Connell Cooperative Extension has submitted a proposal for a new community garden site on
city -owned property located on Floral Avenue along the Flood Control Channel.
Page 2
9.2 Mosal of Snow Removal Bill for 214 North Plain Street
This is another appeal for the removal of snow that occurred on December 18, 2013, with the
snow event that began December 14, 2013. Please see the enclosed photos.
9.3 House at 967 East State Street
This is a continuation of the Board's discussion from February 10, 2014, and a possible call for
a public hearing.
Kathy Gehring, Exec. Asst for
Michael J. Thorne, P.E.
Superintendent of Public Wor6
March 20, 2014
Page 3
8.2A Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 411 Cascadilla Street —Resolution
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received an appeal of the invoice for sidewalk
snow removal at 411 Cascadilla Street, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed photos and other information provided by city staff and
the owner of the property, and
WHEREAS, it appears that the adjacent property owner failed to timely remove snow as
required by City ordinance, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board denies the appeal for the expungement of the bill for snow
removal, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to notify the adjacent property owner of this
resolution and give the adjacent property owner two weeks from the date of notification in
order to pay the fees before penalties are accrued.
8.2B Aooeal of Snow Removal Bill for 709 North Cavuaa Street— Resolution
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received an appeal of the invoice for sidewalk
snow removal at 709 North Cayuga Street, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed photos and other information provided by city staff and
the owner of the property, and
WHEREAS, it appears that the adjacent property owner failed to timely remove snow as
required by City ordinance, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board denies the appeal for the expungement of the bill for snow
removal, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to notify the adjacent property owner of this
resolution and give the adjacent property owner two weeks from the date of notification in
order to pay the fees before penalties are accrued.
Page 4
8.2C Approval of the Schedule of Assessments Constituting the 2014 Sidewalk
Assessment Roll — Resolution
WHEREAS Section C-73 of the City Charter creates five Sidewalk Improvement Districts (each
a "SID ") for the construction and repair of sidewalk, and provides for an assessment against
each property located in each SID for the benefits received by the property from such
construction and repair, and
WHEREAS the Board of Public Works is responsible for recommending to the Common
Council a budget and schedule of work for each SID district for each fiscal year, following a
public hearing, and
WHEREAS the Board has received a proposed SID assessment roll, budget, and schedule of
work for Fiscal Year 2014, and
WHEREAS the City provided public notice of the SID assessment roll, budget, and schedule of
work in March 2014, and
WHEREAS owners of assessed properties were provided an opportunity to file written
objections with the City Clerk, and present evidence to the Board at a public hearing on March
17, 2014, and
WHEREAS the Board has given due consideration to the objections, if any, presented by the
property owners in accordance with Section C-73, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends, subject to amendment and approval by the
Common Council, the 2014 budget and schedule of work attached hereto, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board finally approves the schedule of assessments constituting the
2014 assessment roll attached hereto, which roll the City Attorney shall on behalf of the Board
file with the Common Council in the form of an upcoming Committee agenda thereof, and
which roll shall thereafter be confirmed, as amended, by the Common Council by local law
after a public hearing, creating a lien upon the real property so assessed.
Page 5
}/
\j
]7
,«
n!
\\
\k
/)
\
{
)
)
!
{
k
\
}
)
k
{
)
()
!{!
K |$
\kk
] §{
!j2
�!|
!!!
�f )
) ƒ�
kk|
!! ||
!
§la7;
�kk §\
cc
}\�;!
!2 -o
» {�)
!
§2
*E
/ {\
} \)
. { \}
E §)!
% \!!
#! ® ;;
§ \!! #!
- \!||
! ƒ)]k]
k/ \E
!)!!f|§
{
k!
ƒ\
\{
k\
(\ sc
t\\
|]�
)
!
{\
/\
\\
/)
!({
/^
M°o w
ti ti e-i
Vi fA d3 fA fA Ji Vl Ep9 fA fA
fA Uf E/3 fA fA Vj Vi Ui EA Vi U3
ti ti
h � W ti � N °�OO H] 8 p° CO M n 0N0pp
O. ap h
N3 M V3 H3 V3 V1 dl fA U3 EA
H H H
fR fA fA fA fA fA H3 EA fA fA
N O N n
n N � N i [7
N ti ti ti
fA fA fA fA f9 fA fA to fA ffl
W C
—0 y —0
Q o a v
a2 p� m fad M
N
H
O
O O
.y
O
H
O
N
O�
O
O°zz
tpp�*�
S
pO
1A
O
O
pO
p�
DSO
.p�
n
n
N
OOD
N
F
M°o w
ti ti e-i
Vi fA d3 fA fA Ji Vl Ep9 fA fA
fA Uf E/3 fA fA Vj Vi Ui EA Vi U3
ti ti
h � W ti � N °�OO H] 8 p° CO M n 0N0pp
O. ap h
N3 M V3 H3 V3 V1 dl fA U3 EA
H H H
fR fA fA fA fA fA H3 EA fA fA
N O N n
n N � N i [7
N ti ti ti
fA fA fA fA f9 fA fA to fA ffl
W C
—0 y —0
Q o a v
a2 p� m fad M
N
2014 PROPOSED Sidewalk Work Plan and Budget
District One
Construction
Design projects
Length of
Design
228 W Lincoln to Day St
100
$ 25
$
12,500
sidewalk (linear
1,250
300 blk W Lincoln Day St to Willow Ave
250
$ 25
$
City Block
Side of Street
feet)
Estimated SF cost
250
Cost
1200 blk
NCayuga St
east
210
$
12
$
12,600
1300 blk
N Cayuga St
east
270
$
12
$
16,200
1400 blk
N Cayuga St
at
150
$
15
$
11,250
100 blk
Queen St
north
125
$
12
$
7,500
900 blk
N Aurora St
west
140
$
12
$
8,400
900 blk
N Aurora St
east, spot repair
20
$
12
$
1,200
1000 blk
N Aurora St
east, spot repair
20
$
12
$
1,200
300 blk
E Lincoln St
south
100
$
12
$
6,000
400 blk
E Yates St
north
300
$
12
$
18,000
300 blk
Day Street
west
350
$
12
$
21,000
500 blk
Thurston Ave
south
80
$
12
$
5,280
SUBTOTAL
1,765
$
108,630
Design projects
TNL
3/19/2014
Construction
Design
228 W Lincoln to Day St
100
$ 25
$
12,500
$
1,250
300 blk W Lincoln Day St to Willow Ave
250
$ 25
$
31,250
$
3,175
600 blk Willow Ave, E sidh Lincoln to Franklin
250
$ 25
$
31,250
$
3,125
200 blk Franklin St, N side Day to Willow
300
$ 25
$
37,500
$
3,750
SUBTOTAL
$
11,250
TOTAL
$
119,880
TNL
3/19/2014
2014 PROPOSED Sidewalk Work Plan and Budget
District Two
Construction
Length of
sidewalk (linear
City Black
Side of Street feet)
Estimated SF cost
Cost
100 blk Oak Ave
south
500
$
15
It
37,500
200 blk Dryden Road
south, inc ramps
150
$
20
$
15,000
300 blk Dryden Road
south, inc ramps
125
$
20
$
12,500
400 blk Elmwood Ave
west
200
$
15
$
15,000
200 blk Bryant Ave
north
200
$
12
$
12,000
(and south as budget allows)
SUBTOTAL for CONSTRUCTION
1175
$
92,000
Design projects
Construction
Design
200 blk Oak Ave
south
300
$
25
$
37,500
$
3,750
300 blk Oak Ave
south
400
$
25
$
501000
$
5,000
1100 blk EState
south
400
$
25
$
50,000
$
5,000
$
25
$
-
$
-
SUBTOTAL for DESIGN
$
13,750
Reimbursement for New Sidewalk Constructed in 2012
10 Connell Street
It
5,364
1120 Fast State Street
$
5,516
SUBTOTAL for REIMBURSEMENT
$
1018M
TOTAL
$
116,630
Tl I
3/19/2014
]
!
2
)
}
(
�
{�
�
»!
\]
,!
(t
!!!
K <&
!
!
.
/
Mu
e
\ §§ |
j�„
•tn
§
{�
�
»!
\]
,!
(t
!!!
X22)
\\\
)
f!}
) })
) {\
! f�
{ j §f
! !/!
| /
\ ( 4�
!
.
/
Mu
e
\ §§ |
X22)
\\\
)
f!}
) })
) {\
! f�
{ j §f
! !/!
| /
\ ( 4�
8.3A A Resolution to Grant Hardship for 109 Parker Street for the Residential Parking
Permit System
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted June 9,
2004 and amended on March 24, 2014, for implementation of the Residential Parking Permit
System (RPPS), which was established by Common Council on May 6, 1998 after an act of
the New York State Legislature, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 260-4 of the City Code and in accordance with the
BPW regulations, the BPW may grant hardship requests, and
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2014, the Board of Public Works reviewed and was in general
agreement the request from Mr. Einstein and the recommendation from staff, now, therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants residents of 109 Parker Street the
ability to purchase permits for the Residential Parking Permit Systems, in accordance with the
above - mentioned regulations.
Page 6
8.3B A Resolution to Amend the Reaulations for the Residential Parkina Permit
System
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted June 9,
2004, for implementation of the Residential Parking Permit System (RPPS), which was
established by Common Council on May 6, 1998 in accordance Section 1640 -e of the New
York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 260-3 of the City Code, the BPW shall establish rules
and regulations for the designation of residential parking permit areas and the issuance and
use of residential parking permits, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, on June 9, 2004, adopted a set of Residential Parking
Permit Regulations, and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has recommended modifications to the regulations to clarify certain
rules about permit issuance and use, among other things, and
WHEREAS, the BPW is in agreement with the proposal, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the Residential Parking Permit
System Regulations as proposed by the City Clerk and dated March 24, 2014.
Page 7
CITY OF ITHACA
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT SYSTEM REGULATIONS:
Adopted by the Board of Public Works on
Petitioning for the Permit System.
A. Residents within the residential parking permit zone established by Common Council on May 6,
1998, are required to petition the [City Clerk's ; ee] Department of Public Information and
Technology for the establishment of a Residential Parking Permit Area.
B. A Residential Parking Permit Area within the Residential Parking Permit Zone shall be one permit
block. Each permit block shall be established according to the block numbers, such as the 100 or 200
block of a street.
C. Only RI and R2 zones, as established in the City of Ithaca Municipal Code. Chapter 325 entitled
"Zon++ r.�......._:,.:__� �,,.,e of the City ,.c �.�.___r are eligible to
mgs [Ordinance] Section 325-0 [^ .e_. ofth_ ofith, eal
participate in the Residential Parking Permit System
D. A permit block is one city street and its abutting block faces, which differs from a city block. A city
block does not include the street.
E. The permit block for a comer property shall be determined by the property's assessment address.
Petition Eligibility.
A. The petition may be requested from the [City Clerk's Department of Public Information
and Technology and when returned most be signed by at least 51 % of the eligible residents in the
proposed permit block in order to qualify for inclusion in the permit system.
B. In an RI zone, not more than one resident per tax parcel shall be permitted to sign the petition for the
establishment of the permit system.
C. In an R2 zone, not more than one resident per dwelling unit or two residents per tax parcel, whichever
is fewer, shall be permitted to sign the petition for the establishment of the permit system
D. All eligible residents signing the petition must be at least 18 years of age.
E. A block petitioning for the permit system must hereby meet certain minimum requirements with
respect to parking occupancy. The City Traffic Systems Engineer will conduct a parking survey over
two separate days during average weekly peak hours to determine that at least 75% of the legally
available parking spaces are being utilized.
Permit System Renewal.
Once a block is included in the permit system, it is included unless and until it is formally repealed.
Permit System Repeal.
A. If 51 % of the eligible residents wish to have the permit system regulations rescinded, they may
petition the Department of Public Information and Technology for removal from the Residential
Parking Permit System.
Page 8
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT SYSTEM REGULATIONS:
Page Two
B. Action to rescind may not begin until a waiting period of six months from the enactment date for that
block has passed.
C. The Board of Public Works reserves the right to rescind the Residential Parking Permit System
Regulations for a block if the City Traffic Systems Engineer determines that the parking permit system
is being underutilized by the eligible residents of the block. The determination may be made based on
the fact that less than 25% of the eligible permits for the block have been sold in the past two (2)
consecutive years,
Permit Allocation.
A. Only residents of properties zoned RI and R2 located in the Residential Parking Permit Zone shall be
eligible to purchase parking permits.
B. The City zoning category in which the property is located shall determine the maximum number of
permits allowed per dwelling unit.
C. Properties in an RI zone are hereby allowed access to two permits, and no more.
D. Properties in an R2 zone are hereby allowed access to two permits per dwelling unit with a maximum
of four permits and no more per property. Based on City zoning laws the greatest legal number of
dwelling units allowed in a structure in an R2 zone is two.
E. Permits shall be issued to vehicles registered to[, ,._ °-a°-- ,] residents in the permit area,
and are non - transferable.
F. Permits shall be available for sale on July I" IAagust- I-'r] and shall expire on July 31' of the
following year.
G. Residents in blocks participating in the Residential Parking Permit System may purchase up to 4
Visitor Passes per year with a limit of 8 passes per property in an RI zone and 16 passes per property in
an R2 zone. Visitor Passes shall be valid for a period of two consecutive weeks, and will be issued to a
specific vehicle.
H. It shall be a violation of Chapter 260 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled "Residential
Parking Permit System" for residents to purchase permits for people who do not reside in the permit
area.
Permit Allocation for Non- Conformine Uses.
A. Properties not conforming to the traditional RI and R2 zone uses (such as grandfathered properties)
shall not receive any grandfathered rights regarding the residential parking permit system.
B. Grandfathered properties in an RI zone shall hereby be considered a single - family house
C. Grandfathered properties in an R2 zone shall hereby be treated as a duplex.
Page 9
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT SYSTEM REGULATIONS:
Page Three
D. The zone in which the property is located, not the number of apartments or the number of occupants,
determines how many permits may be purchased.
Permit Issuance.
A. The permits shall be issued to individual residents of a permit area and assigned to a unique vehicle
license plate number.
B. A resident is defined as any person, homeowner or renter, living in a dwelling unit in a permit area
C. The issuance of permits through landlords is hereby prohibited.
D. Homeowners and renters must provide the current vehicle registration or copy thereof.
E. Homeowners and renters may prove residency by producing a deed, current lease, signed by
landlord and tenant driver's license or current vehicle registration. [with valid - address }telephone
or utility bill with valid addressf, ef othff similar do eumentation ].
F. The fee for a residential parking permit shall be $45 per yea.
G. Permits may be purchased any time during the year for the said annual fee.
H. Partial yew permits shall not be issued.
1. Permits shall be valid from date of issue through July 31.
J. The fee for a visitor pass is $10.
K This is a voluntary program. Residents living in a block included in the permit system are not
required to purchase permits, however compliance with city parking regulations is required.
L. Permits may be renewed through the mail with proper documentation and f e] $45 fee. Permits will be
issued by the [City Clerk' ^.,rte Department of Public Information and Technology on a "first
come — first served" basis.
M. [if a pemnit holder wishes to transfer a pennit to a different vehicle, or theFe is a change af liemse
and a copy of the new vehicle registration the Department of Public Information and Technology
will issue a new residential parking permit to that same resident — without charge.
Page 10
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT SYSTEM REGULATIONS:
Page Four
If the old permit is not returned, a new permit will only be issued to the current permit holder if a
permit is available for that property or upon sufficient proof that the permit was not accessible
(i.e. accident report). A $45.00 fee will be charged for the permit.
A resident may return the residential parkine permit or remnants thereof to the Department of
Public Information and Technology at anytime, to open up the availability of a permit to another
resident of the same Property. No refunds will be issued.
N. Residential parking permits are non - transferable to another individual,
Hours in Effect.
A. Permit requirements established pursuant to this section shall be in effect during all or a portion of
the following times: From Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
B. Permit holders will be exempt from the 9 a.m. tol p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m "no parking' regulations
in residential parking permit areas.
C. Street signage will display the restricted hours.
D. Permit holders and non - permit holders must abide by all other City parking restrictions set forth in
[the Vehicle and Traffic Chapter of] the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 346 entitled "Vehicles
and Traffic" including the odd/even overnight parking restriction (which is in effect November 1
throueh March 31 each year), 24 -hour parking limitations, loading zones, and handicap parking
requirements, etc.
E. Placement of the "no parking' time restrictions will be staggered in order to provide some short-temt
visitor parking on a block at all times. In the case of blocks with legal on- street parking only on one
side, the time restrictions will be split along the legal side of the street.
Permit System Alternative.
Residents may petition the City Traffic Systems Engineer to install appropriate weekday time restriction
signage (such as "No Parking 9 am. to 1 p.m ") on their streets. This offers an alternative option for
blocks that elect not to participate in the residential parking permit system but want the benefits of
time restricted parking for their street.
Appeal Process.
Residents may file written appeals with the Board of Public Works for either hardship consideration or
the denial of permits by the r^'° Gle&'- ^feel Department of Public Information and Technology.
06/04 1 Revised 02/18
Page 11
8.4A Recommendation of Funding to Treat the Tree Infestation in the City Cemetery —
Resolution
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Cemetery has 128 Eastern Hemlock trees, some of which date
back to the creation of the Cemetery, and
WHEREAS, the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is a non -native invasive insect which can cause death
of native Eastern Hemlock trees in four years or less, and infestation of many of the trees in
the City Cemetery has been confirmed, and
WHEREAS, there is no known natural resistance to the insect among Eastern Hemlock trees
in the North Eastern United States and the infestation of the trees in the City Cemetery would
result in the eventual death of all the hemlock trees there, causing a substantial environmental
and cultural loss to the city, and
WHEREAS, there are pesticide treatment options that have shown to be effective in reducing
the infestation of these insects and allowing for the recovery of the infested tree, and
WHEREAS, the City Forester recommends a treatment of the hemlock trees in the City
Cemetery using a combination of dinotefuran and imidacloprid applied directly to infested trees
to reduce the infestation and protect the trees for seven or more years, and
WHEREAS, the infestation will be monitored on an annual basis and treatment may again be
needed in seven or more years, and
WHEREAS, the treatment plan will cost approximately $9,000 with $3,000 coming from the
2014 budget to pay for a portion of the treatment plan,
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the information provided by the City
Forester, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby recommends that Common Council
authorize funding the treatment of the Eastern Hemlock trees located in the City Cemetery, in
an amount not to exceed $6,000, to extinguish the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid infestation.
Page 12
8.4B Endorsement of the Forestry Master Plan and Arboriculture Guidelines for the
City of Ithaca — Resolution
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has a progressive, proactive and comprehensive urban Forestry
Program, which has been awarded Tree City Recognition for more than 25 years and the Tree
City Growth Award for more than 15 years, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca places a high value on the health of the urban forest and all the
environmental, cultural and economic benefits it provides to the city and its residents, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has had a Forestry Master Plan that was last updated in 1996,
and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca's Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC), with guidance from
the City Forester, recently updated the Forestry Master Plan to include an analysis of the City
Street Tree Inventory as well as recommended arboricultural guidelines, and
WHEREAS, this analysis shows a steady increase in the quality and health of our urban forest
and will help to inform future decision making within the urban forestry program, and
WHEREAS, the guidelines will guide work involving city trees by city staff as well as private
entities working on or near city trees. These guidelines include specifications for protecting
trees during construction, site preparation for new planting sites, appropriate tree spacing and
planting techniques, and proper construction of tree lawns, tree pits and parking lot planting
islands. The specifications will ensure survival of existing trees and establishment and success
of newly planted trees, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the Forestry Master Plan, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works acknowledges the time and effort that was committed
to the revision of the Forestry Master Plan, Inventory & Guidelines for Public Trees put forth by
city staff and the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, and be it further
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works hereby endorses the document entitled " Ithaca's
Trees: Master Plan, Inventory & Arboricultural Guidelines for the Public Trees of the City of
Ithaca, New York" dated February 2014, and be it further
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works supports the advancement of this document to seek
endorsement by Common Council as well as the presentation of this document to the Planning
and Economic Development Board and eventual indusion of appropriate portions of the
guidelines into the Site Plan Review Criteria.
Page 13
Proposal for a New Community Garden Site at Floral Avenue, Ithaca
Prepared by Chrys Gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
The goal of this project is to create an additional community garden site in the City of Ithaca. The
proposed site is city-owned land between Floral Avenue and the flood control channel on the west
side of town. The site is within walking distance of three low - to-moderate income apartment
complexes managed by the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Association. Neighborhood residents will
help set up the garden with Master Gardener volunteers, creating local ownership of the project.
Community gardens have proven to save families on their grocery bills while providing them with
fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. There is currently a strong need for additional community
garden space in the city of Ithaca. The Ithaca Community Garden at Carpenter Park has 128 plot
holders, 66 of whom are on low to moderate incomes. This garden site is not considered permanent
as it is in a prime area for development. It is essential to start developing new community gardens In
the dty of Ithaca to make it possible for other low to moderate income residents the ability to grow
their own vegetables and fruits and to prepare for the possibility of the loss of the Ithaca Community
Garden.
A working group was formed in the fall of 2012 to look at possibilities for new community garden
sites on city-owned land. The group was consisted of staff and volunteers staff from the City of
Ithaa's Planning Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Gardens 4 Humanity, Project Growing
Hope, the Ithaca Community Garden, and Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play. The goal of
this group was to locate and identify any possible city-owned sites that are non - parkland that might
be suitable for additional community garden sites in the City of Ithaca. (Due to NYS legislation on city
and state -owned parks, community gardening is not an allowable activity in public parklands,
therefore, the working group focused only on city-owned sites that are not parkland.)
The group Identified dty-owned parcels that might have gardening potential, then visited each site
to rate It on a number of characteristics. Using a matrix to rate the different sites, the Floral Avenue
site, located between the flood control channel and Floral Avenue (Route 13A) on the west side of
town, is the most suitable for gardening and would require the least amount of work to create a
garden. (The characteristics and limitations of each site are summarized in the attached document
Site Characteristics.)
A community survey was conducted In spring 2013 to determine the interest in new community
garden sites. 192 people filled outthe survey and the majority (67%) Indicated an Interest In having
new garden sites in the city, with 32% saying thatthey would like a garden site that is accessible to
the west and south neighborhoods of the city.
The Floral Avenue site is ideally located within easy walking distance of three low - to-moderate
income apartment complexes managed by the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services: Cedar Creek,
West Village and Towerview. Apartment residents participated in a vegetable container gardening
workshop in the spring and many expressed an Interest In having a garden at that location, provided
there is a deer fence, access to water, and free classes and mentoring.
The city recently made Improvements to the north end of this parcel, adding a sidewalk and lighting
to facilitate the pedestrian connection to downtown. The proposed community garden would
Page I 1
occupy the open land in the southern half of this parcel, starting where the sidewalk terminates in a
loop and continuing south to the grove of crabapple trees. The proposed site is 45' x 150' and will
provide plots for approximately 30 gardeners, as well as an area for socializing and a work area for
tools, mulch deliveries and compost bins.
The site has good soil and sun exposure, and would be an excellent garden sitefor many residents
that live within walking distance. The two biggest challenges to gardening here are the large deer
population, and lack of running water for the garden. We received a gram from the United Way
Hunger and Food Security program to install a fence and a watersystem. I understand thatthe water
main runs under Floral Avenue and it will not be practical totap into this, so we will explore options
for a rainwater harvesting system that can be set up within the garden. A complete soil test,
including testing for lead, will be conducted this spring.
Community gardens racial re strong leadership in the initial years to get them started, then ideally
management of the garden should be turned over to the group of gardeners themselves. Staff from
Cornell Cooperative Extension will initially manage the garden and enter into a lease agreement with
the City of Ithaca, with the anticipation that management of the community garden will be
transferred in several years to the group of gardeners who use the site.
The CCE garden coordinator will recruit volunteers from the adjacent neighborhoods in early spri ng
to sheet compost the site to prepare it for planting, and to help install the fence. Master Gardener
volunteers will also assist with the project. By early summer the space will be ready for planting, and
the garden coordinator will offer free weekly classes and mentoring to help new gardeners get off to
a good start. In late summer and fall garden participants will be eligible to attend cooking and food
preservation classes at CCE- Tompkins to help them learn to cook with and preserve their garden
produce.
Participant qualifications
Priority forgarden plots will be given to residents of low - to-moderate income housing in the
neighborhood, particularly residents of Cedar Creek and Towerview Apartments. Both of these
apartment complexes are built into a steep hillside and there is no flatspace to accommodate a
resident community garden.
Floral Avenue Community Garden Agreement
As a Community Gardener, I agree not to hold Cornell Cooperative Extension or the City of Ithaca
liable for any injury that may occurto me or to anyone I invite to the Floral Ave Community Garden
site.
I understand that the use period for my plot is from thetime of plot registration in 2014 until the
next renewal in spring 2015.
1 understand that any plot that has not been tended by May 31" it may be given to another gardener
on the waiting list.
I agree to maintain the paths around my plot at all times, and to tend my plot on a regular basis to
keep them neat and free of weeds and other debris.
Page 12
Q
Q
O
Ada- -
a $E
e
m
3 N
m ❑ L
} � N
_ m
0 W
O N Q
P � 2
V
O
a
U
N q •- N D
V E2a
❑
y ❑ N
m
m � ❑ N
� 03
N G m o
� mo
m�
9 m =°
2 m aam„aa
zy(? R 9
§!,
i0
!|ƒ
//(
!z!!
�!(|
!#go
v»
/#
!/02
§|
I
December 30, 2013
City Of Ithaca
Office of the Chamberlain
Board of Public Works
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Re: Invoice Ref. Snow Removal
Invoice #00018599
Account #00001768
Invoice Date: 12/27/2013
Dear Board members,
I regret that the City had to clear my sidewalk on December 14, 2013. 1
understand the need to require property owners to clear their sidewalks to prevent
Injuries to the public. I will be sure to abide by the rules and regulations as
described in the City Code should any future snow event occur.
I appeal to the Board in this matter and am asking that this fee be waived or
reduced. My family and I are experiencing financial hardships due to lack of work
and child care. We have owned the property at 214 North Plain Street in Ithaca for
11 years and have never missed a tax payment.
Consideration of our circumstances in regard to this invoice will be
appreciated.
Sincerely,
-�i
Neil Zusman
214 North Plain St.
Ithaca, New York 14850
607 -262 -6583
CITY OF ITHACA
Invoice Date:
12272013
108 E GREEN STREET
Invoice N :
00018599
ITHACA NY 14850
Accusal N :
00001768
Due Date :
01/272014
Addiliooul Dcsenptioo: SNOW REMOVAL - DATE OF EVENT 12/14/13
BILLS NOT PAID WMEN 30 DAYS ACCRUE A LATE PAYMENT PENALTY AT TIIE RATE OF TWELVE PERCENT PER ANNUM OR 53.00
PER MONTH, WHICHEVER IS GREATER PURSUANT TO CITY CODE. BILLS REMAINING UNPAID ON NOVEMBER IST ARE, ADDED TO
THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE NEXT CITY TAX BILLrNG. AND COLLECTED AS A PART THEREOF.
Return this portion with your payment
check payable to:
Bill to:
Streets & Facilities Division
CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE
C ,,e] Bilbng Intormpim
108 E GREEN STREET
NEIL ZUSMAN
(647) 37465m
MIRIAM RZUSMAN
Infotmatlm rq fie m bill
Pleesc Pey on ar before
214N PLAIN St
(60]) 3]2 -1]18
Properly :
ITHACA NY 14850
214 P1. St
Invoice From: Streets & Facilities
Invoice Ref. SNOW REMOVAL
Entry Date
Item category
Item Description Qty Price Told
12/182013
LABOR
PUBLIC WORKS REMOVAL OF 1.00 S50.00 I50.00
SNOW
INV00018599
Tom]: 1190.00
Addiliooul Dcsenptioo: SNOW REMOVAL - DATE OF EVENT 12/14/13
BILLS NOT PAID WMEN 30 DAYS ACCRUE A LATE PAYMENT PENALTY AT TIIE RATE OF TWELVE PERCENT PER ANNUM OR 53.00
PER MONTH, WHICHEVER IS GREATER PURSUANT TO CITY CODE. BILLS REMAINING UNPAID ON NOVEMBER IST ARE, ADDED TO
THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE NEXT CITY TAX BILLrNG. AND COLLECTED AS A PART THEREOF.
Return this portion with your payment
check payable to:
Invoice Date : 12272013
AIMMake
CITY OF ITHACA
CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE
Invoice # : 00018599
108 E GREEN STREET
ITHACA NY 14850
Pleesc Pey on ar before
SSB 00
NEIL ZUSMAN
012]ROi4
MIRIAM R ZUSMAN
214 N PLAIN St
Amount Paid
ITHACA NY 14850
INV00018599
p
NNINN101"1'1
00000000000000000185990000000000000400000001000000005000004
Before
After
�ar.mco CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850 -6590
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
fc o Michael J. Thorne, P.E., Superintendent
Telephone: 607 /274 -6527 Fax: 607/274-6587
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Public Works
FROM: William J. Gray, P.E., Itinerant Engineer
DATE: March 20, 2014
RE: Water Treatment Plant Construction
House at 967 East State Street
This memo is a follow up to my memo of February 6, 2014, and our discussion at the
Board Meeting on February 10, 2014. If we can answer the questions raised at that time, I would
like the Board to call fir an informal (not required by law, but desirable for public input) public
hearing before making a decision on staffs recommendation to acquire the house at 967 East
State Street for the purposes of constructing the Water Treatment Plant. Ownership of the
property is currently estimated to save between a quarter to a half million dollars in the
construction cost of the plant. Eventually ownership will involve a decision to deconstruct the
house and install a new driveway into the plant from East State Street, or to return the house to
the housing stock by reselling the house at the end of the construction period.
I have attempted to put a timeline together that shows the order of events around the
construction of the plant and the proposed acquisition of the property at 967 East State Street.
This appeared to be a question by the Board members as we were discussing the plant and
property. If you think it is useful, we could put a large scale version out for the public
discussion, with any recommended changes or clarifications requested by the Board.
A second issue raised at our February meeting was the use of the house (967) for
construction purposes in a residential zone during construction. The house sits in an R -1 zone.
A meeting with the City Attorney, as well as representatives of the Planning and Building
Departments, including the Zoning Officer, clarified the point that there is an allowance for
construction structures (the house converted to accommodate city and construction staff during
the construction period) in all zoning areas. The allowance is limited to a period of two years,
and is found in the third column of the Zoning table, labeled "Permitted Accessory Uses."
If this completes the open questions before the Board, with the Board's agreement, we
will notify the neighborhood that their input is requested as the Board considers acquiring the
property at 967 East State Street for public purposes related to the construction of the new Water
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification."
Board of Public Works
Page 2
March 20, 2014
Treatment Plant. We would appreciate any input you may have concerning materials or
presentations you want from staff for that meeting.
We are looking forward to starting the construction of the plant. However, we are a little
nervous about the bid process that stands between us and the start of construction. Our budget
estimates are several years old, and while they contained escalation adjustments for estimated
construction costs at a future date, we are about to find out how well `reality now" and
"projection then" match, or how they clash. The Commons Construction bids only had one
bidder. We don't think we will suffer that fate, but bid prices are rising as construction demands
begin to recover. The sooner we can get to bid the better.
WJG/kdg
cc: Michael J. Theme, P.E., Superintendent
Erik Whitney, Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer
Alderperson Cynthia Brock, First Ward
Alderperson George McGonigal, First Ward
Alderperson Ellen McCollister, Thud Ward
Alderperson Donna Fleming, Third Ward
d
J
d
F
C
N
C
d
N
d
d
N
r
F
N
2
�
w
6
2 N
Y
N
o
g
NO
1
1�
r
F
C
a
Yl
0
y
Hu,
� r
C
1L
V
0
U
w
°
u
-«
p
5r
4Z
ssu
0°
w
N
11111101111111
ON
u
Ills
a
a
3 u°
u°
in■
i�
����i
n
IIII
III
F
N
2
�
w
6
2 N
Y
N
o
g
r
F
C
a
Yl
0
y
Hu,
� r
C
1L
V
0
U
w
°
u
-«
p
5r
4Z
ssu
0°
w
N
u
m
a
a
3 u°
u°
Em
N
y u
w
6
2 N
Y
N