The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About07-28-14 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, July 28, 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. Mayor's 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 A. Conveyance of City Land to Sciencenter — Resolution 8.2 Highways, Streets and Sidewalks 8.3 Parking and Traffic 8.4 Creeks. Bridges and Parks 8.5 Water and Sewer 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS 9.1 Stewart Park Inclusive Playground and Spray Park Presentation 9.2 Conveyance of City Property to IURA 9.3 Hills and Truck Safety within the City 10. New Business 11. Adiournment 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 created 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 Aglenda, July 28, 2014 8.1A Conveyance of City Land to Sciencenter— Resolution The proposed resolution is in response to the Board's discussion. 9.1 Stewart Park Inclusive Playground and Spray Park Presentation Friends of Stewart Park has a proposal for a new inclusive playground at Stewart Park. Rick Manning will make a presentation to the Board about the design. 9.2 Conveyance of City Property to IURA Scott Whitham, representative for the developer, has provided a proposal for the development of a new Hampton Inn and Suites at the location of the current parking lot between the Carey Building and Seneca Way. A portion of that lot is owned by the City. He is requesting that the city -owned portion be transferred to IURA for proposed sale. 9.3 Hills and Truck Safety within the City As a result of the truck accident at Simeon's, the Mayor has requested a discussion about the effects of Ithaca's steep hills on large vehicles that may or may not be able to negotiate them. Tim Logue has provided a memo to begin that discussion. M�cha6j- Thome, P.E. skper�wtev, lev,t o f Pu bUr, worl2s JL-dl 22, 2014 Page 2 8.1A Conveyance of City Land to Sciencenter— Resolution WHEREAS, the City entered into a lease with the organization now known as Sciencenter Discovery Museum ( "Sciencenter") on February 6, 1993 ( "Lease "), under which the Sciencenter had use of the property known as 601 First Street ( "Property") to construct the Sciencenter science museum, and WHEREAS, the Lease granted the Sciencenter an option to purchase the Property, which the Sciencenter now wishes to exercise, and the City Controller has confirmed that the Sciencenter has made all necessary payments to exercise the option, and WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has requested an easement for a portion of City -owned land bordering the Property on the east, which land is the right of way for a portion of Lake Avenue that no longer exists, onto which the Sciencenter's miniature golf course has extended for a number of years, and WHEREAS, various City boards have previously expressed their interest in granting the Sciencenter permission to use this land, and WHEREAS, the easement would not be transferable to any other party without the City's consent, and the Sciencenter has agreed to carry sufficient insurance to protect the City's interests and indemnify the City against all claims arising from the Sciencenter's use of the City -owned land, and WHEREAS, the Sciencenter previously installed and maintained improvements on City land (such as installation and operation of lighting, benches, trash and dog waste receptacles in the area alongside Cascadilla Creek), the value of which exceeds the net present value of the license fees that the City would charge to grant a license to use the area in question, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board finds that the City -owned land on which the miniature golf course is presently located is surplus for municipal purposes, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that Common Council authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary paperwork to complete the sale of the Property and grant the easement to the Sciencenter. Page 3 Friends >; Stewart P ark Revitalizing Ithaca's Lakefront Gem Stewart Park Inclusive Playground & Spray Park The development of a new inclusive playground and spray park is a key project in the Friends of Stewart Park's plans for revitalizing our lakefront gem. Goals Develop an inclusive playground and spray park that: Engages and can be enjoyed by persons of all ages and abilities, exceeding current accessibility standards. ■ Maximizes the involvement of the community in the design, fundraising, construction and long -term maintenance of the playground ■ Combines the best features of manufactured equipment with custom play structures that reflect the history of the park and our community's unique culture. ■ Respects the park's setting and incorporates natural materials and plantings to soften the impact on the park landscape ■ Restores the carousel, provides new surrounding fencing and pathway, and a strategy for winter protection. Elements of the Proposed Playground & Spray Park ■ Spray Park that is fun, conservative in water use, and progressive in treating runoff. ■ Separated but connected play areas for infants, children from 2 to 5 and 5 —12 years old, teenagers, adults, and elders. ■ Shady seating areas with easy surveillance of all play and spray areas for parents. ■ Center accessible connector pathway linking entrance, carousel, and all play and spray areas. ■ Play pathways that weave though and around play areas that enhance accessibility, have play value, and are linked to the larger park trail network. ■ Restored and protected carousel. Schedule & Process ■ Approval & Design Development (Parks Commission, BPW, Planning Board & Public): Summer 2014— Fall 2014 • Fundraising Campaign (Form committee, select chairpersons, quiet phase, grassroots /public campaign): Summer 2014 to Summer 2015 • Volunteer Organizing (Build logistics, fundraising, materials and other donations): Summer 2014 to Summer 2015 • Playground Build: Fall 2015 or Spring 2016 Cost & Phasing • Estimated Cost (this amount can be reduced significantly through donated time and materials): $750,000 • Phasing: Consider constructing playgrounds (all or some) or spray park in phases if needed, depending on success and timeliness of fundraising campaign. 101 East State Street #222 Ithaca NY 14850 info(iDfriendsofstewartpark.org } a AA e / N 03 crs rq *--'� w �W • tw WHITHAM PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC July 22, 2014 City of Ithaca Second Floor of City Hall 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Re: Hampton Inn & Suites Proposal Dear Board of Public Works: Please find attached our proposal for the Hampton Inn & Suites. On June 26, 2014, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) unanimously passed a resolution that the project "satisfies the IURA sponsor criteria — including qualifications, capacity and experience — to be designated a "qualified and eligible sponsor" to undertake ... an urban in -fill hotel project on the 300 block of E. MLK/E. State Street" and further resolved that "the IURA recommends that the Common Council and the Board of Public Works make the City -owned portion of the parking lot (tax parcel #69.-1-6.2) available for redevelopment and approve the transfer of the parcel to the IURA for the purpose of structuring the proposed sale for consideration by Common Council." By this memo, we would like to request the conveying of this property from the City to the IURA for purchase by the developer, as so recommended by the IURA. The proposal seeks to redevelop a parking lot in the heart of downtown Ithaca where the former Strand Theater once stood, and to reinvigorate the public realm in this core area of downtown. The project is a 6 -story building located at the eastern portion of downtown Ithaca on E. MLK Jr. / E. State Street. The project will include a breakfast room, day /night bar and lounge, a meeting/conference room, pool and fitness areas, and approximately 2,000 sf of retail space on the 13,165 gsf ground floor. Floors 2 -5 are 11,215 gsf and Floor 6 is 11,095 gsf, with 24 guest rooms per floor. The total gross square footage of the project is 69,120 with 120 total guestrooms. The 6 -story building is 70' -6" tall, which is comprised of a 18' -0" ground floor, and 10'6" for the typical floors. The height to the mechanical penthouse/screen is 82' -6 ", assuming the screen is 12' -0" high. Currently, exterior fagade materials on the ground floor will be stone veneer, metal and glass canopy at porte- cochere, use an aluminum storefront system, metal panel, and brick veneer. Other typical floors will use metal siding, punched aluminum windows, aluminum window wall system at the corner, metal panel, and brick veneer. We look forward to working with you and presenting the proposed project at your next meeting. If you have any questions, comments, or require additional information, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, M Phone: t 6.7.3: �' -1,74 Email: whitharn@wbithamdengn .coin 123,5 Cayuga Stmet Suite 201 Ithaca, A714$50 NEW PROPERTY LINE -i VEHICULARACCESSM July 8, 2014 DALEY BUIWINGS HAMPTON INN Ithaca, NY LANDSCAPING LEGEND tiF ASPHALT PAVEMENT STONEIGRAVEL FT= CONCRETE PAVERS BRICK PAVERS STAMPED CONCRETE PLANTER BED PROPOSED SITE PLAN WH I T F-I A , ab r. 11T911 ''I�IIIIIII� IIN Ii HE ►■ll 0 ■A ■A ■4 ■F-■ ML EN III Now INN NJ LANDSCAPING LEGEND tiF ASPHALT PAVEMENT STONEIGRAVEL FT= CONCRETE PAVERS BRICK PAVERS STAMPED CONCRETE PLANTER BED PROPOSED SITE PLAN WH I T F-I A , ab FlBERCEhEff RAMBCREEN 6YSTBO NORTH ELEVATION rwr.mw-Ta EAST ELEVATION eo Mww r- SOUTH ELEVATION vagmvw.r Project No. 1165 July 22, 20' a WESr ELEVATION er mr -lw UAL HAMPTON INN EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS Group One Partners, Incorporated 27 Wau TMrd Street butm MA 02127 617.27000 Ph Ithaca, NY 66. IPA 617.26a.0209 7 M�MM��Pet�ehl6WA, V Project No. 1165 July p.Z, 2014 HAMPTON INN Ithaca, NY r 1+ PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM SENECA WAY �>♦ �� of d. � >1 �.lop all 4� t' Group One Partners, Incorporated n we h W, sweet B�617.2' C. @127 sip. ;cs.r000nn www.prouwmw—com TL Project No. 1 i 6S July 22, 2014 HAMPTON INN Ithaca, NY PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM Group One Partners, Incorporated 21 west Thw Sheet BosigR, AAA 07127 SENECA WAY B, 7.68.7999 Ph 817.2fiB.0299 T wevw.9roit�'Andnc.com •st I Project Na. 1165 July 22, 2014 HAMPTON INN Ithaca, NY Fil PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF HOTEL ENTRY Imo v h ;sd IIIIIIIIIIk .1 Group One Partners, Incorporated 21 606 27 ton. M OZ127 0 72 8. 0 617268.7000 ph 617.268.0209 f ~.9rou0minccom Nils . spr 71 % Project No. 115'_± July 22, 2014 HAMPTON INN PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM Ithaca, NY EAST STATE STREET 71 Z�h _J Nqcb 1�3 ri All Group One Partners, Incorporated 21 Wext ThIrd Stmet BMIM, MA 02127 617.26&7000 Ph Is 417.268.02.09 f —9—wieftgom CITY OF ITHACA 1.08 East Green Street, Suite 202 Ithaca, New York 14850 -5690 OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER Telephone: 607/274 -6530 Fax: 607/274 -6587 To: Board of Public Works From: Tim Logue, City Transportation Engineer Date: July 22, 2014 Re: Hills and trucks At the Mayor's direction and in the wake of the Simeon s incident, I am providing this memo as a way to begin a City conversation about the fact that we have steep hills, that not all drivers or vehicles are prepared to negotiate their way safely to the bottom, and what, if anything, the City ought to do about it. This memo is not intended to be a final list of options or even comprehensive in any way; instead, the intent was to brainstorm a list, present it to the Board and then, through discussion, decide a course of action. The Board may also want to solicit broader input or feedback, such as from Common Council, other departments (e.g., Police or Fire), trucking companies, or the general public. Most of these ideas are just that; I don t claim that they are all feasible, effective or cost effective. Many of the ideas would require significant engineering and coordination with other agencies. Most of them will require a budget authorization from Common Council. After some discussion and direction, staff can help formulate a recommendation for a course of action. These ideas are generally listed in order from simple to complex, but they are numbered just for convenience. 1. Evaluate existing signage on all state numbered routes, potentially including signage outside of the City limits, related to hills and trucks. Are all signs in good condition, properly mounted, and in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices? 2. Could we augment existing signage with additional truck or hill related signage? Do we need more standard hill warning signs? Should we add grade & distance information? Should we add "trucks use lower gear" signs, too? NYSDOT installed some truck /hill warning signs with flashers on a few approaches to the City a while back. Do we need more? Page 1 of 4 Arx Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to vlorkforce diversification." 4 3. What information exists on Google Maps, MapQuest, Apple Maps, other on -line mapping or GPS programs? Does anything identify routes for heavy vehicles? Does anything indicate taking "short cuts" like Rt 366, instead of just staying on Rt 13? Can we modify any of this to keep people on Route 13? Or avoid Ithaca and stay on Interstate system? A quick internet search indicates there are plenty of truck mapping applications available suggesting truck routes. 4. Could we set a different, lower speed limit for trucks, similar to what you might see on the Interstate when the general speed limit is 65 mph, but the truck speed limit is 40 mph? We would need special authorization from New York State to set official speed limits below 25mph, but likely the truck speed limit would be 20mph or 25mph. The Federal Highway Administration developed a Grade Severity Rating System that might be useful in determining safe descent speeds for heavy vehicles and, therefore, posted truck speed limits. We would probably ask NYSDOT for assistance with this. 5. New York State has a truck route system for special dimension trucks, including 53 foot trailers, tandem trailers, auto carriers, and more. It is called the NYS Qualifying and Access Highway System. Currently, in the City of Ithaca, the following roadways are included in the system: a. Route 13 (entire length) b. Route 79 (entire length, including Green and Seneca Streets) c. Route 96 (west of Route 13) d. Route 96B (from State Street to Emerson Power Transmission) e. East State Street from (Aurora St to East Green Street) Should we remove any segments? For example, now that Emerson is closed, should Rt 96B be removed? Route 79, west of Route 13, was added a few years ago; is that a decision we want to revisit? Any changes will need to be coordinated with the New York State Department of Transportation. 6. Should we have some sort of pull-off or truck station outside of the City, at the top of the hill(s)? This could be a truck check point of some sort, a weigh station or a brake check area; information about the hills could be provided. To take that a step further, with some sort of automatic weight or truck detection system, dynamic (changeable) warning signs or dynamic speed limit signs for trucks could be used to inform truck drivers. A detection system that triggered dynamic signs could be used to reinforce existing regulations, such as the 9 ton limit on South Aurora Page 2 of 4 Street (Rt 96B), directing trucks to turn around, say at King Road. Or, they could be used to just provide information or warnings. Automatic detection systems, including license plate recognition systems might also be able to be used to automatically notify law enforcement. 7. Last year, an opportunity presented itself to upgrade the functional classification of Route 79, from Route 13 to Interstate 81, from a minor arterial to a principal arterial. The motivating factor was to recognize its importance in connecting Ithaca to the Interstate system, but also to make it eligible for a federal funding source called the National Highway Preservation Program. With the federal transportation law, MAP -21, approximately half of the available federal funding for surface transportation has been allocated to the NHPP, which funds only projects on the National Highway System. In Tompkins County, the only roadway currently on the National Highway System is Route 13. By upgrading Route 79 to a principal arterial, it would become eligible for NHPP funding. However, including a roadway in the National Highway System might also tend to encourage truck traffic. Should we rescind our request to upgrade Rt 79, from Rt 13 to I -81, to a principal arterial? This would require coordination with the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council and NYSDOT. 8. Do we need and could we get more enforcement, local, state or other, of existing truck related ordinances or laws? There are many regulations, including, but not limited to vehicle performance components such as brakes and tires, weight restrictions on certain streets (e.g., Aurora St is 9 ton limit by local ordinance), length restrictions based on NYS Access & Qualifying Highways, etc. The Ithaca Police Department has a truck enforcement detail in partnership with NYSDOT that is quite successful given resources. Should that program be bolstered? To what extent are the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department and New York State Troopers involved? Should we ask for additional assistance? 9. Could Eddy St somehow be transformed into a runaway truck ramp? Probably not. Without taking property or radically repurposing our street right of way, I cant think of any other locations that provide space. 10. Should we construct raised islands, a roundabout or a berm in certain locations to provide something to crash into? How would we have to design them to make them effective? Locations to consider might include the East State /MLK Jr Street & Aurora intersection or at Tuning Fork. A limiting factor currently is the limited space available. Page 3 of 4 11. Should we consider installing bollards or some sort of vehicle arresting devices? We would need to do some research about what type of devices might be effective, have a relatively small footprint (presumably this would be important in our downtown), and fit into our urban landscape. These may have significant negative aspects. Concepts could be developed by Public Works either with in -house research or by a request for proposals, but there might also be other groups that could gather this information, such as a Cornell engineering students. 12. Consider changing traffic patterns in the downtown to make it more difficult for a truck to reach the intersection of Aurora & State /MLK. For example, if the 100 block of North Aurora Street was just southbound instead of northbound, then all traffic coming down Rt 96B then would need to turn right onto the 300 block of East State Street. This might allow for a large berm, impact attenuator, a raised island, a wall or something to crash into. Likewise, if all traffic coming down the hill on East State /MLK Jr. Street was forced to turn right onto Seneca Way, this would allow for a large berm or impact attenuator or something in the Tuning Fork to crash into. This idea would need a traffic study to see how it would affect traffic. There would also be costs to design and convert streets, signals, meters and other things for the different patterns. And, of course, there would still be the question of what the thing would be to crash into and its pros & cons. 13. Similar to the aircraft arresting gear system on an aircraft carrier, what about a cable and hook system that would catch the axle(s) of a truck if a weight sensor or speed detector was triggered? How would you identify a runaway truck? Would it just rip off the axle? Page 4 of 4