HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-10 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 Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 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
2. Mayor's Communications
3. Communications and Hearings from Persons before the Board
4. Response to 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 - 20 min.
7.1 BPW Review of Charter - Discussion Continued, start at C -60
8. VOTING ITEMS
8.1 Buildings, Properties, Refuse, and Transit
9.
8.2 Hiahways. Streets, and Sidewalks
8.3 Parking and Traffic
8.3A Long Term Parking - Resolution
8.36 Extended Hours of Operation at Cayuga Street Parking Garage -
Resolution
8.4 Creeks. Bridges, and Parks
8.5 Water and Sewer
9.1 Buildinas, Properties, Refuse, and Transit
91A. Request for Easement for 611 West Buffalo Street - Discussion
9.2 Highways, Streets, and Sidewalks
9.2A Sidewalk Program - Current Status Report and Discussion
9.3 Parkinu and Traffic
9.3A Concepts for Intersection Improvements at Hector /State /Floral /Elm
Streets - Discussion
9.4 Creeks. Bridaes. and Parks
9.4A Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan Building Study — Discussion
9.5 Water and Sewer
9.5A Request for a Single Water /Sewer Connection for 519 -525 North Aurora
Street — Discussion
10. New Business
11. Adioumment
If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in orderfor you to fully participate
in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 274 -6570 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
The Board of Public Works meets on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 4:45 p.m. All meetings are voting
meetings, which opens with a public comment period. Meeting agendas are created from prior public input, Department operating
and 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 an lengthy or complex issues. This information may then be used to create committee
agendas, with the speaker or author invited to atend.
Page 2
Notes for BPW Agenda, August 18, 2010
9.1A. Request for Easement for 611 West Buffalo Street
Larry Fabbrom approached me on behalf of a housing project he was working on at the
comer of Meadow and West Seneca Streets. There is no parking requirement for this site,
but they would like to provide parking. The logical way (for them) is to extend the existing
City lot on West Buffalo Street south onto their property. It saves curb cuts, on- street
parking and circulation space. I told him that if they wanted to take the risk, the City might
agree to a limited short-term ROW (right -of -way) so that the City would retain full property
rights. He felt that the housing and parking were valuable to the neighborhood, that land
uses were changing in the west end, and his client, Mr. lacovelli, would be involved because
of his land holding. He felt they would work with the City in both the short and long term.
9.2A Sidewalk Program — Current Status Report and Discussion
The Board and the Mayor had both requested a status update on the 2010 Sidewalk
Program. Although everyone I would ask to assemble that update is out of the office at this
time, I will attempt to have a hand -out for the Board's meeting on August 18, 2010.
W.J. Gray, P.E.
Superintendent of Public Works
August 13, 2010
Page 3
8.3A Long Tenn Parking — Resolution
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has expressed interest in a Long -Tenn Parking
Program for the Green Street Parking Garage, and
WHEREAS, the Board adopted provisions for a Long -Term Parking Program in the Cayuga
Street Parking Garage as part of the December 16, 2009 resolution for 2010 Parking Rates,
which the garage operator, Allpro Parking, is preparing to implement for the Fall 2010, and
WHEREAS, City staff have questions about operational issues which may arise with long-
term parking, and Allpro Parking has concerns about pricing and operational issues as they
start to market the program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That City staff will work with Allpro Parking to monitor the operation of the new
program throughout the remainder of 2010 and will develop recommendations for the
Board's review early in 2011 for expansion, modification, or elimination of the Long -Term
Parking Program.
Page 4
prong -Term Parking
Cayuga Street Garage
Convenient. Affordable. Secure.
$56.00 /MONTH
The Cayuga Street Parking Garage offers a special monthly parking
rate to provide all students, staff and faculty the opportunity to enjoy
convenient, secure, and affordable long -term parking.
Visit or call the garage manager today to enjoy this special rate.
Call Terry at (607) 256 -PARK (7275)
or visit www.allproparking.com.
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Board of Public Works
December 16, 2009
Parking and Traffic
Power to Act — 2010 Parking Rates — Final Resolution
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered proposed 2010 rates for
municipal parking facilities in order to meet the adopted 2010 budget revenue
projection; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the proposed 2010 municipal
parking rates as follows in the attached table; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That during the Spring of 2010 (May meeting, January to April data) the
Board of Public Works shall review the revenues generated by, and the use levels of,
these parking facilities in order to assess and determine whether further adjustments
are required to meet revenues for the balance of 2010 including possibly implementing
a higher per hour fee for hours two through five in the garages effective June 1, 2010, in
consultation with staff and other effected parties; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a West End Parking System be established in 2010 in conjunction
with the effected parties for the surface off- street parking lots located on Inlet island and
on Fulton Street; and be it further
RESOLVED, That all monthly permit charges in all Parking facilities shall be increased
annually in future years by 3 percent on January 1' unless the Board of Public Works
directs otherwise hereafter and the schedule of all changes is set forth in this document.
Monthly Permits
Actual
2009 Rates
Effective
8/1/09
Proposed
2010 Rates
Proposed
2010 Rates
Effective
8/1/10
Effective
1/1/10
Seneca Garage,
Day and Night
All
Levels
$76.00 /mo
$80.00 /mo
$80.00 /mo
Contract with Hotel
$45.03 /mo
$45.03/mo
$46.38 /mo
Contract with Ciminelli
$76.00 /mo
$80.00 /mo
$80.00 /mo
Contract with Thomas6
$76.00 /mo
$80.00 /mo
$80.00 /mo
Green Street Garage,
Day and Ni ht
All
Levels
$64.00 /mo
$70.00 /mo
$70.00 /mo
Contract with Ciminelli
$50.50 /mo
$50.50 /mo
$50.50 /mo
Contract
with
Thomas
Assoc.
$50.50 /mo
$50.50 /mo
$50.50 /mo
Cayuga Street Garage,
ay and Ni ht
All Levels, including long -temp
story a
$54.50/mo
$56.00 /mo
$56.00lmo
Contract with Ciminelli
$44.90/mo
$44.90/mo
$44.90/mo
Contract with County Libra
$44.901mo
$44.90/mo
I $44.90/mo
Monthly Penniffi
Actual
2009 Rates
Effective
8/1/09
Proposed
2010 Rates
Proposed
2010 Rates
Effective
8/1/10
Effective
1/1/10
Day and
with
Thomas
Assoc.
$44.90/mo
$44.90/mo
$44.90mo
$20.00
liContract
Premium Area Rates
$100.00
$32.00
$103.00
/mo
$103.00
/mo
Dryden
Road Garage
$10/day
$10/day
Da 600 a.m. - 9:30 .m.
$107.00 /mo
$110.00 /mo
$110.00 /mo
Dryden Road Garage
Ni ht 600 .m. - 6:00 a .
$107.00mo
$2. 0 /mo
$1 /hour
Da and night
$11hour
24
hours
$214.00/mo
2.0 /mo
2000
0.00 /mo
Other Non -Meter Permit
Parkin
Dryden
Contract
with
County DSS )'
I $44.90/mo
$0.75/hour
I $44.901mo
I $44.90/mo
Weekly Rates
Actual
2009 Rates
Effective
1/1/09
Proposed
2010 Rates
Effective
1/1110
Seneca Garage,
Day and
Night
Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street
Gara es
$23.00
$24.00
Green Street Garage, Day and Night
$20.00
$21.00
Dryden Road Garage, Day OR Night
$32.00
$33.00
Dryden Road Garage, 24 Hours
$1/hour
$64.00
$65.00
Hourly Rates
Actual
2009 Rates
Proposed
2010 Rates
Proposed
2010 Rates
Effective
6/1/09
Effective
1/1/10
Effective
611/10
Seneca, Green, Cayuga Street
Gara es
0 -1
0
0
0
Every hour
thereafter
$1 /hour
$1/hour
$1/hour
Maximum
$10/day
$10/day
Dryden Road Garage
0 -24
$1 /hour
$1 /hour
$11hour
Maximum
$12/da
$15/day
$15/day
Dryden
Road Summer Rates June 1 -Au gust 15
0 -24
$0.75 /hour
$0.75/hour
$0.75/hour
Maximum
$12/day
$151da
$151da
Bulk Purchase: Garage Tokens
or Value Card
$26.00/
40 hours
$26.001
40 hours
Parking
Meters
and Pay and Display
Surface Lot: Green I $1.50 /hour
Street Garage 7 12 hour max
$1.501hour
No max
$1.50 /hour
No max
Downtown $1.001hr
$1.001hr
$1.00/hr
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. There has been a decrease in
the CPI between August 1, 2008 and August 1, 2009, so no change has been calculated. We can look at
this again next year if the CPI starts going up.
3 — Up to 150 total permits in Green Street and Cayuga Street Garages at lowest permit price available
for those spaces; up to 50 permits in Seneca Street Garage at lowest posted monthly rate for Seneca
Street Garage spaces (Seneca spaces are only available if Green Street and Cayuga Street Garages are
full). Thomas Associates is eligible for volume discount fee structure — not currently applicable. This
contract expires October 31, 2010.
4 — The County's Mental Heafth/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street Garage (and/or Lot D)
will remain in effect for ten (10) years, or for as long as the building at 101 East Green Street is owned by
the County and used for public library purposes, whichever period is shorter. Both parties agree to work
in good faith to negotiate a successor agreement at the expiration of this agreement. The rate charged is
the lowest rate charged to anyone. The agreement was signed November 28, 2000, so expires in
November 2010. County's DSS agreement for 20 spaces on West State Street (in 'Fire Station lot ")
expires December 31, 2016.
5 — Fees charged: Downtown garages, 2:00 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 2010, the pay station for the Green Street Surface Lot may be changed to accept credit cards, at
which time the hourly rate shall be increased to $2 per hour.
A Vote on the Main Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Actual
Proposed
Proposed
Hourly Rates'
2009 Rates
2010 Rates
2010 Rates
Effective
Effective
Effective
8/1/09
1/1/10
6/1/10
2 hr. max
2 hr. max
2 hr. max
$1.00/hr
$1.001hr
Collegetown
2 hr. max
2 hr. max
Thurston & Stewart
$0.25Ihr
$0.25/hr
Ave. & Ed emoor
9 hr. max
9 hr. max
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. There has been a decrease in
the CPI between August 1, 2008 and August 1, 2009, so no change has been calculated. We can look at
this again next year if the CPI starts going up.
3 — Up to 150 total permits in Green Street and Cayuga Street Garages at lowest permit price available
for those spaces; up to 50 permits in Seneca Street Garage at lowest posted monthly rate for Seneca
Street Garage spaces (Seneca spaces are only available if Green Street and Cayuga Street Garages are
full). Thomas Associates is eligible for volume discount fee structure — not currently applicable. This
contract expires October 31, 2010.
4 — The County's Mental Heafth/Library agreement for 100 spaces in Green Street Garage (and/or Lot D)
will remain in effect for ten (10) years, or for as long as the building at 101 East Green Street is owned by
the County and used for public library purposes, whichever period is shorter. Both parties agree to work
in good faith to negotiate a successor agreement at the expiration of this agreement. The rate charged is
the lowest rate charged to anyone. The agreement was signed November 28, 2000, so expires in
November 2010. County's DSS agreement for 20 spaces on West State Street (in 'Fire Station lot ")
expires December 31, 2016.
5 — Fees charged: Downtown garages, 2:00 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 2010, the pay station for the Green Street Surface Lot may be changed to accept credit cards, at
which time the hourly rate shall be increased to $2 per hour.
A Vote on the Main Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
8.3B Extended Hours of Operation at Cayuga Street Parking Garage —Resolution
WHEREAS, Allpro Parking, operator of the Cayuga Street Parking Garage, has expressed
concern about the hours of operation at the garage as well as the $10 daily maximum for all
day parking, and
WHEREAS, these items are both listed in the Board's resolution dated December 16, 2009
for 2010 Parking Rates which sets the revenue hours for charged parking as 2 a.m. to 8 p.m.
and sets a charge rate of $1 per hour with a maximum charge of $10 per day for the Seneca
Street, Green Street and Cayuga Street Parking Garages, and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to assist Allpro Parking collect the parking fees earned at
the Cayuga Street Parking Garage so that the revenues produced more closely reflect the
actual use of and benefits to the parking public, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works amends its resolution of December 16, 2009
such that the revenue hours at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage are extended from 8 p.m.
to 9 p.m. for the duration of 2010, and City staff is directed to monitor the two other garages
on an intermittent basis to see if parking patterns and daily revenues change, while Allpro
monitors the use and revenues at the Cayuga Street Parking Garage.
Page 5
Page 1 of 2
. , p -2-6
Bill Gray - Re: Fwd: Request to extend hours of operations at Cayuga Garage
From: Nets Bohn
To: Gray, Bill; Peterson, Carolyn
Date: 8/11/2010 12:57 PM
Subject: Re: Fwd: Request to extend hours of operations at Cayuga Garage
CC: Gehring, Kathrin; Parsons, Debra; rsweet @nationaldevelopmentcouncil.org
Carolyn,
OK. Bill, can you add this item to an upcoming BPW agenda? I can arrange to have AllPro
staff attend the meeting.
My understanding is that AllPro believes that more parkers stay until gatekeepers leave
during the longer days of summer than in the winter. Therefore, it would be helpful if BPW
took this issue up in the near future.
Nets
>>> Carolyn Peterson 8/10/2010 5:31 PM >>>
Hi Nels, I think it needs BPW's OK.
Carolyn
>>> Nels Bohn 8/10/2010 5:13 PM >>>
Carolyn it Bill,
Do you have any problems with AllPro extending their hours of operation at Cayuga Garage
to 9 PM on a trial basis to see if it results in a substantial increase in revenues? Do you
think this proposed trial run at extended hours needs BPW approval?
Nets
>>> "Doetterl, Richard A." <Moetterl @allproparking.com> 8/10/2010 3:29 PM »>
Nels,
For the past several weeks Terry has been taking a count of the number of vehicles left the Cayuga garage after
our normal closing time. We found the numbers to be excessive and our feeling is that some may be waiting
until the operation closes to exit without paying the parking fee. We would like to test our theory by extending
our closing time by one hour from 8:00pm to 9:00pm. Terry will study the number of paying customers exiting
during this time and submit to you for review. I have a feeling well all be pleasantly surprised with the results.
If youre ok with this well extend the additional hour immediately and keep you up to date on the results.
Thanks,
Rick
Richard A. Doetterl, Jr.
Project Coordinator
Allpro Parking, LLC
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465 Main Street, Suite 200A
Buffalo, New York 14203
716 -849 -7275 - Office
716 -849 -2715 - Fax
www.allpmparking , com ( http_::::: w.allorooarking.wm/ )
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Page I of 3
Cso
Bill Gray - Fwd: RE: Request to extend hours of operations at Cayuga Garage
From: Nets Bohn
To: Gray, Bill; Parsons, Debra; Peterson, Carolyn; Thayer, Steven
Date: 8/11/2010 5:36 PM
Subject: Fwd: RE: Request to extend hours of operations at Cayuga Garage
CC: Cornish, John; Gehring, Kathrin
All,
I think you will find Craig Barber's comments and data on the $10 daily maximum parking
rate interesting. See below.
Nets
>>> 'Barber, Craig E." <CBarber@altproparking.com> 8/11/2010 3:33 PM >>>
Dear Nets:
Please see my responses to your very good questions below in RED.
Thanks,
Craig E. Barber
Senior Vice President
Allpro Parking, LLC
Phone: 716 -849 -7275 Fax: 716 -849 -2715
Cell: 716- 583 -3883
cbarber @allproparkina.com
www.allorooarking com
— 0
From: Nets Bohn [mailto:nelsb @cityorithaca.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 1:14 PM
To: Barber, Craig E.; Doetterl, Richard A.
Cc: Lutes, Terry L.; RSweet @nationaldevelopmentmuncil.org
Subject: Re: Request to extend hours of operations at Cayuga Garage
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Page 2 of 3
Rick Et Craig,
The Board of Public Works sets rates and hours of operations for all municipally supported
downtown parking (see attached resolution setting prices It hours - see note #5 to the
table). The request to extend hours of operations at Cayuga on a trial basis needs to be
blessed by the Board of Public Works.
I have asked for the item to be placed on an upcoming agenda. Would an AllPro
representative be available to attend an upcoming BPW meeting on the issue? Yes, we
would be delighted to attend. Is there a scheduled date for the next meeting?
Thanks for pressing for actions that optimize revenues.
Nels
PS I heard from one BPW member that the increased maximum daily fee instituted in 2010
may be resulting in net reduction in revenues, as parkers facing $10 /day
fee influences their behavior to stay beyond 8 PM, whereas the prior $7/ day fee did not
have the same impact. What's your thought on this issue? The BPW member is correct.
The $10.00 maximum is a deterrent and has no real relevance to the garage or the
market where transient demand is light and already highly influenced by the FREE first
hour. The monthly rate of $56.00 equates to $2.80 per day (20 business days per
month on average). The $10.00 all day rate equates to a $200.00 monthly rate. I
think you can see why this influences behavior, including attempts to beat the system.
A quick look at the ticket summaries for April 2010 and July 2010 show the following
activity:
No charge tickets (1st Hr Free) - 52% of all transactions
$1.00 Tickets (61 -120) - 29% of all transactions
$2.00 Tickets (121 -180) - 11% of all transactions
$3.00 Tickets (181 - 240) - 4% of all transactions
$4.00 Tickets (241 -300) - 2% of all transactions
$5.00 Tickets (301 -360) - 1 %of all transactions
$6.00 + $7.00 + $8.00 + $9.00 + $10.00 All Tickets Combined - less than 1% of all
transactions
A $5.00 or $6.00 maximum may be the logical answer to promote better utilization and
minimize cheating. The real key to making it all work better economically is the
elimination of the first free hour.
It also has been suggested that installing a pay station (that accepts credit cards) at exits
to require payment after hours may be another way to prevent gaming the system. Do you
think that approach is workable? Probably would need installation of a security camera at
minimum It some phone number to contact when the machine malfunctioned. An after
hours pay -in -lane station is an effective method for accomplishing a "closed
system" (gates down all the time, tickets dispensed all the time, revenue collected all
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the time). We typically recommend credit card only or credit card /exact fee only pay
stations that dispense receipts, but no change or bills. Most equipment today has an
automatic call out provision whereby a customer can reach a manager by cell phone at
all hours. The equipment phone continues dialing a sequence of numbers until a
manager responds (can also be a manager or 24/7 facility in another city). The manager
can listen to the customer's concerns and explain the proper use of the equipment, or
simply elect to raise the gate arm remotely through the cell phone. Please be mindful
that the acceptance of any validations through an automated system takes additional
consideration and will have an additional cost attached. Depending on the
sophistication of the equipment and the software upgrades required, the prices can
range from about $15,000 to $35,000 per lane.
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tem9•3A
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 -5690
;�;•„ @�� �� / OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER
c�gM1MTE0 \� Telephone: 6072745530 Fu: 6072745587
To: Board of Public Works
From: Tim Logue, Transportation Engineer
Kent Johnson, Junior Transportation Engineer ":r
Date: July 15, 2010
Re: Concepts for intersection improvements at Hector /State /Floral/
and Elm streets
Background:
The City of Ithaca has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the State of New York
to make pedestrian and traffic safety improvements to the intersection of Route
79 (Hector and West State Street), Floral Avenue and Elm Street. The grant comes
in the form of NYS Multi-Modal funding, which is a reimbursement program
that carries with it no required local match, unless the total project cost goes over
budget.
Fisher Associates has been hired as a consultant for this project and has provided
multiple conceptual sketches of potential changes that could be made to the
intersection. Various roadway re- alignment configurations have been considered
including a roundabout design. Traffic control designs have been given some
consideration as well, but will be given further consideration during the
preliminary and final design phases. A public meeting was held at the Lehman
Alternative Community School on October 14, 2008 and the project has been
discussed with the West Hill Civic Association in a separate meeting and
drawings have been posted on their website.
Other considerations:
The funding can be used to make improvements up to 500 feet away from the
intersection. With that in mind, staff have been considering other improvements
that could be made within the project limits, particularly a mid -block pedestrian
crossing on the east side of the bridge over the flood control channel. For
pedestrians, this seems to be the most suitable location in the vicinity to cross
Route 79 (see additional explanation below). Though it is understood that the
probability is low that the City will contribute additional funds to this project,
the City could do so in order to address concerns near, but not necessarily at the
intersections themselves.
Page 1 of 4
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to worlefotoe diversification." �,
Design objectives:
The primary purpose of this project is to improve conditions for pedestrians,
particularly the crosswalk over Floral Avenue at the bottom of Elm Street and the
crossing of Route 79. There is not a history of car /pedestrian collisions in this
vicinity, though it is clearly not a very pedestrian friendly or comfortable area.
Many pedestrians walk through this area, among others are: students traveling
to /from LAGS, low /moderate income individuals walking to /from one of the
many apartment complexes on West Hill, and people with children in strollers.
The second goal of the project is to improve traffic safety conditions for motorists
and bicyclists. There is not a particularly bad history of vehicular crashes, but
there is a community sense that it is not a safe intersection, perhaps because of
the volume and speed of traffic. There has also been a community interest to
improve motor vehicle traffic flow, particularly by reducing congestion around
the Elm St. /Floral Ave. intersection and by encouraging motorists traveling
down Hector St to keep to the left to allow right - turning traffic on Floral Ave. to
proceed.
Conceptual Plans Prepared by Fisher Associates
As the City's design engineer for this project, Fisher Associates has prepared
three big picture, conceptual plans for the Board's consideration, as described
below. These concepts are being brought to the Board with a request to select one
for design development and ultimately approval to bid for construction. Staff has
provided an opinion for each concept as well.
Concept A - The Roundabout
Based on feedback from the community meeting, Fisher prepared a concept
showing the remaining legs of the old Octopus tied together into a large
roundabout. This concept would require total reconstruction of the intersections
would certainly exceed the project budget, a construction cost of a million dollars
would not be surprising. Though the roundabout idea is interesting and holds
some potential to reduce vehicular crashes and to reduce motorists delay in the
area, it is not particularly pedestrian friendly and the benefits do not seem to
outweigh the costs. Based on this reasoning, staff recommends against this
option.
Concept B -The Realignment
This concept is also a major reconfiguring of the intersection with the main goal
of making the pedestrian experience better by shifting the intersection with
Route 79 farther to the west. This allows for better sight lines and would force
drivers to slow down as they turn from West State Street onto Floral Avenue (via
Elm Street). Though this idea is creative, it would be very expensive and it seems
likely to have an unacceptable impact on traffic by jamming up the intersection
Page 2 of 4
of Elm and Floral because Floral Avenue carries twice as much traffic as Elm
Street, but would be given the lower priority in alignment. Again, the benefits do
not seem to outweigh the costs, so staff recommends against this option.
Concept C - The Pedestrian- ization
This concept keeps the basic geometric alignment of the intersections, but seeks
to make the area more pedestrian friendly by adding more sidewalk and raised
crosswalks. There would also be the opportunity of landscaping the open,
scrubby area at the foot of the hill, which could create a gateway to West Hill and
convey a sense of place. Lastly, the mouth of Floral Avenue could be widened
slightly to include a left turn pocket and a mountable median The latter would
help slow turning traffic, while the former would eliminate the occasional
blockage of what most motorists on Floral Avenue want to do - turn right. This
concept needs to be further developed, but has the most potential to meet project
goals within the currently allotted budget Staff recommends this option for
design development.
Concept D - Other staff ideas
After receiving the three concepts from Fisher and after conversations with West
Hill residents and the Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Council, staff have
considered a few other ideas that can be further developed in the next stage of
design or put off for a future, separate project. These two ideas are:
Addition of bike lanes /buffer space along West State St. between Floral
Ave. and Pete's driveway. The four travel lanes between Floral Ave. and
Pete's gas station driveway could be reduced to three lanes to provide
enough space for bike lanes or a buffer space (preferred) between the
standard travel lanes and the sidewalk along the curb. This layout would
improve pedestrian conditions because there would be fewer traffic lanes
to cross, and motor vehicles would not be driving right along the edge of
the sidewalk. This layout would likely improve conditions for bicyclists
somewhat. For motor vehicle traffic, computer modeling suggests that
traffic may become more backed -up during the morning rush hour, and
possibly at other times. Also, it would be more difficult for motorists to
turn right at the end of Floral Ave. If it is decided that the mid -block
pedestrian signal (discussed below) should not be installed, then it is
recommended that this bike lane /buffer space be pursued so that
pedestrians can cross more easily. If a signal can be installed, then it seems
better, overall, to retain the current layout of four lanes.
2. Mel-block crosswalk on east side of bridge. The key objective of this
project is to improve conditions for pedestrians, many of whom are trying
to cross Route 79. Presumably because of the numerous turning
Page 3 of 4
movements at the Elm /State /Hector /Floral intersection and at the
intersection near Pete's gas station, many pedestrians seem to currently
choose to cross West State Street (Rt 79) near the east side of the bridge
where sight distances are good and traffic is more predictable. Three
different designs of mid -block crosswalks are under consideration: 1, a
signalized, 4-lane-wide crosswalk; 2. a signalized, 2 -lane -wide crosswalk;
and 3. a non - signalized, 2- lane -wide crosswalk. (In the 2- lane -wide
options, bike lanes or buffer spaces could be installed, as discussed
above). It is unadvisable to install a 4-lane -wide crosswalk without a
signal to stop motor vehicles.
Alternative traffic control at Hector /State /Floral /Elm. Staff has done
some computer traffic modeling and discussed ideas such as all -way stop
signs and traffic signals for the intersections. Though there may be some
benefits to either idea, staff is not ready to recommend either one at this
time. Based on the potential pedestrian safety risks and significant
motorist delays at an all -way stop, staff would very likely recommend
against this. The signatization idea needs more work before a
recommendation can be produced. If the BPW is interested in alternative
traffic control, we can have Fisher Associates work on this during the next
stage of design.
Action requested:
Staff is seeking direction from the Board as to which concept to pursue into
detailed design and construction documents. Also, staff is looking for feedback
from the BPW as to any other components of the project that should be included,
particularly the other ideas listed in Concept D above. Based on the Board's
direction, staff will have preliminary designs and cost estimates developed for
further review. There is a strong interest in moving this project into final design
this fall so as to be in a position to bid construction documents this winter and go
to construction in 2011.
Page 4 of 4
9.4A Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan Building Studv
Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan — Building Study
Steering Committee Meeting Report
June 1, 2010
Meeting Time: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Meeting Place: Large Pavilion in Stewart Park
Meetings attendees
Claudia Brenner, Brett Bossard, Herbert Dwyer, Todd Zwigard, Scott Wiggins, Damien Thomson, Joann
Cornish, Constance Bruce, Jennifer Dotson, Rick Manning and Suzanne Vandemark.
1. Project Introduction, Steering Committee Role 8 Membership, and Coordination with other City
Committees and Boards:
Scott Wiggins and Rick Manning presented an overview of the Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action
Plan (previous park study, completed in 2009) and goals of this follow -up building study. Pork
rehabilitation projects should ensure that improvements are sustainable, accessible and respect
park history.
Claudia Brenner, leader of the architecture team, summarized the project scope which includes:
- developing program for each park building and structure
- Code review
- Phasing, where appropriate
- Sketch Up Building images to illustrate conceptual design
- Cost Estimates
The purpose of the study is to provide the information required for the City, Friends of Stewart
Park, or project stakeholders to more effectively pursue funding for
implementation /design /construction funding. It is important to consider leasing park facilities to
enhance the park, provide services to park users and to generate revenue for the city (for park
restoration ? ?).
The Steering Committee's role is to oversee the development of programming, project designs and
cost estimates and to oversee the appropriate review and approval by city boards and
committees. It is likely that the study will be reviewed by the Parks Commission, Board of Public
Works, and possibly Common Council. Steering Committee membership could be expanded to
include representatives from the Board of Public Works, the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and City Planning
Board.
Rick Manning received a NYSCA grant to do design development for the Performance
Pier /Trailhead and for the Art/Sculpture Trail. This project will be coordinated with the Park
Architecture Study. RM will discuss submission of NY State EPF grant in July for Performance Pier
and Trailhead with city officials.
2. Building Programming Discussion
Page 6
Cascadilla Boathouse
Stakeholders: Cascadilla Boat Club, Ithaca Youth Bureau, dance community, City of Ithaca,
Historic Preservation community, Caterer (to determine program needs)
Program: Boathouse, special event rental (dances, wedding, receptions, etc.) and offices (2nd
floor).
Phasing:
- PHASE 1: Make 2nd floor habitable for Cascadilla Boat Club training (need second egress)
- PHASE 2: Make 2nd floor usable for receptions and for office use. Includes interior and
exterior painting and prep.
- PHASE 3: Restore building (tower, veranda, exterior, etc.
• DPW Pavilion — Wharton Studio Silent Film Museum
Stakeholders: Ithaca Motion Picture Project, Ithaca Youth Bureau, City of Ithaca Streets and
Facilities Department.
Program: Silent Film Museum to interpret building and site history relative to the Wharton
Brothers use of building for silent film production. Existing program elements will need to be
accommodated or relocated including public restrooms, IYB Day Camp storage, and Park
Maintenance. IMPP program document is attached.
Discussion: The building was renovated by the Wharton Brothers. Consideration should be
given on how to create an exciting destination building that respects and is compatible the
park's architecture and setting. IMPP is currently negotiating a leose/license with the City to
create the Wharton Film Museum. This is necessary for IMPP to begin a fundraising campaign.
• DPW Maintenance (proposed new building)
Stakeholders: City of Ithaca Streets and Facilities Department/Parks and Forestry Division
park maintenance staff and equipment.
Program: Attached.
Discussion: Siting this building is critical. Source of funding for this building should be
considered.
• Larae Pavilion
Stakeholders: Ithaca Youth Bureau, Special Event Regular Users (Ithaca Festival, Brewfest, etc)
Program: Existing use for special events will be maintained. How can facility be upgraded to
better serve this use? Bathroom renovations, caterer staging and /or kitchen facilities. Doors,
Column bases, and other needed building repairs and improvements. Consider addition on
south side of building for storing day camp materials (boating and other recreation programs).
• Small Pavilion
Stakeholders: Ithaca Youth Bureau, Special Event Regular Users (Ithaca Festival, Brewfest, etc)
Program: Existing use for special events will be maintained. How can facility be upgraded to
better serve this use? Structure okay ?? Painting or routine maintenance??
• Concession Building
Stakeholders: Ithaca Youth Bureau (youth training opportunity), potential operators (Scott can
find contacts), Dan Mitchell (expressed interest in running a burger and beer garden), Gimme
Coffee, Purity Ice Cream, and Rotary Club (volunteer construction service project ? ?).
Program: Food and drink concession for park. Discussed the idea of putting a new roof on
Concession building. It would not be too costly and could generate money for city. Claudia has
Page 7
done a building study and believe it would be very doable. Food and concession, perhaps
beer garden in the future. Begin design.
Discussion: Claudia Brenner has looked at the building and has suggested that a new roof,
visually compatible with pavilion roofline, would be affordable and make the building usable
with minimal investment. This could lend itself to a community build project.
• Carousel Building
Previous study by Claudia Brenner suggested that the carousel should remain outside and be
taken up and down seasonally primarily due to cost of building construction. Relocation of
carousel should be considered.
• Other small buildinas — Cover for bocce courts and BBQ at Large Pavilion
To be discussed at later meetings.
• Parking - Parking is not included in the scope of this study, however the issue should be
addressed in report
3. Project Schedule:
The project schedule presented below was not discussed in detail and will be reviewed at the next
Steering Committee meeting.
• May: Project kickoff
• June:
• Meet with Stakeholders (CBC, IMPP, Youth Bureau, others) to finalize program.
• Info meetings with BPW and Parks Commission. Others?
• Meeting with Mayor Peterson re: Memorial Flagpole Garden.
• Begin design for selected buildings
• Performance Pier and trailhead design for grant application (discuss getting permission to
submit another grant for state funding).
• Steering Committee Meeting #2.
• July- August:
• Preliminary Design for all buildings; cost estimates, phasing
• As needed, conduct info meetings with BPW, Parks Commission, and others.
• Submit grant for Performance Pier and Trailhead
• Steering Committee Meeting #3.
• September - October
• Public Meeting
• Design revisions and finalization
• As needed, conduct info meetings with BPW, Parks Commission, and others.
• Steering Committee Meeting #4.
• November - December
• Complete draft final report
• Conduct presentations to BPW, Parks Commission, and others (Common Council
• Steering Committee Meeting #5.
• Finalize report and submit.
4. Next Meeting scheduled at noon, Wed. June 23r4 at Stewart Park Large Pavilion.
Page 8
9.5A Request for a Single Water /Sewer Connection for 519.525 North Aurora Street
of 1T1ta CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850 -6590
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
fC .0 Witham J. Gray, P.E. Superintendent/ City Engineer
O9PoRdTEO �� Telephone: 607 /2746527 Fax: 607/2746587
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Public Works
FROM: William J. Gray, P.E., Superintendent of Public Works
DATE: August 13, 2010
RE: New Earth Living Request for Single Water and Sewer Connection
Susan Cosentini, as President (actually "president ") of New Earth Living LLC, a New
York State housing cooperative, has requested that they be allowed to use a single water
and sewer service in order to save money for the cooperative. The City's experience with
multiple buildings and multiple residences has not been good over time. The Board of
Public Works rules for water and sewers, City Code Chapter 348, reflect that long history.
A quick review of the Chapter (start with 348 -2, -3, -8, -16, and -22) will show that rules
have been set up so that the City can protect other users and the utility by dealing with
individual users directly. The only way staff would recommend agreeing to this request is
that we would have one service, one meter and one responsible party.
WJG/kdg
Page 9
New Earth Living LLC
527 North Aurora Street
Ithaca NY 14850
607.327.1081
Ithaca Board of Public Works
108 East Green Street
Ithaca NY 14850
5 May 2010
Mr. Gray and members of the Board,
At the Board of Public Works next available meeting, New Earth Living LLC would like to have the
board consider allowing our proposed development of 2 new two- family homes, located at 519-
525 North Aurora Street, to be served by a single water and sewer connection per section 348 -3
of the city code.
The property in question will fall under a single ownership, the Aurora Street Dwelling Circle
Cooperative, a New York State incorporated housing coop. Member households of the
cooperative will be bound by cooperative bylaws which clearly define equally shared
responsibility for maintaining water and sewer lines on the property (regardless of which dwelling
unit is affected by a maintenance issue). It further defines a utility corridor on the property which
may not contain any permanent structures (such as buildings, decks, planter boxes, sheds, etc)
and which must be kept accessible to water and sewer department personnel. (see utility plan
provided).
Per discussion with the water department, each new dwelling unit within the cooperative will have
a separate shutoff valve and meter, and two of the units ( #521 & 523, which are 3 stories) will
have a shutoff valve for a fire protection system.
The primary reason for this request is to keep utility construction costs affordable, street
disruption to a minimum, and to reduce the use of resources in keeping with the Aurora Dwelling
Circle's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Enclosures:
• Utility Site Plan
• p45 of offering plan architect's description of sewer and water service with maintenance
agreement and site access provision
• p57 of Cooperative Bylaws restating description of sewer and water service with
maintenance agreement and site access provision
Please feel free to have members of the board contact Robert Morache (project designer) at
607.342.3599 for any additional information required.
Thank you for your consideration.
Susan Cosentini,
president, New Earth Living LLC
NORTH AURORA STREET
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• Water. Water shall be provided by and metered by the City of Ithaca and billed to
individual dwelling units within the cooperative. A single tap off the Aurora
Street main will serve the cooperative. One meter per dwelling unit will be
installed off the primary service. Water service will be 1" to #525A, 1" to 5256,
2" to #521 -23 fire protection system, I' to #523, and I" to #521. Distribution
within buildings shall be via PEX tubing 1/2" – 3/4 ". Maintenance of water lines
on the cooperative property is the joint responsibility of all shareholders
regardless of which unit is affected by a service disruption. Costs for
maintenance /repair shall be distributed equally per unit.
• Low consumption fixtures shall be used. Sink Faucets shall be dual handle
aerated. Toilets shall be 1.6gpf or better. Energy saving shower heads with anti-
scald mixing valves standard.
• Sewer: Each dwelling shall be connected with a 4" SDR35 sanitary drain line to a
6" primary drain fine to the public sewer on Aurora Street. (i.e. 4 units share one
connection to the public sewer). Sewer charges will be billed by the City Water
and Sewer Department to the individual units. Maintenance of the sewer lines
on the cooperative property is the joint responsibility of all shareholders
regardless of which unit is affected by a service disruption. Costs for
maintenance /repair shall be distributed equally per unit.
• Telephone: Land line telephone service will be provided at owner's option by
Verizon and will be billed to each individual unit. Two fine wiring underground to
each unit.
e) Sub -soil conditions: Soil conditions are consistent with those beneath existing homes in
the surrounding neighborhood, have adequately supported building loads in the past, and
are currently deemed suitable to support building loads.
f) Flood Plain: Site is generally at USGS elevation 395', above the 100 year flood plain.
g) Landscaping and enclosures: Per landscape plan (exhibit _—) all disturbed areas of the
site will be top -soiled and seeded with locally appropriate grass or ground cover, (1) new
chestnut tree and (5) new fruit/nul trees as selected by sponsor will be planted. 12" high
retaining wall to prevent water runoff to adjacent property will be constructed. Additional
landscaping, planting beds, shrubs, trellises, fencing, arbors pet or other garden
enclosures will be the responsibility of residents. Placement of permanent structures,
i.e. raised planting beds, sheds, decks, buildings or the like, is prohibited in the area
defined AS A "UTILITY corridor" on the Site Utility Plan (exhibit ___) This
corridor will remain accessible to utility service provider personnel and other
plumbing, heating, electrical, and telecommunications sub - contractors for
maintenance, meter reading, repairs etc.
h) Building height
45
16. Special Assessments for Capital Improvements. In addition to the annual
maintenance fees authorized above, the Directors may levy, in any assessment year, a Special
Assessment applicable to that year only for the purpose of defraying, in whole or in part, the cost
of any construction, reconstruction, repair, enhancement or replacement of a capital
improvement upon the Corporation's property. If such Special Assessment will exceed a total of
$100 per leasehold unit, it shall not be levied without the assent of that number of shareholders
representing two - thirds of the shares issued and outstanding, if the assessment is to be levied per
share, or two - thirds of the proprietary leases, if the assessment is to be levied per leasehold. All
Special Assessments must be fixed at uniform rate per share for all shareholders.
17. Special Surcharges. (a) In addition to the annual maintenance fee and the special
assessments, the Directors may from time to time determine and fix special surcharges to be
levied in particular circumstances which result in increased expenses to the Cooperative. The
purpose of the surcharges shall be to equitably adjust for greater demands placed on the
Corporation property or resources arising from particular circumstances.
(b) The Directors may levy a special surcharge if an individual housing unit is occupied
by more than the following number of persons, including children: 2BR more than 3 people;
3BR more than 5 people; 4BR more than 6 people.
15. Utilities.
Heat & hot water will be billed to the cooperative. Each Shareholder - Lessee is
responsible to pay its portion of the utility bills as determined by cooperative metering of actual
use. Coop will bill monthly.
Electricity will be billed to each individual dwelling unit by NYSEG. Meters are located
on the North faqade of unit #519.
Water will be provided from a single service tap off the Aurora Street main and will be
metered and billed per unit by City of Ithaca Water and Sewer department. Sewer will drain to a
single line out to the sewer main on Aurora Street. Maintenance of water and sewer lines on
the cooperative property is the joint responsibility of all shareholders regardless of which
unit is affected by a service disruption. Costs for maintenance/repair shall be distributed
equally per unit.
Placement of permanent structures, i.e. raised planting beds, sheds, decks, buildings
or the like, is prohibited in the area defined AS A "UTILITY corridor" on the Site Utility
Plan (exhibit _) This corridor will remain accessible to utility service provider personnel
and other plumbing, heating, electrical, and telecommunications sub - contractors for
maintenance, meter reading, repairs etc.
19. Exclusive Use. The Corporation may charge reasonable fees for the temporary
exclusive use of any of its property, provided such use and the fees to be charged have been
consented by a majority of the Directors.
57