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Home My WebLink About05-25-11 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, May 25, 2011, 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 8.2 Highways, Streets and Sidewalks (15 min.) A. Woodcock Street and Valentine Place — Possible Resolution 8.3 Parking and Traffic 8.4 Creeks, Bridges and Parks 8.5 Water and Sewer See Tabled Items for Equipment Purchase 8A. Tabled Items (15 min.) 8A.1 Approval of Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park (Resolution can be found in the April 13, 2011, agenda.) 8A.2 Award of Bid for a New Compact Rough Terrain Telehandler — Resolution 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS (60 min.) 9.1 Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 205 Thurston Avenue 9.2 Curb Lawn Gardens 9.3 Request to Allow Goats on the Commons 9.4 Cal Ripken Field 8 Backstop Modification 9.5 Cornell Bridge Means Restriction — Update 9A For Your Information Items (10 min.) 1. No Left Turns at Aurora /Prospect Street Intersection — Update 2. Community Gardens in City Parks 3. Water Supply Project 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 Pudic Works meets on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the months at 4:45 p.m. Al 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 a author invited to attend Page 2 Notes for BPW Aaenda. Mav 25. 2011 8.2A Woodcock Street and Valentine Place — Possible Resolution There has been a running discussion about the status of Woodcock Street (a paper street off Valentine Place) and the lower portion of Valentine Place as they relate to the Collegetown Terrace project. The City Attorney will provide an update to the Board and may provide a resolution based on current discussions among the involved parties. 8A.1 Approval of Decorative Chain in Front of Monuments in DeWitt Park (Resolution can be found in the April 13. 2011. agenda.) The City Attorney is waiting for the church to provide some requested information. 8A.2 Award of Bid for a New Compact Rounh Terrain Telehandler — Resolution The attached resolution is the old one that was discussed at our meeting of May 18, 2011. 1 have not had a chance to discuss the City Attorney's concerns and then modify the resolution to reflect our reason for waiving some deviations from the specifications and accepting the low bid. An expanded resolution will be prepared for the meeting. 9.1 Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 205 Thurston Avenue The appeal and my notes on it are in the agenda for April 13, 2011. Copies of the section of the City Code that applies here were provided for the discussion on maintenance of curb lawns, Item 9.4. in the April 20" agenda. 9.2 Curb Lawn Gardens In a preview discussion of this item, a few Board members expressed concerns about visibility issues associated with plantings in curb lawns. The only regulations I am aware of that is directly related to that are the provisions in Section 325 -17 of the City Code. I have attached a copy for your review. 9.3 Request to Allow Goats on the Commons Attached is a request from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, dated May 17, 2011, requesting permission for two baby goats on the Commons as part of a celebration planned for June 9th. These kinds of requests have been granted and successfully handled in the past by the requirements provided as part of the Special Events Committee oversight. 9.4 Cal Ripken Field 8 Backstop Modification The Ithaca Babe Ruth League would like to upgrade the backstop on Field 8 (south west field) prior to a July tournament they will be hosting. This has gone before the Parks Commission who were supportive. 9.5 Connell Bridge Means Restriction — Update Cornell is preparing to submit its recommendation to Common Council for their Means Restriction project by May 31, 2011, in accordance with the Common Council resolution which allowed temporary barriers to be installed under emergency conditions. I have attached a copy of JoAnn Cornish's memo to the Planning Board dated May 18, 2011. It provides a sketch of the events that will follow over the next several months. The Board of Public Works will be involved and that involvement will be as direct or indirect as you wish. Page 3 The Board has already expressed its belief that this policy issue is wide ranging, beyond the usual operations and maintenance of existing facilities, and beyond the commonly understood aesthetic considerations that have applied to bridge designs to date in Ithaca. The choices made here will impact the City for a long time to come in the areas of cost of construction, cost of maintenance, cost of renovations, aesthetics for the community or our visitors looking at or looking from these bridges. Even the cost of future law suits will be impacted by decisions made here. As long as "reasonable care" and "engineering judgment" are involved, then there is room to argue over what is reasonable and whose judgment should apply. If one or all of the bridges are determined to be reasonably safe, then we will not have done enough in some eyes. If we undertake some or many modifications, it is almost certain to not stop every suicide related to the bridges and their surrounding terrain, and we will not have done enough in some eyes. This is not new in the transportation field because almost everything we do could be "safer." We deal with what is reasonably safe and diminishing safety returns from the money that is spent when we rebuild an intersection or reconstruct a road. We are headed into an interesting community discussion. 9A.1 No Left Turns at Aurora/Prospect Street Intersection —Update I have spoken with Tim Logue and reviewed the minutes from the Board's discussion of restricting left turns at the intersection of Prospect and Aurora Streets. Tim will review the matter with the police chief and they may undertake a trial program, if both agree. 9A.2 Community Gardens in City Parks The question of Community Gardens inside City parks is currently being reviewed for legal issues. It appears that the use for food gardening is sufficiently different from the general purpose of a park that it constitutes an alienation of park land. That would require an act of the state legislature to pursue this type of land use in the park. Even if it does not involve going to the state, it would require Common Council to approve the licensed use of parkland under the terms of our current legislation. We will bring this back when we have more information. 9A.3 Water Supply Project Attached is Rick Gall's schedule for events over the next several months that was requested during our meeting with him on May 18, 2011. WE[Uamj. 6rsa , P.E. 5uperiwtewdewt of Public Woyoe Ma I 20, 201.1 Page 4 8.5A Award of Bid for a New Compact Rough Terain Telehandler- Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, bids were received on April 19, 2011, for one new Rough Terrain Telehandler, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and determined that the lowest bid machine does not meet all specifications, and WHEREAS, staff has concluded that the exception related to the hydraulic pump should not exclude the low bid, and WHEREAS, staff recommends that the Board of Public Works award the bid to the lowest bidder, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works awards the bid of the Rough Terrain Telehandler to Liftech Equipment Companies of 6847 Ellicott Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057 for their total bid of $56,458, which includes the optional bucket, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the City Controller transfer $2,458 from account F8330 -215 to account F8330 -225 to cover the purchase of the machine. Motion to Table By Commissioner Acharya: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board table discussion of this item until May 25, 2011. Carried Unanimously Page 5 § 325 -16 ITHACA CODE § 325 -17 use building shall be erected that is less than two stories in any of these zones. When an addition or series of additions to a primary use building existing as of the date of this subsection is constructed, that part of the addition or additions in excess of 50% of the building area of the existing building shall also not be less than two stories. Any additions to buildings constructed after the date of this subsection shall be a minimum of two stories. [Added 5 -3 -2005 by Ord. No. 2005 -18] § 325.17. Area regulations. A. Reduced lot area. No lot shall be so reduced in area that any required yard will be smaller than that prescribed in the regulations for the district in which said lot is located. B. Visibility at intersections. On a corner lot in any residential district, no fence, wall, grading, hedge or other structure or planting more than two feet in height shall be erected, placed or maintained within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street fight-of-way lines and a straight line adjoining said street right-of-way lines at points which are 20 feet distant from the point of intersection, measured along said street right-of-way. (See illustration below.) C. Obstructions dangerous to traffic. In all districts, no fence, wall, grading, hedge, sign, assembly or other structure or planting shall be erected, altered, done, placed or maintained which will or may obscure the view and therefore cause danger to traffic on a public street. D. Fences. No fence or wall other than a building may be built to a height that will interfere with the light, air or view of any neighboring property, except as required for screening of parking and storage areas. 325:52 or . 15 - 2007 dI 1 'Do��wnfo%w� txaance May 17, 2011 Superintendent of Public Works Board of Public works City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 To Whom It May Concern: The Downtown Ithaca Alliance is working with the Tompkins Trust Company on a 175' Anniversary old fashioned block party titled "The Tompkins Trust Family Fun Fair" that will take place on June 9'", 2011 from 4 -Bpm in Bank Alley (100 Block North of Tioga Street) on the Commons. The Fun Fair will include live music, old -time games, demonstrations, a bake-off, and a cake eating competition. We would like to request to be able to have two baby goats as part of this event. The goats will come from Laughing Goat Fiber Farm who will also be demonstrating fiber spinning and processing. They will be contained within a small pen. The Tompkins Trust company was chartered by the New York State Assembly in 1836. TTC is sponsoring this event to thank the community for its support. Families will be able to try their hand at heritage games and races. Children will be able to have their face painted, get balloons, and bounce in a bounce house. A cake eating competition will take place at Spm and area bakers can submit their cake creations for the Blue Ribbon Birthday Cake Bake -Off competition. Period costumed characters from the History Center of Tompkins County will be mingling with patrons throughout the event. New Roots Charter School will be taking photographs with their "face -in- the -hole" displays. In addition, old -time concessions will be available with proceeds benefiting The History Center of Tompkins County. We feel that the addition of two small goats will enhance the experlence for the youngsters attending the event. We hope that you will consider this request favorably. sin rely, Vicki Taylor Associate Director Center Ithaca PMF 136 • 171 Fast State Street • Ithaca, New York 14850 607/277 -8679 • Fax 607/277 -8691 E -mail: ithaca ®IighLlink.com www.downtownithaca.com (5/1912011) Kathrin Gehring - Fwd: FW: Field 8 Improvements Page 1 from: JoAnn Cornish To: jwp35 @comell.edu CC: Dalterio, Jim; Gaining, Kathnn; Gilbert, Megan Date: 5/18120114:42 PM Subject: Fwd: MY: Field 8lmprovements Attachments: JUGS Batting Cage (2- 21- 11).xls; ass Park dwg 3- 11- 11.pdf; Parks Minutes A pri12011.doc Hi ton, We sent your request and drawings to Kathy Gehring, Assistant to the Superintendent of Public Works, who aa[es the agendas. Your bat bet would be to all her directly at 274 -6527, to get on a BPW agenda. At the April Parks C xnmission meeting this was discussed and the following is from that meeting's minutes: (I have also attached the minutes In their entirety.) "Cal Rinker Field 8 Uacksloo Modification J. Dalterio reported that Cal Ripken would like to extend the existing backstop to prevent foul balls from leaving the playing field. A curved chain link backstop would be ideal but is cost prohibitive so they are proposing a mesh windscreen instead. They am also proposing a batting cage that will allow them to host tournaments. J. Dalterio does not have any conmms with the proposal. While a quomm was not present, there was unanimous support ofthe proposal from these Commissioners in anendanw." Kathy is very helpful and an explain the next steps to you. Please don't hesitate to mm a me again if I an he of further assistance ]Wn JoAmr Cornish Director of Planning and Development Gty of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607- 2746550 »> ]on Parmemer <Mp35 @cornell.edul 5118/112:03 PM »> IN, JoAnn: Just cheddng In regarding the note below. I forgot W add in my original message that the addition of such amenities to the Cass Park field in question makes our league a much more attractive host for youth baseball tournaments, which bring hundreds of restaurant/hotel/general tourism customers into the City on summa weekends. If you were able to provide any sense of where things might stand with this process, it would really help me to be able to communicate that to the very generous donors who have provided us the critical funding for these preects. We are hosting a state 12 -U tournament in mid -July 2011 and would love to have one or both of these items Installed in time for that event. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, too. Thanks very much for your time and trouble, ]on Parmemer Secretary, Ithaca Date Ruth League Fran: ]on Pxrmener Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 1:02 AM To: Joann Comish Cc: jdalteno @dTVof thaa.org Subject: RE: Field 8Improvements Dear JoAnn (if I may): Thanks wry much for your reply! We have two proposed Improwments far Cass Park Meld 8 for which we have raised money and would like to undertake fairly soon as the Ithaca Babe Ruth League will be hos8ng the 12 -under State Tournament In mid -luly 2011. These improvements are listed In order of priority: 1) Back5too extension a[ Feld 8 - the current backstop is not high enough to stop foul balls hit by our batters from going in all (5!19/2011) Kathrin Gehring - Fwd: FW: Field 8 Improvements Page 2 directions - spectators, parking lot, player bench areas. 1 know of one rear windshield blown out in the past 2 years; more seriously, there have been numerous incidents in which players/spertatms (often kids) run out I= the parking lot In pursuit of foul balls and then come into the path of moving vehicles. I don't have any knowledge of actual injuries from that occurring (for which Pm thankful), but that safety concern is at the root of the proposal for nc4ting installation. Property damage would be a secondary concern, and property losses for the league (in terms of baseballs) a tertiary concern. A drawing prepared by Whitmore Fence, Inc., our preferred contactor for the project, is attached In .pdf format. This is a hgh -grade nylon mesh material that will be attached to the light poles and betlatop of Field 8, providing a crucial IDft of additional height to the current backstop. We have researched the prospect of a chain link "hood" extension to the current backstop as an option, but we discovered after further conversation with Whitmore Fence that the current support posts of the chain link backstop are inadequate (3" where 4" are needed) to support a hood, and thus we would have to have an entirely new backstop installed A an estimated cost of $8000. To our mind the safety and property damage/loss Issues here are too great to warrant the time It would take us to raise that much money. 2) Battim Cave adiouring Feld 8 - please see the attached Fxcel spreadsheet far the specificatons of the batting cage we would like to install beside Field 8 (we are favoring the more expensive option, owing to the higher breaking strength of the mesh). We would like to Install It In the area behind the supply shed, between the First base -side benches and the tree line. This will be out of view from the otlrer Union fields. The one potential issue with 00 location may be the need for the installation of some sort of base or foundation - possibly gravel or a concrete pad. Assuming the location and size of the rage were acceptable, we could ask the contactor to come clown and survey the site and let us know what was needed for a base/foundaton. We would than communicate that to you along with specifications about how we would get that done. Thanks very mud: for your consideration In these matters - please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing back from you after you've had a chance to review this proposal. Best regards, Jon Parmenter Secretary, Ithaca Babe Ruth League Front: 3GAnn Cornish PwnnC@dtyotthaea.org] Sea: Wednesday, May 11, 20115:04 PM To: Jon Parmeaer Ca Jim Dalteno; Megan Gilbert Subject: Field 8Improvements Jon, Could you get me a skadi of the proposed Improvements and a descrption so that I can look it over and forward a recommendation to the BPW? Thanks, JoAnn JoAnn, Could you please advise Jon (see message below) on how to proceed with his field improvement proposal. Leer me know If there are things I could/should do. Thanks. Jim 273 -1090 JoAnn Cornish Director of Planning and Development City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607 -274 -6550 »> ion Parmenter 1jwp350comell.edu> 51812011 10:31 pm >>> Hi, Jim: We now appear to have the money raised for both the backstop extension and the batting cage at Field 8. If you could let me know where the approval process stands for these projects, that would be really helpful, as there is a considerable push underway to try and get these in place for that 12 -U state toumamea In July. Thanks, SCHOLASTIC SPORTS SALES LTD 8195 Cazenovle Road • Pa. Box 240 • Manlius. NY 13104 `� www.scholaallceponasalea.rgm 6 email: 3apo ®ecM1dasllcsponeaelee.com ~vim ® ® AWA Customer: Ithaca Babe Ruth League Contact: Contact: _ _ Jon Parmentor Josh Miller Address: _ Regional Sales Representative City /State/Zip: Office: (800) 400 -TEAM E -Mall: iwo350comel1.edu Cell: (315) 430 -7863 Phone: Fax: (315) 682 -4213 Cell: (607) 280 -6136 E -Mail: Josh@scholosficsportssales.com Fax: Shipping & Handling DATE: 2/21 /11 Price Quote $2,894.00 ON U/M 1]esrdnfinn pn,r Arnn,mf I Ea. JUGS Outdoor Full Size Baseball Batting Cage w/ _$1,335.00 1 $1335.00 191Lbs. Breaking Strength Net ( #: FR100 /N1000) (741 x 18'W x 12'H) -- — Shipping & Handling $321.00 TOTAL $1,656.00 JUGS Outdoor Full Size Baseball Batting Cage w/ $2.400.00 $2.400.00 381 Lbs. Breaking Strength Net ( #: FR105 /N 1005) (74'L x 18' W x I TH) _ 1 Ea. Shipping & Handling $494.00 TOTAL $2,894.00 Totals (5/20 /2011) Kathrin Gehring - Re: Field #8 - Cass Park Union Fields Page 1 From: JoAnn Cornish To: Barber, John CC: BPW; Parks Commission Date: 5/20/2011 2:21 PM Subject: Re: Feld #8 - Cass Park Union Fields Thanks John. 1 will pass your comments; onto the Board of Public works. They will be renewing this at an upcoming meeting.l born tmnk this will be a problem as it was unanimously approved at the Parks Commission meeting. loAnn Cornish Director of Planning and Development Oty of Ithaca 1138 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607- 274 -6550 »> John Barba 5/20/1111:00 AM >>> Good Marring JoAnn, Happy Friday! I understand that ]on Pannenter from the Ithaca Cal Ripken league has been In touch with you regarding impmvemems to baseball "Feld 8, ova A Union Felds. Please know that I fully support these improvements that will greatly benefit many children, Including my son Michael any his friends. These improvements are long overdue and would go a long ways in showing that the City of Ithaca supports youth sports, especially baseball. Please la me know If there is anything I can do personally to streamline this Project before the spring baseball season ends. Thanks JoAnn! Best, John TO: City of Ithaca Planning and Economic Development Committee of Common Council FROM: JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development DATE: May 18, 2011, SUBJECT: Cornell University Bridge Means Restriction Project Update On April 26, 2011, the team for the Cornell University Means Restriction project, including University Architect Gilbert Delgado, Associate University Architect Andrew Magre, and Director of Mental Health Initiatives Tim Marchell, attended the Planning and Development Board meeting. Magre took the Planning Board through a detailed presentation of the bridge design proposals prepared and submitted by the architectural design firm of NADAA (formerly of Office dA). Magre indicated that three sets of potential materials were examined: metal bars or rods, glass, and tensile steel mesh. Glass was ultimately rejected for both cost and maintenance reasons; so all the design proposals presented to the Board incorporate either bars/rods or tensile steel mesh. Designs for the following bridges were presented: Cascadilla Creek Gorge — Stewart Avenue Bridge Fall Creek Gorge — Stewart Avenue Bridge Thurston Avenue — Bridge Fall Creek Gorge Stone Arch Bridge — Cascadilla Creek Gorge Trolley Bridge — Cascadilla Creek Gorge Beebe Dam Bridge — Fall Creek Gorge Suspension Bridge — Fall Creek Gorge I spoke with Gilbert Delgado earlier today. He assured me that they were on track for the May 31, 2011 deadline. He also indicated that some of the designs proposed at the April 26a' Planning Board meeting had been changed in response to comments from board members. Decisions reauired 6v CRY OfItlw�a• Will means restriction be placed on city owned bridges? What entity will make this decision? if the decision is to place means restriction on city owned bridges, what is the source of funding? What entity will be responsible for long term maintenance and repair of the means restriction? COI User Page 1 5/19/2011 Tentative Time /ine: May 31, 2011 Submission of Site Plan Review Application, Design Drawings, and Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form to the Planning Department. June 28, 2011 Planning Board to discuss lead agency status. If desired, the Planning Board will declare its intent to be the lead agency for environmental review asking for concurrence from the Board of Public Works and /or Common Council. (This will start the CEQR clock.) July 6, 2011 Common Council to vote on lead agency for environmental review. July 13, 2011 Board of Public Works to vote on lead agency for environmental review. July 26, 2011 Presentation by project applicant and discussion by the Planning Board. Public attendance encouraged. Aug. 8, 2011 Conservation Advisory Council meeting to discuss environmental review and recommend determination of environmental significance. Aug. 10, 2011 Presentation by project applicant and discussion by the Board of Public Works. Public attendance encouraged. Aug. 17, 2011 Presentation by project applicant and discussion by the Planning Committee of Common Council. Public attendance encouraged. Aug. 2011 Meeting to declare lead agency (Planning Board, Common Council, or Board of Public Works) for environmental review, conduct PUBLIC HEARING, make environmental determination. • If a negative declaration is declared, Planning Board can begin process for preliminary site plan approval. • If a positive declaration is declared, the lead agency will begin discussing the environmental impact statement process with applicant. PLEASE NOTE: At the May 18, 2011 Planning Committee meeting, Mayor Peterson reminded committee members and staff that the August 4, 2010 Common Council Resolution resolved that the Mayor, upon advice of the City Attorney, is authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Cornell containing terms and conditions deemed reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the City and to ensure that the intent of the resolution is carded out. COI User Page 2 5/19/2011 (5/19/2011) Bill Gray -Water Supply project Page 1 From: 'Rick Gel'-Rick.Gell@obg.carn> To: 'Bill GW <BILLG.main.cd @cWithaca.crg >. "Camlyn Peterson" <card [Me: 51191211113:27 PM Subject: Water Supply prejecl Anachmertts: Implementation Schedule 5_18_11.pdf Attached is the neartarm schedule you requested last night. Richard E. Gll, PE SENIOR MANAGING ENGINEER O'BRIEN 8 GERE 333 West Washington Street I P.O. Box 4873 Syracuse. NV 13221 - 4873 p 315958-61081 f 315 - 4837554 direct 315956 -6471 Rick.Gll @obg.ocm vmv+.abg.corn This ernall, Including any attechmont(s) to 8, is confidential and intended scaly for the use of the individual or entity to Which it is addressed. If you have received this email In error, please notify the sander. Noe that my views or opinions presented In this email are sdly those of the author and do not represent two of O'Brien 8 Gers. O'Brien 8 Gera, does no accept liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. The recipient slwuM check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. City of Ithaca Water Supply Project Anticipated Implementation Schedule May 18, 2011 City Planning Board Sketch Plan Review May 24, 2011 City Planning Board Site Plan Application June 10, 2011 City Site Plan Subcommittee Review June 21, 2011 Presentation to City Site Planning Board June 28, 2011 Site Plan Review & Approval Process July —August 2011 Meet with NYSDEC to Establish Dredging Strategy May 2011 Geotechnical Investigation within Reservoir May 2011