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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2015-02-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:47 p.m. February 9, 2015 PRESENT: Vice Chair - Jenkins Commissioners (3) – Darling, Goldsmith, Morache OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – West Director of Parking – Nagy Executive Assistant – Gehring Transportation Engineer – Logue EXCUSED: Mayor Myrick Commissioner Warden City Attorney – Lavine Common Council Liaison – Fleming DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor was not present. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Cynthia Brock, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board with concerns regarding leasing public parkland to private organizations for exclusive use. She noted that the Cascadilla Boat Club has received State funds in the past. John Schroeder, City of Ithaca, expressed his strong support for repairs to the Ithaca Cemetery wall. He expressed concern that the quality of the stonework is very important and should look like the portion of the wall that was not hit by the vehicle. He stated he is prepared to make a gift to the city in order to purchase better quality stone. He further mentioned that the existing stairs within the wall should be repaired to maintain its historical reference. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was provided. REPORTS Superintendent and Staff Director of Engineering West reported that the bid documents for the Stewart Park Bathroom Repair Project have been advertised. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that all available equipment is being utilized to plow snow and staff is working 24 hours per day. He further reported that staff has been surveying the creeks to ensure ice jams have not developed. He noted that a fast thaw with deep freezing temperatures would cause ice jams. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that only one water main break had occurred in the past two weeks. Director of Parking Nagy reported that 71% of the funds allocated for free two hour parking has been used. He further reported that booting vehicles had generated $10,384 in revenue in January; the parking lot behind the Mayer’s Building had been closed for construction of the hotel; and 23 pay machines had been ordered for on-street parking. Board of Public Works Page 2 February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting Supt. Thorne reported that a final design had been submitted to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for the dredging project, and a stormwater study would begin soon. NEW PROJECT PRESENTATION: Dam Safety Presentation Rick Gell, Steve Snyder, Bob Bowers, representatives from O’Brien & Gere, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Mr. Gell explained the new requirements for the 60 foot dam. Mr. Snyder stated that New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulations were updated in 2009, which required that the City either upgrade the dam or tear it down. He explained that all Class B & C Hazard Dams must go through an engineering assessment. The City’s 60 foot dam is considered Class C, which means that should the dam fail, there would be probable loss of life. An engineering assessment was completed in August 2012, with the engineers recommending that the stability of the dam did not meet criteria and should be re-analyzed. O’Brien & Gere performed a second assessment and recommended that the dam be stabilized. Mr. Snyder presented information about the stability analysis completed on the 60 foot dam. He further presented an option of how the dam could be stabilized, which would include post tensioning: anchoring the dam by drilling holes in the dam and pour grout and concrete to bond the dam to the earth under the dam. Mr. Gell explained the funding requirements and how the dam safety project would be funded. The dam project has been added to the water supply rebuild project and a professional services contract would have a total budget of $4 million. He further presented the schedule of the project: construction could begin in June 2015, with completion by the end of December 2017. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the different anchors that would be utilized, the depth of the drilling that would be required because the bedrock is mostly shale, which could be approximately 30 feet below the base of the dam. There have been very few incidences of weakening of the posts, which consisted mainly of one cable failure out of 32 cables in each post. It is expected that the 60 foot dam would require 15 posts. The Board agreed that a resolution should be provided for the next board meeting for approval of the project and recommendation to the City Administration Committee to ask for additional funding. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the January 26, 2015, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 26, 2015, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed. Carried Unanimously BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Approval to Install Educational Signs and Seating Areas along Cascadilla Creek Path from Sciencenter – Resolution By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has requested permission to install eight educational signs and five benches for seating areas on city property between the Sciencenter property and Cascadilla Creek, and WHEREAS, the educational signs would explain the diversity of life found in Cascadilla Creek and information on protecting the habitat from pollutants and invasive species, and WHEREAS, at least one of the benches would be wheelchair accessible and all of the benches would overlook Cascadilla Creek, and WHEREAS, the Sciencenter will oversee and cover all costs of the installation of all signs and benches, and it will also maintain all items after installation, now therefore be it Board of Public Works Page 3 February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the concept of installing signs and benches along the existing walking path between the Sciencenter and Cascadilla Creek as an educational opportunity for the community, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Sciencenter agrees to pay all associated costs for this project and will maintain the installed signs and benches after installation is complete. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Award of Bid for Intersection Bulbouts on Green and Seneca Streets By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, bids were received on January 7, 2015 for the Intersection Bulbouts on Green and Seneca Streets, CP 769, PIN 375462, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the four bids received and made a recommendation for award, and WHEREAS, Common Council has amended the capital project to increase the budget to allow for award of contract, and WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation has not yet authorized the City of Ithaca to award contract for this project, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract, contingent on NYSDOT authorization, for the Intersection Bulbouts on Green and Seneca Streets, CP 769, PIN 375462, to Nelson and Streeter Construction Co, Inc, dba Airport Striping, P.O. Box 184, Pine City, NY for their low bid meeting specifications of $265,818.50 and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be and is hereby authorized to execute this contract and to administer the same. Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: Resolution for Temporary Signage in City Parks By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the City receives requests to install temporary signs and banners in City Parks, and although these signs are temporary, they have sometimes remained in the parks for several months, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works requested that the Parks Commission prepare a policy regarding temporary signage in City parks for the Board’s consideration, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission, through a Resolution dated November 4, 2014, provided a recommendation to the Board of Public Works noting the following:  Many temporary signs and banners are installed within City parks because they are in highly visible locations or attract many community members, but the signs themselves do not pertain to the park;  Temporary signs and banners can be disruptive to park users and obstruct views of the park;  Many City parks have an overabundance of signs, and additional signage should be installed only if necessary, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission acknowledges that some temporary signs or banners may be desirable to promote and inform the public of special events and recreational programs, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission recommends that the Board of Public Works adopt a policy that prohibits the installation of temporary signage in City parks with an exception for City- permitted special events and park-related activities, subject to duration limitations; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has discussed the Parks Commission recommendation and desires to clarify the duration and placement location of temporary signs in City parks, now, therefore, be it Board of Public Works Page 4 February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby prohibits the installation of temporary signage in City parks with the exception of temporary signage that promotes City-permitted special events or park-related activities, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works limits the placement of excepted temporary signage to the specific City park in which the City-permitted special event or park-related activity takes place, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works limits the installation duration of excepted temporary signage to the day of and day before the event or activity if it takes place in Stewart Park or Cass Park, and to the seven days preceding and the duration of the event or activity in all other City parks. Supt. Thorne explained that this resolution was presented due to the recommendation from the Parks Commission to ban signs from city parks. He stated that in addition to the recommendations from the Parks Commission, temporary signage must be related to a city- sponsored event in order to be allowed in the parks. A Vote of the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Appeal of Water Bill for 415 North Aurora Street – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, the water consumption at 415 North Aurora Street changed significantly in the third quarter of 2014 resulting in a bill which was considerably larger than recent bills, and the property owner has requested that the large invoice be waived due to the lack of communication from City of Ithaca Water and Sewer regarding continued high consumption after making one repair, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca reads water meters on a 90 day cycle to provide bills, then again every 45 days to detect leaks as a courtesy to residents, and WHEREAS, it is not City policy to credit an account for water billed but not consumed as that water must go through the wastewater treatment plant, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request to modify the water and sewer bill covering the third quarter of 2014 at 415 North Aurora Street and denies the request based on its understanding that the water was consumed at that address and the resulting wastewater processed, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the City Chamberlain work with the property owner to develop a payment plan, and that no late fees or interest be charged on the bill. Carried Unanimously Appeal of Water Bill Late Fees for 316 Cascadilla Street – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the water consumption at 316 Cascadilla Street changed significantly between September and October 2014, resulting in a bill which was considerably larger than recent bills, and WHEREAS, the property owner has set up a payment plan through the City Chamberlain’s office to pay the water bill and request that late fees be waived, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request and approves the request that no late fees or interest be charged on the bill. Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Request to Hang a Banner on Park Fence from Ithaca Youth Bureau Youth Bureau Director Liz Vance joined the Board for the discussion of this topic, and explained that the youth bureau had begun a mentor challenge. She stated the Youth Bureau would like to hang a banner temporarily on the chain link fence at Wood Street Park adjacent to Route 13. Board of Public Works Page 5 February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting Commissioner Goldsmith stated he was the liaison to the Parks Commission and explained the conversations that were held regarding developing a new signage policy. He believes that if the City approved the sign for the Youth Bureau, it would have to approve sign requests for anyone else that asks. Youth Bureau Director Vance responded that the Youth Bureau banner should be hung for only 60-90 days. Supt. Thorne noted that the Family Reading Partnership sign that is currently hanging on the same fence would need to be removed if the Youth Bureau’s request was approved. Discussion followed on the floor regarding other locations within the City that signs could be hung, which includes city buildings and other city property. City Forester Jeanne Grace joined the Board and stated that the Parks Commission’s feelings are that it is very hard to say “No” to organizations. She noted that Cass Park had a policy to allow temporary signs for events in that park only for the day of an event. Asst. Supts. Benjamin and Whitney noted that the City owned other property in the same area as Wood Street Park that was not parkland. Asst. Supt. Whitney suggested hanging the banner from the water and sewer garage building along Route 13. Youth Bureau Director Vance agreed with this suggestion. Bike Lanes on North Cayuga Street Transportation Engineer Logue joined the Board and explained that the milling and paving project for North Cayuga Street this summer would be a good opportunity to mark bike lanes along the route. He further stated that information could be sent out to residents along North Cayuga Street, and media releases could request further input from residents. The disadvantage would be that parking will need to be consolidated on one side of the street in order to put bike lanes on both sides. He noted that a parking analysis would need to be completed. Discussion followed on the floor regarding impacts of odd/even parking requirements and the option of allowing 24 hour parking. Commissioner Goldsmith stated community outreach should be attempted to get the sense of residents. Transportation Engineer Logue noted that funding would come from the State through CHIPS funding. Supt. Thorne asked what would happen to the Sharrows that are currently along Cayuga Street. Transportation Engineer Logue explained that Sharrows were a pilot program with special permission from the State to see how residents reacted, but with no plan for maintaining them. Another option would be to replace the Sharrow markings and expect many cyclists to utilize the Bicycle Boulevard along Tioga Street. Commissioner Morache expressed support for installing the bike lanes. He further suggested presenting the idea to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council. The Board agreed to have a media release to request written public comment for the Board to review. Transportation Engineer Logue noted that the decision the Board would ultimately need to make would be to remove parking on one side of the street to allow for the bike lanes on both sides of the street. Arterial Swap with NYSDOT Transportation Engineer Logue remained with the Board to explain that the City currently owns a section of Route 13, and New York State owns Green and Seneca Streets, and the benefits to swapping ownership of the arterials. He requested comments and concerns from the Board before moving forward with requesting the ownership swap. The City would have to make the suggestion to the State, which would need to go through the State Legislature in order to change the right of way, could take a year or two for approval. The Board expressed their general support for requesting the arterial swap. Discussion followed regarding the slivers of land owned by the City along Route 13/Elmira Road that could be sold to abutting property owners. Board of Public Works Page 6 February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting Multi-Modal Transportation Funding Opportunity Transportation Engineer Logue explained that a funding opportunity for $250,000 was provided to the City with no match requirement and provided the following projects that would qualify for the funding opportunity: 1. Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements at Various Locations 2. Cascadilla Creekway Extension 3. Hector Street Sidewalk 4. Completion of the Bicycle Boulevard 5. Spencer Road Improvements – An informational meeting for the community would be held on March 5, 2015. Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) was willing to commit $100,000 toward the project. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the scope of the suggested. Commissioner Goldsmith suggested narrowing the list of projects to the Pedestrian Crossings and Spencer Road Improvements. The Board agreed. Repair of City Cemetery Wall Director of Engineering West explained that a driver hit the stone wall at the entrance of the City Cemetery. An insurance settlement of $31,000 was received and put in the General Fund, but the Board would need to approve the request for a capital project of $39,000 to repair the wall, noting that $31,000 was already received but not earmarked for the repair of the wall. He presented the quotes that were received, noting that Buzz Dolph, the lowest quote, was a local stoneworker and had worked with the City previously. Asst. Supt. Benjamin stated that the accident was not reported to the Department of Public Works for over two years after the accident. City Forester Grace, present in the audience, explained that the preservation of the wall would be the first step in improving the aesthetic quality of the cemetery. The Board agreed to review a resolution at their next meeting requesting funding for a capital project. Historic Ithaca’s Grant Proposal for Ithaca City Cemetery City Forester Grace and Christine O’Malley from Historic Ithaca joined the Board to explain that Historic Ithaca had an opportunity to apply for a grant for informational signage in the City Cemetery. City Forester Grace noted that many people do not know the history of the cemetery and the signage may deter the vandalism that had been occurring in the cemetery. They are seeking $5,000 from the Tompkins County Charitable Gift Fund. Discussion followed on the floor regarding whether anyone knew how that land was used prior to it becoming a cemetery, installing signs with historical information, and that the City would need to assist with the installation of sign posts. The Board generally approved the request to move forward with the grant proposal. Director of Engineering West suggested consulting with Asst. City Attorney Flaherty to ensure the grant proposal was correct and that the City was allowed to receive the funds. City Forester Grace noted that the grant application deadline was March 1,2015; Commissioner Darling mentioned that Historic Ithaca could apply for the grant and receive the funds on behalf of the City. Ms. O'Malley suggested creating a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Historic Ithaca. New Business Commissioner Darling expressed his desire for the Board to obtain advice from the City Attorney regarding the legality of leasing parkland at Stewart Park to Cascadilla Boat Club. He added that the City should not miss out on an opportunity to increase revenue through a lease. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the use of parkland by exclusive groups. Alderperson Brock had questioned how the City determines who is allowed to use City resources. Director of Engineering West suggested the Board set priorities for gifts that are received and stated that the Planning Department, Parks Commission and Dept. of Public Board of Public Works Page 7 February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting Works are working with the Friends of Stewart Park to create a plan for enhancements in the park. Commissioner Goldsmith strongly expressed that the new license for the Cascadilla Boat Club should be discussed by the Board of Public Works prior to Common Council. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Claudia Jenkins Executive Assistant Vice-Chair