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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2016-08-22Board of Public Works Meeting Proceedings Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. August 22, 2016 Present: Vice Chair Jenkins Commissioners (4) Goldsmith, Darling, Warden, Marshall Others Present: CC Liaison – Fleming Supt. of Public Works – Thorne Asst. Supt. S & F – Benjamin Director of Parking – Nagy Information Management Specialist – Myers Sidewalk Program Manager – Licitra Excused: Mayor Myrick Commissioner Greene Asst. Supt. W & S – Whitney Director of Engineering – Logue Call to Order - Additions to or Deletions From the Agenda: There were no additions to or from the agenda. Communications and Hearings from Persons Before the Board: No one appeared to address the Board. Administration and Communications: Approval of the July 25 and August 8, 2016 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Darling RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the minutes of the July 25 and August 8, 2016 meetings as published. Carried Unanimously Reports: Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that work was completed at the intersection of College Avenue and Dryden Road, so vehicles can now travel in both directions on Dryden Road. Crews are working on the 500 block of South Plain Street installing new concrete curbing and could be completed by the end of this week. After that, residents won’t be able to access their driveways for a couple of weeks because of the need to back fill the work area, and then pave the street. The 400 block of South Plain Street will get a new base and new asphalt once the work on the 500 block is completed. CC Liaison Fleming questioned what kind of communication had been done to those residents that will not be able to access their driveways. Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that crews have been in communication each day with the residents in order for arrangements to be made for accommodating them during the work. Supt. Thorne reported on the water issues that the City has been experiencing this summer. Staff met with the Tompkins County Health Department today, and the City was issued a “Notice of Violation” for unacceptable levels of manganese and water turbidity. The City sent water samples to a certified lab for testing about 6 weeks ago, and is just now receiving the results from that testing; that is why the notice of violation was issued today by the health department. Since those water samples were sent for testing, work has been ongoing to determine the cause of the discoloration in the water. In regard to the manganese levels, staff determined that there was manganese in the clear well and it was the cause of the discoloration of the water. The results of the testing show that the water contained three times the allowed amount of manganese. In response to that information, the City of Ithaca will be sending out a public notification this week that describes the effects of high levels of manganese and water turbidity. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 2 Bolton Point and Cornell University will be included in that notification since their water sources interact with the city’s water. For most of July and early August the City experienced the problem of the water being discolored. As of August 12, 2016, the manganese issue has been resolved, the discoloration of the water stopped, and complaints have stopped. New water samples were taken and sent to the lab; however, as noted above, it will take 4-6 weeks for the City to receive any results. Just as the City thought that the water issue had been resolved, there was a huge water main break behind the Super 8 Motel last week which resulted in dark brown to black colored water. Excavation work was being done in order to work on the 12” sewer main that feeds West Hill, and the main separated as a result of it not being connected properly. The result was 8,000 gallons of water per minute flowing continuously for about 30 minutes. This resulted in a lot of rust being scoured out of the pipes. That main should be repaired and placed back in service by tomorrow. Unfortunately, due to the timing of the City receiving the results from the water testing this week, and the sewer main break, the public is confusing the two issues as being related to one another. Chief of Staff, Dan Cogan, is working on a press release that describes the two separate incidents in more detail for the public. Supt. Thorne further reported that the Lake Street Bridge should be open by August 31st, and the adjacent park-like area work should be completed by mid-September. The project is about two weeks ahead of schedule. Director of Parking Nagy reported on parking revenue through August 15, 2016. The on street revenue total year-to-date is City took in about $88,008.72, which is about $6,600.00 over the same time period in 2015. The first year of the use of the pay stations has been completed (July-June) with an overall increase of 38% in revenue. The revenue paid for all the pay stations, which means they paid for themselves in one year. He stated that all but 3 of the 23 new pay stations have been installed, and the remaining three should be installed by the end of next week. The use of on-street parking has increased significantly during this summer’s construction in Collegetown, and has resulted in an increase in revenue for the City. Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 602 West State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street - Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, Elmira Savings Bank, the owner of the property at 602 West State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street (Tax Map Parcel No. 50.-4-9), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City into the adjacent street right-of-way for West State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and North Meadow Street; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: A stair way and canopy approximately 7 feet, 11 inches in width, encroaching in the City property to the south by approximately 18.25 inches, thereby encompassing an encroachment of approximately 12 square feet, which is shown on a drawing dated April 14, 2016 and entitled “A101P - Proposed South Stair Entrance” prepared by Holt Architects P.C. And on the eastern face of the building, seven sunshades extending into the City airspace by no more than a total of 14 square feet as shown in the drawing dated April 15, 2016 and entitled “G1 Parking Separation Diagram” prepared by Holt Architects P.C. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 3 WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed encroachments are inside the current location of the existing public sidewalks on West State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and North Meadow Street, and nevertheless will not interfere with the sidewalks as currently constituted; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs; and WHEREAS, for use of City-owned property, the City requires an initial application fee of $100 for new licenses, but stipulates that the annual use fee shall be waived for minor encroachments, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment at 602 West State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, as proposed, contingent upon the execution of a license/agreement and submission of the required application form and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent terms) and proof of required insurance; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code. Carried Unanimously Highways, Streets and Sidewalks: Approval of the 2017 Sidewalk Work Plan and Assessment Roll - Resolution Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, Section C-73 of the City Charter creates five Sidewalk Improvement Districts (each a “SID”) for the construction and repair of sidewalk, and provides for an assessment against each property located in each SID for the benefits received by the property from such construction and repair; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is responsible for recommending to the Common Council a budget and schedule of work for each SID district for each fiscal year, following a public hearing; and WHEREAS, the Board has received a proposed SID assessment roll, budget, and schedule of work for Fiscal Year 2017; and WHEREAS, the City provided public notice of the SID assessment roll, budget, and schedule of work in July 2016; and WHEREAS, owners of assessed properties were provided an opportunity to file written objections with the City Clerk, and present evidence to the Board at a public hearing on August 8, 2016; and WHEREAS, the Board has given due consideration to the objections, if any, presented by the property owners in accordance with Section C-73; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board recommends, subject to amendment and approval by the Common Council, the 2017 budget and schedule of work dated August 8, 2016; and, be it further Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 4 RESOLVED, That the Board approves the schedule of assessments constituting the 2017 assessment roll, which are reflected on the assessment roll kept on file with the City Clerk, which roll the Superintendent of Public Works shall on behalf of the Board file with the Common Council in the form of an upcoming Committee agenda thereof, and which roll shall thereafter be confirmed, as amended, by the Common Council by local law after a public hearing, creating a lien upon the real property so assessed. Ayes (4) Jenkins, Goldsmith, Darling, Warden Nays (0) Abstentions McCormick Carried Badge of Honor Association (BOHA) - Ithaca Police Department Historical Sign Dedication for Ithaca Police Officer Levy Spaulding - Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department and the Badge of Honor Association (BOHA) seek to honor IPD Officer Levi Spaulding who died in the line of duty on September 11, 1930; and WHEREAS, the BOHA commemorates officers in Central and Western New York who have died in the line of duty by placing a memorial sign at the location where the officer died; and WHEREAS, Officer Levi Spaulding, Ithaca’s first African American police officer, suffered a heart attack and died in the line of duty after participating in an intense thirty- six (36) hour manhunt for a murder suspect; and WHEREAS, the memorial sign shall be placed at the location of the former Ithaca Police Department which was located on the Northeast corner of Tioga and Seneca Streets in the City of Ithaca; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request to allow this memorial to be constructed, to direct the Department of Public Works to install the sign, and for the Badge of Honor Association to fund and dedicate the sign in conjunction with the Ithaca Police Department. Ayes (4) Marshall, Warden, Goldsmith, Darling Nays (1) Jenkins Abstention (0) Carried Discussion Items: Recommendation of Increasing Pavilion Reservation Fees: Youth Bureau Director Vance joined the Board for discussion of this topic. She provided the following memorandum that explains the reasons for the request: To: Board of Public Works From: Liz Vance, Youth Bureau Director Re: Pavilion Reservation Fees Date: August 22, 2016 During our 2017 budget planning we reviewed the pavilion fees at Cass and Stewart Parks. (The Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB) handles the pavilion reservations for both parks). We also reviewed the pavilion rental agreement to address concerns about renters use and treatment of the pavilions. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 5 The last fee increase was made in 2014 following the rebuilding of the Tea Pavilion in Stewart Park. In 2015, we moved to a resident/non-resident fee structure when the Town of Ithaca first decreased their contributions to water front parks and recreation facilities. With outside funding continuing to decrease and with the City continuing to invest in the parks, we are recommending the fees for City of Ithaca residents increase by 1% and that the fees for non-residents and organizations increase 1.5%. Please see chart below. This summer we received reports of damage done to the pavilions by renters and the condition that pavilions were left in after use. Broken glass, beer bottles, garbage and vomit have been found after events. The Department of Public Works also discovered that renters are using staples and adhesives on the pavilion walls to hang decorations and this is causing damage to newly painted walls. We have reviewed the current pavilion rental form and are recommending several changes that will hopefully help protect the recent investments in the pavilions so that they will last for many years to come. Proposed new fees Proposed new fees Individuals and Families All Organizations from the City of Ithaca Non-Resident City Discount Individuals and Families Cass Park Up to 24 people $40.00 $52.00 25 – 74 people $80.00 $104.00 75 + people or Exclusive Use $100.00 $130.00 Stewart Park Small Pavilion Up to 24 people $40.00 $52.00 25 – 74 people $80.00 $104.00 75 + people or Exclusive Use $130.00 $170.00 Stewart Park Large Pavilion Up to 24 people $40.00 $52.00 25 – 74 people $80.00 $104.00 75 – 99 people $130.00 $170.00 100 – 149 people $165.00 $215.00 150 + people or Exclusive Use $200.00 $260.00 Youth Bureau Director Vance explained that staff would recommend an increase in pavilion use fees as well as a method by which the City could protect the condition of the pavilion and recover any costs incurred as a result of the misuse of the pavilions. This summer, in particular, the City has received complaints from both staff and other users regarding the physical condition in which the pavilion was left after use by certain groups. In response to these complaints the pavilion rental application/agreement has been revised to include stronger language regarding the penalties that could be charged back to the user of the pavilion if the pavilion is not left in the same or better condition than before their use. The agreement will also include instructions on the types of materials that are approved for use to decorate the walls. The City may also install cork borders or hooks for people to use when they are decorating so the walls will be protected. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that it was brought to his attention by City Forester Grace that there have been instances where City staff have been asked to lock the pavilion at night after it has been decorated for use the next day in order to protect it. He stated that the City is not in a position to do that because they don’t have the staff. The City also needs to make it known to users of the pavilion that if they choose to decorate the pavilion the night before their event that they are doing it at their own risk; that type of language should be included in the updated agreement. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the serving of alcohol at the park, specifically fraternities and sororities that use the pavilion, and then leave them in very poor, unclean conditions. Discussion also followed on the different requirements for the serving of alcohol at public or private events at the park, as well as the sale of alcohol Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 6 during large events. The Board is interested in an increased presence by the City of Ithaca Police Department at the park when alcohol is being served at an event. Youth Bureau Director Vance offered to meet with the Chief of Police and City Attorney to discuss these concerns, and report back to the Board at a future meeting. The Board expressed their support for the proposal to increase the fees for the use of the pavilions. They would also be willing to vote on any resolution that might be written about the penalties or charges that could be billed to the person reserving the pavilion when damage is discovered, and the use of alcohol at the park, as recommended by the Chief of Police and City Attorney. Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 128 Eddy Street - Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, Margaret Liguori, owner of the property at 128 Eddy Street (Tax Map Parcel No. 68.-3-11), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City into the adjacent airspace of City-owned “Frosh Alley”; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: A second story overhang extending into the “Frosh Alley” airspace by approximately .7 foot in width, for a span of approximately 14 feet, thereby encompassing an encroachment into the right-of-way by approximately 9.8 feet, which is shown on a drawing stamped September 24, 2009 and entitled “Survey Map No. 128 Eddy Street” prepared by Lee Dresser, Licensed Land Surveyor; and WHEREAS, it appears that the second story overhang in question has been in existence for many years, and that the proposed overhang encroachment is inside the current location of the existing airspace of the City-owned property known as “Frosh Alley” and will not interfere with the City’s property as currently constituted; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs; and WHEREAS, the 2016-17 schedule of fees for use of City-owned property requires an initial application fee of $100 for new licenses, but stipulates that the annual use fee shall be waived for minor encroachments; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the request for an encroachment at 128 Eddy Street, as proposed, contingent upon the execution of a license/agreement and submission of the required application form and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent terms) and proof of required insurance; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code. Ayes (4) Jenkins, Darling, Marshall, Warden Nays (1) Goldsmith Abstentions (0) Carried Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 7 Parks Commission Recommendation to Rename Cass Park Road: Supt. Thorne provided the following information for the Board: At its July 12, 2016 meeting, the Parks Commission discussed a request from the Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG) to rename the two sections of the Cass Park Access Road. One portion of the road is located in the main area of Cass Park (near the pool, rink, Hanger Theatre and soccer fields) while the other portion runs near ICG, the park pavilion and Union baseball fields. The ICG has requested that the two portions of the road, which are not connected, be given separate names to help with visitors’ navigation to both Cass Park and the Ithaca Children’s Garden. There is currently confusion over which part of Cass Park Access Road the various facilities are located on, and visitors are having difficulty finding their destinations. While the ICG suggested naming the portion of the road adjacent to their facility “Gaia Way” after Gaia the Turtle, the commission thought this name would have little meaning if the garden closed or relocated. The Parks Commission would like the road sections to be assigned names that are related to local Ithaca history. The Parks Commission proposes that the section of Cass Park Access Road near the Hangar Theater, rink and pool be renamed “Runway Run” to reflect the history of the area on a portion of the access road thought to have been part of the former airport runway. The Commission also proposes that the portion of the road near the ICG be renamed “Storm Country Road” to commemorate the writings of Grace Miller White, an author who lived in the area. Her popular novel “Tess of the Storm Country” (1909), which was also made into several film versions, was set in Ithaca’s west end. The novel focused on the struggles against injustice of an impoverished girl living in the squatter’s fishing camp, which was likely located very near the current Cass Park location. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board rename the Cass Park Access Roads as noted above. Asst. Supt. Benjamin noted it would be easier for Dig Safe NY to mark for work being done at the park, if the access roads were re-named. Commissioner Darling voiced his support for the idea, but does not support the length of the proposed new names, he does not like two word road names. He wondered how the City chooses the name for its roads, and noted that he mentioned to the Board a few weeks ago that the City of Ithaca seems to have a lot of roads with the word “Park” in their name. He suggested that the access roads be renamed “Bordoni Road” in honor of Christopher Bordoni because Bordoni Park located near them. CC Liaison Fleming requested that the Board begin a discussion about whether or not the current name of the access roads is really that confusing to everyone, and what the perceived problem seems to be. Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that all the roads in the area are called “Cass Park Road” and it becomes confusing for crews from Dig Safe NY when they are trying to locate utilities in the area. It also appears, from information provided by the Parks Commission that the public has problems locating particular areas of the park that they wish to visit. Vice Chair Jenkins suggested the name “Hangar Road”, which other Board members supported. Commissioner Warden wondered if the request should be sent back to the Parks Commission with information that the Board supports the idea, but would like shorter names for the roads than what was proposed. Board members agreed that it makes sense to change the name of the access roads, and suggested “Hangar Road” and “Turtle Road” as other possibilities. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 8 CC Liaison Fleming questioned why both roads should have their name changed; couldn’t one be left at as “Cass Park Access Road” and then rename the other road? She also feels that others should be involved in this process than just the Board of Public Works. She questioned what the City’s protocol is when suggestions are made to change the name of a particular road. Supt. Thorne suggested that the request be sent back to Parks Commission with information that the Board supports the idea, but not the suggested names. If it comes back to the Board then a resolution should be included with the request. He further suggested that the Board not support the request and to keep the name of the roads as is. He doesn’t believe this has ever been an issue; now, one group wants to change the names and he is wondering why, because it will entail a lot of work and time by city staff as well as the Board of Public Works unnecessarily. Commissioner Darling noted that the Hangar Theatre has its own sign, Cass Park Rink has its own sign, and the Children’s Garden has its own sign why do anything else? He stated that “North Cass Park Road” and “South Cass Park Road” were also suggested to clarify different locations. Supt. Thorne stated that he would talk with Senior Planner Wilson, who works with the Parks Commission, about the request, and send it back to the Parks Commission with the suggestions that have been offered by the Board and staff. Approval of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail For the Public Art Commission’s Mural and Street Art Program - Proposed Resolution: WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among other duties, review and advise Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of public art in City spaces, buildings, facilities, and infrastructure, and to review development proposals for decorative elements in the city’s public spaces; and WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase their work; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved the following City-owned sites for inclusion on the list of potential sites in the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission’s Mural and Street Art Program by resolution on May 19, 2010: Walls in the City Garages on Green Street and Seneca Street Retaining Wall along Ithaca Hotel Site (for temporary image) DPW facilities next to the Sciencenter and across the street from the Sciencenter Municipal Electrical boxes throughout the City Retaining walls on West Spencer Street and downstream from the George Johnson Bridge (Plain Street over Six Mile Creek) ; and WHEREAS, several more sites have been added to the above list by the Board of Public Works, including, the stairwell at the intersection of South Cayuga Street and West Spencer Street, buildings at Cass Park, the South Albany Street Bridge, and the Dryden Road Parking Garage; and WHEREAS, as a result of these approvals, the PAC has worked with more than 50 artists to install murals on City-owned property throughout the city, and the response to the new murals has been overwhelmingly positive; and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Festival has submitted a proposal for a glow-in-the-dark mural project, titled “Art in Glow,” as part of the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program to be installed on the surface of a section of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail; and WHEREAS, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail was not included among the sites pre- approved for future murals by the Board of Public Works; and Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 9 WHEREAS, the PAC will be reviewing the design submitted by the Ithaca Festival at its August 24, 2016, meeting but recommended that the Board consider the Cayuga Waterfront Trail as a potential location for this proposal and other mural projects earlier this spring; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the Cayuga Waterfront Trail for inclusion on the list of potential sites for the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the PAC will continue to work with Planning Department staff to conduct a mutually acceptable public input procedure for engaging nearby businesses, residences, and/or business and neighborhood associations for each specific project; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the PAC will work with the City Attorney to ensure that any mural, Request for Proposals, or contract with a participating artist reflects and accommodates the needs and constraints of the City of Ithaca. The artist for this Art Glow mural addressed the Board about the technique to be used to install the art, and showed them a sample of the glow in the dark medium that will be used. The proposed installation date is at the end of October 2016. Board members expressed their support for the project especially since there is no cost to the City, and requested that the resolution be brought back to their next meeting for a vote. Appeal of Water Service Bill for 201 West Clinton Street: Asst. Supt. Whitney provided the following information regarding the appeal for the Board: The property owner should not have been charged for the street patch as the street was being paved subsequent to the water and sewer work that was done. The City’s Water and Sewer Operations Supervisor remembers talking with Mr. Boggs and telling him that this was the time to replace his old services as he would save the cost of the pavement portion since the street was scheduled to be paved very soon afterwards. Asst. Supt. Whitney recommends that the Board of Public Works approve the reduction of $800.00 on Mr. Bogg’s bill, which will zero out the street patch line on the invoice. He would also recommend that the late payment interest should also be reduced proportionally for the adjustment of the bill. Board members expressed their support for staff recommendations, and requested that a resolution be provided to them to vote on at their next meeting. Request from Ithaca Farmers Market to Increase Parking Area at Steamboat Landing: Ithaca Farmers’ Market Manager, Aaron Munzer, and architect Steve Gibian joined the Board for discussion of this item. Mr. Munzer explained that when the City of Ithaca recently completed the construction of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail through the parking lot area of the Ithaca Farmers’ Market at Steamboat Landing, the market lost 50-60 parking spaces. In addition, shortly thereafter a neighboring property owner requested that the City of Ithaca place “No Parking” signs all along Third Street Extension, where customers of the market had been parking for decades. That decision was made by the City of Ithaca Department of Public Works and the City of Ithaca Fire Chief based on the fact that vehicles were obstructing the public right-of-way. The market estimates that they have lost approximately 1/5 of their 500 parking spaces – some of which were located in their lot, and others on the edge of Third Street, Carpenter Drive, and the front entrance to the market. He further noted, that Cornell University’s rowing team uses their parking lot for training and events so additional parking for the market is lost to the attendees of those events. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 10 He stated that the Ithaca Farmers’ Market was not notified of the impending removal of the parking until three days before the no parking signs went up. That resulted in the market having no chance to plan for the loss of parking, right in the midst of its busy summer farming season. In addition, were they not only not given a voice in the discussions leading to the removal of the parking, they have been unsuccessful in their attempts, so far, to work with the City on possible alternative parking options for the market. The loss of this parking has had a deep impact, financially, for vendors at the market. Therefore, the Ithaca Farmers’ Market is asking for the City of Ithaca’s support to replace the parking they lost, with the creation of a small gravel pull-off on city property on the edge of Third Street Extension for approximately 600’ feet of perpendicular parking space. Their architect, Steve Gibian, has drawn up a proposed blueprint, which they would like to share with the Board of Public Works for their review, in an effort to come up with a possible solution to assist them in regaining some the parking that was lost. The Ithaca Farmers’ Market would be willing to share part of the cost, perform all the maintenance on the site, and take responsibility for the added liability. Mr. Munzer reported that Dan Cogan, Chief of Staff for the City of Ithaca, requested that the Ithaca Farmers’ Market obtain several quotes for what the work to create the parking spaces would cost, which they did. The best one was estimated at a cost of about $25,000, which their Board would have to approve and for which they certainly want to contribute towards because they do not expect the City of Ithaca to pick up the entire cost. He stated that the Ithaca Farmers’ Market is at the mercy of the City in this matter as they try to find a way to create some additional parking for the market. The additional parking will assist the market, its vendors, and the City of Ithaca by accommodating the many visitors to Ithaca which has become a tourist destination to what has been called the “world famous” Ithaca Farmers’ Market. Commissioner Goldsmith responded that he supports the request; he is also wondering if the City of Ithaca Fire Department needs to comply with city code or are they asking for more than city code requires for the size of a public right-of-way/fire lane. He expressed his support for the City of Ithaca Fire Department, he just wants to double check the facts. He cited one instance where because of the fire department involvement, the city denied a request for a park. The fire department asked for more than the code demanded for their fire lane. However, if the City of Ithaca Fire Department needs the entire area for a public right-of-way/fire lane, then the Board should support that decision. Supt. Thorne explained that cars are parked in the fire lane now which is right along the land that the property owner wants to keep intact and doesn’t want vehicles to park on. The City of Ithaca cut down all the brush along that area so the “No Parking” signs would be visible. There is also a creek that meanders through the area being suggested by the Ithaca Farmers’ Market for additional parking. That would trigger the need for involvement by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation who would need to be involved to assist the City in mitigating any environmental concerns in that wetland area before the parking area could be developed. He thinks that it might cost more than the stated estimate provided by the Ithaca Farmers’ Market for the project; probably closer to $40,000 to $50,000. He visited the area and has discussed with staff what would need to done – i.e. what kind of material, the work involved, and determining any encroachment issues. He is okay with the request; however, he does not support the City of Ithaca paying for it. If the City did have to pay for the cost, then it would need to be funded through a capital project. Commissioner Darling noted and reiterated that Cornell University’s rowing crew, their families, and attendees to rowing events use the market’s parking area as well. That would raise the question that the cost for construction of additional parking should be shared by not only the Ithaca Farmers’ Market and the City of Ithaca, but Cornell University as well. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 11 Mr. Munzer responded that the Ithaca Farmers’ Market approached Cornell University about sharing some of the cost of the project, but it would seem that the market has a more pressing need to construct the additional parking area than the timeline for any contribution from Cornell University to come forward. Mr. Gibian stated that the proposed perpendicular parking would allow twice as many people to park, so besides the quantity of parking being proposed, it would also be easy for parkers to come and go. He noted that parallel parkers need a place to turn around, whereas perpendicular parkers do not. Supt. Thorne agreed that there would be clear benefits to both the City of Ithaca and the Farmers’ Market if additional parking were created, it’s just the cost is something that the City is not in a financial position to fund right now – without doing it through a Capital Project, which takes might or might not be a request that would be approved for funding. Mr. Munzer stated that it would not be unreasonable for the Ithaca Farmers’ Market to contribute $20,000 towards the project, as long as the market would have exclusive right to use it when its’ there. He further stated that they have spoken with TCAT about possible shuttles back and forth to remote parking areas; however, their customers want to be able to drive to the market so they can drive their produce home - they don’t want to have to walk home with it or use a shuttle. The fact of the matter is, that right now, people just want to drive and that’s just is what it is. He noted that bike racks have been installed to encourage alternate means of transportation to and from the market, and soon charging stations for bikes will be installed. Commissioner Goldsmith asked whether parking for the market might be available in the Aldi’s grocery store parking lot. Mr. Munzer responded that people who use that lot for parking and go to the Ithaca Farmers’ Market will be towed because it is a private lot. CC Liaison Fleming stated that she uses the Tompkins County Department of Motor Vehicles parking when she goes to the Ithaca Farmers’ Market without any problems. Mr. Munzer responded that the Ithaca Farmers’ Market has an agreement with them to allow their customers to use that parking lot. Vice Chair Jenkins asked whether the Ithaca Farmers’ Market had explored some sort of bus transport on Saturdays and Sundays from the Tompkins County Department of Motor Vehicles to the market. Mr. Munzer responded that they have explored that idea and have been discussing it with the Mayor and Chief of Staff. They have also been exploring the TCAT parking lot and the use of a shuttle. He stated that the use of nearby alternate parking areas is something that the market would like to explore further; he asked what they need to do next. He noted that the market knows that there are locals that just won’t come to market because they can’t drive there, and because visitors make it so unpleasant for them as far as parking goes. Commissioner Darling asked whether the Ithaca Farmers’ Market had considered reconfiguring their parking lot. Mr. Munzer responded that they had and that they worked with Cornell University and the City of Ithaca Forester to see what could be done. It wouldn’t really make a big difference; they were able to trim some weeds which resulted in about 6 spaces. Commissioner Darling stated that the next step for the Ithaca Farmers’ Market would be to bring the proposal to staff in the Planning Department for review. The Planning Department will most likely say that a lead agency needs to be designated because of the environmental impacts to the wetland area where the additional parking spaces are proposed to be designated. It will then go to the Planning and Development Board for discussion, review, and so they can be designated as the lead agency for the project. Supt. Thorne stated that if the Planning and Development Board approves the project, the City of Ithaca would need to develop a memorandum of understanding with the Ithaca Farmers’ Market. Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes August 22, 2016 12 Commissioner Goldsmith questioned whether the City would be in support of the project if cost were no question; Supt. Thorne responded that it would. CC Liaison Fleming asked whether the Ithaca Farmers’ Market had ever worked with Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce or the Tourism Commerce for funding. Mr. Munzer responded that they work with both, and the market applies for a tourist grant each year. Commissioner Darling expressed some reservations in terms of the future development in that area and the market. He stated that there have been discussions about a proposed expansion of the City of Ithaca Waste Water Treatment Plant, and other property in the area being developed as well in the near future. He wondered why the City of Ithaca can’t just sell the land to the Ithaca Farmers’ Market. Mr. Munzer stated that right now, it is of value to the Ithaca Farmers’ Market to move forward with the proposal where they are. They have discussed and considered moving the market somewhere else, but the pavilion and persona of Steamboat Landing has really helped the market grow and what draws in so many people. Commissioner Goldsmith stated that the market might want to put more effort into arranging for a TCAT shuttle on Saturday and Sunday for transportation to and from the market and the parking lot at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and maybe expand the shuttle service to other nearby parking lots. The Ithaca Farmers’ Market then needs to work to promote these other areas to park, and about the TCAT shuttle. Commissioner Warden stated that one of the reasons people want to be able to drive to and from the Ithaca Farmers’ Market is due to the size of their purchases, oftentimes in bulk quantities. He wondered whether there might be a way for the market to facilitate transporting purchases from the market to the customers’ vehicle which could, for example, be parked at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If customers know that they will have assistance in transporting their bulk purchases, they might be more inclined to walk to the market rather than drive. Vice Chair Jenkins stated that some farmers/vendors will deliver purchases directly to your home, so that might be something to promote as well. She noted that locals should be made aware that there are market days around the City, other than Saturday and Sunday that might be easier for them to park and shop at. The Board recommended that the Ithaca Farmers’ Market bring their proposal to the Planning and Development Board for review and consideration. After that review, it would most likely come back to the Board of Public Works for further discussion and any other approvals that might be needed. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. _____________________________ _______________________________ Sarah L. Myers, Claudia Jenkins, Information Management Specialist Vice Chair