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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2015-05-11 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:51 p.m. May 11, 2015 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) – Darling, Goldsmith, Greene, Jenkins, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – West Director of Parking – Nagy Common Council Liaison – Fleming Executive Assistant – Gehring EXCUSED: City Attorney – Lavine Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Dir. of Eng. West requested that item 8C entitled “Award of Bid for Seneca Street Parking Garage – Priority 4 Repairs – Resolution” be deleted. No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Myrick announced that May 15, 2015, was “Bike to Work” Day in Tompkins County. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: David West, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC) member, addressed the Board regarding bike lanes on North Cayuga Street. He expressed support for adding a protected bike lane and for repaving the street. He proposed installing two 4’ bike lanes, instead of the currently proposed 4’ and 5’ lanes, and including a 1’ barrier between the vehicle travel lanes and bike lanes. Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca addressed the Board regarding bike lanes on North Cayuga Street. He expressed support for adding a protected bike lane. He stated that if the City was going to put in bike lanes, it was not unreasonable to ask for a little additional protection for cyclists. Marshall McCormick, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding bike lanes on North Cayuga Street. He expressed support for adding a protected bike lane and stated that protected bike lanes reduce the risk of cyclists running into car doors if they suddenly open. Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding dust from the Commons construction, expressing concern that the dust was not being covered. She further expressed support for installing two bike lanes on North Cayuga Street. Sam Bosco, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding installing protected bike lanes. He stated that he does not have a car, and was supportive of installing protected bike lanes on North Cayuga Street. He further encouraged the Board to think about cyclists on any new construction project. Indigo Wild, City of Ithaca resident, expressed support for protected bike lanes. Patrick Braga, City of Ithaca and BPAC member, expressed support for protected bike lanes. He noted that was protected lanes, people of all ages would be able to ride on the street. Samantha Hillson, City of Ithaca, expressed support for the Columbia Street Bridge Art proposal, noting that the Public Arts Commission would like a professional mural on the wall under the bridge to reduce graffiti. Board of Public Works Page 2 May 11, 2015 Regular Meeting RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Warden thanked everyone that spoke regarding the proposed bike lanes, and stated the goal of the Board was to keep everyone safe. Commissioner Goldsmith added that suggestions from BPAC about what to do when the bike lane ends at the southern end of North Cayuga Street at Cascadilla Road would be appreciated. Mayor Myrick noted that if a protected bike lane was installed on the east side of North Cayuga Street, bicyclists would have to either cross the street at the intersection to continue south or travel to Tioga Street. Asst. Supt. Benjamin noted that snow removal would be difficult during winter months if a protected bike lane was installed. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the expense of installing barriers, the age of the 1997 Bike and Pedestrian Plan that suggested protected bike lanes, asking BPAC to update the plan, and the construction schedule that was planned. It was noted that the engineers had stated that North Cayuga Street was not the right location for protected bike lanes due to many different factors. Mayor Myrick stated he would like to discuss the options at the first Board meeting in June, including pros and cons of each option. Dir. of Eng. West was clear that there was no budget for bike lanes; the existing staff proposal would utilize the street striping budget to paint the bike lanes. REPORTS Council Liaison Alderperson Fleming reported that on Saturday, Council members received an e-mail from a resident on Giles Street about the trashing of the dams, with beer bottles and cans being left behind. Residents asked that the City patrol the road to keep everyone but the residents from parking on the street. Mayor Myrick responded that staff have been discussing this issue, and would like to have police officers patrol the gorge areas, especially on nice weekends. Commissioner Darling mentioned that other cities have utilized volunteers to get the word out about what shouldn’t be done in the watershed. Discussion followed on the floor regarding ways to educate the public about what was acceptable and not acceptable behavior in the watershed. Mayor Myrick stated that there would be targeted enforcement and ticketing of cars. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. West reported that the renovation of the Stewart Park pavilion bathroom was well under way, the outdoor dining spaces on the Commons had been marked, Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the repaving project on Tioga Street was on schedule, with milling beginning May 22, 2015, and paving beginning June 1, 2015. Dir. of Parking Nagy reported that bases had been poured for the new on-street pay machines and several machines had been installed. It was expected to begin training next week with the pay machines going live on June 1, 2015. Supt. Thorne reported that the Willard Way watermain replacement would be operational in approximately four weeks, and the kick-off meeting for the Water Sports Committee would be scheduled soon. Commissioner Greene reported that he had volunteered at the Skate Jam on Buffalo Street, stating it was a very cool set up. He noted that several cars had to be towed because they were parked in clearly marked “no parking” zones. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Request for Encroachment Agreement/License for Sign at Ithaca Cayuga Optical, 134 - 136 East State Street, the Commons – Proposed Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander Wood, the tenant of the property at 134-36 East State, owned by Renvyle Assoc, LLC, (Tax Map Parcel No. 70.-2-24) in the City of Ithaca has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City into the adjacent East State Street (Commons pedestrian space) right-of-way; and Board of Public Works Page 3 May 11, 2015 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: A building sign, as proposed to the Board of Zoning Appeals on April 7, 2015, constructed of steel, approximately 3 feet in length and 18 inches in width, and projecting over the store’s entrance by approximately 3 feet, thereby encompassing an encroachment into the right of way by approximately 4.5 square feet, which is shown on a drawing stamped and entitled Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the Board of Zoning Appeals approved the variance from the 18” projection limit; and WHEREAS, the 2015-16 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 134-136 The Commons, 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 Request for Permanent Easement for 327 Eddy Street Proposed Encroachment By Commissioner Green: Seconded by Commissioner Darling WHEREAS, through, Steve Fontana, as representative of the owner of 327 Eddy Street (Tax Map Parcel No. 63.-6-24, Stephen A Fontana Trust owner of record), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City into the adjacent Eddy Street right-of-way; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: An encroachment extending into the City-owned airspace from the fifth floor of the building located on 327 Eddy Street two feet to the west and extending twelve feet running north and south, parallel to the building face. WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed encroachment into the City’s airspace will not interfere with the right of way 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 recommended fee for this permanent easement is $3,073.84, based on the Pomeroy appraisal value of $75.77 for one year of use at the current appraisal rate in Collegetown of $2.87 per square foot, calculated out for a thirty year depreciation period and 2% rate of inflation, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that Common Council authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary paperwork to grant the easement described above. Commissioner Warden mentioned that there were other properties had encroachments and did not have to pay anything to the City. Commissioner Goldsmith stated that the City asked the developer to make some design changes, so they felt the $75 annual fee would be acceptable. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Award of Bid for Seneca Street Parking Garage – Priority 4 Repairs – Resolution This topic was deleted from the agenda. Board of Public Works Page 4 May 11, 2015 Regular Meeting HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Award of Professional Services Contract for Pedestrian Signal Countdown Timer Project – Resolution By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith WHEREAS, six professional services proposals were received on January 15, 2015 for the Pedestrian Signal Countdown Timer Project (PIN 375590, CP 801), and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the six proposals received and made recommendations for award, and WHEREAS, engineering studies and designs are Type II actions requiring no further review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act or the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards a professional services contract for the Pedestrian Signal Countdown Timer Project (PIN 375590, CP 801) to Popli Design Group, of Penfield, New York, for an amount not to exceed $32,000, and be it further, RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Superintendent of Public Works be hereby authorized to enter into said contract under the usual terms and conditions. Dir. of Eng. West explained the project, which included 16 traffic signals, adding countdown timers for pedestrian safety. Commissioner Goldsmith suggested coordinating the traffic light and the pedestrian light. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Approval of Columbia Street Bridge 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 several City-owned sites for inclusion on the list of potential sites in City of Ithaca Public Art Commission’s Mural and Street Art Program by resolution on May 19, 2010 and approved additional sites for inclusion in the program since that time, and WHEREAS, as a result of this approval, 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 Natural Areas Commission requested that the PAC consider the walls of the Columbia Street Bridge as a location for a future mural, and WHEREAS, the PAC agreed that the location would be ideal for a future mural and would help deter ongoing graffiti, and WHEREAS, at its meeting on March 25, 2015, the PAC voted to recommend that the walls of the Columbia Street Bridge be approved by the Board as a location for future murals and the Natural Areas Commission supported this recommendation at its meeting on April 7, 2015; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the City-owned walls of the Columbia Street Bridge for inclusion on the list of potential sites for the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program; and be it further Board of Public Works Page 5 May 11, 2015 Regular Meeting 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 art mural RFP or contract with a participating artist reflects and accommodates the needs and constraints of the City. Mayor Myrick expressed support for this proposal to reduce graffiti on the abutment walls. Commissioner Goldsmith noted that the artwork complete by the Public Arts Commission has been done very well; he supported the proposal. Joe McMahan, Natural Areas Commission Chair, joined the Board for the discussion of this item, stating that he had painted over graffiti several times, and students from Lehman Alternative School had painted some murals on the pillars, but it was a long time ago. He further stated that another idea was to include some plantings on part of it, such as briars or poison ivy, to keep people away from the wall. The Board generally agreed with the proposal and agreed to vote on the resolution at the next Board meeting. Petition to Rename Plain Street Mayor Myrick expressed his opinion that he would not want to rename a street that wasn’t tied to the name. He would like people that actually lived on Plain Street to express interest in the renaming, and he would like the renaming to honor African Americans. He noted that the City had only so many streets; they should commemorate the City’s own history. Discussion followed on the floor regarding commemorating Nelson Mandala in other ways than renaming a street, obtaining input from residents on or near Plain Street, endorsing local history, and the complexities involved in renaming a street, including updating the 911 and GIS systems. Further discussion followed regarding previously renamed streets throughout the City, and communicating the Board’s feelings about renaming Plain Street to requestor Gino Bush. Mayor Myrick stated he would contact Mr. Bush directly. Commissioner Warden suggested the City create a policy and procedure for renaming streets, stressing the commemoration of local figures. Mayor Myrick stated he would contemplate that suggestion; Dir. of Eng. West suggested naming intersections or traffic circles rather than entire streets. Fees Associated with Heritage Permits Supt. Thorne explained that the owner of Louie’s Lunch had visited the office to renew his permit and wanted to know how much the permit fee was. From a letter dated June 2011, the permit fee was listed at approximately $2,000; under the Street Vending Policy, because this truck and the Hot Truck was stationary 24 hours per day, the permit fee would be about $6,000. The City has stated that it will not disrupt operations for these two vendors under the Heritage Permit, but a permit fee structure was never determined. He requested direction from the Board. Mayor Myrick state he thought the Heritage Permit vendors would move to the new fee structure under the Street Vending Policy. Commissioner Goldsmith agreed. Commissioner Darling stated that the Heritage Permit was intended to allow these two vendors to remain in their current locations without having to move and pay what was charged before the Street Vending Policy was enacted. If the vendors wanted to move to another location, they would have to follow the policy. Exec. Asst. Gehring stated that the resolution passed by the Board to create the Heritage Permit stated the vendors must follow all rules in the current policy with the exception of being in the lottery. Commissioner Goldsmith expressed support for charging the higher fee according to the new policy. He stated that Al Smith, owner of the Hot Truck, wanted to be able to move but not enter the lottery. He further noted that a new lottery was to occur annually, so no one is guaranteed one location permanently. Board of Public Works Page 6 May 11, 2015 Regular Meeting Mayor Myrick supported charging $6,300 for the Heritage Permit because the trucks were parked on the street 24 hours per day. The Board generally agreed. Discussion followed on the floor regarding serving hours at various approved vending locations versus the 24 hour allowance for the Heritage Permit. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor