HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-24-17 Board of Public Works Meeting Agenda
BPW Meeting
Board of Public Works
DATE: April 24, 2017
TIME: 4:45 pm
LOCATION: 3rd Floor,
City Hall, Council Chambers
108 E. Green St., Ithaca
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 Public Works meets on the second and fourth Mondays at 4:45 p.m. All 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 or author invited to attend.
AGENDA ITEMS
Topic Voting? Presenter(s)
Time
Allowed
1. Call to Order/Agenda Review No Mayor Myrick 5 min.
2. Mayor’s Communications No Mayor Myrick
3. Communications and Hearings from Persons
Before the Board
No Public 5 min.
4. Response to the Public No Commissioners
5. Reports
A. Special Committees of the Board
B. Council Liaison
C. Board Liaisons
D. Superintendent and Staff
No Various 5 min.
6. New Project Presentation
7. Administration & Communications
A. Approval of Meeting Minutes
1. March 27, 2017
Yes Mayor Myrick 5 min.
8. Buildings, Properties, Refuse & Transit
A. A Resolution to Establish Guidelines for the Repair
or Reconstruction of Pedestrian Connections
between the Sidewalk and the Street
Yes Dir. of Eng. Logue 5 min.
The resolution is provided according to the Board’s discussion on March 27, 2017.
B. Board of Public Works Concurrence that the
Planning Board be Lead Agency in Environmental
Review for the Proposed Residential project at
323 Taughannock Blvd - Resolution
Yes Sr. Planner Nicholas 5 min.
Following the presentation on April 10, 2017, this resolution concurs that the Planning Board is
lead agent for this project.
9. Highways, Streets & Sidewalks
A. A Resolution to Delay Implementation of New
Street Permit Fees for “Existing Permits” for Use
of Streets or Sidewalk in Building Demotion or
Construction
Yes Dir. of Eng. Logue 5 min.
B. Award of Contract for Construction Materials
Testing Services for 2017 Construction Program
Yes Dir. of Eng. Logue 5 min.
Proposals were received for construction materials testing services in March 2017. Staff have
reviewed the proposals and recommend the award of the 2017 contract.
C. A Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for
The Environmental Review of the West
State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Corridor
Enhancements Project
Yes Dir. of Eng. Logue 5 min.
D. Environmental Review for West State/Martin
Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements
Project - Resolution
Yes Dir. of Eng. Logue 5 min.
Please see the information provided in this packet regarding the environmental review for this
project.
10. Parking & Traffic
11. Creeks, Bridges & Parks
A. Award of Bid for Capital Project #818 (Stewart
Avenue Bridge Repainting Project – Resolution
Yes Bridge Systems
Engineer – Gebre
5 min.
12. Water & Sewer
A. Award of Bids for Water & Sewer Division Pipe
and Materials Bids
Yes Asst. Supt. Whitney 5 min.
Because a quorum was not present on April 10, 2017, this resolution needs to be presented
again.
B. Award of Bid for the Annual Chemical Requirements Yes Asst. Supt. Whitney 5 min.
13. Discussion Items
A. An Appeal for Private Staircases in the City’s Right
of Way and Cost Sharing on East Spencer Street
No Dir. of Eng. Logue 10 min.
14. New Business No
15. Adjournment Yes
8A A Resolution to Establish Guidelines for the Repair or Reconstruction of
Pedestrian Connections between the Sidewalk and the Street
WHEREAS, around the City in many locations are pedestrian connections in the public right of
way between the public sidewalk, which runs generally parallel with the street, and the street
itself; these connections usually take the form of concrete slabs, steps, a staircase, or a ramp;
and
WHEREAS, it has been the policy and practice of the City that these connections are there for
the private benefit of the adjacent property owner and are therefore the responsibility of the
adjacent property owner; and
WHEREAS, as a matter of practice, when the City sponsors a construction project that would
modify these connections (and particularly when the connections are not in a state of good
repair), the City has offered to rebuild the connection at the property owners cost; and
WHEREAS, if the property owner declined this opportunity, the City would typically remove the
connection as serving no public benefit; and
WHEREAS, from time to time, adjacent property owners have appealed or will appeal that
these connections serve some public purpose and ought to be reconstructed at the City’s cost
or in some cost sharing arrangement; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works desires to establish a set of criteria to assist in
evaluating such appeals with the expectation that the criteria will provide guidance to staff,
Board Commissioners, and the public; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works establishes the following criteria as guidance to
assist in decision making in cases when an abutting property has appealed for City
participation in the cost of repairing or reconstructing pedestrian connections between the
public sidewalk and the street:
• The City is sponsoring a construction project that affects an existing pedestrian
connection as described above;
• Due to the City project, there would otherwise be no pedestrian access to the street
curb from the sidewalk due to a steep slope or retaining wall;
• The vertical distance between the top of curb and sidewalk is at least 4 feet;
• The proposed condition would otherwise have a longitudinal distance of more than 150
feet to some other pedestrian access to the street, such as a driveway apron, a set of
stairs, a concrete slab, or a ramp;
• The Police Chief and Fire Chief have agreed that the stairs would provide an
emergency services benefit;
• The Transportation Engineer has agreed that either a mid-block crossing is appropriate
or that the construction of the stairs is not likely to lead to a significant pedestrian or
traffic safety issue;
; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That these criteria are not meant to be the exclusive criteria to be used in
decision making and that other factors may be considered as needed; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That it is not the intention of the Board of Public Works to commit the City to
future maintenance of such pedestrian connections should they be approved for one time
funding and that it is the expectation of the Board that maintenance of the pedestrian
connections will still be the responsibility of the abutting property owners in accordance with
the City Code.
8B. Board of Public Works Concurrence that the Planning Board be Lead Agency in
Environmental Review for the Proposed Residential Project at 323 Taughannock Blvd. -
Resolution
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter
176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review, require that a lead agency be
established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law; and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the
lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has one pending application
for site plan approval for proposed residential project at 323 Taughannock Blvd the City of
Ithaca, by Noah Demarest for Rampart Real LLC.; and
WHEREAS, the project involves approvals for a Planned Unit Development (PUD),
subdivision, work on City property, and potentially disturbance to the banks and/or water of the
Old Cayuga Inlet; and
WHEREAS, the applicant is proposing construction of 8 attached townhomes on Inlet Island,
on a 0.242 acre lot. The townhomes will contain up to 2 dwelling units each for a maximum
total of 16 units with up to 24 bedrooms. The applicant is proposing zoning for the site that is
identical to the City’s adopted WF-2 zoning ordinance. The applicant proposes to subdivide
the parcel such that each unit is on a unique parcel. The project includes an 8 space parking
area that is accessed through the adjacent City-owned parking lot. The project includes some
improvements to the city-owned parking lot- which will require approval by the Board of Public
Works. The project also includes an asphalt walkway along the Old Cayuga Inlet, landscaping
and lighting; and
WHEREAS, this is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance (“CEQRO”) §176-4 (1) (h)[2] and (k) and the State Environmental Quality Review
Act (“SEQRA”) § 617.4 9 (b) (11) and is subject to environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the BPW and Common Council, the Canal Corporation, NYS DEC and Tompkins
County Department of Health have all been identified as potentially involved agencies in the
environmental review of this project; and
WHEREAS, it is the Planning Board’s intention to act as Lead Agency for the environmental
review of this project; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That BPW does hereby consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as
Lead Agency in environmental review for the proposed project.
9A. A Resolution to Delay Implementation of New Street Permit Fees for “Existing
Permits” for Use of Streets or Sidewalk in Building Demotion or Construction
WHEREAS, Section 342 of the City Code requires a street permit for work within the City right
of way and authorizes the Board of Public Works to set fees for such permits; and
WHEREAS, on February 13, 2017, the Board set new fees for street permits issued for use of
street or sidewalk space in building demolition and construction to be effective February 15,
2017 for any new permit and March 15, 2017 for any “existing” permit issued before February
15, 2017; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2017, the Board extended the implementation date for “existing”
projects to April 15, 2017; and
WHEREAS, issues about implementation for existing permits have continued and staff has
recommended, again, delaying implementation; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works amends the implementation of the new street
permit fee (as authorized on February 13, 2017) such that the new fees are in effect as of July
1, 2017 for permits issued before February 15, 2017.
9B. Award of Contract Construction Materials Testing Services for 2017 Construction
Program – Resolution
WHEREAS, three Proposals were received on Friday March 13, 2017 for the contract
for the 2017 professional services for construction materials testing services; and
WHEREAS, the lowest price proposed that met the terms of our request for proposals was
provided by SJB Services, INC. located at 60 Miller St, Cortland, NY, with a proposal not to
exceed $25,000.00 for testing and inspection services; and
WHEREAS, funding for the contract for professional services for construction materials
testing services for the 2017 construction program shall be provided through operating
budgets and capital programs; and
WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the City’s Engineering Department that the
contract be awarded to, SJB Services, Inc.; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works award the contract for professional
services for construction materials testing services for the 2017 construction program to
SJB Services, Inc. located at 60 Miller St, Cortland, NY, for the amount not to exceed
$25,000.00; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to enter into and
administer this contract.
9C. A Resolution to Declare Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review
of the West State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements Project
WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and the City of Ithaca
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR), Section 176 of the City Code,
require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of
projects in accordance with local and state environmental law; and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and funding or carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, SEQR and CEQR both provide for an uncoordinated review for “Unlisted”
projects that involve more than one agency; and
WHEREAS, the proposed construction of the West State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Corridor Enhancements project (PIN 395050, Capital Project # 790) is a “Unlisted”
action under SEQR and is an “Unlisted” action under CEQR; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself
lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed construction of the West
State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements project.
9D. Environmental Review for West State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor
Enhancements Project - Resolution
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the
environmental review for a project (“the Project”) entitled “West State/Martin Luther King Jr.
Street Corridor Enhancements” (PIN 395050, CP 790) in accordance with Section 176 of the
Ithaca City Code (CEQR) and in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State
Environmental Conservation Law (SEQR); and
WHEREAS, the Project includes construction or reconstruction of walkways, bikeways,
driveways, intersections, and traffic control to enhance conditions for people walking and
biking in the corridor; and
WHERAS, the Project is an Unlisted action according to CEQR and an Unlisted Action
according to SEQR; and
WHERAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR and for
SEQR; and
WHERAS, on April 24, 2017, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for an
uncoordinated environmental review for CEQR/SEQR; and
WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council has received a copy of the CEQR/SEQR short
forms and a set of plans for the project; and
WHERAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on April 24, 2017, reviewed
and accepted as complete Short Environmental Assessment Forms prepared by staff, and
Project plans prepared on behalf of the City by C&S Engineers, and other project materials;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the project for West State/Martin
Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements located in the City of Ithaca will result in no
significant negative environmental impact and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of
Article 8 of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the
provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act and that a Negative
Declaration for purposes of Section 176 of the City Code be filed in accordance with the City
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance.
11A. Award of Bid for Capital Project #818 (Stewart Avenue Bridge Painting Project)-
Resolution
WHEREAS, a project for the rehabilitation of the Stewart Avenue Bridge over Cascadilla Creek, P.I.N.
3755.94 (“the Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code as administered by the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA), as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs such
program to be borne at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-Federal funds; and
WHEREAS, On March 4, 2015, Common Council authorized the City of Ithaca to pay in the first
instance 100% of the Federal and non-Federal share of the costs of Scoping, Preliminary Design and
Detailed Design; and
WHEREAS, the sum of $80,000 has been appropriated from Capital Project #818 and made available
to cover the cost of participation in the above phases of the project; and
WHEREAS, as part of the approved 2017 budget, Common Council authorized $27,000 additional
funding to cover Project administration cost; and
WHEREAS, On October 21, 2016, additional $923,000 (80% Federal,15% State and 5% City share)
Project funding made available by New York State Department of Transportation for Construction and
Construction Inspection Phases; and
WHEREAS, On December 7, 2016, the City of Ithaca Common Council amends the Capital Project
budget authorizations for the Project by the sum of $950,000 (which includes $27,000 authorized in
2017 Capital Project Budget and the $923,000 covered in the supplemental agreement from New York
State Department of Transportation [NYSDOT]) for a total project cost not to exceed $1,030,000; and
WHEREAS, bids were received for the Project on March 27, 2017; and
WHEREAS, P.S. Bruckel, Inc., 2697 Lakeville Rd., Avon, NY submitted the low bid for both the Project
in the amount of $489,000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract for the Project
to P.S. Bruckel, Inc., 2697 Lakeville Rd., Avon, NY for its low bid of $489,000; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be and is hereby authorized to execute the
contract for the project and to administer the same.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Michael J. Thorne, P.E. Superintendent
Telephone: 607/274-6527 Fax: 607/274-6587
“An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification.”
Back-Up Item 11A
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Public Works
FROM: Addisu Gebre, Bridge Systems Engineer
DATE: April 18, 2017
RE: Award of Contract for Stewart Avenue Bridge Painting Project-CP#818
Please find enclosed a resolution and bid tabulation to award a contract to P.S. Bruckel Inc. for
Stewart Avenue Bridge Painting Project (CP#818).
Stewart Avenue Bridge Painting project is bridge specific project which will include field
cleaning and overcoating the existing structural steel. The project was advertised on NYS
Contract Reporter and Ithaca Journal on March 06, 2017 and the City received eight bids on
March 27, 2017. The following is a summary of the bid results:
Engineers Estimate =$797,264
Low Bidder’s bid amount =$489,000
% Difference =38.67% under
The low bidder, P.S.Bruckel Inc., successfully completed numerous projects in New York State
and has been in business for over 35 years. The company is also QP 1 and QP 2 certified by the
SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings), in removal of lead, asbestos and other heavy metal
coatings; therefore, I am ready to recommend that you award the contract to P.S. Bruckel Inc. in
an amount not to exceed for $489,000.
If you have any questions, please call Addisu Gebre, Bridge Systems Engineer @ 607-274-6530
12A. Award of Bids for Water & Sewer Division Pipe and Materials Bids – Resolution
WHEREAS, bids were received on March 16, 2017, for pipe and materials to be used during the 2017
construction and maintenance season; and
WHEREAS, the bid package consisted of 8 separate bid items, each to be awarded separately; and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the 5 bids received and made recommendations for award; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 1 for water main pipe to HD Supply
Waterworks of Binghamton, NY for a total contract of $9,270.00; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 2 for water main fittings to HD Supply
Waterworks of Binghamton, NY for a total contract of $8,376.90; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 3 for hydrants to Blair Supply Corp. of
Rochester, NY for a total contract of $25,977.00; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 4 for valve boxes to HD Supply
Waterworks of Binghamton, NY for a total contract of $3,061.00; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 5 for valves to HD Supply Waterworks
of Binghamton, NY for a total contract of $11,625.50; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 6 for flexible couplings to HD Supply
Waterworks of Binghamton, NY for a total contract of $240.00; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 7 for water service components to HD
Supply Waterworks of Binghamton, NY for a total contract of $2,346.50; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards Bid 8 for sanitary sewer pipe to Martisco
Corp. of Syracuse, NY for a total contract of $550.00.
12B. Award of Bid for the Annual Chemical Requirements – Resolution
WHEREAS, Staff received bids for the 2017-2018 Chemical Requirements on Tuesday March 14,
2017; and
WHEREAS, Based on this information, staff has recommendations for award of bids; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby accepts staff’s recommendations to award the
2017-2018 Chemical Requirements as follows:
Chemical Vendor Price (per unit)
Corrosion Inhibitor, per gal Shannon Chemical Corp. $6.340/gal
Liquid Sodium Hydroxide Slack Chemical Co. $1.298
Liquid Sodium Permanganate Slack Chemical Co. $8.350
Ferrous Chloride, per lb of iron per gal Amrex Chemical Co. $0.542/lb-Fe/gal
Ferric Chloride, per gal Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. $1.035/gal
Gas, Sulfur Dioxide, per lb Amrex Chemical Co. $0.940/lb
Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite, per gal Bison Laboratories, Inc. $0.777/gal
Liquid Polymer Slack Chemical Co. $7.654
Liquid Sodium Bisulfite Slack Chemical Co. $1.549
Liquid Citric Acid Coyne Chemical $5.251
; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board hereby authorizes the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Water
and Sewer to enter into agreements (purchase orders) for the bid awards.
BID TABULATION
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Kuehne Chemical Co., Inc.Kemira Water Solutions, Inc.Amrex Chemical Company PVS Technologies, Inc.
DEPARTMENT:PUBLIC WORKS 86 North Hackensack Avenue 3211 Clinton Pky Ct. #1 P.O. Box 642, 117 E. Frederick St.10900 Harper Avenue
South Kearny, NJ 07032 Lawrence, KS 66047 Binghamton, NY 13902 Detroit, MI 48213
BID FOR: ANNUAL CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS
OPENING: MARCH 14, 2017, 2:00 PM bids@kuehnecompany.com kwsna.bids@kemira.com info@amrexchemical.com bids@pvschemicals.com
ITEM
NO.QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT COST EXTENSIONS UNIT COST EXTENSIONS UNIT COST EXTENSIONS UNIT COST EXTENSIONS
1 3,000 Corrosion Inhibitor, per gallon $0.00 $0.00 $9.600 $28,800.00 $0.00
2 25,000 Ferrous Chloride, per pound of iron per gallon $0.00 $0.00 $0.542 $13,550.00 $0.880 $22,000.00
3 150,000 Ferric Chloride, per gallon $0.00 $1.035 $155,250.00 $0.00 $1.100 $165,000.00
4 10,500 Gas Sulfur Dioxide, per pound $0.00 $0.00 $0.940 $9,870.00 $0.00
5 105,000 Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite, per gallon $2.070 $217,350.00 $0.00 $0.850 $89,250.00 $0.00
Membrane Quality (not less than 12.5% delivered)
6 8,000 Liquid Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda), 25%$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
7 1,500 Liquid Polymer $0.00 $0.00 $16.910 $25,365.00 $0.00
8 2,950 Liquid Sodium Permanganate (20%)$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
9 2,240 Liquid Sodium Bisulfite (38%)$0.00 $0.00 $1.600 $3,584.00 $0.00
10 2,600 Liquid Citric Acid (50%)$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Addenda N/A N/A N/A N/A
Bid Security N/A N/A N/A N/A
TOTAL BID PRICE N/A N/A N/A N/A
BID TABULATION
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Bison Laboratories, Inc.Coyne Chemical Shannon Chemical Corp.Slack Chemical Co., Inc.
DEPARTMENT:PUBLIC WORKS 100 Leslie Street 3015 State Road P.O. Box 376 465 So. Clinton Street
Buffalo, NY 14211-1621 Croydon, PA 19021-6997 Malvern, PA 19355 Carthage, NY 13619
BID FOR: ANNUAL CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS
OPENING: MARCH 14, 2017, 2:00 PM katie@bisonlabs.com bidadministration@coynechemical.comdcflynn@shannonchem.com slack@slackchem.com
ITEM
NO.QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT COST EXTENSIONS UNIT COST EXTENSIONS UNIT COST EXTENSIONS UNIT COST EXTENSIONS
1 3,000 Corrosion Inhibitor, per gallon $0.00 $6.487 $19,461.00 $6.340 $19,020.00 $7.250 $21,750.00
2 25,000 Ferrous Chloride, per pound of iron per gallon $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.5693 $14,231.25
3 150,000 Ferric Chloride, per gallon $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
4 10,500 Gas Sulfur Dioxide, per pound $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2.030 $21,315.00
5 105,000 Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite, per gallon $0.777 $81,585.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.839 $88,095.00
Membrane Quality (not less than 12.5% delivered)
6 8,000 Liquid Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda), 25%$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1.298 $10,384.00
7 1,500 Liquid Polymer $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7.654 $11,481.00
8 2,950 Liquid Sodium Permanganate (20%)$0.00 $9.639 $28,435.05 $9.770 $28,821.50 $8.350 $24,632.50
9 2,240 Liquid Sodium Bisulfite (38%)$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1.549 $3,469.76
10 2,600 Liquid Citric Acid (50%)$0.00 $5.251 $13,652.60 $5.830 $15,158.00 $6.447 $16,762.20
Addenda N/A N/A N/A N/A
Bid Security N/A N/A N/A N/A
TOTAL BID PRICE N/A N/A N/A N/A
13A A Resolution for the Reconstruction of Pedestrian Connections Between the
Sidewalk and the Street at #111 East Spencer Street - Discussion
WHEREAS, around the City in many locations are pedestrian connections in the public right-
of-way between the public sidewalk, which runs generally parallel with the street, and the
street itself; these connections usually take the form of concrete slabs, steps, a staircase, or a
ramp; and
WHEREAS, it has been the policy and practice of the City that these connections are there for
the private benefit of the adjacent property owner and are therefore the responsibility of the
adjacent property owner; and
WHEREAS, as a matter of practice, when the City sponsors a construction project that would
modify these connections (and particularly when the connections are not in a state of good
repair), the City has offered to rebuild the connection at the property owners cost; and
WHEREAS, if the property owner declined this opportunity, the City would typically remove the
connection as serving no public benefit; and
WHEREAS, from time to time, adjacent property owners have appealed or will appeal that
these connections serve some public purpose and ought to be reconstructed at the City’s cost
or in some cost sharing arrangement; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has established a set of criteria to assist in evaluating
such appeals with the expectation that the criteria will provide guidance to staff, Board
Commissioners, and the public; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the appeal of #111 East Spencer St.,
property owner Peter Penniman, and consents that he has met the following criteria as
guidance to assist in decision making in cases when an abutting property has appealed for
City participation in the cost of repairing or reconstructing pedestrian connections between the
public sidewalk and the street:
• The City is sponsoring a construction project that affects an existing pedestrian
connection as described above;
• Due to the City project, there would otherwise be no pedestrian access to the street
curb from the sidewalk due to a steep slope or retaining wall;
• The vertical distance between the top of curb and sidewalk is at least 4 feet;
• The proposed condition would otherwise have a longitudinal distance of more than 150
feet to some other pedestrian access to the street, such as a driveway apron, a set of
stairs, a concrete slab, or a ramp;
• The Police Chief and Fire Chief have agreed that the stairs would provide an
emergency services benefit;
• The Transportation Engineer has agreed that either a mid-block crossing is appropriate
or that the construction of the stairs is not likely to lead to a significant pedestrian or
traffic safety issue;
; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That these criteria are met and the Board of Public Works authorizes the
appropriate Sidewalk Improvement District fund to share the cost of this pedestrian connection
50%; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That it is not the intention of the Board of Public Works to commit the City to
future maintenance of such pedestrian connections should they be approved for one time
funding and that it is the expectation of the Board that maintenance of the pedestrian
connections will still be the responsibility of the abutting property owners in accordance with
the City Code.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
Office of City Engineer
Telephone: 607 / 274-6530 Fax: 607 / 274-6415
TO: Board of Public Works
FROM: Johnathan Licitra, Sidewalk Program Manager
DATE: 4/6/2017
RE: East Spencer St: An appeal for private staircases in the City ROW and cost sharing
A property owner of #111 East Spencer St, Peter Penniman, presented a letter to the Board of Public
Works (BPW) at the January 9th 2017 meeting. The letter requested that the City pay for the private
staircase replacement within the City’s street Right-of-Way (ROW) during the planned capital project
for the East Spencer St Retaining Wall and Sidewalk Replacement Project (estimated 2017). Based
on the Board’s new guidelines for private staircases, the following checklist of required items are
detailed below:
1. City is sponsoring a construction project
Yes—2016 Approved Capital Project
$100,000, Construction planned 2017
2. Due to the City Project, there would be no
pedestrian access to the street curb from the
sidewalk due to the retaining wall.
Yes—As shown from preliminary
design plans.
3. The vertical distance between the top of
curb and sidewalk is at least 4 feet.
Yes—As shown from preliminary
design plans, the retaining wall is 4 feet
tall, plus 4’ tall pedestrian fence.
4. The proposed longitudinal distance would
have access to another set of stairs or ramp
more than 150 feet away.
Yes, on average 150 feet—The
proposed distance is 120 feet to the
East and 180 feet to the West.
5. The Police Chief has agreed that the stairs
would provide an emergency services benefit
In different—via email to
J. Licitra 5 April 2017
6. The Fire Chief has agreed that the stairs
would provide an emergency services benefit
Yes—via email to
J. Licitra 22 Feb 2017
7. The Transportation Engineer has agreed
that either a mid-block crossing or that the
construction of the stairs is not likely to lead to
a significant pedestrian or traffic safety issue.
Awaiting final drawings—via verbal
discussions to J. Licitra
8. The adjacent property owner, Peter
Penniman, has agreed to 50% cost share and to
maintain the staircases.
Yes—via email to
J. Licitra 4 April 2017
APP
R
OXI
MAT
ENOR
T
H
AS SHOWN
GENERAL PLAN
EAST SPENCER ST. - LOCATION N4’-0"4’-0"5’-0"2’0 2’4’
SCALE BAR
EL. 99.79
STA. N 10+19.2, 4.0’ LT
EL. 99.89
STA. N 10+24.2, 4.0’ LT
uEL. 99.9
STA. N 10+13.4
MATCH EXISTING
EL. 99.89
STA. N 10+19.2, 1.0’ RT
EL. 100.63
STA. N 10+36.2, 4.0’ LT
EL. 100.71
STA. N 10+36.2
EL. 99.99
STA. N 10+24.2, 1.0’ RT
EL. 100.54
STA. N 10+24.8, 7.6’ RT
EL. 100.44
STA. N 10+19.9, 8.0’ RT
MATCH EXISTING ELEVATION
STA. N 10+12.12, 11.8’ RT
ITEM 608.21000003
EMBEDDED DETECTABLE WARNING UNIT
uEL. 100.6
STA. N 10+20.3, 13.0’ RT
MATCH EXISTING
uEL. 100.7
STA. N 10+25.3, 12.6’ RT
MATCH EXISTING
APPROXIMATE HIGHWAY BOUNDARY
STA. N 10+19.9, 8.0’ RT
MATCH EXISTING
BEGIN WORK
ITEM 663.33
ADJUST EXISTING VALVE BOX
ITEM 608.0101
CONCRETE SIDEWALK
PAID UNDER ITEM 640.20
TYPE S CROSSWALK
E. SPENCER ST.S. CAYUGA ST.ITEM 609.0203
BEGIN GRANITE CURB
STA. N 10+13.3, 0.4’ RT
MATCH EXISTING
BEGIN WORK
ITEM 663.33
ADJUST EXISTING VALVE BOXITEM 619.080101
REMOVE STRIPING
ITEM 640.20
STOP BAR
GRADING LIMITS
SLOPE TO MATCH SIDEWALK RAMP
CONCRETE APRON, ITEM 608.0101
6" SUBBASE, ITEM 304.12
HOT MIX ASPHALT, ITEM 402.198902
ITEM 614.0701
REMOVE STUMPS (2)
SEE DETAIL ON DWG. NO. N-DET-01
ITEM 609.95020111
BEGIN ORNAMENTAL STEEL PICKET FENCE
STA. N 10+70.0
SEE DETAIL ON DWG. NO. N-DET-01
ITEM 554.40
BEGIN RETAINING WALL
STA. 10+70.0
ITEM 608.500100DE
PRE-CAST CONCRETE STAIR UNIT
N-GNP-01
TO BE PAID FOR BY HOMEOWNER
E. SPENCER ST. & SIDEWALK
CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE STEPS BETWEEN
END SIDEWALK
END RETAINING WALL
END CURB
STA. N 12+94.8
MATCH EXISTING
END WORK
N 10+00N 10+50N 11+00
N 11+50
N 12+00
N 12+50
N 13+00
CJM
DRAWING NO.SCALE
SHEETDATET:\2015\2015.343.001 Sidewalk Curb Ramp Design & CS\Drawings\Highway\plans\2015.343.001_cph_gnp_N_01.dgn5:49:04 PM4/4/2017ssanyshynCHECKED BY :DETAILED BY :DESIGNED BY:IN CHARGE OF :CHECKED BY : USER = DATE = FILE NAME =IS ALTERED, THE ALTERING ENGINEER, ARCHITECT, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, OR LAND SURVEYOR SHALL STAMP THE DOCUMENT AND INCLUDE THE NOTATION "ALTERED BY" FOLLOWED BY THEIR SIGNATURE, THE DATE OF SUCH ALTERATION, AND A SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERATION.IT IS A VIOLATION OF LAW FOR ANY PERSON, UNLESS THEY ARE ACTING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, ARCHITECT, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, OR LAND SURVEYOR, TO ALTER AN ITEM IN ANY WAY. IF AN ITEM BEARING THE STAMP OF A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
OF
CITY OF ITHACA
SIDEWALK AND CURB RAMP DESIGNSASCJMCJM
xSASJULY 2016
CLEANOUT
SANITARY
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.CONC.
S/WCONC. R/WP
LANTERAS
P
HALT DRI
VEWAYAS
P
HALT DRI
VEWAYCONC. S/WW.V.
HYD.
W.V.
W.V.
GRAVEL
CONC. S/WW.V.
W.V.MONOLITHIC CURB & SIDEWALK BRIDGE JOINT
c BRIDGE RAIL"NO LEFT"
"STOP"
CONC. GUTTER
ROCK
ROCK
METAL TREADBOTTOM
STEPSCONC.
PED. RAILING
4" CATALPA
CONC. S/WPORCH
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.
STUMP
PED. RAILING
PED. RAILING
PED. RAILINGCONC. S/WCONC. S/WSTEPS
CONC.
BRUSH/OVERGROWN
IRON PIPE
FND.
R.R. TIE RET. WALL
8" CHERRY
18" SPRUCE
SHRUB PORCH
POSTS
FIRE ESCAPE
PORCH
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.
PORCH)
(GOES UNDER
PIPE
G.V.
W.V.
PED. RAILING
4" CPP
PORCH
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.
CONC. S/W
CONC. S/W
CONC. S/W
PED. RAILING
WOOD RET. WALL WOOD RET. WALL
WOOD RET. WALL
CONC. STAI
RSSTAIRSCONC.
STAIRS
CONC.
STAIRS
CONC.
STAIRS
CONC.
G.V.
W.V.
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.
PORCH
PORCH
PORCH
WD. FR. HOUSE
2 STRY.HUT
CAN
GARBAGE
PORCH
POSTPORCH
W.V.
P.B.CONC.
S
TAI
RSCONC. R/WMETER
ELEC.
CONC.
OVERGROWN CONC.
CONC.
STAIRSCONC.
STAIRSCONC.
CONC. S/W
CONC. S/W
CONC. S/W
CONC. S/W
CONC.
W.V.
W.V.G.V.
CONC.
(ONE WAY <---)EAST SPENCER ST.
(ONE WAY <---)EAST SPENCER ST.SOUTH CAYUGA ST.SOUTH CAYUGA ST.RAILING
METAL PED.
CONC.
128
NYSEG
129
NYSEG
DECID.
6"
WD. STRS
L27
NYSEG
STUMP
24" MAPLE
S
PED X-ING
"
"
RAILING
PED.
E
"
"
"
PORCH
7" DECID.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"