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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2016-05-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. May 9, 2016 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (4) – Goldsmith, Greene, Jenkins, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – Logue Director of Parking – Nagy Executive Assistant – Servoss EXCUSED: Commissioner Darling Common Council Liaison – Fleming City Attorney – Lavine DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Supt. Thorne requested that item 11B, entitled “Negative declaration of environmental significance for Brindley Street Bridge Replacement Project – Resolution” be moved to a non- voting discussion item. No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor had no communications at this time. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: The following citizens addressed the Board regarding the Bicycle Boulevard an d the North Tioga Street Project: David West, City of Ithaca, and expressed disappointment that only one resolution was offered and it did not provide for any bicycle improvements. He would like bike lanes on one side of North Tioga Street. He stated he recently looked at the parking system, and found 1,700 off- street parking spaces in the downtown corridor, with 3,000 spaces in the garages. The parking system is only 60% occupied; removing parking on North Tioga Street would not cause a huge impact. Amanda Zerilli, South Hill resident in the Town of Ithaca, expressed her belief in the Mobility and Transportation Plan in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, stating it was a model for the 21st century city that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. She would like the bike lane and removal of on-street parking on one side of the street. Andrejs Ozolins, West Hill resident, stated there had been so many promises and concerned for the kids trying to get around the city, and the Bike Plan promised safe travel for youth. He noted that these two blocks of Tioga Street would connect the neighborhood to downtown. Fernando deAragon, Director of ITCTC, responded to comments about surface lots in the downtown area, stating the idea that there wasn’t enough parking wa s upsetting. There are plenty of spaces for people to park. He expressed concern about buses handling speed humps if they were installed and the cost of the speed humps and stencils. He stated that it was not structurally the best use of these two blocks. He thought that the best way to address this issue would be to return to removing parking on one side of the street and adding two bike lanes. Ann Sullivan, City of Ithaca, thanked the Board for the discussion held at the last Board meeting. She was particularly moved and more committed to Sharrows after hearing issues from a disabled person. The Sharrows were a compromise. She urged the Board to install Board of Public Works Page 2 May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting more disabled parking spaces in that area, noting that she did not want to make improvements for bicyclists at the expense of the disabled and elderly. David Nutter, City of Ithaca, expressed concerned about the proposed resolution and stated he was against speed humps. He wanted bike lanes. He stated that the courthouse should provide handicapped parking spaces. Jan Schwartzberg, City of Ithaca, explained that she worked in downtown at a small business and the bicycle plan had been approved for many years, along with having the new comprehensive plan. She urged the board to review the proposed plan from the last board meeting and suggested the city install more adequate signage. Jan Lawless, Town of Ithaca, addressed the idea of a subcommittee to review the Bike Boulevard Plan. She expressed concern that people were not able to find parking spaces near where they needed to go. She stated that people are afraid businesses might need to move away from the area, and the bank was afraid people would begin using their parking lot that is only for their customers if parking was removed from the street. She further asked why the bike lane was not extended to the Commons from North Cayuga Street. Sam Bosco, City of Ithaca, suggested the Board continue with the plans they said they would do. He stated he would rather see bike lanes go all the way down Cayu ga Street to create a north-south thruway for bikes. He noted that he was a member of BPAC, and they still did not have a liaison from the Board of Public Works, which was required by the City’s Charter. He urged the board to include a BPAC representative on any parking commission that might be established. Jennifer Dotson, City of Ithaca, state she worked in transportation at Carshare, is a member of the TCAT Board, and volunteered on Bike/Walk Tompkins, which advocates for biking and walking in Tompkins County. She thanked the Board for talking about Tioga Street for six meetings in a row. She suggested looking at intermunicipal agreements to see what the Town and County could help with. What changes could be made in the future, such as reducing speed limits. Mitja Stragapede, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the appeal of the light pole replacement bill. He stated that the day of his accident was particularly bad with many accidents throughout Ithaca due to the weather and bad road conditions. He read the letter he previously submitted. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Supt. Thorne responded to public, stating the resolution for North Tioga Street does not include speed humps in the 200-300 blocks, only the 400 block. He further stated that the City had two very old garages that were taking more and more expense to repair them. Commissioner Goldsmith responded that it was an impressive array of public comments. The whole Board would like to take all surface lots and turn them into short term parking, but the City could not do that. Commissioner Warden stated that there were a lot of people that needed to drive to get to businesses on the two block area of North Tioga Street and asked if the plan specifically designated the street as part of the Bike Boulevard. Staff responded affirmatively. REPORTS Board Liaisons Commissioner Greene reported that the Mobile Vending Subcommittee had not met recently, but should have something for the next meeting. Commissioner Warden requested an update on Cass Park Rink project. Superintendent and Staff Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that work has continued on the Cass Park Rink Roof. Electricians were working on lighting locations, and staff was working with the architect on the enclosure of the rink. Commissioner Goldsmith reported that storage for non-motorized boats and boat rental concessions would be in Cass and Stewart Parks this year. Board of Public Works Page 3 May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting Dir. of Eng. Logue further reported that the clay pipe along North Tioga Street was in good condition so it would not be replaced, saving $50,000 on the project. He further stated that the Lake Street Bridge would close on Monday, May 16, 2016; notice had been put up on Lake Street; staff was reviewing the environmental impact statement on the Chainworks projects; and a request had been submitted from Andree Petroleum to restrict parking on Third Street Extension. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the pedestrian and railroad crossings at Third Street and Willow Avenue by Norfolk Southern Railroad. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that the golf course was open, the contractor was set up to re- shingle the clubhouse roof; spring plantings were moving forward; and due to the weather, paving of South Aurora Street might be delayed by a week. Dir. of Parking reported that revenues for April were $88,000; final proofs for scratch off cards were approved; and locations had been marked for new pay station installations. Supt. Thorne reported that meetings had continued with contractors in Collegetown. A closure of College Avenue was to begin on June 13th for 5-6 weeks. He further noted that boat storage would be available by Memorial Day in Cass and Stewart Parks. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the April 25, 2016, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 25, 2016, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Award of Contract for Professional Services for the University Avenue Rehabilitation Project – Proposed Resolution WHEREAS, professional services proposals were received on February 12, 2016 for the University Avenue Rehabilitation project, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the four proposals received and made recommendations for award, and WHEREAS, engineering studies and designs are a Type II action requiring no further review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works hereby awards the professional services contracts for the University Avenue Rehabilitation project to Erdman Anthony and Associates, of Rochester, New York, for an amount not to exceed $115,000, and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Public Works be hereby authorized to enter into said contracts under the usual terms and conditions. Supt. Thorne noted that this project was for the portion of University Ave nue near Cascadilla Creek. Discussion followed on the floor regarding when repairs to the Forest Home Drive retaining wall might occur. Supt. Thorne responded that plans were still under consideration. Dir. of Eng. Logue explained the scope of the contract for Professional Services would include for the University Avenue Rehabilitation Project. The Board requested that the resolution return to them for the next meeting. PARKING AND TRAFFIC: A Resolution to Direct Staff to Implement a Portion of the Bicycle Boulevard Plan along North Tioga Street By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works adopted a Bicycle Boulevard plan, as amended, and Board of Public Works Page 4 May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has proposed a repaving projec t in the 300 and 400 blocks of North Tioga Street, which could implement the rest of the Bicycle Boulevard plan along Tioga Street, and WHEREAS, after considering public comment and parking data collected, the Board would like to modify the action called for in the plan between the Commons and Court Street, at this time; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to continue similar Bicycle Boulevard pavement markings, wayfinding signs and speed limit signs as used on othe r portions of the Bicycle Boulevard along North Tioga Street, for the segment of North Tioga Street between the Commons and Court Street, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Vehicle & Traffic Schedules reflect a 25 mph speed limit along North Tioga Street between Seneca Street and Farm Street, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install speed humps proposed by staff in the March 14th BPW agenda on the 400 Block of Tioga Street only, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff review and incorporate additional ADA parking spaces at locations coinciding with ADA access ramps in the design of the North Tioga Street repaving project, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends the creation of a wo rking group to evaluate parking needs and bicycle infrastructure needs within the downtown core. Commissioner Greene stated he would vote “No” on this resolution. He explained that there was careful thought that went into writing the resolution, but the best way to study the impact of putting in bike lanes was to try it out, and there was low cost doing the study. He further stated that it would be nice to offer parking in the surface lots, but city could do not control them. He stated the best thing to do was to add pressure to stakeholders to show that on-street parking was not a “given.” In addition, he stated that just because something was written and approved in the past, did not mean the plan should be implemented. Conditions change, and plans may or may not continue to be good ideas. He suggested that we try putting in the bike lanes because it could always go back to the way it was next year since paint could be removed. Mayor Myrick expressed appreciation for Commission Greene’s comments, and stated the impact to parking overall was minor if bike lanes were installed. Commissioner Goldsmith noted that the proposal was provided by our Director of Engineering and was supported by Fernando D’Aragon at the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Co uncil, and it was hard to argue against the experts for trying it out. Discussion followed on the floor regarding reducing vehicle speed even further and moving the speed hump to the 300 block rather than the 400 block. It was noted that the volume of traffic was significantly higher on those two blocks of North Tioga Street than the rest of the street. Dir. of Eng. Logue stated that it cost only a few thousand dollars if construction was already in progress to install new speed humps. Further discussion was held regarding the impact of additional speed humps to TCAT buses, particularly the #10 route that traveled North Tioga Street every 10-15 minutes. It was noted that speed humps were not convenient for large vehicle such as snow plows, buses and fire trucks. Additional discussion followed on the floor regarding installing additional parking spaces for persons with disabilities. Dir. of Eng. Logue stated the Board could make a decision on reserving parking spaces but it was a balancing act on the right number of reserved spaces. Commissioner Warden suggested changing the configuration of the street to make Tioga Street one-way going north, and changing Aurora Street to two-way travel. He further stated he would like to see different access to the Commons. Supt. Thorne responded that every time this topic was discussed, new options came up. The city was just trying to pave the road. Changing Tioga Street to one-way traffic was an intriguing idea, but the Board would really need to think about the impacts and how much it would cost to repair the garages. Board of Public Works Page 5 May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting Commissioner Goldsmith noted that basically all that has to be done was to pave the road and put down some paint. He believed it would be a long while before the City could make any traffic pattern changes. Mayor Myrick stated he intended to vote affirmatively for the resolution as written, with the addition of one more speed hump to slow traffic down. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Ayes (3) – Warden, Jenkins, Myrick Nayes (2) – Goldsmith, Greene Abstentions (0) Carried (3-2) CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: A Resolution Accepting a New NYSDOT Use and Occupancy Permit and All Responsibilities for the Trail on the Gateway Pedestrian Bridge By Commissioner Goldsmith: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, NYSDOT currently has a Use & Occupancy Permit (#33669) with the City of Ithaca for Gateway Pedestrian Bridge (the “Bridge”) spanning Route 13,and WHEREAS, The Town of Ithaca is currently undertaking design of the Gateway Trail Project, P.I.N. 3754.52 (the “Project”) which crosses Route 13 via the Bridge, and WHEREAS, according to the Use & Occupancy Permit (#33669) , the City of Ithaca (the “City”) is responsible for maintaining the Bridge in a sound condition for its intended or used purpose(s) and to ensure that the Bridge or its condition does not threaten the integrity of the State’s highway system and/or its associated property. The City will immediately notify the State if any such condition exists and will take immediate action to rectify the situation to the satisfaction of the State. The City, at the City’s expense and for the term of the permit, agrees to inspect the Bridge at least every two (2) years or more frequently if required. These inspections must be conducted by a professional engineer (PE) licensed to practice in the State of New York and are subject to periodic audit by the State. Failure to comply with this condition may result in a ten (10) day written notice of cancellation of this permit in accordance with condition 17 of the permit.”, and WHERAS, in accordance with the City of Ithaca Charter Section 63, “The Board of Public Works may enter upon any lands for the purpose of survey and examination; may contract for, purchase and acquire, by grant, purchase, gift, condemnation or otherwise, in the name of the City of Ithaca all lands, water rights, easements, privileges and franchises and all other real and personal property whatsoever, either within or outside of the corporation limits of the City of Ithaca, which are necessary, in the judgment of the Board, for any of the purposes herein set forth and shall have the right to enter upon, take possession of and appropriate all such property and to do any and every act or thing that may be necessary to carry out the full intent and purpose of all the provisions contained in this Charter;” now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby accepts a new NYSDOT Use & Occupancy Permit (#33669) for the Bridge including the Gateway trail for $1 Payment Waived permit, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca accept all responsibility for the trail on the Bridge, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca, upon consultation with the City Attorney, be and is hereby authorized to execute the NYSDOT Use & Occupancy Permit for the Bridge and trail and any subsequent papers which might be required for this permit, and be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Negative declaration of environmental significance for Brindley Street Bridge Replacement Project – Resolution Board of Public Works Page 6 May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, State law and regulations and Section 176.6 of the City Code of the City of Ithaca require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of certain proposed actions, in accordance with applicable law, and WHEREAS, State regulations and the City Code specify that the lead agency shall be that agency which has primary responsibility for undertaking, approving or funding the action, and WHEREAS, the existing Brindley Street Bridge is a single span, single lane multiple steel girder bridge carrying Brindley Street over the Cayuga Inlet, and WHEREAS, Brindley Street Bridge Replacement Project (“the Project”) involves the replacement of the Brindley Street Bridge with two lane structure with additional accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians including necessary approach and intersection improvement, and WHEREAS, the preferred design alternative will involve the relocation of Brindley Street by connecting Taber Street with the West State Street/Taughnnock Boulevard intersection together with the necessary intersection improvement, and WHEREAS, on April 11, 2016, the Board of Public Works declared to act as a lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed project, and WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the preparation of a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) Part I, II and III, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca, acting as Lead Agency, has reviewed the FEAF Part I, II, and III, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Board of Public Works, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and requests that staff provide notice of the same to all involved and interested agencies. Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that the Planning Board wanted more information about any environmental impacts from building the bridge. He requested the Board thoroughly review the environmental impact report and provide him with comments. The resolution would be revisited on June 13, 2016. Appeal of Invoice to Replace a Light Post after a Motor Vehicle Accident Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained that typically accident reimbursement requests go through the City’s insurance company. He researched the weather for the day of the accident noting there were snow squalls that caused very slippery conditions. He stated that a 25% administrative fee is typically charged to invoices; he suggested removing that fee, which would bring the bill down to $4,000. He further stated there were some other discrepancies on the invoice that have been corrected. Mayor Myrick recommended that the bill be reduced to cover the City’s costs and encouraged the applicant to contact their insurance company to negotiate repayment. Asst. Supt. Benjamin suggested establishing two different administrative fees for different types of events; a 25% fee for compliance issues was reasonable. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the nature of the accident, the conditions of the road at the time, and that insurance was for this type of situation. Mayor stated that the best the City could do was to remove the administrative fees and then encourage the appellant to submit the bill to their insurance company. Mayor Myrick took a straw poll of the Board, finding that all were in favor of reducing administrative fee, but retaining City’s costs. Carried Unanimously A full resolution would be provided for the next meeting. Student Agencies Project at 201 Colle ge Avenue Board of Public Works Page 7 May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting Rob Morache, owner’s representative, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic, and reported that the proposal may be adjusted to use Bool St reet for construction staging rather than College Avenue. Mayor Myrick explained that a multi-unit apartment building was proposed for 201 College Avenue at the corner of Bool Street with a request for a bump-out at the corner. Mr. Morache explained that there was a utility pole that was very close to the proposed building and the Planning and Economic Development Board requested that the sidewalks be widened, so the owner decided the building would be moved back away from the property line . He felt that the bump-out was important at the corner to provide more pedestrian area and would allow the utility pole to be moved if it needed to be, depending on the decision from the Board of Zoning Appeals. He stated the Planning and Economic Development Board was also concerned that if the bump-out was installed, design plans for Collegetown might be changed in the future and this project would “put the cart before the horse.” Discussion followed on the floor regarding the project. Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that the Board of Public Works would only need to concur that the Planning and Economic Development Board was the lead agency for the environmental review. Mayor Myrick responded that it made sense that the Planning and Economic Development Board should be lead agent. Mr. Morache further explained the project, the width of the current sidewalks and the plan to widen them. Dir. of Eng. Logue cautioned that widening sidewalks onto private property does not mean they are truly public sidewalks as the property owner could do anything they want in the future. He suggested removing the street trees that were proposed and turn the entire right of way into a sidewalk. Mayor Myrick left the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Commissioner Greene expressed concern that the project might return to the board for approval. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that there was a good chance that it would not need to be brought back to the Board. Discussion followed on the floor regarding a streetscape plan for Collegetown. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that a plan had been started but was not yet complete. Staff were discussing multiple issues regarding moving the utility pole and possibly authorizing a bump out. Commissioner Goldsmith stated that most planners would prefer having buildings that are all lined up, not jumping back and forth. City spaces are supposed to look like city spaces. He expressed concern about this project and not having city property look and feel like public space. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that there might be an issue with closing Bool Street in August because the 200 Block of Dryden Road would be closed for construction and Linden and Bool would be used as detours. Mr. Morache stated that the project was planned to begin in August, possibly late July, he would connect with the transportation engineers to schedule the street closing. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor