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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2017-02-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:47 p.m. February 13, 2017 PRESENT: Vice-Chair - Jenkins Commissioners (4) – Darling, Greene, McCormick, 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: Mayor Myrick City Attorney – Lavine Common Council Liaison – Fleming ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor was not present. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No members of the public appeared to address the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC No response was necessary. NEW PROJECT PRESENTATION: Update on Geese in Stewart Park Josephine Martell, Fifth Ward Alderperson, and Rick Manning, Director of the Friends of Stewart Park, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic and provided a history of the work the committee had completed related to reducing the goose population in Stewart Park. Over past 18 months, the committee has worked on different ways of imagining how to reduce the Canadian Goose population on city lands, particularly in Stewart Park. A pilot program was started that would last 3-5 years, with year one goals of determining what the population numbers were in the city. The Committee worked with NYSDEC and Cornell researcher Paul Curtis and a graduate student to band about 450 geese and test harassment methods to keep the geese off the areas that people frequent. Some methods were successful; some were not. They also found out that there wasn’t a lot of nesting activity in Stewart Park, which was helpful. In year two of the program, the committee plans to do some egg oiling around Stewart Park in the 10-15 nests that are around the park within the next month. Planning to put up signage banning feeding of the geese. Hoping to do more comprehensive outreach to public through press releases and a website to educate the public about the feeding ban. If enough money together, hoping to get another intern this year to implement some deterrent methods in May and June that may include a remote control truck, which was the most effective method. Mr. Manning added that if they were effective in reducing gosling population, the adult geese were more easily moved because they don’t have any parental responsibilities. Geese live a long time so it would take a long time to reduce the population. Commissioner Warden suggested using dogs as an additional deterrent method. Josephine responded that Common Council was looking at lifting the ban of dogs in Stewart Park, and City Forester Jeanne Grace worked with some dog owners to test that method and found the geese were not affected. However, Border Collie hazing was effective, though it was a very Board of Public Works Page 2 February 13, 2017 Regular Meeting expensive method because the dogs would have to be taken out on the water in boats as well as be on land. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the geese being both domestic and migratory populations, the option of working with USDA to reduce the size of the flocks through lethal management and the committee’s decision not to go that route yet, issues caused by the geese that prevent people from using the park, and expanding the program to include other areas in the city especially in Cass Park. The Board thanked Ms. Martell and Mr. Manning for their update. REPORTS Superintendent and Staff Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews were in the middle of the remodeling project to enlarge the lunch room at Streets and Facilities, putting in new lighting, snow plowing, and updating training. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that things have been uneventful. The contractor was wrapping up Water Treatment Plant Project, and he was looking to hire new chief operator at Wastewater Treatment Plant. Dir. of Parking Nagy reported that violations had increased, as well as on-street collections, occupancy at the Green Street Garage had decreased, with the Cayuga Street Garage occupancy increasing, which was exactly what was desired. He further stated he was working on a sign package approval for Ithaca Marriott, waiting for a funding commitment. Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that he was looking into dedicating staff time to Collegetown construction and street permit processing. He stated that Asst. Civil Engineer Lynne Yost would be spending more time in Collegetown. Supt. Thorne reported on the open positions: Wastewater Treatment Plant had vacant positions for the Chief and the Assistant Chief Operator; a Construction Engineer at Streets and Facilities was also being filled. He further reported that staff was ramping up for construction in Collegetown by holding coordination meetings every two weeks. Commissioner Warden suggested that the City look into the salary for chief operator position. Noting that the City Charter and Intermunicipal A greement was with three municipalities but the Chief Operator was a city employee and was underpaid which may affect finding a replacement. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the October 5, 2015, and January 23, 2017, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Darling RESOLVED, That the minutes of the October 5, 2015, and January 23, 2017, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as written. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: A Resolution to Amend Street Permit Fees for Use of Street or Sidewalk in Building Demolition or Construction By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner McCormick 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, Section 342-39, specifically addresses use of street or sidewalk space in building demolition and construction, WHEREAS, the Board has discussed the imbalance created by having one fee for any kin d of street occupation or street opening, especially related to new building construction, and is interested in setting new street permits fees related to occupancy of the street right of way for the purposed of building demolition or construction activiti es, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works the following schedule of fees for street permits issued for occupancy of the right of way for the purposes of building demolition or building Board of Public Works Page 3 February 13, 2017 Regular Meeting construction (which includes erection, demolition, repair, alteration or reconstruction of a building), in accordance with Section 342-39: PARKING SPACES (a space is defined as a 20 linear foot distance within legal parking or loading zones) In areas with no meters or pay stations: $5/day/space, plus $20 deposit for use of DPW signs In areas with meters/pay stations: $20/day/space SIDEWALK CLOSURE R-1 and R-2 zoning districts: $100 per week All other zones: $200 per week to divert sidewalk into adjacent parking lane (no additional charge for parking lost) $500 per week to close sidewalk and detour pedestrians to the other side of the street TRAVEL LANE CLOSURE $50/day STREET CLOSURE $100/day All days are calendar days and therefore include weekends and holidays. Days and weeks are not pro-rated for partial occupancy, and be it further RESOLVED, That this fee schedule will apply to all new permits issued on or after February 15, 2017, and will apply to all existing permits on or after March 15, 2017. Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that staff would like to stagger fees to charge the largest fee for closing the sidewalk. He explained the fee structure and stated that language was already in the City Code regarding closing a sidewalk relating to building, demolition or repairing a building. Commissioner Greene stated that in the Collegetown commercial area, $100/week is not a lot; developers would probably not blink an eye at it. Commissioner McCormick suggested structuring the fees according to zoning designation and population density. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the fees, structuring the fees according to zoning designation and population density, and allowing scaffolding. Dir. of Eng. Logue suggested charging $100/week for R1 and R2 zones, and explained that the City was able to deny requests to have scaffolding up for extended periods of time or closing a sidewalk in high traffic areas. Commissioner Darling expressed appreciation for staff making it harder for contractors to close the sidewalk. He wondered if the new fees would apply to current projects already in progress or would the fee structure begin on a certain date with new projects. Discussion followed on the floor regarding whether to grandfather in existing permits or to revoke all street permits and require projects to obtain new permits. Supt. Thorne suggested attaching a start date, like March 1st, to give contractors time to learn about the new fees, and then charge the new fees for any new permit requests after today. He further stated that he liked the idea of giving contractors enough warning, like thirty days, then people would have a chance to figure out what they wanted to do. The Board agreed that the new fee structure pertaining to new permits would be effective February 15th, with existing permits would be charged the new fees beginning March 15th. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works Page 4 February 13, 2017 Regular Meeting DISCUSSION ITEMS: Proposal for a Temporary Community Altar in DeWitt Park Chistina Coleman, Art Club, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic and explained the proposal: “We would like to attain a permit to place a community altar in DeWitt Park. ‘A Community Altar’ Art Club wishes to create a space for the community to gather, reflect and remember, both at the individual and collective level. The space will not have any religious affiliation and is intended to be inclusive of all, regardless of belief. We will invite people to place a meaningful object on the altar alongside the rest of the community’s contributions. We believe the gesture will mean something unique to each participant, which is our intention given the non-religious orientation of this event. We’re using the word “altar” because it’s a universally understood convention that denotes reverence, and as such, is an appropriate medium to encourage participants to join in the vulnerable act of sharing something personal at the collective level. The altar will be freestanding and made from sturdy wood. The dimensions will be roughly 34” wide, 56” long and 51” high. We are referencing roadside altars and personal altars such as the images shown below for a visual jumping place as we shape our structure. The location of this project is key to its success. We chose DeWitt Park for its centrality. It was Ithaca’s original public square (called the ‘Town Square’ in fact, before it was renamed in honor of Simeon DeWitt.) Also, because it is already a sacred space of communal reverie given that it contains several war memorials. And has been visited by seminal unifying leaders such as Frederick Douglas and Dr. Martin Luther King. “DeWitt Park in the center of Ithaca is what I would call a sacred public space, that is, a special place used in various ways by many people and regarded as something that belongs to us all.” -Carol Kammen, Guest Columnist, Ithaca Journal August 15, 2014 We are aiming to leave the altar in place for one month, from mid-February to mid-March, when morale is somewhat low due to the long ebb of our winters, but with that said, our time frame is flexible. We will be tending to the altar while it is up at least twice a week and also documenting the project, watching the evolution of its collage of layers. How we understand the projects effect on public space: - We understand Dewitt is a quiet park and do not believe this project would cause noise pollution. - We do not foresee litter or vandalism as the public predominantly respects public art. - We will not be facilitating a public event or meeting at the structure. - We understand it is taking place in inclement weather conditions and will be affected. - We would like to place the structure on the open grass and thus will not interfere with park trees, memorials, sidewalks, etc. - In tending to the space we will be aware of safety issues and do our best to keep the altar clean and safe. - We do not foresee needing any extra help from the city to maintain the space. (i.e. police, trash service, etc.)” Supt. Thorne reported that the proposal was discussed by Parks Commission, who approved the request with conditions. Asst. Supt. Benjamin noted that contact information would need to be provided to City staff in case of an emergency. Board of Public Works Page 5 February 13, 2017 Regular Meeting The Board generally agreed to approve the request at their next meeting. East Spencer Street Sidewalk Replacement Johnathan Licitra, Sidewalk Program Manager, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Dir. of Eng. Logue explained the memo that was provided that outlined some thoughts on the issues for the city to provide a private stairway that connects the public sidewalk to the curb. How does the city do this without changing city code or policies? Supt. Thorne noted that the Mayor was in support of some sort of partial payment from the City to assist the property owners. Sidewalk Program Manager Licitra explained the memo he provided that expressed some concerns with ADA compliance issues, funding the project, and maintenance responsibilities. He stated that other city staff recommended that he continue with the current policy of requiring the property owners to pay for this type of installation. Commissioner Greene wondered if, in areas like Spencer Street and Stewart Avenue, costs could be shared among residences and the city. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that staff had discussed installing one set of stairs to be shared by the four properties on Spencer Street, but noted the issue of who would maintain the stairs, or not installing the stairs and requiring residents to use the ramp at the ends of the block. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the origination of the stairs, pedestrian access, considering stairs the same as a driveway apron, the option of not providing mid-block pedestrian access to the street due to safety concerns, the appropriateness of using Sidewalk Improvement District funds since the stairs would serve only the four-five properties, asking Common Council to use general funds, and offering low interest loans to the property owners to pay for the stairs. Commissioner Warden suggested reaching out to emergency services regarding their thoughts about removing the stairs. Commissioner Greene expressed his opinion that decisions need to be made on a case -by- case basis, and not creating a general policy for the entire city as there are a number of options the City could do in any situation. He would like to hear from the Fire and Police Departments on this type of request. Dir. of Eng. Logue agreed that it was not possible to create a blanket policy to be used throughout the entire city, so staff suggested addressi ng each project on a case-by-case basis using an appeal process when residents were unhappy with staff’s choices. Commissioner Darling noted that if the city was to assist with funding the installation, the funds should not come from Sidewalk Improvement District funds but from the general fund. Commissioner Greene agreed. Dir. of Eng. Logue summarized the discussion, reiterating that staff would create an appeal process, property owners would need to volunteer to maintain the stairs, and sharing the Board’s discussion to provide one staircase using general funds with Common Council. Commissioner Darling stated he did not want to make a decision on this appeal until Common Council had a chance to weigh in on the conversation. Appeal of Water Bill for 108½ Fifth Street Lin Zhou, property owner, joined the Board for the discussion of this topic. Commissioner Warden explained the water bill appeal and that he reviewed the usage. He stated that there was one month of excess usage, the meter technician had found that the toilet needed to be adjusted, which caused the water usage to go down. Ms. Zhou stated that the usage did not lessen immediately, but after 4 months it had decreased. Commissioner Warden noted that a running toilet uses a lot of water, and explained that the amount of water used at this address was well within the range of a leaking toilet. Ms. Zhou asked why she was not given a leak notice before she received the bill, even though they previously received a notice for excess water usage for the downstairs apartment. Commissioner Warden responded that bills are mailed quarterly and the city does not monitor every single household every month. Commissioner Greene stated that this leak was very small compared to other reported leaks and the water department was not set up to monitor small leaks such as this. He noted that parts in toilets wear out and need to be replaced periodically. Unfortunately, there wasn’t Board of Public Works Page 6 February 13, 2017 Regular Meeting much the city could do in this particular issue. Asst. Supt. Whitney responded that mid-quarter meter checks were completed and letters were sent out if the leak alarm was triggered. Discussion followed on the floor regarding where the leak notice was mailed. Commissioner Jenkins expressed sympathy with Ms. Zhou, but noted the leak was caused by a running toilet. Commissioner Darling stated he was not inclined to reduce the bill as this situation could happen to anyone. Ms. Zhou requested that notices be sent out to property owners, not the tenants. Asst. Supt. Whitney noted that Ms. Zhou had received a partial discount on her August billing. The Board agreed to vote on resolution at their next meeting to deny the appeal. Appeal of Water Bill for 130 East State Street Sunit Lex Chutintaranond, owner of Mia Noodle B ar Restaurant, joined the Board and explained his letter requesting assistance with his very large water bill. Asst. Supt. Whitney explained the history of this account: renovations were completed on the property and a new meter was installed in 2010; all of the account information was not updated in the Govern software which has not created water bills for this address since that time. Mr. Chutintaranond stated that it was not intentional that he never noticed he had not received water bills. He was not disputing the water usage. Commissioner Warden stated that the city tries to work with people for payment arrangements. Mr. Chutintaranond was directed to contact City Chamberlain Debbie Whitney to discuss what arrangements could be made. Asst. Supt. Whitney stated he would contact the City Attorney’s Office to determine the legality of extending the standard payment plan from three to five years. The Board recommended the five year payment plan with no finance charges because it took more than five years for the City to determine that water bills were not mailed out for this address. Recommendation from Planning & Development Board that Sidewalks be Installed on Worth Street Commissioner Darling explained the Planning and Development Board resolution in support of installing sidewalks on Worth Street, no matter how that might happen. He asked Dir. of Eng. Logue to put this recommendation on the list of new sidewalk installations. Commissioner Greene expressed his opinion that this type of project should be paid for by Cornell University or the developer. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that staff would look at the recommendation and put it on the work plan for 2018. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Claudia Jenkins Executive Assistant Vice-Chair