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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2017-06-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. June 12, 2017 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) –Greene, Jenkins, McCormick, Morache, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Director of Engineering – Logue Executive Assistant – Servoss EXCUSED: City Attorney – Lavine Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Parking – Nagy Common Council Liaison – Fleming DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Supt Thorne requested that Item 12A, entitled “Appeal of Water Bill for 118 North Aurora Street – Resolution,” be moved before Item 8A. He further requested that Item 13A, “Request for Waiver of Fee for Stewart Park Pavilion for the Employee Recognition Picnic,” be deleted because the Board had already ruled on it, and Item 13B, “Stewart Park Field Rental Fee Structure,” be moved to the end of the agenda. Commissioner Greene suggested holding the discussion for Item 13B for another meeting. No Board member objected. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: The Mayor had no communications at this time. 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. REPORTS Board Liaisons DW requested any information he should convey to the Youth Council regarding the reorganization of the boards and committees. Mayor responded Superintendent and Staff Supt. Thorne reported on the following:  Staff was working on submitting Capital Project requests;  The Forest Home Project was moving forward as funding issues have been resolved. Crews were going to replace a 16” sanitary sewer line and replace the retaining wall;  Crews installing street lights on Cayuga Street were working on the west side of the street to get electricity to the poles; and  Sewer crews were moving to Hector Street to install an underground sewer and remove the open ditch, which would cause road closures and traffic delays. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that the water treatment plant project was in its final months, the contractor hoped to wrap up in July. He further reported that crews were completing sewer replacements on the South Hill Recreation Trail. He was filling several key employment positions that had become open recently, and was working on the capital project requests. Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that Engineering was entertaining a permit request from DDS Utilities to replace gas mains on College Avenue this summer, which would cause road closures in Collegetown. He further reported that staff had issued the first part of a street Board of Public Works Page 2 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting permit to the project to rebuild the building formerly known as Chapter House; street permit fees for projects that already had permits to close streets or parking lanes would increase effective July 1st because Vitali Construction had requested a delay in beginning sidewalk work throughout the city; the first preliminary meeting was held regarding work zone areas for Harold Square project; and staff was working to clear up the lack of a temporary no parking program policy and to formalize the program in some way due to recent towings. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of the May 22, 2017, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 22, 2017 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Jenkins arrived at 5:01 p.m. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT: Request for Encroachment Agreement/License at 213 Cascadilla Street – Proposed Resolution By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, Christopher Kourkoutis, owner of the property at 213 Cascadilla Street (Tax Map Parcel No. 50.-3-1), in the City of Ithaca, has requested an encroachment agreement/license from the City into the adjacent street right-of-way for Cascadilla Street; and WHEREAS, the encroachment consists of the following: A landing and portion of steps, approximately five foot in width, encroaching in the street right of way for a span of approximately 5.33 feet to the north, thereby encompassing an encroachment into the right of way by approximately 26.65 feet, which is shown and described on the Use of City Property application materials, hereby referenced as Exhibit A, WHEREAS, in consultation with City Engineering staff, the proposed encroachment is inside the current location of the existing City right of way and public sidewalk on the south side of Cascadilla Street and will not interfere with the right of way or sidewalk 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 2017-18 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 213 Cascadilla Street, as proposed, contingent upon the execution of a license/agreement and submission of the required application form and fee (and renewal fees for any subsequent terms) and proof of required insurance, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon consultation with the Superintendent and City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a license/agreement allowing said encroachment, revocable upon 90 days’ written notice by the City in the event that the encroached upon City property is required for any City purpose, and containing the usual terms and conditions, including those specified in Chapter 170 of the City’s Municipal Code. Carried Unanimously Approval of Sign Installation for Ithaca Children’s Garden – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children’s Garden requested approval to install a three-sided, free- standing sign on their leased property, owned by the city, along Taughannock Boulevard, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the request on November 14, 2016, and required that the request be presented for approval to the Planning and Economic Development Board, Parks Commission and receive a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals, and Board of Public Works Page 3 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board discussed the request and had no issue with the location or design of the proposed sign, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission reviewed the final sign proposal in January 2017, and were supportive of the design and location, and WHEREAS, Assistant City Attorney Kevin Levine reviewed the sign proposal and determined that a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals was not required, and WHEREAS, the Building Department is prepared to administer a sign permit upon approval from the Board of Public Works, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the installation of the freestanding sign as proposed by the Ithaca Children’s Garden along Taughannock Boulevard (Route 89). Supt. Thorne noted that this request had been discussed about a year and a half ago and the Board had asked that the Parks Commission, Planning Board and BZA review the request and provide input. Neither the Parks Commission nor the Planning Board had any issues with the request, and it was determined the request did not need to go to BZA. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Proposed Resolution to Select a Preferred Alternative for the West Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancement Project By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, the Engineering division is progressing a corridor enhancement project for West Martin Luther King Street, from Floral Avenue to Taughannock Blvd, and WHEREAS, two alternatives have been developed in the draft design report, and WHEREAS, the City has received public comment on the two alternatives, and WHEREAS, the BPW has completed environmental review on both alternatives, and WHEREAS, considering input from the public, other City staff, and other stakeholders, Engineering staff recommends selection of Alternative 2 as the preferred alternative with some modifications, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby selects Alternative 2 as the preferred alternative and directs staff to develop this alternative in detailed design. Commissioner McCormick noted that the main concerns regarding the bike lanes was that many people would like barriers between the travel lane and bike lane. The preferred alternative would be to raise the bike lane where possible through the corridor between Floral Avenue and Taughannock Blvd. However, a barrier, which does not have to be concrete but could be flex posts or something else, would be the second preference. He further stated that pedestrian crossings should be placed at Floral Avenue, Taughannock Blvd., and mid-block maintaining activated signals for pedestrians. Commissioner Greene asked if the Board should memorialize the discussion it has had regarding the project within the resolution. He has spoken with individuals in the biking community, locally and nationally, about the bike lane. He further stated that the Board and staff need to step back when these types of projects come up, well in advance of the project, to figure out a way to look at other ways to enhance the bicycling community, realizing that there is a timeline associated with each project. He would like to discuss policies for future planning of road projects. Discussion followed on the floor regarding including more detail in the resolution, and having a bigger discussion at a future meeting about long-range transportation planning, though at this point, staff needs to work on bicycle travel one project at a time. Dir. of Eng. Logue reminded Board of Public Works Page 4 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting the Board that the City’s Bike Plan was out of date and a lot has changed in bicycle facility design. Commissioner Warden noted that the perfect solution to this area of the city (the “Octopus” area) has not been developed, so safety issues and plans should be modified on an on-going basis. Commissioner Greene stated that the Board knows the community really well, so they should be able to give staff guidance to begin designing projects that include bicycle facilities. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that the Board’s job was to balance community wants with needs. Marshall stated that the Board has not had enough time to work with staff to figure out what would work best. He added that staff has expertise and should be considered. He further stated that if buffered lanes were put in this corridor, part of the reason would be to see if these lanes work, it would be a pilot to see it they would work elsewhere in the city. Dir. of Eng. Logue suggested creating a comprehensive plan for all transportation needs in the City, looking at the big picture, and not just one aspect of transportation, such as bike lanes. Supt. Thorne stated he hesitates adding new things to the infrastructure because there are so many other higher priority projects that need to be done in the city. Asst. Supt. Whitney left the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Dir. of Eng. Logue state he would report back to the Board, but the project would have to move fairly quickly through final design. Commissioner Greene noted that a lot of progressive cities have made the decision to choose bike lanes over vehicles, and he would like to take a slightly more articulate direction that starts seeing biking and pedestrians taking a larger role in transportation planning. Supt. Thorne noted that budget constraints would determine which projects would be completed. Mayor Myrick responded that discussions would continue, including at the Common Council level. A Vote on the Resolution as Amended Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Resolution to Name Three Cass Park Access Roads By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, there are currently two separate roads within Cass Park, both are called Cass Park Access Road, which causes confusion for people looking for Ithaca Children’s Garden, boat docks, sports fields, and other amenities within Cass Park, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children’s Garden has tens of thousands of visitors each year and a named road would give the garden an address that can be easily found by GPS navigation systems, limit confusion for utility mark-out requests throughout the park, and improve emergency services to locate callers within Cass Park, and WHEREAS, it has been recommended that the North access road be broken up into two named roads: one named “Runway Lane,” as a reference to the road being the former site of the former Ithaca Airport runway; and the other section to be named “Cove Lane: as a reference to the “cove,” the location of the public boat docks which the road passes, and WHEREAS, it has been recommended that the South access road be named “Turtle Lane” in reference to the native snapping turtles that frequent this area and were the inspiration for the giant turtle sculpture installed in 2005 at the Ithaca Children’s Garden, and also in reference to the common use of snapping turtles in creation stories of the native peoples of this region, and WHEREAS, this topic has been discussed by the Parks Commission and the aforementioned names have been recommended, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby names: 1. The North access road within Cass Park between the intersection with Taughannock Blvd. Extension near Hanger Theatre and the intersection with the proposed “Cove Lane” near the Cass Park tennis courts be named “Runway Lane,” and Board of Public Works Page 5 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting 2. The North access road between the intersection with “Runway Lane” and the intersection of Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89) near the Cass Park pool be named “Cove Lane,” and 3. The South access road which is a loop road intersecting with Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89) near Union Fields baseball diamonds at one end and Ithaca Children’s Garden at the other be named “Turtle Lane,” And be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works, or his designee, shall communicate these new names to emergency services and the United States Postal Service. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC: Resolution to Grant Hardship for 213 Mitchell Street for the Residential Parking Permit System By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works (BPW) has promulgated regulations, adopted June 9, 2004, for implementation of the Residential Parking Permit System (RPPS), which was established by Common Council on May 6, 1998 after an act of the New York State Legislature, and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 260-4 of the City Code and in accordance with the BPW regulations, the BPW may grant hardship requests, and WHEREAS, 213 Mitchell Street is on a street within the residential Parking Permit Zone without on-street parking and is within the R-1 zoning designation; therefore allowing up to two permits per single family dwelling, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works hereby grants the residents of 213 Mitchell Street to purchase permits for the Residential Parking Permit Systems, in accordance with the above- mentioned regulations. Carried (5-0-1) Commissioner Greene Abstained CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS: Approval of the Ithaca Reggae Festival Request to Re-Route Cayuga Waterfront Trail through Stewart Park and Close the Road within Stewart Park – Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Greene WHEREAS, a new ticketed Ithaca Reggae Festival will be held in the west end of Stewart Park on June 24, 2017, with proceeds going to local non-profit organizations to benefit Cayuga Lake, and WHEREAS, event organizers have requested to close the road within Stewart Park west of the tennis courts in order to fence off the festival area, and WHEREAS, the Special Event Committee recommends that the Cayuga Waterfront Trail remain open during the event, which will require the trail to be re-routed around the fenced area, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed the request to close the road and re-route the trail within Stewart Park on May 22, 2017, and requested additional written authorizations from Cascadilla Boat Club, Ithaca Fire Department, Paddles-N-More and Ithaca High School indicating their agreement with the transportation, parking and emergency services access plans for the event, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the closure of the Stewart Park access road west of the tennis courts, contingent upon the Cascadilla Boathouse and Paddles- N-More concessions sites remaining accessible to members and customers, and be it further RESOLVED, That the organizers will work with the Director of Engineering Services to create a detailed detour plan to re-route the Cayuga Waterfront Trail through Stewart Park for the Ithaca Reggae Festival on June 24, 2017. Board of Public Works Page 6 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting Dir. of Eng. Logue reported that the intention of the request was to re-route the trail through the parking area next to the playground to the suspension bridges in order to keep the trail open during the festival. Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER: Appeal of Water Bill for 118 North Aurora Street, Account #3210506601 - Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Greene WHEREAS, on 9/13/2016 a credit in the amount of $2,925.00 was issued for the bill dated 8/18/2016 for water consumption from 5/2/2016 through 8/1/2016, and WHEREAS, on 11/7/2016 a credit in the amount of $2,281.50 was issued for the bill dated 11/18/2016 for water consumption from 8/1/2016 through 10/31/2016, and WHEREASE, these credits were calculated in accordance with the Board’s direction in the crediting of above-normal usage due to discolored water issues system wide during the months of June, July, and August 2016 using the past five year average usage for the quarters including these months or the average for the time period the current customer owned the account, if less than five years, and WHEREAS, the Meter Technicians, at his request, met with Mr. Maan Alzitoon at the Sahara Restaurant at 118 North Aurora Street on 9/7/2016 to troubleshoot the continuing above- normal usage, and WHEREAS, the Meter Technicians printed a data log of the water meter’s record and inspected the water supply plumbing in the business, identifying a malfunctioning ice machine with a constant flow through of water, advising Mr. Alzitoon that the ice machine be serviced and repaired, to which Mr. Alzitoon stated the machine is okay, and WHEREAS, the water flow through the ice machine was finally addressed sometime prior to the November 2016 billing, which was verified in a 11/4/16 check of the water meter reads, and WHEREAS, the 8/18/2016 bill was $3,755.70, less the 9/13/16 credit of $2,925.00, equaling a balance of $830.70, and the 11/18/2016 bill was $3,287.70, less the 11/7/2016 credit of $2,281.50, equaling a balance of $1,006.20, and the 2/20/2017 bill was $635.96 (back in the normal usage range), equaling a total outstanding balance of $2,472.86, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works discussed this appeal at their regularly scheduled meeting on 5/22/2017, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies the issuance of any further credits or reductions related to the water bills dated 8/18/2016 and 11/7/2016 for 118 North Aurora Street, Ithaca, and be it further RESOLVED, That late fees or penalty charges shall not be calculated on the current balance of $2,472.86 until 30 days beyond the date of this resolution. Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Request for Waiver of Fee for Stewart Park Pavilion for Employee Recognition Picnic – Resolution This topic was removed from the agenda. Stewart Park Field Rental Fee Structure This topic was not discussed. University Avenue Preliminary Design Conclusions Dir. of Eng. Logue summarized that some major work needed to be done along University Avenue, including replacing water and sewer mains, the stormwater system, sidewalks and the pavement. Transportation Engineer Hathaway provided a memo to the Board listing three options for street design and soliciting public outreach: Board of Public Works Page 7 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting To: Board of Public Works From: Eric Hathaway, Transportation Engineer Date: 12/4/2017 Re: University Avenue Preliminary Design Conclusions Both the City Streets and Facilities division and Water and Sewer division have identified priority improvements along the section of University Avenue from Linn Street to Lake Street, including roadway surface, stormwater drainage, sanitary sewer and water main conditions. Since addressing these utility projects would require full roadway reconstruction, the Engineering Department has worked with Erdman Anthony, an engineering company, to assess how the future roadway might be configured to best meet the needs of the community. Three preliminary roadway designs were created and shared at on open house that took place on Tuesday, April 11th. The materials from the meeting were also posted on the City website for public review and comment (http://www.cityofithaca.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=138&ARC=225). Some of these materials, including the typical sections, parking study, feedback sheet and project brochure are included in Appendix A. The color renderings of the design are too large to attach, but can be accessed at the aforementioned link. Description of Alternatives The three alternatives considered are described below as depicted in Appendix A: Option 1:  7-foot sidewalk on west side of roadway  8-foot parking lane adjacent to downhill lane  10-foot downhill travel lane  10-foot uphill travel lane  5-foot uphill bike lane  2-foot buffer to rock face on east side of roadway  Existing utility poles relocated to west side of roadway Option 2:  5-foot sidewalk on west side of roadway  8-foot parking lane for downhill lane  10-foot downhill travel lane  10-foot uphill travel lane  9-foot uphill parking lane  Existing utility poles remain on east side of roadway Option 3:  9-foot sidewalk on west side of roadway  12-foot downhill travel lane  12-foot uphill travel lane  5-foot uphill bike lane  4-foot buffer to rock face on east side of roadway  Existing utility poles relocated to west side of roadway Parking Impacts of Alternatives University Avenue currently provides approximately 60 undefined parking spaces on the east side of the uphill lane against the rock wall and approximately 56 on-street spaces along the downhill lane. Parking is currently free along both sides of University Avenue. The west side of University Avenue is subject to odd-even parking and the east side is 24-hour limit parking. A parking study was conducted to determine whether there is sufficient available parking nearby that can accommodate any parking removal associated with the three options. Occupancy was counted over several days in November/December 2016 and February/March 2017 during the morning, mid-afternoon and evening to capture a variety of conditions. Board of Public Works Page 8 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting As shown in Appendix A, occupancy on the uphill and downhill parking lanes along University Avenue varied between half and full occupancy. The lowest occupancy was noted during the evening time periods and highest in the mid-afternoon. Parking occupancy counts were conducted simultaneously in the University Avenue parking lot, east of University Avenue, and along the 600 block of Stewart Avenue. The University Avenue lot had between 60-70 open spaces at any time and Stewart Avenue had between 40-45 open spaces at any time. The University Avenue Parking Lot is owned by Cornell University; however, anyone with the Parkmobile app can park there for a rate of 75 cents per hour ($6 per day maximum) plus a 35 cent convenience fee. Per our conversations with Cornell University, Cornell Employees can buy an annual parking pass for $333.15 and on-campus residents can purchase an annual pass for $752.86. Implementation of Option 1 would necessitate removal of all 60 parking spaces along the rock wall and 15 spaces along the downhill lane for a total of 75 spaces. Alternative 2 would remove approximately 23 spaces on the east side of University Avenue to protect the existing utility poles and potentially provide parking stations. Option 3 would remove all 116 parking spaces on University Avenue. Based on the parking occupancy counts, the removal of parking associated with Options 1 and 2 can be accommodated between the University Avenue Lot and Stewart Avenue with at least 25 unused spaces at any time. However, the loss of parking under Option 3 could not be absorbed by the University Avenue Lot and Stewart Avenue. Feedback and Recommendations The vast majority of those providing feedback indicated a preference for Option 1. Appendix B provides a summary of the typical comments received at the open house. Option 1 was most popular as it provides an uphill bike lane along an achievable bike route between downtown and Cornell. Additionally, though it removes significant parking, the parking study shows that there is available parking nearby to absorb the loss. Many felt that keeping most of the downhill parking would help to keep downhill speeds low. Several also liked the “floating bus stop” design at the intersection of University Avenue with Cornell Ave, as it separates bus and bike conflicts. Representatives from TCAT preferred Option 1 due to the floating bus stop and because they believe that a 10 foot uphill travel lane adjacent bike lane provides them with improved operating room compared to the existing uphill parking lane. We spoke with several individuals at the open house that live or own residential properties along University Ave about the impact of potentially losing parking on the east side of University Avenue. In general, they seemed open to removing the parking on the east side of the roadway if the parking on the west side of the roadway could be designated as residential parking only. The downhill parking lane along University Avenue in the study area is within the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Zone B. According to Section 260 of the City Code entitled “Residential Parking Permit System,” RPP areas can only include properties in an R-1 or R-2 zoning district; however, the residences along the west side of University Avenue are designated as R-3. My understanding is that the Board of Public Works can approve hardship cases to allow residents to purchase permits in certain cases, but it seems that only Common Council has the authority to allow a R-3 block to be included as a RPP area. Unless I am advised otherwise, I think it would take an action of Common Council to allow a RPP area on University Avenue, a mitigation that the residents would appreciate if parking were removed on the east side of University Ave. Based on feedback received and the roadway needs and constraints in the study area, I recommend pursuing a final design that is most similar to Option 1. Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that Transportation Eng. Hathaway had calculated parking occupancy trends along University Avenue and in the nearby public lot. There was parking space available on Stewart Avenue that would allow for longer term parking (4-5 hours or more). Staff believed there was capacity on Stewart Avenue if parking was removed on one side of University Avenue, but there was not capacity to remove parking on both sides of the street. He further stated that interest was shown at public meetings to extend the Residential Parking Permit System (RPPS) to University Avenue, though the zoning in the area were R3, which was not included in the eligibility for RPPS. He noted that the RPPS system was in the area, but it did not include that street, and would require Common Council approval to adjust the rules. Board of Public Works Page 9 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting Commissioner Morache expressed support for Option 1, but expressed concerned about the crosswalk where the Baldwin Staircase was located because of the amount of pedestrian traffic using the stairs. He suggested installing a pedestrian bump-out to assist pedestrians crossing the street. He further expressed concern about buses and large trucks traveling on the curved portion of University Avenue from Linn Street, and asked if parking could be removed in that portion to give large vehicles more space to drive through the curves without causing problems. Commissioner Warden asked about the number of residents that depended on on-street parking. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that most residents at the public meetings were comfortable with Option 1, recognizing it would create some restrictions on parking. Commissioner Greene suggested an option of using a parking lane as a buffer for a bike lane. He further asked if it would make sense to put the bike and pedestrian lanes together, maybe creating a step down for pedestrians to get into bike lane. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that the bike lane should be on the uphill side, and he would like the parking lane and sidewalk on the other side. He expressed concern about mixing pedestrians and bicyclists on the downhill side due to the speed of some cyclists. Commissioner McCormick expressed support for Option 1, particularly due to the floating bus stop, and suggested adding painted Sharrows and signage, stating bicyclists may share the road with vehicles on the downhill side to ensure drivers are aware of bicyclists. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the various bus routes that include University Avenue and Stewart Avenue. Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that this project would not require an environmental review because the road would not be widened and would be put back in the same location. As soon as the next meeting, the Board could vote on their preferred option. Supt. Thorne stated that, if the City had no other road projects, it could take up to three and a half years to develop a funding plan for the replacement of this road. Commissioner Greene suggested trying to move parking from University Avenue to Stewart Avenue to see how it works. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that there may be some opportunities to do that, though it depends on how the new pay stations were deployed. Commissioner Morache requested that Dir. of Parking Nagy begin working on a plan to move parking from University Avenue to Stewart Avenue. Proposed Four-Way Stop Control at Auburn/Lewis/Adams Intersection Dir. of Eng. Logue explained that this location was part of the Bike Boulevard, which caused the stop signs to be flipped. As a result, traffic does not quite line up properly at the intersection. The Board generally agreed to approve this request, but requested a discussion of methodologies about how these requests were brought to the Board. Another intersection to consider for four-way stops might be Court Street at Plain Street. Mayor Myrick noted that Clinton Street had a traffic light, then a four-way stop, then another traffic light. Supt. Thorne responded that this was something former Supt. Bill Gray didn’t like either. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that over the years, the neighborhood had fought to keep the four-way stop at Albany and Clinton Streets. Commissioner Warden left at 5:55 p.m. Proposed Traffic Calming Program Methodology Dir. of Eng. Logue summarized the memo provided by Transportation Engineer Eric Hathaway: To: Board of Public Works From: Eric Hathaway, Transportation Engineer Date: June 5, 2017 Board of Public Works Page 10 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting Re: Proposed Traffic Calming Program Methodology Overview: A Traffic Calming Capital Project has been established for the purpose of restarting the City’s previous traffic calming effort that was underway from 2000-2006. Funding in the amount of $51,000 has been allocated for use in 2017 for the purposes of designing and/or constructing traffic calming infrastructure and/or related equipment. The goal of the program is to produce infrastructure measures that physically encourage motorists to drive more slowly and carefully to improve safety, and perceived safety, in a coordinated way that addresses residents’ concerns. Program Goals and Objectives: Produce infrastructure measures that physically encourage motorists to drive more slowly and carefully to improve safety, and perceived safety, in a coordinated way that addresses residents’ concerns. Traffic calming measures are intended to make streets safer and more comfortable for people to walk, bike, and drive. The Institute of Transportation Engineers lists the following goals and objectives for a traffic calming program. Traffic calming goals include:  increasing the quality of life;  incorporating the preferences and requirements of the people using the area (e.g., working, playing, residing) along the street(s), or at intersection(s);  creating safe and attractive streets;  helping to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicles on the environment (e.g., pollution, sprawl); and  promoting pedestrian, cycle and transit use.1 Traffic calming objectives include:  achieving slow speeds for motor vehicles,  reducing collision frequency and severity,  increasing the safety and the perception of safety for non-motorized users of the street(s),  reducing the need for police enforcement,  enhancing the street environment (e.g., streetscaping),  encouraging water infiltration into the ground,  increasing access for all modes of transportation, and  reducing cut-through motor vehicle traffic.1 1Lockwood, Ian. ITE Traffic Calming Definition. ITE Journal, July 1997, pg. 22. Other key objectives should include: 1. Develop and implement a coordinated and informed process so that various traffic calming measures are appropriately designed and reinforce each other, rather than simply shifting traffic problems to nearby streets 2. Evaluate before and after data to determine the effectiveness of the traffic calming measures 3. Develop a program that uses both data and public input to inform the decision making process about where traffic calming is built in the City. A Proposed Traffic Calming Process for the City of Ithaca Traffic calming request procedure: A traffic calming request form will be developed for residents seeking such improvements. The form will explain the process, will ask questions about the perceived traffic problems, and will require signatures from over 50% of the nearby residents (as determined by the Traffic Engineer). Traffic calming projects can also be initiated by City staff or officials at the discretion of the Transportation Engineer. A master list of requests will be maintained by the Transportation Engineer that can be updated annually and re-ranked annually. Board of Public Works Page 11 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting Location selection factors: To determine if a location (which could be an intersection, a block, a neighborhood area, etc.) warrants the installation of traffic calming measures, a number of data types could be considered, depending on availability of data, such as: - Traffic speeds (85th percentile speeds and the percent of traffic traveling over the posted speed limit) - Traffic volumes - Presence of schools, parks, bus stops, community services, and other pedestrian and bicycling generators - The presence of existing pedestrian and/or bicycling facilities such as sidewalks and bike lanes - Crash history - Street classification (e.g., should the program focus on local streets or perhaps crossings of arterial streets) - Residential Density along roadway - Other factors or public feedback that might be relevant to a particular location If multiple locations are under review, they may be ranked to determine which ones are the most beneficial to advance. Infrastructure selection methodology: Once it has been determined that a location warrants consideration for traffic calming measures, a design process will be undertaken to determine suitable infrastructure options. Measures such as speed humps, curb extensions, driver speed feedback signs, signage, signage enhancements, pavement markings and others will be considered, depending on the context. Board of Public Works approval process: After candidate locations have been selected and their corrective traffic calming measures have been determined, the Transportation Engineer will present recommendations to the BPW. In some cases, temporary traffic calming devices may be recommended to gauge their effectiveness prior to installing permanent devices. If the estimated costs of all of the candidate locations exceed the available budget, a ranking will be provided to the BPW. BPW members will then provide direction on what locations and measures shall be constructed. Public participation: This program seeks to find a level of public participation that is meaningful and convenient for residents while at the same time not overly time-consuming. Given the expected staff resources, a modest process that takes advantage of existing BPW meetings is recommended at this time. Next Steps: 3-4 Months: Finalize programmatic procedures. Purchase and test data collection equipment. 1-2 months: Call for projects 2-3 months: Collect data, evaluate traffic conditions 2-3 months: Present conceptual project recommendations to BPW for approval 2-3 months: Develop preliminary traffic calming plan, present at BPW 1-2 months: Produce final plans and bid documents for spring construction Discussion followed on the floor regarding the timeline in the process, prioritizing requests, and allowing residents to have their own traffic calming items like hay bales on the corners, plantings, etc. Dir. of Eng. Logue stated there was a similar program in Maine, but the City did not have the staff or funds to do that type of experimental program, though it could be very interesting, fun, and informative. Mayor Myrick offered that there were three ways to increase civic participation: 1. The Sidewalk Program 2. A Traffic Calming Program 3. Participatory Budgeting Dir. of Eng. Logue noted that through a traffic calming program, the City could play with ideas before they are installed in concrete. Commissioner Greene noted that if a resident had a Board of Public Works Page 12 June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting suggestion, they could forward it to the City and staff could play with the idea. He suggested that residents be encouraged to participate in this program. Commissioner Greene asked how the funding would be prioritized, whether by region or project. Commissioner Morache asked if traffic calming could be included in the Sidewalk Program. Dir. of Eng. Logue responded that the programs could work together, but sidewalk funds could not be used for traffic calming projects. The Board agreed to approve the methodology as presented, and staff could send out a request for projects. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick Executive Assistant Mayor