HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2017-11-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. November 13, 2017
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (3) McCormick, Morache, Warden
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Director of Engineering – Logue
Supt. of Public Works - Thorne
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Director of Parking – Nagy
EXCUSED:
Commissioners (2) Greene, Jenkins
Common Council Liaison Fleming
Call to Order/Agenda Review:
Superintendent of Public Works Thorne requested the addition Item 13 D. - Linden
Avenue Loading Zone.
No Board member objected.
Communications and Hearings from Persons before the Board:
The following people addressed the Board in support for the restoration of on-street
parking on portions of Water Street:
Jackie Magagnosc – City of Ithaca
Nancy Ramage – City of Ithaca
Scott Doyle – City of Ithaca
Michael Engle – City of Ithaca
A petition to restore on-street parking on Water Street with 19 signatures was submitted
for the record and is on-file in the City Clerk’s office.
The following person addressed the Board in opposition to the restoration of on-street
parking on Water Street:
Charles Peterson – City of Ithaca
Mr. Peterson also addressed issues regarding outside lighting at the water plant.
Response to the Public:
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Whitney responded to comments made
regarding the restoration of parking on portions of water street and shared concerns
from some of the chemical delivery truck drivers.
Reports of Board Liaisons:
Special Joint Committee
Commissioner Warden reported that the Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently cited
for tank inspection violations that resulted in a $10,000 penalty. The inter-municipal
agreement calls for a Resolution in order to resolve the payment of this fine.
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November 13, 2017
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Commissioner Warden further reported that a Resolution to fund engineering services
for the final design of grit removal, concrete restoration, emergency generator
replacement, and miscellaneous plant improvements will be considered by the City
Administration Committee this week.
Superintendent and Staff:
Director of Engineering Logue reported that the Planning, Building, and Economic
Development Department has a draft of the Parks Master Plan and will be forwarding it
to the Board for review.
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Whitney reported that crews are
investigating ways to circumvent a solar array that was built over water and sewer
infrastructure at Allen H. Treman State Marine Park. Staff will coordinate with the Town
of Ithaca to move the water main. Work is scheduled for this winter.
Parking Director Nagy reported that he will be making a “Demand Parking” presentation
at the next Parking Committee meeting on November 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm and
extended an invitation to the Board. He further reported that there were major parking
equipment issues this past weekend involving the gates at both the Seneca Street and
Green Street garages. Most of the equipment has been repaired and is in operation.
Superintendent of Public Works Thorne reported on the following:
Streets & Facilities is doing brick repair on State/MLK Street
Street lights – a revised proposal from the consultant has been received
Local flood hazard analysis – mitigation modeling has been completed and the–
maps are quite extensive. A new 100 year flood zone has been created and
encompasses a wider area than the previous FEMA maps. The maps should be
available in December for review.
Discussion Items:
Protest of the Invoice for the Installation of Water Service at 214 South Hill
Terrace
The Department of Public Works received an appeal of an invoice given to the owner of
214 South Hill Terrace for the replacement of lead pipes from the water main to the curb
valve box on his property. The owner received a letter sent by the Water & Sewer
Division to notify property owners with documented lead services of the replacement
options available to them. The property owner applied to have a new service line
installed; however, contends that he was not made aware of his financial responsibility
for the work.
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Whitney stated that he spoke directly to the
property owner when he called the W&S Division to voice his concerns, and he was
given an opportunity to back out of the work. The letter and FAQ sheet sent to affected
property owners made it clear that they are responsible for the cost of the work and that
the city will maintain the new copper pipes moving forward. He further noted that the
property owner was not charged for the work that crews did in locating the water
service.
This item will be placed on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting.
Working Group to Evaluate Parking Fees at City Parks
Superintendent of Public Works Thorne reported that Alderperson Fleming suggested
that a working group be created to evaluate the possibility of establishing parking fees
at Stewart Park, Cass Park, Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, and Fall Creek.
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Superintendent Thorne asked if the Board was interested in pursuing this initiative,
noting that it would require a lot of work.
Commissioner Warden stated that he has strong feelings about not having paid parking
in City parks. He stated that other parks use “user fees”, not parking fees and he feels
that it makes parks inaccessible to lower income people and families. He noted that
there is limited access to the lake already, and this would make it worse.
Commissioner McCormick stated that he does not believe that the costs of such a
program vs. any potential revenue is compelling.
Mayor Myrick noted that he would be open to discussing a residency discount or making
parking free to city residents while charging non-residents.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the parking models used for downtown hotels
that utilize parking in the city’s garages and hotel tax revenue distribution.
On-Street Parking and Traffic Calming on Water Street
Mayor Myrick stated that he could support the proposal to restore on-street parking on
the upper half of Water Street (from the 2nd or 3rd driveway) to the water plant.
Superintendent Thorne stated he would like to explore the geometry of the area and
potential traffic pattern changes (ex. one-way traffic). When asked about the timeline
for a broader re-design of traffic/parking, Superintendent Thorne responded that this
project is not currently on the work schedule. Mayor Myrick suggested that in the
interim, parking be reinstated on west side of Treva Avenue from the 2nd/3rd driveway.
Commissioner Warden stated that truck driver safety mitigations should also be put in
place and supported partial parking until a final redesign is complete. Director of
Engineering Logue stated that no further action is needed to reinstate parking, and he
will begin working on the potential redesign.
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Whitney responded to concerns expressed
regarding the outside lighting at the water plant. He noted that a consultant is looking at
dimmer switches, lighting shields, and lowering the lights to mitigate the impact on the
neighborhood.
Linden Avenue Loading Zone Request
Fire Chief Parsons explained Appendix D of the New York State Fire Code entitled “Fire
Apparatus Access Roads”. He noted that pursuant to these requirements, a fire truck
must be able to park on the street with jacks down for aerial access to the buildings.
This requirement impacts street widths, building heights, and overhead wires. Street
widths lesser than 26’ may require a variances to accommodate fire operations.
Parking would need to be removed on Linden Avenue to achieve a 26’ width. He
explained that day-time parking is not really an issue as most of it is delivery
vehicles/short-term parkers. His concern is with the long-term/overnight parking where
vehicles cannot be moved as readily. He further voiced his concerns about wood
framed construction and noted that he is not as concerned with non-combustible
construction.
Commissioner Morache inquired about Bool Street, noting that it is zoned CR-4 and 4
stories are allowed (over 30 feet building height).
Director of Engineering Logue stated that there are a lot of properties throughout the
City, and New York State, that are impacted by this requirement. Fire Chief Parsons
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noted that his greatest concerns relate to construction type. Variances from the Fire
Code might require wider stairs, more dense sprinkler systems, 2 sets of stairs to the
roof, and the requirement of non-combustible construction materials. Director of
Engineering Logue asked whether the creation of a loading zone would need to be
documented. Fire Chief Parsons responded affirmatively,noting that it should be tied to
a certificate of occupancy.
Fire Chief Parsons stated that a loading zone seems to make the most sense for this
property but the rest of the street should also be considered. He noted that future bus
detours should also be considered as having adequate street and intersection widths
would be a huge benefit. These streets are currently too narrow for the buses to use
with parking on both sides of the streets.
Director of Engineering Logue stated that he was very hesitant as he does not like the
precedent that this would set or giving someone control of the street. Mayor Myrick
asked what the other options were available and whether New York State would grant a
variance for Linden Ave/Bool Street if non-combustible building materials were used.
Further discussion followed regarding fire operations and potential issues regarding the
ability to occupy buildings.
Commissioner Morache left the meeting at 5:30 pm.
Commissioner Warden noted that zoning requirements may need to be amended in
relation to street widths and the use of non-combustible construction materials. Director
of Engineering Logue suggested other alternatives such as reverse bump-outs/bump-
ins; off-street or off-site parking requirements; or permanent easements given to the city
that allows outriggers to be placed on private property. Fire Chief Parsons suggested
that sidewalk widths be considered if taller buildings are going to be built to
accommodate wider sidewalks and more bike lanes but no parking on the narrower
streets. He noted that the City of Rochester requires rolling curbs so sidewalk and
street lawns can be used for outriggers.
The immediate question to be considered is would the City be willing to create a loading
zone in front of 210 Linden Avenue so the developer could apply for a Fire Code
variance.
Commissioner Warden commented that he is reluctant to vote in support of the creation
of the loading zone. Commissioner McCormick stated that he is supportive of the
loading in this context for this location.
Director of Engineering Logue stated that he would prepare resolutions for both
decisions (support/deny) for the Board’s consideration.
There was no quorum for the following voting items:
Administration and Communications:
Approval of Minutes
By Commissioner : Seconded by Commissioner
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 12, 2017 and October 23, 2017 minutes be
approved as published.
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Possible Rescheduling of Board Meetings:
Mayor Myrick highlighted the proposed meeting structure for the new Commissions, the
Council/Standing Committees and the other quasi-judicial boards. Based on
discussions held by the Working Group regarding ways to improve public engagement
and participation in government, he is proposing that the Board of Public Works meet
once a month, on the third Tuesday, at 6:00 pm.
He explained that if this change is approved, the new Commissions will meet on
Mondays at 6:00 pm; the quasi-judicial boards will meet on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm; and
the Council committees will meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm, making it easier for the
public to understand and attend meetings.
The Board will take this proposal into consideration upon consulting with the members
who were not present at the meeting.
Highways, Streets & Sidewalks:
9A. A Resolution To Amend Chapter 346 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code
entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”, Section 346-12 entitled “Stop Control
Intersections” Including Discussion Related to All-Way Stop Warrant
Analysis For Cayuga Street – Cascadilla Street – Cascadilla Avenue
Intersections
By Commissioner : Seconded by Commissioner
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346-4 of the City Code
to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and
Traffic Law, and
WHEREAS, the City’s Transportation Engineer has determined that the intersections of
Cayuga Street and Cascadilla Avenue should be changed to all-way stop control to
improve safety and operation, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby adopts the amendments below:
Schedule VIII: Stop Control Intersections.
In accordance with the provisions of §346-12, the following described intersection is
hereby designated for control by an all-way stop as follows:
Cayuga Street and Cascadilla Street
The following intersecting street or location is hereby designated for control by stop
sign(s) (not “all-way”):
Intersection Direction of travel
Cayuga Street and Cascadilla Avenue Northbound/Southbound
Commissioner McCormick reported that the signs have already been installed pursuant
to the Board’s prior verbal approval.
9B. West Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements – Resolution
By Commissioner : Seconded by Commissioner
WHEREAS, on August 7, 2013, Common Council authorized Capital Project # 790,
West Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor Enhancements , P.I.N. 395050 (the
“Project”),
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as the lead agency, declared on May 8,
2017, that the project would not have a significant negative environmental impact in
accordance with the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act, and
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WHEREAS, on June 12, 2017, the Board of Public Works selected a preferred
alternative for the Project, allowing the project to move into final design, and
WHEREAS, on September 6, 2017, Common Council approved a resolution authorizing
funding and a project agreement with NYSDOT for the federal aid share for the Project,
and
WHEREAS, as a part of the funding authorization, Common Council directed the Board
of Public Works to reconsider a component of the project, namely the signalization of a
mid-block pedestrian crosswalk, and
WHEREAS, on September 25th and October 23rd, the Board of Public Works heard
additional public comment about the Project and at the latter meeting held an extensive
discussion about the benefits and costs of the mid-block signal, including considerations
for pedestrians, motorists, ownership and maintenance costs to the City, and the
flexibility to include signalization now compared to adding it in the future, and
WHEREAS, staff has provided input on the question, suggesting that the signal could
be removed from the project, but understands that the BPW continues to desire to
provide a high level of service for people who are trying to cross the street in this
location, and staff does not have any objections to the signal being included in the
project, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, after reconsideration of the issue,
discussion with staff and additional public comment, does continue to support the
inclusion of the signal at the mid-block crossing and hereby recommends that Common
Council approve the mid-block signal as a component of this Project.
This item will move forward to the City Administration Committee this week as the Board
unanimously supported it but did not have quorum to vote on it.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
______________________________ ______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, Svante L. Myrick,
City Clerk Mayor