HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2018-03-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:02 p.m. March 20, 2018
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (5) – Greene, Jenkins, McCormick, Morache, 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
Common Council Liaison – McGonigal
Executive Assistant – Servoss
EXCUSED:
City Attorney – Lavine
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Supt. Thorne requested the addition of a presentation by City Forester Jeanne Grace
regarding the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan for the City.
No members objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
The Mayor had nothing to communicate.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Jim Goldman addressed the Board regarding the reconstruction of 400-406 Stewart Avenue.
He stated the contractor had run into snag with replacing the sidewalk that was taken out for
the construction of the building. He said they were working with City engineers, but it was
unclear why the proposed designs are not approved.
Richard Slingsby addressed the Board, stating that approval of the sidewalk at 400-406
Stewart Avenue was elusive, noting that the proposed expansion included an ADA ramp. He
stated that the contractor was working with City engineers but the contractor was getting
changes consistently. He noted that they were paying $7,000 per month for the closure of the
sidewalk and parking spaces and he had expected the approval process to be more
straightforward.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC
Dir. of Eng. Logue responded to the comments, stating that the City had not received drawings
for a new sidewalk that were acceptable through ADA laws. He further stated that a response
to the developers’ inquiries would be provided on March 21, 2018, and suggested that City
engineers may meet the team in the field to figure out a design that would work.
REPORTS
Council Liaison
CC Liaison McGonigal shared that a friend that works at the Johnson School in Collegetown
recently heard a loud noise and saw a large amount of snow slide off the new building and hit
the sidewalk. He noted that this would have been a dangerous situation if there were
pedestrians on the sidewalk. Mayor Myrick asked CC Liaison McGonigal to contact Mike
Niechwiadowicz in the Building Department to determine whether the building was built to code
and if there was a plan for snow removal. CC Liaison McGonigal agreed.
Board Liaisons
Commissioner McCormick asked about liaison appointments to the new commissions. Mayor
Myrick stated that liaisons from the Board of Public Works would not be required. He further
noted that, at this time, only one liaison appointment to the Planning Board was needed from
the Board. Commissioner McCormick volunteered.
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Regular Meeting
Superintendent and Staff
Dir. of Eng. Logue reported on the following:
1. Bids were received for the annual sidewalk program and the contract was awarded to
ACP Construction;
2. Contract for the bridge maintenance project was awarded to R. DeVincentis;
3. Wading pool bids came in high, so staff was going to ask the City Administration
Committee for more funding. If that goes through, the contract would be awarded to
lowest bidder.
4. NYSDOT had a grant opportunity for over $1 million statewide related to pedestrian
action plans. This region was expecting to receive $300-400,000.
5. A new bikeshare program was expected to be coming to Ithaca in late April. Discussion
followed on the floor regarding how the bikeshare program would be run, which included
dockless bikes outfitted with GPS. The bikeshare contract at Cornell University will
expire this year and will not be renewed, so this new bikeshare program could possibly
be extended into campus and throughout Tompkins County.
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported the following:
1. Parks crews were removing tree as the Asian Longhorn Beetle was located in City;
2. Streets crews were working on installing additional columns in the Seneca Garage;
3. The deteriorating wooden bridge deck was replaced over Linderman Creek with treated
wood;
4. Street cleaning was beginning in early April and would be using Swift911 for
announcements.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported on the following:
1. Bids were opened today for the pipes and materials contract;
2. Crews were busy installing water services for the City Center project and the Canopy
Hilton, which would cause Seneca Way to be closed March 26-30, 2018;
3. Staff was interviewing for new personnel;
4. He was gearing up for East State Street sewer replacement that was expected to begin
April 16, 2018, from Seneca Way to Mitchell Street.
Supt. Thorne reported the following
1. A number of municipalities attended the recent street light project public meeting that
expressed interest in converting their street lights to LED. George Woodbury, the
consultant on the project, was reviewing the purchase offer from NYSEG. A grant
application was submitted to NYSERDA to help purchase the lights.
2. A draft model was provided by USGS to the City regarding flooding risks, which was
under review by staff and would be provided to the Board soon;
3. The contractor installing the Parker System in City-owned garages was struggling to get
the equipment running because the garage equipment was so old. He was hoping to
have it completed and online within the month.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the process of purchasing the street lights and what
might occur once the lights were purchased.
NEW PROJECT PRESENTATION:
Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan
City Forester Jean Grace joined the Board to present the proposed management plan. She
explained that the plan was based on other reports, and Emerald Ash Borer was an insect
from Asia that was spreading across the U.S. She stated this insect was recently found in
Arnot Forest and, within the City, it was found in trees on Hook Place and Kay Street. She
believed the insect had been in Tompkins County for 3-4 years even though several agencies
had been looking for it.
She explained that the plan included ways to treat trees to prevent the insect from killing trees,
and that they needed to treat trees now to begin preventing the insect from destroying trees. If
not treated, trees would begin dying and would cost a lot more to replace than the cost to treat.
She suggested a treatment program that used an injectable chemical that works for 2-3 years.
Trees in Stewart Park would be treated first, and suggested that it was a good use of DPW
Emergency Contingency Funds to begin treatment this year. Staff would budget for the costs
of treatment in the future.
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Regular Meeting
Dave noted that additional funding would be needed. Asked about recommendations for non -
city trees and possibility of have an infestation still within the city even though city is treating
their trees. Cooperative Extension will be sending out press releases regarding identifying the
trees in yards and evaluating whether their trees need to be treated. Arborjet and Rainbow
Tree – companies that can administer treatments.
Wants to create trap trees by girdling several trees that would attract female insects then the
trees would be removed before larva could hatch.
Discussion followed regarding other issues that can be found on Ash trees that may have
caused difficulties in locating the Emerald Ash Borer. Loo k for woodpecker damage in the
upper canopy of trees. Treating trees in June so eggs that are laid do not survive.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Approval of the November 13, December 11, 2017, January 16 and January 30, 2018
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes – Resolution
By Commissioner Greene: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 13, December 11, 2017, January 16 and
January 30, 2018, Board of Public Works meeting be approved as proposed.
Carried
Jenkins Abstained
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE AND TRANSIT:
Resolution for Expansion of Floral Avenue Community Garden
By Commissioner McCormick: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works authorized the establishment of a Community Gar den
on Floral Avenue in April 2014, and the Community Garden has been operating since 2014,
serving the nearby low to moderate income apartment complexes, and
WHEREAS, the Community Garden has reached full capacity, and the operators would like to
expand the area of the garden to the north by 125 feet, and
WHEREAS, the dimensions of the existing garden are 55 feet wide by 175 feet long, and the
new dimensions will be 55 feet wide by 300 feet long, and the expansion will require the
removal of several old crabapple trees, and
WHEREAS, Department of Public Works staff has reviewed the request, including the removal
of the trees, and has no objections to the expansion, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the expansion of the Floral Avenue
Community Garden contingent on executing a license agreement for Use of City Property, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approval addresses only the areal extents of the
Community Garden, and that any sheds, water storage tanks, or other fixtures be included
within the 55 foot by 300 foot Community Garden boundaries, and that the operators of the
Community Garden obtain any Planning, Building, or Zoning approvals which may apply.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC:
Resolution to Amend Vehicle and Traffic Schedules
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
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 a dminister the Vehicle and Traffic Law,
and
WHEREAS, the City’s Transportation Engineer has determined that the intersections of
Spencer Road and Tompkins community Action Driveway 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:
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Regular Meeting
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:
Spencer Road and 700 Block of Spencer Road
The following intersecting streets or locations are hereby designated for control by stop sign(s)
(not “all-way”):
Intersection Direction of travel
Spencer Road and 700 Block of spencer Road Northbound/Southbound
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the exact location of the new stop sign.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted in the Following:
Carried Unanimously
Resolution to Approve the 2018 Traffic Calming Program Work Plan
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received eighteen (18) traffic calming requests in
accordance with the Traffic Calming Program application requirements, and
WHEREAS, the Engineering Office has evaluated said requests and has established a
proposed work plan outlined in the accompanying memorandum, and
WHEREAS, the proposed work includes the following locations (also shown on Map 2 of the
memo) and following measures:
Location(s) Measure(s)
Hector St. Install a driver speed feedback sign
Hancock St. Install a speed table
First St./Adams St. int. area Install three (3) speed humps
E. Lincoln St. & E. Falls St. Additional evaluation in 2018
Court St. at Washington Park Install raised crosswalks
Clinton St./Plain St. intersection Install curb bump-outs, signs, markings
S. Geneva St. (200 block) Install an improved mid-block crossing
E. Seneca St. Investigate reversing the one-way direction east of Stewart
Ave.
Ithaca Rd. Install a driver speed feedback sign
Fair St. vicinity Install two (2) center islands and a speed hump
S. Geneva St. (300 block) Perform a trial closure at the north end of the street
Hudson St. School area signs to be updated
E. MLK Jr. St. Install a driver speed feedback sign
, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does hereby approve the proposed 2018 Traffic
Calming work plan with the understanding that the final design may differ somewhat from the
proposed plan and that some of the work may be pushed into the 2019 season.
Discussion followed regarding the planned bulb-outs at the corner of Clinton and Plain Streets,
and the proposed closure of 300 Block of South Geneva Street as requested by the residents.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted in the Following:
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS:
Appeal of Boat Storage Location Denial
Commissioner McCormick presented a change of the requested location from the north Titus
Street side of Six Mile Creek to the east end of Triangle Park.
Supt. Thorne explained the request that was submitted to the Ithaca Youth Bureau and Dept.
of Public Works, noting that staff at Cass Park were not crazy about the request. Deputy
Director Jim D’Alterio was worried about the location and management of the storage facility,
specifically about legal issues and regulations that may become an issue since the facility
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Regular Meeting
would be alongside a creek. He noted that the Youth Bureau would still have to manage the
facility, and moving it to Triangle Park would not change the amount of work necessary. There
are already boat racks in Cass and Stewart Parks. Mayor Myrick wondered if Southside
Community Center would be interested in managing the rentals.
Applicant Rusty Keeler joined the Board.
Discussion followed on the floor about getting boats in and out of the creek at the ramp, and
having to walk through the creek due to the lack of water. Commissioner Greene expressed
his opinion that the idea was great, if management of the facility wasn’t an issue. He
wondered if the neighborhood would be willing to manage the racks and rentals.
Supt. Thorne responded that if the neighborhood came up with the money to install the racks
and handled the maintenance, he would support the request, as long as the management was
not part of the City’s responsibilities. Mayor Myrick responded that he was interested in
contacting Southside Community Center to see if they would run the boat rentals.
Authorization to Operate the Newman Municipal Golf Course Club House Food and
Beverage Concessions
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the City currently offers food and beverage at the Newman Municipal Golf Course
Club House under an existing, but out of date agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City has an interest in advertising the concession opportunity through a
Request for Proposals process, thereby bringing the club house concession into conformity
with other City concession terms and conditions;
WHEREAS, pursuant to City Code Chapter 170 “Use of City Real Property”, any
concessionary or other nontransitory use of City parkland requires a license; and
WHEREAS, Section 170-5(G) vests in the Common Council sole authority to grant approval of
any license to make nontransitory use of City parkland; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, Board of Public Works supports the conclusion that the food and beverage
concession constitutes a public recreation-related use of the club house, is not expected to
significantly compromise the public’s ability to enjoy the golf course, and in fact is expected to
enhance the overall quality of its appeal and benefit to the public; and be it further
RESOLVED, Board of Public Works supports that Common Council authorize this
concessionary use of the club house with an annual base fee of no less than $2,000.00, plus a
percent gross of revenue receipts of no less than 8% for the 2018 season, and which base fee
shall be paid to the City concurrently with execution of the license and gross revenue at the
conclusion of the season.
It was noted that the Fall Creek House currently runs the concessions, but they would submit a
proposal.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted in the Following:
Carried Unanimously
A Proposed Resolution to Approve the Stewart Park Inclusive Playground
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner McCormick
WHEREAS, the Friends of Stewart Park and the City of Ithaca have entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding, which includes a proposal to replace and expand the
playground and spray pad in Stewart Park, and
WHERAS, representatives of the Friends of Stewart Park have provided plans and information
about the proposal at the February 2018 BPW meeting, and
WHEREAS, staff have raised concerns about increased operations and maintenance costs for
the playground, but have proposed that the estimated costs will be submitted to the Mayor and
Common Council as an over target request or a request above Mayor’s budget for the 2019
budget season, and that future increased costs will be submitted likewise, and
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Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, the Planning Board, acting as lead agency for environmental review, has declared
that this project will have no significant negative environmental impact, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is supportive of the project, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the Stewart Park Inclusive
Playground as proposed by the Friends of Stewart Park, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board hereby delegates further decisions about construction details and
related matters to the Superintendent of Public Works or his designee.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER:
Resolution to Deny Appeal of Water Bill Late Penalties for Beer Properties
By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden
WHEREAS, the Owners of 309 Hudson St Shop, 804-1/2 East Seneca St.309 Hudson St Apt
1, 802 East Seneca St., 309 Hudson St. Apt 2, 804 East Seneca St., 311 Hudson St., 143
Maple Ave., 209 College Ave., 143 Maple Ave Bldg.2, 608 East Buffalo St., 143 Maple Ave.
Bldg.3, 612-614 Stewart Ave. 211 Hudson St., & 804 E Seneca St., were mailed the water,
sewer, and fire line bills, and
WHEREAS, the Owners of these properties have received bills for all these properties
regularly four times a year previously, and should have noted on th is occasion the lack of
receipt and inquired with the City Chamberlains Office for copies of these statements, and
WHEREAS, the Owners of these properties are responsible for payment of these bills on time
regardless of their stated problems with delivery by the US Postal service, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Owners of these properties are responsible for the late fees and interest
accrued to these accounts.
Asst. Supt. Whitney summarized the appeal and explained that the City was not liable for
delays of delivery through the Post Office.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Resolution to Deny Appeal of Water Service Installation Bill for 214 South Hill Terrace
By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2017 the Owner of 214 South Hill Terrace was sent a letter of
notification regarding the lead water service line from the main to the curb. This letter from the
City of Ithaca DPW informed Owners of lead water services about their options, including
replacement paid for by Owner, and
WHEREAS, on March 30, 2017 the Owner of 214 South Hill Terrace made application for the
lead water service to be replaced, and
WHEREAS, the Owner of 214 South Hill Terrace confirmed in a phone call with the Assistant
Superintendent DPW Water & Sewer Division that the replacement cost for the lead service
would be his responsibility, and he opted to have the work done, and
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2017, a Crew from the Water & Sewer Division of the City DPW
replaced the old ½-ich lead service pipe with a new ¾-inch copper pipe, and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2017 a bill for the work in the amount of $2,999.19 was sent to the
Owner of 214 South Hill Terrace, and
WHEREAS, the water service line was an old lead service line which was replaced from the
watermain in the street to the curb valve at the property line. The new water service line
installed from the watermain to the curb box/valve is a 3/4-inch K-copper line, as required by
the City Code., and
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Regular Meeting
WHEREAS, according to City of Ithaca Code §348 -17 the maintenance and replacement
responsibility for water service lines remains the responsibility of the property owner, until the
service line is replaced, and meets approved specifications, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the $2,999.19 City of Ithaca billing (invoice #00023646) for the installation of
the new water service is the property Owners responsibility, and be it further
RESOLVED, That interest or penalties accrued on the billed amount to date be waived, and
interest and penalties on that amount not start to accrue until 30-days after the date of this
resolution.
Commissioner Warden summarized the appeal, noting that the property owner had agreed to
the installation of new service, then submitted the appeal after the service was installed.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request for Reimbursement of Water Overages Charged at 540 North Taylor Place
Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that the previous owner had an oversized meter installed, which
caused higher minimum water bills. He agreed with the new property owners and suggested
the City install the correct sized meter and refund overages that were charged to the new
owners. The Board agreed and requested a resolution for the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Kathrin D. Servoss Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor