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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. Board of Public Works Page 2 March 20, 2018 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. Board of Public Works Page 3 March 20, 2018 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: Board of Public Works Page 4 March 20, 2018 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 Board of Public Works Page 5 March 20, 2018 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 Board of Public Works Page 6 March 20, 2018 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 Board of Public Works Page 7 March 20, 2018 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