Roosevelt Island Board Of Directors Meeting Today - RIOC Annual Report, Tram Station Platform & Roof Repair, Everbridge Community Notification System & More On Agenda

Image From RIOC 2015 Annual Report

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors will be meeting later this afternoon. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York, for the purpose of transacting such business as shall come before the Board.
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The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

AGENDA

JUNE 25, 2015 MEETING OF

THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET,

ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK

5:30 P.M.[1]

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes

1. May 21, 2015 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business

1. Presentation of RIOC's Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2014-15 (Materials to Follow)

2. Approval of Report on Procurement Contracts for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required)

3. Approval of Report on Investments for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required – Materials to Follow)

4. Approval of Property Report for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required)

5. Approval of Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015 (Board Action Required – Materials to Follow)

6. Ratification of Service Agreement with Automatic Data Processing (ADP) for Payroll Processing Systems (Board Action Required)

7. Authorization to Amend Contract with Attri Enterprises, Inc. for the Rehabilitation of Roosevelt Island Bus Garage/Warehouse (Board Action Required)

8. Authorization to Amend Contract with Wank Adams Slavin Associates, LLP for Tram Station Platform Repair Design (Board Action Required)

9. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Active Fire Control, Inc. for Fire Extinguishers Maintenance (Board Action Required)

10. Authorization to Enter into Design-Build Contract with Safe Tech USA, LTD for Good Shepherd Community Center Fire Alarm Project (Board Action Required)

11. Authorization to Enter into Contract with R J Green Construction Corp. for Roosevelt Island Tram Station Roof Rehabilitation and Staircase Roofing Project (Board Action Required)

12. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Everbridge, Inc. for Public Notification System (Board Action Required)

13. Ratification of Contract with SimplexGrinnell for Fire Alarm System Maintenance Services at Sportspark (Board Action Required)

14. President’s Report

15. Committee Reports

a. Audit Committee

b. Governance Committee

c. Operations Advisory Committee

d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

16. Public Safety Report

VI. Adjournment

According to RIOC's Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ending March 31 2015 (Page 1):

Background

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York ("RIOC") is a public benefit corporation and a political subdivision of the State of New York. RIOC was created by the New York State legislature, in 1984, to take responsibility, pursuant to a General Development Plan (“GDP”), for the development and operation of the 147 acres comprising the former Welfare Island, located in New York City's East River. RIOC assumed the role of the New York State Urban Development Corporation as lessee under a 99-year Master Lease (running until 2068) from the City of New York.

The GDP, which has been amended from time to time, provides for the development of housing, shops and community facilities for a mixed income, handicap accessible, residential neighborhood. As an island community, Roosevelt Island requires specialized operations and capital infrastructure maintenance such as an Aerial Tramway, a comprehensive garbage compacting system, and seawall improvements. RIOC supplements the very basic services provided by the City of New York, and provides specialized operations and capital improvements.

Pursuant to its enabling legislation, the RIOC Board of Directors is composed of nine members including the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, who serves as the chair; the New York State Director of the Budget; and seven public members nominated by the Governor of the State of New York with the advice and consent of the New York State Senate. Of the seven public members, two members are recommended by the Mayor of New York City, and five members must be residents.

I. Mission Statement

Created by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation, it is the mission of the RIOC to plan, design, develop, operate, maintain and manage Roosevelt Island.

Public Benefit

The Corporation is a political subdivision of the State of New York and additional stakeholders include the City of New York, residents, students, developers and commercial operators, workers and visitors to Roosevelt Island (the “Island”). The Corporation’s stakeholders benefit from the development and preservation of properties and open spaces, as well as sharing in the economic growth of the Roosevelt Island community.

RIOC accomplishes its mission by practicing the following core values, which were adopted December 14, 2011:

Service

We are committed to providing services that enhance the Island’s mixed-use residential community, including public transportation, public safety, public works and parks and recreation.

Preservation
The Corporation promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of the Island’s historical landmarks and other structures and open spaces.

Environmental Responsibility
All new development, as well as maintenance of parks, public spaces, and other property under the Corporation’s stewardship strives to employ the latest, cost-effective, high-performance environmental designs and techniques available.

Public Safety
We are committed to protecting and serving the community by providing a safe and secure environment and enforcing local, State and Federal laws.

Communication and Transparency
We are committed to effectively communicating with our stakeholders and undertake to be open, honest and accountable in our relationships with everyone we work with and with each other.

Fiscal Responsibility
We are committed to managing the Corporation’s resources with fiscal responsibility and efficiency through a single comprehensive process that is aligned with the Corporation’s strategic plan, without reliance on State subsidies.

Innovation
We thrive on creativity and ingenuity and strive to employ new, unique and innovative solutions to accomplish our mission.

Partnerships
We strive to develop strategic partnerships with commercial enterprises, nonprofit organizations and institutions in the public and private sectors to meet the needs of our stakeholders and carry out our mission.

Governance
The Corporation ensures good governance through compliance with its enabling legislation, corporate By-laws, General Development Plan, contractual obligations and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws....

And (Page 8):

RIOC’s total operating revenues for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 were $39,210,639. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, operating revenues increased by $15,615,190 or 66.18% over the last fiscal year. This was mainly due to an increase in Residential Fee revenue of $15,309,289 or 1452%, which includes transaction fees primarily from the refinancing of the existing mortgage of Manhattan Park in the amount of $12,600,000, and the assignment of the Eastwood lease to BSREP UA Roosevelt Landing LLC, in the amount of $2,737,658. In addition, other revenues increased by $437,112 or 40% mainly due to an increase in other permit fees including newly initiated construction permit fees of $64,311; T-Mobile Antenna License Fees of $45,497; and eligible FEMA reimbursements of $331,832. The transportation/parking revenue, which is comprised of street parking and Motorgate revenues as well as bus revenues and contractual payments from the Octagon, decreased by $137,895 or 6% in the aggregate. The aggregate decrease in transportation/parking revenue is due to: (1) revenue increases for both street parking of $112,258 or 80.77% and Motorgate of $90,795 or 4.85% due to respective rate increases; (2) an increase of $2,271 or 2% for Octagon bus payments; and (3) a decline of $343,218 or 99.48% due to the elimination of bus fares for on island transportation. The decline in transportation/parking revenue was offset by a decrease in transportation costs in connection with the bus operation of $102,795 or 6.55%. As a result, the net decrease only amounts to $35,500 or 1.4%. Also, declining interest rates led to a decline in interest income of $20,064 or 12.71% as a result of the low-interest rate bearing short-term nature of RIOC’s investments in accordance with the State’s investment guidelines.

RIOC’s total operating expenses for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 were $23,295,944 and $22,791,367 for the last fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, including depreciation of $3,518,632 and $3,498,737, respectively. For fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, total operating expenses before depreciation increased by $484,682 or 3% over the last fiscal year, which is due primarily to increases in insurance by $147,129, repairs and maintenance by $129,185, and supplies/services by $183,306. Personal services increased by $798,517 or 8% due mainly to the filling of vacant positions and increases in benefits primarily health and workers compensation insurance. Professional and legal services decreased by $829,468 or 59% due mainly to: (a) the replacement of consulting services for the engineering and public safety departments with full time personnel: and (b) a one-time contractual payment of $410,390 for real estate services in connection with the lease closing of Southtown building #7, which was recorded in FY 2013-14.

Image From RIOC 2015 Annual Report Page 9

Click here for the full 2015 RIOC Annual Report

RIOC Board Of Directors Review Roosevelt Island Snow Removal Policies And Procedures During Operations Advisory Committee Meeting

 Image Of 2015 RIOC Snow Removal

This past winter on Roosevelt Island seemed as though it would never end with freezing temperatures, East River ice floes and frequent snowstorms. Fortunately, none of the snowstorms reached blizzard like proportions.

How did the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) do this winter dealing with the snow? The subject was an Agenda Item of March 9 RIOC Operation Advisory Committee (full audio web cast) meeting:

... RIOC’s Snow Removal Efforts and Discussion of Future Strategies....

RIOC Directors David Kraut and Michael Shinozaki as well as  President Charlene Indelicato, Operations Director Cy Opperman and Public Safety Director Jack McManus discussed Roosevelt Island snow removal this past winter during yesterday's Operations Committee meeting.



Mr. Kraut said of RIOC:

... our people did an excellent job...

and that he heard plows going by his building at 6 or 7 every morning.

RIOC Operations Director Cy Opperman added that the:

... backbone of the snow removal is our maintenance Department - our three mechanics...

RIOC Public Safety Director Jack McManus praised the responsiveness and cooperation of the NYC Sanitation Department in assisting with vehicles spreading salt on the streets as well as coordination among RIOC staff and other agencies.

Ms Indelicato noted that without the Steam plant tunnels operating this year, snow built up on the streets more so than in the past.

Ms. Indelicato also reported that the cooperation of residents was very helpful in keeping the streets clean and removing snow but acknowledged:

... there's always room for improvement ...  we've learned alot even from last year, ...with Everbridge it gives us a better sense of communication, better notifications and yes we screwed up on some of them but it happens....

Ms. Indelicato concluded that:

... in my estimation, these guys did an unbelievable job...

Here's the March 9 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee snow removal discussion.



Hopefully the snow is over until next winter. Bring on the Spring.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend - RIOC Notification Alert System Still Needs Some Tweaking

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the M from Roosevelt Av to 47-50 Sts

Weekend, 11:15 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Jan 23 - 26

Trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza.

No Coney Island-bound F service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St and 57 St.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this advisory regarding the Roosevelt Island weekend F Train subway service disruption:

Notification issued 1/23/15 at 9:45 AM. Please be advised that the MTA has issued a weekend service advisory for the F train, which may affect travel plans. The Tram will run on a rush hour schedule from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM to accommodate any increase in traffic. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information.

For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com.

RIOC's new Everbridge notification alert system has come under criticism from some Roosevelt Island residents for providing incomplete information. Roosevelt Island resident Janet Falk reported that recent RIOC alerts notifying residents of MTA F train service disruptions did not include specific information about the change in Roosevelt Island F train subway service. For example, this prior advisory from RIOC about F train service disruption.

 Ms. Falk asks:

... What is the MTA advisory? How does it affect Manhattan-bound or Queens-bound service or both? For today or for several days?

The RIOC advisory creates confusion and prompts questions with no answers in sight, except one: annoyance. The RIOC advisory points me to an external website and asks me to make a phone call, instead of providing a potential solution....

and:

... Why does RIOC decide against sending an informative and resident-friendly, customer-service driven announcement...

also:

... When additional demands for service are placed on the Tram, to compensate for the lack of F subway service, RIOC is responsible for Tram operations and SHOULD ANNOUNCE CHANGES IN TRAM SERVICE, especially when the MTA announces their service changes in advance....

A RIOC spokesperson replied to Ms. Falk:

The RIOC Advisories system is intended to inform the community about island-specific matters that may affect the daily activities of the people who live and work here, particularly those matters relating to services that RIOC oversees or provides. The MTA has a similar advisory system (MTA Alerts) that commuters can sign up for to receive timely updates on MTA disruptions or line service changes. Residents who are already signed up for MTA Alerts find the re-broadcasting and reinterpretations of the agency's announcements are redundant and sometimes confusing.

We are always open to suggestions, but would like to encourage our subscribers to utilize the MTA's resources to stay informed about NYC transit rather than directing island residents to look for MTA-related news through an intermediary. While this step may require a few more clicks, hearing directly from the issuing agency is a surer way to get the most accurate information available. If you would like to receive alerts directly from the source regarding F train disruptions, you can do so by visiting: https://www.mymtaalerts.com

At least today's RIOC alert about the upcoming F train weekend subway service disruption now includes information about the added Tram service.

That's an improvement. Next time, hopefully, RIOC will include specific information about the change in subway service. All they need to do is a little tweaking with a cut and paste from the MTA advisory, like I did above.

New RIOC Everbridge Community Notification System Needs Improvement Says Resident - Better Communications Between Tram And MTA F Train Subway Station Needed Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) recently established a new community notification system.

Image From RIOC

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported November 22:

 ... This past week, RIOC launched an improvement to the RIOC Advisories electronic alert system, upgrading the former email-only notification system to Everbridge Platform, one of the leaders in critical communications systems in the United States. Everbridge uses the most advanced cloud-based technologies and allows text alerts and voice messaging in addition to traditional email notifications. The new system also allows subscribers to choose the kind of alerts they’d like to receive, such as traffic alerts, special event notifications, RIOC facility updates and more....

Roosevelt Island resident Janet Falk reports today on difficulties with RIOC's new notification system. Ms. Falk, an editor/writer of more than 100 meeting announcements distributed annually to 16,000 members of a global professional association, thinks the RIOC Advisories need improvement, as does communication between the MTA, RIOC and the Tram personnel. Here are her observations:

Like many residents, I subscribe to the RIOC Advisory system to keep informed of news and schedule changes that affect our daily lives on Roosevelt Island. The 12/22/14 announcement that the Sportspark pool was closed saved me a trip and instead I worked out in the gym downstairs.

There have been numerous complaints that RIOC was mangling its prior system of announcements and, although specific and helpful recommendations that were user-centered were made, RIOC made an unusual decision. Instead of implementing the suggestions and making improvements in quality control and supervision of the decentralized announcement system, RIOC apparently pulled the plug and now, upon installing its new advisory system, decided not to provide information in some cases.

In its desire to serve the community, RIOC advises us to look elsewhere for information, so as not to be accused of ineptitude or redundancy, as follows:

At 8:52 am Thursday, the platform of the Tram was packed to the gills. After I passed through the southern turnstile, Greg Paravati, the Tram operator, told me that the subway was not working. "We'll take as many as we can on the Tram and then leave right away," he said.

After the ultra-crowded Tram pulled away towards Manhattan, I checked my email and saw a RIOC advisory dated 9:00 am.

Image From RIOC

It could not have been more vague or unhelpful.

"Please be advised that the MTA has issued a service advisory for the F train, which may affect travel plans. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit http://MTA.info or call 511 for more information."

What is the MTA advisory? How does it affect Manhattan-bound or Queens-bound service or both? For today or for several days?

The RIOC advisory creates confusion and prompts questions with no answers in sight, except one: annoyance. The RIOC advisory points me to an external website and asks me to make a phone call, instead of providing a potential solution.

Why did it not say something like this:

"Due to the MTA's service advisory for the F train, the Tram will operate on an accelerated schedule until normal train service is restored."

This proposed advisory references the stated announcement, offers a solution, provides a time limit and is user friendly. There is no question to be asked; the subway is down, use the Tram for the time being to get you to another subway line. The Tram schedule has been modified to accommodate the increased number of passengers for now.

For what it's worth, I already contacted RIOC a few weeks ago about the non-informative communications and was told they have decided on this new approach of referring subscribers to external sources of information.

Obviously, this semi-advisory is less work for the staff, it protects them from making mistakes and it avoids duplication of an existing service from the MTA.

Service to Island residents is not a consideration, as is the case all too often.

Consider in comparison the attitude of the Tram personnel. Upon seeing droves of commuters approaching the Tram station from the west, Paravati asked a resident what was happening. When he learned that there was no subway service, he immediately conferred with his supervisor. The supervisor authorized the suspension of the usual Tram schedule and a shift to Load and Go. Based on unofficial information from riders, the Tram operators followed procedure to respond to a near-emergency situation and provide service to residents.

On Friday, Paravati informally discussed the situation with me. In the past, he has spoken with the MTA personnel at the Roosevelt Island subway station and pointed out the inadequacy of communication when service is interrupted. Often, passengers enter the turnstile and proceed to the platform, only to learn that there is no service. Many times, there is NO SIGN on the door indicating service has been suspended. When these passengers re-trace their steps, they may ask the clerk for a paper transfer slip. Unfortunately, the Tram turnstile does NOT accept the paper transfer slip provided by the subway clerk, only a Metrocard.

Moreover, Paravati told me that although the Tram personnel have requested communication from the subway station managers in the event of service interruptions, like the one on Thursday morning, they do not have a formal and authorized method of communication. Therefore, it is only when commuters spontaneously advise the Tram operators of a problem that the Tram personnel learn of changes to the subway service.

Paravati agreed that a simply walkie-talkie device between the subway clerk and the Tram supervisor would improve this situation. The Tram operators already carry a walkie-talkie to communicate with their co-workers.

At the same time that RIOC distributed the advisory to residents, it might have communicated the MTA announcement of disruption in service to the Tram personnel. There was no such communication on Thursday morning; the Tram personnel accelerated the schedule prior to the 9:00 am advisory.

It is unconscionable that, in the 25 years of operating the Tram and the subway, the MTA and RIOC have not figured out how to communicate effectively between themselves and with the Tram personnel and with residents who rely on uninterrupted subway and Tram service.

I urge my neighbors to join me in making their lack of confidence in RIOC's advisory system known.

I further encourage them to focus attention on RIOC's failure to promote effective communication between the MTA, RIOC and the Tram personnel that would serve the public.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Emergency Alert System, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sportspark Heating, Cultural Center Renovation & Contact Info

Image From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

RIOC Advisories

This past week, RIOC launched an improvement to the RIOC Advisories electronic alert system, upgrading the former email-only notification system to Everbridge Platform, one of the leaders in critical communications systems in the United States. Everbridge uses the most advanced cloud-based technologies and allows text alerts and voice messaging in addition to traditional email notifications. The new system also allows subscribers to choose the kind of alerts they’d like to receive, such as traffic alerts, special event notifications, RIOC facility updates and more. If you have not already signed up for this free service, we encourage you to do so by visiting rioc.ny.gov and clicking the link to sign up. These advisories are the fastest way to get local information that affects daily life on Roosevelt Island as well as critical alerts in case of an emergency.

Whenever an advisory is issued, our system will attempt send out a message to subscribers through all of the contact methods that were provided during the sign-up process, including by phone, email and text message. If you would rather not receive messages through a particular method, you may log into your account and remove that contact information from your profile. Once you make this change, our system will immediately stop sending notifications to that device or email address. The only required contact method is an email address. To edit your profile information or advisory subscriptions, visit rioc.ny.gov and click the link to be taken to the RIOC Advisories member portal.

If you have questions or require assistance, we encourage you to send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or to call 212-832-4540 during our daily office hours. A member of our staff will be happy to work with you to resolve any difficulties, or to provide help during the sign-up process.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

On Friday, December 5th at 7 PM, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Blackwell Plaza (500 Main Street). This much-loved tradition brings residents together each year for musical performances by local talent, giveaways for children, and an appearance by a very special guest! We hope you’ll join us this December to kick off the holiday season and to celebrate with your neighbors.

Sportspark Heating System

This week, the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) informed us that the Island’s Steam Plant has been decommissioned and that steam heat will no longer be provided by the facility. Last spring, contractors installed a temporary boiler system at Sportspark to service the building in place of steam heat. As this temporary heating system is already in place, no disruption to the facility’s schedule is planned at this time. Going forward, RIOC’s Engineering department will work with contractors on the installation of a permanent solution for Sportspark. Once a work schedule is in place and installation begins, the public will be advised of any effects construction will have on the facility’s schedule.

Cultural Center

Construction is nearly complete at the Cultural Center on Main Street. After being severely water damaged by Hurricane and subsequent flooding, the facility required extensive restoration work. Now that the Center’s walls, doorways and electrical infrastructure have been installed, contractors are hard at work laying down the building’s flooring and finishing off the ceiling. It’s important to us to restore this community space for public use, and we are pleased that the restoration process is nearing completion.

Contacting RIOC

While RIOC Advisories are a great way for you to get local updates from us, we’d also like to hear back from you. If you would like to get in touch with RIOC about your questions, comments or concerns, please send an email to information@rioc.ny.gov or call the offices at 212-832-4540. In addition, you can contact us through RIOC’s Facebook page, facebook.com/RIOCNY. Feel free to send us a Facebook message, or use the contact form on the page to get in touch. You can also visit our Facebook page for event photos, news, announcements, and more.