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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEngineer's Report.pdf1. Dr. Them came to Village Hall to provide all Village employees a chance to get professional guidance on the risks of asbestos exposure. After reviewing the sample/test results in the Microbac report, his assessment was that there was likely a very low/minimal exposure. There was a discussion about whether chest exams would be helpful to either the employees or the village. Since there didn’t seem to be a strong feeling from the employees that they would want to have the chest exams, it seems to be an option for the Village. Discussion of this topic at the Public Works Committee was leaning towards not making it mandatory. 2. As requested by Trustee Salton, I spoke to HSC Associates about getting a price on insulating the heating pipes in the entire basement and/or crawl space. Marvin’s suggestion was that was not necessary, especially if we want/need to add heat to the space for moisture control. I asked him to give me an estimate (not a formal quote) to install insulation throughout the basement/crawl space. He estimated a range of $7,000- $10,000. Obviously, we could do this work at a later time if it was determined to be the best solution. In the meantime, we have blocked off the 2 vents from the crawl space to the exterior. As per building code, the vents were required when the space was not heated, but now that it is “conditioned” space, the vents are not required/needed. 3. We have had a few water main breaks and several failed water valves to replace in the last few weeks. I think the surrounding towns have had similar situations. We are going to work with Bolton Point to identify “hot spots” to work on improving next summer. 4. We are in need of replacing one of the DPW dump trucks. The current budget has approximately $75,000 remaining is various equipment accounts. We are trying to spec out a cab/chassis that can be ordered (through a piggy-back bid) that will meet the remaining available budget. Then when the truck is delivered after 6/1/15, the new dump box and plow can be ordered (through another piggy-back bid) from next year’s equipment budget. Jeff will have final numbers to present at the meeting with the anticipation of getting approval for a purchase order. 5. The transmission on the sidewalk plow has been slipping in high gear for awhile, but the guys have been able to run it is low gear. Unfortunately, it quit working this week. The DPW crew was able to pull it out and send it to a transmission repair shop. This has been done as an emergency purchase (may need Trustee designation), but should save the Village $10’s of thousand dollars. The replacement value of the entire machine is over $100,000. 6. The new construction at Kendal has started, so Jeff and I have set-up an inspection schedule in coordination with the contractor and the testing agency that was hired by the owner. Jeff and I will alternate visits, but the intention is to make 3 inspections per week plus coordination with the daily inspections to be done by the testing agency. 7. Based on the revised Stormwater Management Plan that was presented at the last Trustee meeting, I have prepared a line-by-line response to the NYSDEC to address all of the questions raised in the 2014 MS4 Audit. The written response was submitted prior to the 1/31/15 deadline. I have received acknowledgement of the submittal, but no official review yet. 8. The user license for the AUTOCAD software is being converted from an upgrade basis to a subscription basis. In the past, we used to buy an upgrade for about $1,500 every 3 years. Now they are making everyone purchase an annual subscription at a one time offer of about $2,500 (with annual renewal cost of about the same). Otherwise, if the license lapses, they will charge a new subscription fee of about $3,300. The last version we had to “upgrade” was from 2007 to 2011, but I am still working in the 2007 platform because it works best with the current computer operating system. After discussion with the PWC, we decided that I would just continue to use the current version/platform as long as it keeps working. 9. I received a quote of $4,500 from Williamson Law Book for a software program to track building permits. The City and Town of Ithaca, and the Town of Dryden, recently purchased systems from different vendors for a reported amount of $30,000-$50,0000. There seems to be some logic to waiting for Tompkins County to see if they can organize a unified system to work with all of the towns. 10. The DPW guys were looking for some follow-up answers to address questions about various past practice activities. We discussed the results of the recent Trustee meeting and the information was passed on to the employees. 11. I will get quotes for a “commercial” surge protector to be installed on the electric service at Village Hall, f or review at the next PWC meeting in March. Subsequent to the PWC meeting, I have received the following inquiries: 12. There is a Village owned sewer ROW across various private properties between Iroquois Road and Parkway Place. Apparently there was a sewage blockage in one of the manholes on this property where a tree had been allowed to grow overtop of the cover, preventing the access to the blockage. One of the property owners paid to have the tree removed so that their plumber to clear the blockage. The property owner has since requested assistance with the cost of the work. Randy has provided counsel that the Village would be responsible for the cost of maintaining the sewer pipe/system, but not necessarily the tree removal. He may have more details by the time of the meeting. 13. The property at 20 Overlook used to be a 3 family dwelling, but in 1993 it was converted to a 1 family dwelling at the request of the owners. Because there was no plumbing permit associated with the change in occupancy, Bolton Point was not aware of the change. Therefore, they have continued bill this property for 3 minimum monthly charges. The owner has requested a rebate. The Mayor has consulted with Bolton Point about how to address this issue.