HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2018-03-20
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 20, 2018 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Jim Weber,
Judy Drake, Bill Goodman, Mike Solvig, Joe Slater, Dan Thaete, Steve Riddle
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from February 20, 2018 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo,
seconded by Ms. Hunter.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Consider Modifications to Agenda – Item #4 was addressed first due to a scheduling
conflict for Joe Slater.
3. NYSERDA Grant Fund Options (LED Lighting):
Bill Goodman gave a brief update and the item will be addressed again at our next meeting.
Nick Goldsmith is getting clarification on the information provided, as it is confusing, and is
asking for an extension to apply for the $50,000 grant. More details regarding maintenance
are needed from the City.
4. Discussion on Easement Management:
Mr. Weber explained that there are several town wide easements to be managed. Some
easements are 60 years old and have issues with terminology in that trees or buildings were
not present when they were originally obtained, but are currently present and causing
infrastructure and maintenance issues with sewer mains and manholes. Susan Brock has
stated that the Town Board has the responsibility of decisions regarding removal of trees. Mr.
Goodman added that the issue will be addressed at the 3/26 Study Session. Mr. Slater
indicated that the easement situation is a case-by-case basis, if they even exist. Some
residents are very cooperative, while others are resistant. In order for the Town Board to
begin discussion on 3/26, Mr. Slater will provide representative cases with pictures.
Discussion was held regarding the depth of water/sewer mains, tree interference and possible
damage to infrastructure during tree removal, restoration to lawns, rerouting of mains and
abandonment of old infrastructure. Mr. Goodman reported that Susan Brock is checking
LISTSERV for how other municipalities have handled dealing with constituents in similar
situations.
5. “Bridge NY” Application - Town Line Road:
Mr. Weber reported on this funding opportunity from Albany, in conjunction with the County, to
advance the priority of smaller bridge maintenance. The grant includes bridges that have
local municipal interest where they may be of low priority through general County operating
budgets. Town Line Road is due to be reconstructed in 2020. The grant would allow the
bridge to be addressed prior to road construction. The County has completed the application,
as they own the bridge structure and we own the decking, but it requires Town Board
approval to proceed for this grant. Mr. Weber will review the documents to get a better
understanding of the Town’s responsibilities and report at the 3/26 Study Session. The
application is due to the State by 4/27, but needs to be reviewed by DOT by 3/29 prior to
submittal.
6. Planning Board Requirement for Speed Hump on Mitchell Street:
Mr. Goodman explained that it is part of the Maplewood Project to install traffic calming
measures. It is proposed that a speed hump be installed where the trail crosses over Mitchell
Street for which the Town would be responsible, just as we are for other traffic calming
measure within the Town. He provided the Forest Home Agreement as a template.
Discussion was held regarding engineering design, plantings, Use-by-right, cemetery
protection. Mr. Goodman will talk with T. G. Miller to set a meeting with the County for final
designs. Susan Brock will review the agreement and get with the County to work out the
details. The Town Board should have involvement in the approval.
7. Modification to the City/Town Water Agreement for Oakwood Meter:
Mr. Weber reported that a master meter has been installed at the Oakwood Pump Station, in
reference a 2014 Water Exchange Agreement, which involved changing the configuration and
a new PRV vault. 102 City customers are being served from the Trumansburg Tank. The
master meter prevents stagnation, improves water service to customers and record-keeping
for Bolton Point, along with payment by the City for lost water due to leaks and breaks
between the Pump Station and the 102 City residences. The meter installation positively
influences the proposed Cliff Street water main replacement project. Mr. Slater sent a copy of
an Agreement addressing payment, effective 11/8/17, to the City for comments, but has not
heard back yet.
8. Project Updates:
Reconstruction/Replacement of Pavement at Cayuga Meadows: Mr. Weber reported that
Aster Lane does not meet Town Standards for road construction and that the Town will not be
taking over maintenance of the road until it is corrected. Discussion was held regarding future
extension of the road, Certificate of Occupancy, TCO renewals, PWD Inspection, Planning
Board approval for the road. Mr. Weber will provide more information as it becomes
available.
Ellis Hollow Water Main and Tank Update: The contract is out for signatures. Health
Department approval is needed. Susan Brock is working on easement language. The Scope
of Service will need to be changed by Larsen Engineering and a resolution is set to do so at
the 3/26 Town Board Meeting. The project is due to start in early April and be completed by
the end of July 2018. Discussion was held regarding Maplewood requesting TCOs.
Perry Lane Reconstruction: The project went out to bid on 3/14. The bid opening is on 4/4.
The project will go to the Town Board for award.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m., motioned by Ms. Hunter seconded by Mr. DePaolo.
Our next meeting will be on 4/17 at 9:00 a.m.
April Item for the Agenda: Roadway Speed Complaints/Discussion – Mr. Goodman
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