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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2018-06-19 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE June 19, 2018 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Jim Weber, Bill Goodman, Paulette Rosa, Dan Thaete, Steve Riddle Guests: Brynne Sigg & Raf Chew from Chase Lane 1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 22, 2018 were approved with minor changes by Mr. DaPaolo to item #1 to correct DePaolo name spelling and period punctuation after $5,000. Motion to approve by Ms. Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Consider Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Weber added discussions regarding Ithaca Beer discharge, Coddington Road Reconstruction County Project (water main replacement), East Shore Drive driveway sink hole, Ellis Hollow tree issues, Westview Drive drainage issue. The Chase Lane discussion was moved to item #3. 3. Chase Lane Drainage Upgrade Request: The residents present from Chase Lane presented neighborhood safety concerns regarding the deep ditches on the odd numbered side of the road, especially during snow season. Mr. Weber reported that the project is considered asset management and is matching the original ditching inverts and depths according to the subdivision’s plans. He explained that the ditches at the bottom of the road leading to King Road are filled in due to erosion issues. Utilities on the back side of the ditch present constraints. The ditches will be reseeded. He suggested a center stripe and fog lines in the fall to delineate the edge line and the shoulder width is increased due to a decrease in the road width. The representative residents will discuss with the neighborhood and get back to the PWD with any concerns of the suggested resolution. The Committee agreed that this raises a town wide issue and will require further discussion. 4. Discuss Transportation Corporation Sewage Costs for Amabel Development: Mr. Weber reported that he reviewed the information from the Town Attorney and the Developer. The pump station maintenance cost is reasonable, but Engineering has concerns regarding the cost estimate for installation of the sewer. He explained that the Engineer’s estimated construction cost is $70,000 below what PWD Engineering would spec it out as, if they were bidding out the project. The Committee recommended for Town Board approval that the bonding amount by Amabel be increased to $355,000. Mr. Goodman explained that the law requires a guarantee for O&M costs for five years and suggested getting input from the Town Attorney in regard to obtaining another form of security. 5. Bostwick Road Cemetery Request: In regard to an email received from the property owner via the Town Historian requesting maintenance work be done prior to a Civil War veteran gravestone ceremony, Mr. Weber explained that the PWD fills gopher holes to protect our mowers and mows, as needed. In regard to the request to take down trees, further discussion needs to take place. Mr. Goodman will schedule a meeting with the property owner, Mr. Baker, to discuss the issue and the title. 6. Project Updates: Ellis Hollow Water Main and Tank Update: The project is moving along and the control building is up. The floor of the control building was not poured to design, but is covered by warranty. The valve vault is in place. Disinfection and testing needs to be completed in addition to resolution of trees that Cornell requested be taken down by the Contractor. Mr. Weber stated that those trees are the financial responsibility of Cornell and do not impact the project. Other trees that fell during a wind event and one which had its root system compromised will be covered under the project. Perry Lane Reconstruction: The project is moving along productively. Chase Lane/LaGrange Pavement Project: th The pavement has been milled and paving should take place around the week of July 4. 7. Ithaca Beer Discharge Permit: Mr. Weber reported that the Sewer Joint Committee has determined, after some debate, that there is a violation of the Compliance Order and the discharge issue needs to be remediated. SJC is the enforcing entity. 8. Westview Lane Drainage Issue: Mr. Weber presented a letter from the resident at 153 ½ Westview Lane regarding a request for the PWD to remove trees and clean the ditch at the property, indicating that he has not maintained the ditch. Per the Municipal Code, it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain their ditches. As this seems to be a town wide concern, discussion was held regarding proactive communication with residents when significant ditch cleaning takes place to alleviate possible issues. Mr. Howe suggested utilizing the Cornell Local Roads Program for information. Discussion was held regarding creating storm water drainage districts, setting precedence, and including the topic in the town newsletter. Mr. Weber will get input from the Codes Department and respond to the resident. 9. East Shore Drive Sink Hole: Mr. Weber made the Committee aware of an issue regarding a driveway sink hole that is not the town’s responsibility. It is a State Road on the railroad easement. It is near the town’s sewer line, but is not impacting the utility. A meeting is scheduled between the railroad and the property owner on 6/21 at 2:00 pm. Representatives from the town will attend for clarification. 10. Coddington/Burns Road Intersection Project: Mr. Weber requested direction from the Committee regarding participation in the safety project due to issues with conflicting determinations in regard to easements for relocation of utilities. Discussion was held regarding options. Time is of the essence. The issue will be discussed at the 6/25 Study Session. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m., motioned by Ms. Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo. Carried. Our next meeting will be on 7/17 at 9:00 a.m. lvp