HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2017-12-19
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
December 19, 2017 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Jim Weber,
Dan Thaete
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from November 14, 2017 were approved with minor corrections. Motion to approve
by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Ms. Hunter. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Mr. Weber added discussion regarding Ithaca Beer and Gateway Trail / Community
Action Property.
3. Water Easement Maintenance Issues / Concerns Discussion:
Mr. Weber reported on an issue that will require further future discussion regarding watermain
easement clearance between residential properties. Heavily vegetated areas jeopardize
repair/maintenance needs in the event of a watermain break. PWD would need to contract
with a tree removal service to clear a specific easement. Ms. Hunter suggested town wide
informational outreach to residents and suggested re-implementing the mail-based
newsletter. Mr. Weber said that PWD would continue to do research and keep property
owners informed.
4. Discussion/Update on Aster Lane Acceptance:
Mr. Weber reported that there are still significant deficiencies regarding the roadway at the
Conifer Development (Cayuga Meadows) on West Hill. The road was not built to the town’s
standards. Concrete has already been poured, setting the elevation. The contractor intends
to make up the difference by changing the thickness of the pavement. PWD has
communicated that the town will not maintain the road until it meets our standards.
Discussion was held regarding future project performance bonding, reimbursement, In-House
and DOT Standards.
5. Coddington/Burns Road Watermain Update and Budget Considerations:
Mr. Weber explained the work that will be done at the Coddington Rd/Burns Rd intersection
relative to the watermain. Plans are in and are being reviewed. The town’s previous
watermain worked stopped at the King Rd intersection. The County is raising the
Coddington/Burns intersection by 6’ to improve visibility. Part of the associated drainage work
will require relocating ~1500’ of watermain, of which the town will be responsible for ~750’ as
there are improvements PWD wants to make. The anticipated cost would be $100,000 -
$150,000. The item will go to the Town Board for fund appropriation and is slated for 2018.
6. Community Action Property:
Mr. Weber reported on an issue regarding the Community Action property, which is looking to
add one building, modify another, lower the parking lot, and add a wall on the Town/City line.
The wall was not approved by City Planning and was added to the plan later. The work will
result in only 2’ of soil between excavation limits and our watermain. When the town
constructed the watermain, easements were not acquired, but verbal consent was obtained.
Easements need to be obtained. Conversations are in process. This may impact the
Gateway Trail Project.
7. Ithaca Beer Discussion:
Mr. Weber reported that a 12/5 letter from Ed Gottlieb from Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Facility indicated that he is working with Ithaca Beer on pre-treatment to get better
control over what is being discharged from the facility into the sewer line. He also indicated
that stainless steel shields on our pump conveyance system have corroded due to the type of
discharge. Mr. Gottlieb is responsible for enforcing the Industrial Waste Permit. Mr. Thaete
asked if it would be worth considering funding from Ithaca Beer since the industrial discharge
permit being enforced by the City of Ithaca covers conveyance and treatment flows from the
facility, there is a high level of inflow and infiltration associated. Mr. Weber added that it may
be necessary for Ithaca Beer to construct a holding tank so that the discharge can be
released slowly into the wastewater system and not cause a Ph level imbalance.
8. Project Updates:
South Hill/West Hill Water Study: The Study is moving along, but will not be completed in
2017. The model generated does not match field results. Further investigation and
reanalysis is causing a delay. Mr. Thaete added that the West Hill is calibrated, but South Hill
needs more flow testing. The final report should be done in March/April of 2018.
Ellis Hollow Watermain and Tank Update: PWD is working with Larsen Engineering and 90-
95% of the design is completed. The Comptroller’s Report has been submitted with
preliminary comments provided from the Comptroller. The final letter is pending. Easements
need to be obtained. The project will go out to bid the end of January/February. PWD staff is
meeting on 12/20 to set the project’s schedule. The project should go before the Town Board
the first meeting in March 2018.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m., motioned by Ms. Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo.
Our next meeting will be on 1/16 at 9:00 a.m., tentatively based on 2018 Committee
appointments. 2018 meeting dates to be discussed.
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