HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2016-06-21
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
June 21, 2016 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Bill Goodman, Mike Solvig, Dan Thaete
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from May 17, 2016 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by
Ms. Hunter.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – None
3. 2017 Fleet Replacement Program:
Mr. Weber provided documentation regarding “life cycles” or “useful life” for vehicles and
equipment. He reached out to The Office of General Services and NYS DOT forms were
provided, which primarily follows the process that PWD uses for fleet replacement. Ms.
Hunter requested additional information regarding mileage and maintenance costs be added
to the current fleet spreadsheet and be accessible. The Committee agreed that it would be
helpful during budget season, for equipment that was coming due for replacement and over
time, to add the information to the vehicle inventory spreadsheet.
4. Trumansburg Road Sewer Extension Request:
Mr. Weber provided a petition that was submitted to the Town Board by five residents
requesting sewer extension north on Trumansburg Road. Discussion was held regarding the
closest sewer available, cost based on $150/foot, issues that could arise, future development,
and agricultural district process steps. The Committee agreed that the issue is part of a larger
conversation and will move to the Town Board for response.
5. Discussion on Town Code Updates for Water and Sanitary Sewer:
Mr. Weber reported that Mr. Hebdon updated current Town Code Chapter 215, in regard to
Water and Sewer Code, to remove any references to the City of Ithaca. Updates had not
been done since the 1970s. He used examples from other towns for accepting water and
sewer systems. There were no technical changes. The Committee would like the share the
information with Planning and get the staff’s input and have the item come back to the
Committee. The information should be shared with Bolton Point in the future.
6. Caterpillar Buyback Option:
Mr. Weber explained a buyback program that Caterpillar offered with the purchase of our last
mini-excavator. Due to the large market for used and rental equipment, Caterpillar will buy
back the mini-excavator within two years of purchase and up to 500 working hours. As the
owner, the town would be responsible for the difference of the price increase and $10/per
hour on the equipment. A mandatory maintenance by Caterpillar will be required at 400 hour
for $2,800. A new mini-excavator would cost ~$4,730 in this program. It is an option that we
can take advantage of within the first two years from purchase, but the cost will increase and
the mandatory maintenance will be incurred. Discussion was held regarding warranty,
continuing with the program, and cost effectiveness. The Committee was supportive of
moving the item to the Town Board.
7. East Ithaca Recreation Way Construction Closure:
Mr. Weber reported that the pedestrian path bridge needs to be up and Pine Tree Road
needs to be open by the time Cornell students return in August. Cornell does not want
commuters walking through the natural areas and fish hatchery areas. Game Farm Trail is
closed with signage.
8. Project Status:
Trumansburg Water Tank Replacement – The tank will begin to be drained on 6/27, which
will take one week. Demolition is scheduled for 7/5. The mixer and aerator cut sheets are in
but, not formally approved. Mr. Weber will provide the approved cut sheets to Liz Thomas.
Park Lane, Christopher and Sapsucker Water Mains - Park Lane construction has begun.
The contractor is a week behind.
Pine Tree Road Construction – The County project is moving along and appears to be on or
ahead of schedule.
Bundy Road Reconstruction – The project is complete, shoulders are down. Centerline
striping will be done when it can be scheduled.
Mr. Howe asked about progress on Forest Home Drive to which Mr. Weber responded that he
had no new information. Mr. Goodman suggested that it would be in the town’s best interest
to attend a meeting when Cornell and the City meet.
Future agenda items suggested are the Eastern Heights Water Study to be presented at the
7/19 PWC Meeting; and Cornell development.
Mr. Goodman reported that he met with Jack Young and Dave Mountin regarding sewer
service for Mr. Mountin’s development. Mr. Mountin is looking into the cost of storm water
requirements.
Mr. Goodman reported that he had a conversation with the property owner of a Troy Road
parcel who does not want to connect to town water and sewer. A meeting will be held with
the resident’s real estate agent. The issue will be moved to the Town Board.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
July 19, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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