HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2016-12-20
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
December 20, 2016 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Dan Thaete, Bill Goodman
Guests: Dave Stotz representing the Westview neighborhood
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from October 18, 2016 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo,
seconded by Ms. Hunter.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Weber added the City sidewalk project at
Coddington and Hudson and Six Mile Creek stormwater.
3. Westview Stormwater Request:
Mr. Weber explained that a petition was received by some members of the Westview
neighborhood requesting that all ditches be piped and filled at the town’s cost. Mr. Stotz
handed out a written summary and pictures and explained the reasons for the request which
include: excessive steep and deep roadside surface water ditches, the presence of concrete
obstacles within the roadside ditches, narrowness of road shoulders, and the lack of a “clear
zone” for errant vehicle recovery. He added that sewer collection lines were constructed
without a proper study. At a minimum, the residents would like the Westview loop piped and
filled. Mr. Weber explained that DEC prefers ditching over piping due to water quality issues.
Mr. DePaolo was concerned about setting precedence as this type of ditches exists all over
the town and asked about a possible hybrid solution. Mr. Stotz added that when he lived on
Evergreen Lane, the town ditched the entire neighborhood and repaved driveways as a
project, so it is not without precedence. The item will be discussed at our next meeting.
4. Project Status:
Edgewood Sanitary Sewer/Manhole Repair – Final fill of the sanitary sewer line should be
complete by the end of the week. With the abandonment of the old line being completed, the
remaining issue is abandonment of the existing easement and PW will work with Susan
Brock.
Ellis Hollow Tank Design/Approval Process – Mr. Weber expressed his concerns
regarding the project and the tight Cornell deadline, Public Works resources, pushing out
planned Capital Projects, and expenses for the town. This is brand new installation rather
than a replacement in kind, which requires a longer planning, design process, and a SEQR.
Mr. Weber provided a timeline and explained that planning should have begun several
months ago to meet the deadline. He does not feel that Public Works can meet these
deadlines. Mr. Thaete added Public Works has the capability to design the project, but not on
this timeline. He stated that an outline has been requested from Cornell at every Planning
Meeting. Mr. DePaolo stated that we are not obligated to make Cornell’s deadline, especially
if we are shifting projects that are needed to serve town residents. There should be shared
responsibility. Mr. Weber and Mr. Goodman will meet with Cornell on 12/21 to discuss
concerns and the possibility of Cornell taking responsibility for design and construction
administration and will report back to the Town Board on the results of the meeting.
Six Mile Creek Stormwater Project – Mr. Weber reported that he met with the new owners
of the property and obtained a revised access easement which Susan Brock is reviewing.
Ms. Hunter suggested keeping in mind that grant money may be able to be used for
implementation.
City of Ithaca Sidewalk Project at Coddington and Hudson – Mr. Weber reported that the
City is planning to install curbing at this location, which will eliminate the town’s access to
South Hill Trail. Since the town requires access for maintenance purposes, the issues will be
conveyed to the City.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
Our next meeting will be on 1/17/17 at 9:00 a.m.
lvp