HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2015-03-17
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 17th, 2015 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Rod Howe, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Rich DePaolo,
Creig Hebdon, Dan Thaete
Guests: David Herrick and Steve Rowe of T. G. Miller, P.C. for Amabel and Greenways Projects
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from February 24, 2015 were modified. Item #3 – correction to the spelling of Mr.
DePaolo’s name. Item #5 – Change last sentence to “Mr. Engman moved to recommend a
Town Law prohibiting parking within 50’ of a stop sign or intersection throughout the Town be
presented to the Town Board. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept. Mr. Engman seconded.
Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Weber reported that he will be presenting the
Comptroller’s application for the Sapsucker Water Tank Replacement Project to
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the Town Board on March 23.
3. Amabel Utility Discussion:
The item is to consider extension of the Town water system to serve a potential development.
Discussion focused on the alignment, size, location, and interconnection of the water line for
the development. Mr. Weber reported that the plan submitted to the Committee is different
from the plan submitted to the Planning Department. The plan submitted to the Committee
was a looped system, with two connections to the existing main and the submittal to the
Planning Department had a single connection to the existing main and a loop on the end.
Issues with either plan are the use of a 6” water line; as 8” is the Town standard, and
proximity to the electric main is too close to facilitate repairs. Mr. Herrick has concerns about
the cost of an additional connection being placed under the highway and stated that a single
connection provides the same service and water quality as two connections. Mr. Weber
emphasized the importance of a loop system to mitigate down time and customer impacts
during water main repairs and to ensure water quality and fire flows over time. He also
requested that electrical pedestals be moved outside of the water easement. Discussion
about incorporating a 6” line within the system and cost differential was discussed, as well as
other options. The Committee supported extension of the water utility if it is looped and
designed to Town Standards. The item is currently at the sketch plan stage and will need to
come back to the Committee for final consideration.
4. Greenways Utility Updates Discussion:
Mr. Weber provided an overview of the project. Mr. Herrick reported that the plan has been
changed to a loop system with no dead ends dedicated to the Town. Mr. Weber
acknowledged that the incorporation of a 6” line to complete a loop is acceptable and will not
affect fire flows. Mr. Engman moved to recommend the plan based on the current proposal
assuming the open space is not developed. Mr. DePaolo seconded. Approved.
5. Weekend Emergencies:
Mr. Engman feels that verbiage on our automated systems should be updated to clarify that
water and sewer issues are considered emergencies and should be called into the 911 Call
Center. Mr. Weber will draft the language and provide it for consideration.
6. Christopher Water Tank Damage:
Mr. Weber explained the ice buildup, due to the unusually cold winter, and limited exercising
of the tank scenario that led to damage to the tank. When the damage was discovered,
Town staff took steps to begin addressing the damage. Aquastore, the tank supplier, was
contacted for assistance and inspection. They responded, by redirecting field personnel from
the Utica area to our site where they performed an inspection and facilitated repairs to protect
the water quality until formal repairs could be completed. Mr. Weber reported that it will cost
$6,796 to repair the tank, plus the cost of renting the lift. Mr. Hebdon reported that since
Aquastore is making the repairs, there will be no charge for the emergency service call made
on the day the damage was discovered. Mr. Hebdon explained that a 2016 Capital project
includes interconnecting the water main from the Sapsucker Tank to houses with lower
pressure on Christopher Circle to enable the tank’s water level to drop lower than it can
currently to serve customers.
7. West Hill Water Issues:
Mr. Weber reported that he attended a meeting last week with Bolton Point and the City of
Ithaca where the City proposed an interconnect at the Oakwood Tank pump station to feed
into the West Hill water system. This was to offset water being provided to City customers
from the Cornell water system. There could be an exchange between Cornell and Bolton
Point at the East Hill tank. It was discussed that this action would not benefit the Town as it
would causes us to lose approximately 1/3 of our water flow to the Inlet Valley area resulting
in a potential water quality issue for Town customers in that area. Mr. Engman stated that if it
is currently a disadvantage to the Town, then consideration could be given after the City
completes their water system upgrades.
7. Project Updates:
Honness Lane – Surveying is needed.
Marcy Court – The bid will be opened 4/7/15. The Item will go to the Town Board on 4/13 for
authorization to award.
Coddington Road Water Main Phase 2 – Easements are being prepared and sent to
impacted properties.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
April 21st, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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