HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2015-04-21
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
April 21st, 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, Mike Solvig
Guests: David Herrick and Donald Harner of T. G. Miller, P.C. and Susan Cosentini for Amabel
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from March 17, 2015 were approved. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept. Mr. Engman
seconded.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Engman added the Forest Home Curve and Mr.
Weber added a letter from the Comptroller regarding use of highway funds on
roads and added the topic of E. Shore Drive redevelopment of a lot.
3. Amabel Water Main Update:
Mr. Weber brought the group up-to-date and reported that a recent meeting with T. G. Miller
resulted in agreement of modifications to the plan utilizing an 8” main extended half way
through the development with the addition of two taps for redundancy in the system and the
addition of two gate valves for isolation of the system during repairs. Discussion was held
regarding maintaining Town standards, fire flows, and service to customers. The developer
requested that we accept a less robust system for reduction of cost. The Committee felt
sympathetic to the developer’s financial situation but, felt that the concession that was made
by allowing a partial 6” main is acceptable and will provide a customer-based system that the
Town will be responsible for maintaining in the future. The developer asked about the
possibility of the Town taking over the development’s sewer system, if fees were provided,
along with the water system in order to avoid the need to form a corporation. Discussion was
held regarding pump station maintenance and generators and DEC rules and regulations.
The fact that the Town is a benefited area, Mr. Engman stated that Susan Brock would need
to provide legal input before consideration of the request could be given.
4. 2016 CIP Review and Discussion:
Mr. Weber provided the 2016 CIP for review. Discussion was held in regard to holding off on
the fueling station upgrade until 2017 and moving the Trumansburg Tank replacement to
2016. In addition, Complete Streets consideration will be given to road projects.
5. Road Salt Status and 2016 Needs Discussion:
Mr. Weber reported that OGS requires our 2015/2016 salt requirements by 5/30/15. He will
be requesting 500 tons of raw salt and 500 tons of treated salt for this fall. The goal is to have
1000 tons of salt in the barn for the remainder of 2015, which will require $60,000 additional
funds this year. The 2016 budget will propose $200,000 for salt (3000 tons). Mr. Weber will
formally request the additional 2015 funds at the Town Board meeting in May.
6. Town Road Conditions Update:
Mr. Weber reported that Caldwell Road will be resurfaced and Summerhill Lane will be
reconstructed using CHIPS funds this year. Mr. Engman wants to look at Summerhill Lane
for Complete Streets consideration.
7. Discuss Bus Tour Expectations:
Mr. Weber asked for any suggestions regarding the Town Tour for 2015. He stated that the
Budget Committee would like to take the tour prior to making final decisions. Also, the tour
will include Planning and Zoning points of interest.
8. NYS “Intrastate Mutual Aid Program”:
Mr. Weber presented a letter from Homeland Security and Emergency Services regarding
Intrastate Mutual Aid and suggested that we participate in the program.
9. Cemetery Updates:
Mr. Weber reported that he met with Mr. Seelman from the NYS Division of Cemeteries at
Inlet Valley Cemetery. Some additional large monuments were identified as being eroded
and unstable and were added to the original number. The new list has been provided to the
th
monument company. The wall repair bid will be opened on April 30. Mr. Weber will send
the additional monuments that require repair and wall bid results to the State. The item will
go before the Town Board.
The Lake View Cemetery culvert has been removed to allow water to flow and avoid flooding.
The plan is to go back to restore the culvert and stabilize the culvert walls.
10. Project Updates:
Plans and specifications for Elm Street Draining, Sapsucker Tank Replacement, and
Coddington Water Main - Phase 2 are available for review at the Public Work Facility.
11. Agenda Items Added:
a) Mr. Weber presented a letter from the Comptroller regarding Towns’ Road Management
Plans which addresses coordination between Town Boards and Highway Departments.
b) Mr. Weber reported that the new owner of a property lot on East Shore Drive wants to
build a house and asked that the Town abandon 5 feet of an existing easement. This
request will not be honored as it would cause maintenance issues.
c) Mr. Engman reported that he and Mr. Weber met with the homeowner at the Forest Home
curve. The ROW issue is moving forward. An Engineering Study is needed.
Consideration will be given to limiting the size of vehicles that can pass through the curve.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
May 19th, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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