HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2015-11-17
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
November 17, 2015 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Herb Engman, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Mike Solvig
Guests: Doug and Bruce Brittain representing the Forest Home Improvement Association
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from October 20, 2015 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo,
seconded by Mr. Engman.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda –
1) Mr. Engman added sewer pump in new developments discussion.
2) Mr. Weber added Inlet Valley arch repair.
3. 2016 CIP Bonding Considerations:
Mr. Weber suggested accelerating water main projects for 2016 in order to take advantage of
current bond rates. He also verified that Public Hearings for both water tank projects will be
on 12/7/15. Mr. Solvig added that he expects bond rates to escalate in 2016 and would like to
purchase bonds earlier than usual. Mr. Engman asked what tanks remain for replacement to
which Mr. Weber responded with Ridgecrest and Hungerford Hill. Mr. Engman emphasized
the importance of future considerations as the town continues to accumulate land and extend
trails, sidewalks, etc.
4. Forest Home Wall RFP Discussion:
Mr. Weber reported that, based on the Town Board decision to move forward with obtaining
options for the wall, Labella Associates has been informed to proceed. The town is in the
process of getting contracts signed with Labella Associates. A meeting needs to be
scheduled with the homeowner to discuss any concerns and impacts to the home. Mr. Weber
anticipates that the project be complete by early to mid-February.
5. Update of Status of Badger Excavator:
Mr. Weber reported that Badger has been informed to come and get the equipment, as the
demo model did not perform any better than the original equipment. He is requesting that the
town get the money returned, however, it is possible that there will be legal issues as the
company still wants to attempt to repair the excavator. Currently, PWF is borrowing a rubber-
tire excavator to see how it functions. The issue is pending Badger’s response to the letter
and documentation sent on 11/16/15 by Mr. Weber.
6. Grandview Intersection Parking Restrictions:
Mr. Weber reminded the group that an email was received relative to a neighborhood meeting
requesting parking restrictions at Grandview / Towerview intersections. Mr. Engman stated
that the neighborhood is not all in agreement with parking restrictions along the roads and
suggested limiting the restrictions to intersections for the purpose of sight improvement. Mr.
Weber will put together the Local Law and schedule a public hearing.
7. Project Updates:
Inlet Valley Cemetery Rehabilitation – Mr. Weber will meet with AccuFab for an updated
estimate to take down, sandblast, spot repair, and paint the arch. He reported that some
grant money was returned as one headstone could not be located for repair. Discussion was
held regarding the long-term possibility of inheriting responsibility for the cemetery.
Discussion led to Lake View Cemetery. Mr. Solvig reported that the new President for the
cemetery has been aggressive in obtaining donations and grants for mausoleum repairs. Mr.
Engman feels that the roof is the most important repair at this time to prevent leaking and
further damage. Mr. Solvig will give a financial report for Lake View Cemetery at our next
meeting. Mr. Howe reported that he is involved with the History Center which is planning to
meet to discuss cemetery management as a whole.
Elm Street Drainage – The project was completed quickly and effectively, by inserting a
replacement pipe into the failed pipe This process will be considered for implementation on
the South Hill Trail culverts.
Sapsucker Tank Replacement – The Tank is up, filled, and testing has been done. It should
be online in the next couple of days. PRV pit construction has begun and parts should be
delivered the first week in December. Clarity Connect will not be utilizing the tank for their
communication equipment. Draining of the old tank will begin early next week.
Manhole Repair – The project is aggressively moving forward with grate and frame
replacements. The contractor will be coating and doing internal repairs the first week in
December.
Discussion of Sewage Pumping in New Developments – Mr. Weber provided a map
showing the town’s pump stations and meter locations. Discussion was held regarding when
the town went from districts to benefited areas, the Health Department’s role, and the history
of our pump stations. The town needs to consider how much maintenance it wants to take on
- keeping in mind that there are variations associated with designs - and should consider
minimizing the number of pump stations. Ideally, gravity flow and systems that are capable of
handling expansion are best. Policy discussion needs to be held. Developers need to build
to town standards in order to avoid future problems. Dialers, backup power supplies, and
adequate access to pump stations for maintenance, for example, are needed. Mr. Weber will
bring his research information to the next Study Session for discussion.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
December 15, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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