HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2013-02-12
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
February 12, 2013 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Rich DePaolo, Rod Howe, Jim Weber, Mike
Smith, Bill Goodman, Creig Hebdon, Mike Solvig
1. Approval of Minutes:
There were no changes to the January minutes. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. Smith commented on the Gateway Trail. The Selection Committee has received
proposals from design consultants. Fisher Associates was selected. The Committee met
with Fisher Associates to establish a task list from which a fee will be established.
Discussion was held in order to bring members up to date regarding the project. Mr.
Weber stated that it has been some time since the trail site was reviewed and the
condition of the proposed trail would need to be reevaluated. There was discussion of the
issues of the railroad bed at Route 13, existing sewer, and Stone Quarry Road.
a. Consider modification to agenda:
None
3. Road Preservation Law Discussion:
Mr. Goodman put the County Law into a format for the Town. He added previous meeting
discussion items regarding the number of truck trips and truck weights. He removed two
references to gas drilling. He did some research on the definition of a “Peace Officer” and
found that according to NY Law, a Peace Officer is someone with police power, but not
necessarily having authority to carry a weapon. Some examples are Park Rangers,
Campus Police, DEC Employees, Codes Officers. In terms of this Law implementation, it
may apply to Park Rangers, but not likely any others. There were further discussions and
revisions regarding:
Defining temporary projects
Defining who is ultimately responsible
Stipulating “Development activity” in order to include sub-contractor activity
Projects that originate outside of the Town
Using the Planning Process
Adding “Local” highways
Definition of “road use agreement” and how it differs from a permit
Adding a design standard
Adding “current roadway construction costs”
Mr. Goodman suggested attending a Road Preservation Workshop next week at the
Annual Association of Towns Meeting to get ideas for language for adding a statement to
cover the Town in situations where other Town’s do not require a permit or temporary
projects requiring another type of permit. He will also check the State Law for the
definition of local pickup and delivery. Mr. Goodman will incorporate these discussion
items into an updated draft.
Discussion was held in regard to posting all roads, collector roads, or posting at the Town’s
boundaries.
4. Discussion of “Highway by Use” Responsibilities
Mr. Weber presented materials to start a discussion regarding implications the Town
needs to be aware of in regard to “use-by-right” roadways as identified under NYS Law for
highway purposes. Pedestrian sidewalk uses would require easements under NYS Law.
Discussion continued based on the unique and varied conditions throughout Town. The
discussion also included interpretations relative to what constitutes support or structure for
a roadway vs. support or structure for adjacent homes. In regard to the deteriorating wall
in Forest Home, Mr. Engman would like to start making progress on this walkway project.
Mr. Weber stated that Cornell Plantations is concerned that they will be involved in the
cost associated with colorizing asphalt and maintenance of polymer associated with
Forest Home Bridge replacement.
5. Federal Aid Grant Proposals
Mr. Weber reported that the ITCTC is moving on Federal grant applications and asked
about the Town’s approach. It was agreed that the Town should focus on a road project
of high priority and work on that grant as time allows, keeping in mind that there is no
guarantee of funds.
6. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
Salt Storage Shed: Geotechnical services will be utilized for asbestos testing on
shingles. The project will go the ZBA on 2/25 for final variances. Design services will be
secured for building permits by AST, Advanced Storage Technologies, soil boring, and
roof loadings for solar panels.
Northeast Water Tank Replacement Consultant Services: There are pressure issues
in the area due to service elevations at the Sapsucker and Christopher Water Tanks. Mr.
Weber would like to hire consultants to do assessments on heights, pressure, and tank
sizes; and to take the lead on presentations to Boards and Committees.
Recommended Improvements to Tutelo Park Ballfield: The Ithaca Babe Ruth/Cal
Ripken League has requested that the pitcher’s mound be moved back four feet and the
infield be widened in order to meet the standards for older ball leagues. They can provide
manpower. There were no issues in allowing those changes.
7. Member Updates:
Mr. Engman reported that he and the Head of the Forest Home Association met with
Cornell Plantations regarding the Forest Home Park. They can help with the planning and
layout of the park, but do not usually have any surplus plantings to offer. The next step is
to come up with an initial sketch plan and then figure out volunteerism.
Mr. Weber shared a magazine article highlighting disposal issues. He reported that the
Saponi Meadows Agreement expired at the end of 2012. He also reported that a request
was received for water service installation for a resident on Calkins Road.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for: March 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.
Future Agenda Items:
Road Use Preservation Law
Parks and Trails (Michigan Hill Park, South Hill Trail, Forest Home)
Water and Wastewater Master Plan
Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work
South Hill Trail Extension
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