HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2013-05-21
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
May 21, 2013 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Jim Weber, Rich DePaolo, Mike Smith, Rod Howe
Guest: David Gross of the Forest Home Improvement Association
1. Approval of Minutes:
There were minor date changes to the April minutes. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
3. Coddington Road Trail Connection Discussion:
Mr. Smith explained some of the background of the project and referred to an earlier plan
to connect Troy Road to the South Hill Recreation Way which encompassed a private
property owner who was developing his property. That resident sold the property, so now
the opportunity to progress with a trail connection during the development and approval
process exists. Mr. Smith contacted the City regarding concerns with a connection across
City owned property to which they responded that there are none. Mr. Smith also talked
with Jeff Smith from the County and Mr. Jeff Smith questioned the number of County road
crossings. Mr. Engman raised the question of funding and how this fits into the Town’s list
of trail connections. He asked about the status of the property purchaser to which there is
no further information. It was agreed to put the issue on the Town’s radar, find funding,
and determine the cost. Mr. Weber added that we need to keep long-term maintenance
as a consideration. Mr. Engman felt that this particular trail would warrant seasonal
maintenance only.
4. Grant for Inlet Valley Cemetery:
Mr. Weber reported that Spectra sent an updated proposal for ground penetrating radar in
the amount of $8,000. Discussion was held regarding how State grants can be expended.
Mr. Engman suggested writing a proposal including everything needed and giving choices
to see what the State is willing to fund. Mr. Weber indicated that PWD could provide the
number of damaged headstones in order to help determine a cost.
5. Forest Home Sidewalk / Scope of Work:
Mr. Engman reported that limited funds are available for trail and walkway projects. Some
Forest Home Improvement Association members and an ITCTC representative, Fernando
de Aragon, walked the area to assess qualification for grant funding. Connecting areas
via trails makes the project a strong competitor for funding. The grant application is due in
August. The grant allows five years for completion. It also requires a 20% match. We
could contact Cornell regarding contributions. Mr. Engman suggested that we assess
priorities and get the information together. Mr. Weber suggested reviewing the
Transportation Enhancement Program Guidebook and said that applicant training and
State approval is required. The order of preferred scope is the upstream bridge to the
Judd Falls intersection; Warren Road from Forest Home Drive to Bluegrass Lane; then
Pleasant Grove from Forest Home Drive to Cradit Farm Drive.
Mr. Gross expressed the Association’s appreciation for the Town’s commitment and
involvement in the Forest Home Park, particularly from Rich Schoch. Mr. Gross described
a memorial wall/plaque that speaks to the donation of the property to Cornell by the
original owner, Mr. Hasbrouck.
Discussion was held about the State Park’s funding award for the Black Diamond Trail,
which totals $950,000 and will complete the trail from Taughannock Falls State Park to
Treman Marina.
6. Public Works Tour Schedule Options:
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It was decided that a discussion would be held at the Study Session on the 28 to help
determine the scope of the tour, number of participants, and vehicle needed.
7. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
The Salt Storage Shed is out for bid and will be opened on 6/5 with the possibility of a
resolution on 6/10.
Whitetail Drive Reconstruction is going out for bid and will be opened on 6/19 with the
possibility of a resolution on 6/24.
Danby Road/East King Road Water Main –The contractor is mobilizing this week and
should be starting next week.
Danby Road Water Tank – The tank is being drained and the contractor will begin
demolition next week.
Town Hall Parking Lot – The contractor began mobilization last Friday.
Town Hall HVAC Re-commissioning – There were some broken components which likely
led to issues with the system. Other components will be replaced as a result. The next
scope is to combine the roof units and boilers onto the same system.
Discussion was held about future agenda items, specifically how inter-municipal water and
wastewater agreements are being managed.
The Board members took a short tour of the latest construction at Public Works.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for: June 18th, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.
Future Agenda Items:
Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work
Coddington Road Sewer Line Extension
Grant for Inlet Valley Cemetery
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