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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2013-07-16 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE July 16, 2013 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Jim Weber, Rich DePaolo, Mike Smith, Creig Hebdon 1. Approval of Minutes: There was a minor correction to the June minutes regarding Game Farm Road Reconstruction being part of a Town of Dryden project (not Danby). Mr. DePaolo moved to approve, seconded by Mr. Engman. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: Mr. DePaolo raised the issue of liability in regard to the public swimming at East Shore Park. Discussion was held that there are signs prohibiting it, but that it is not enforced by the law enforcement. He also informed the group that two girls got lost on the South Hill Recreation Trail last night and asked if we have posted signs indicating that the trail is closed after dark. Mr. Weber responded that there are signs in place at the main entrances, but there are also many private access areas to the trail. a. Modification to the agenda: Mr. Weber added: Northeast Water Study Proposal, Town Hall Building Control System, and Town Hall Computer Room Improvements to Project Updates. 3. Referral from ERC on PW Door Concern: Mr. Weber reported a safety issue that was raised through ERC about the PWF men’s bathroom door opening into the sink area posing accidental injury to someone standing there. We will be ordering a sign to indicate opening the door with caution. 4. Kendall Avenue ROW Issue: Mr. Weber explained the historical basis for a resident’s request about use of a ROW in front of her property as a result of a previous traffic calming project. Discussion was held and it was agreed that Mr. Weber would convey to her that we find no legal evidence that the ROW was vacated and transferred to her. Her only recourse is to call law enforcement if others park in the area in a manner that prevents her from entering or exiting her driveway and we can look at posting the “end” as no parking. 5. Grant for Inlet Valley Cemetery: Mr. Weber informed the group that the grant is intended to reduce hazards and that the Town, therefore, would not be eligible for much in grant funds. He reported that PWD is clearing brush from the wall and has identified two locations for repair. Quotes will be obtained. A quote for the arch totaling $4,000 was obtained for removal, sandblasting, repairing welds, priming, and painting. Mr. Engman asked what it would cost to fabricate a new arch. We have not looked into the cost of a new arch. He also suggested getting the quotes needed for all repairs needed for the cemetery and submitting the grant application to see what, if anything would be awarded and then proceeding from there. Mr. Weber will notify Spectra that we will not need their services for ground-penetrating radar, given this new information. 6. Grant Application for Forest Home Sidewalk: Mr. Engman reported that Susan Ritter took a tour of the area and that we should be hearing from her in the near future. 7. Public Works Town Tour: Mr. Weber provided a Town map and reviewed the route of the tour and highlights. The final list of those attending is needed. The possibility of a Public Works Facility tour exists before or after the Town tour for those who are interested. Mr. Weber will provide a map and summary to attendees on the day of the tour. He reported that the Salt Shed footers are going in and that the contractor will be starting on 7/17/13. The project should take six weeks. 8. Asset Inventory Questions / Information: Mr. Weber corrected a reference made during the last Town Board meeting regarding the qualifications of the low bid received for the Northeast Water Study. Mr. Weber explained that he is working with Mike Solvig for a short narrative to explain the Public Works budget. Mr. Weber shared that the Bond Council raised questions as to why the Town’s water and sewer are considered “benefited areas” rather than districts - indicating that there is more flexibility for a district than a benefited area. Mr. Engman suggested doing what is best for the Town now regardless of past decisions. 9. Project Updates (Mr. Weber): a. Danby Rd / W. King Rd Water Main – West King Road and Stone Quarry intersection is operational, has been tested, and we are working down Danby Road. There have been issues with service to some buildings as a result of outdated curb cards, but we are working around it with no cost impact. Mr. Hebdon reported that a couple of residents have asked that previous easements be abandoned since the easements have been revised and the water main is now closer to the road. This will need to go before the Town Board. Mr. Weber reported that the project may be completed before Longview will be done, which may require the Town to add a hydrant and valve that they can connect to in the future. We are waiting on verification of their cost in order to determine the 50% of costs that we agreed to pay. b. Danby Road Water Tank – Progressing quickly. The project has started and the tank should be up by this Friday. There is a two-week waiting period for the sealant to cure then we will begin disinfecting, and filling. c. Penny Lane Sewer Repair – Slip lining is complete and force main leaks are repaired. d. Trumansburg Sewer Repair – Contract has been awarded. The contractor will be here in one to two weeks to clean, video, and measure the line. An alternate lining may be necessary which would extend the timing of the project. e. Whitetail Drive Reconstruction – Plans are complete and the proposal is out. There are three phases to the bid because of changing road conditions. f. Speed Indicator Grant – Mr. Hebdon is working on the design report. It will be submitted to the State by next week. g. Town Hall Building Control System - The original estimate/budget for design was $22,000. The proposal for design of the system, including asbestos abatement on old pipes in the basement is $17,900. h. Town Hall Computer Room – There is an issue of excessive heat in the computer room which can affect equipment. We have received a proposal from O’Brien and Gere for a venting alternative in the amount of $8,100. It was agreed to discuss the issue with Lisa Carrier-Titti to see if moving the equipment to another location is feasible and to discuss other options. i. Northeast Water Study – Five proposals were received. Three firms will be called in for interviews. Mr. Weber corrected a statement made at the last Town Board meeting regarding the experience level of one of the bidders. The Committee members did not see a need for being present at the interviews. 7. Other: Mr. Engman reported that there have been questions from residents about the County’s West Hill proposed housing development project. There was also a complaint from a resident about low water pressure in the area. Mr. Weber will research the complaint once given the address. Discussion led to Mr. DePaolo raising the issue of no “no parking” signs at the South Hill Trail entry at Hudson Street and indicated that cars frequently block the entrance. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for: August 20th, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. Future Agenda Items: Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work Coddington Road Sewer Line Extension Grant for Inlet Valley Cemetery Bluegrass Lane Trail after Hanshaw Road Walkway is complete Parks and Trails (Michigan Hill Park, South Hill Trail, Forest Home) Water and Wastewater Master Plan South Hill Trail Extension lvp