Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-01-24 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 24, 2012, 10:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Nahmin Horwitz, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Creig Hebdon, Chris Balestra Guests: Dave Parks, Mark Parker, Kevin Jacobs, and Mark Holochuck for the Holochuck Development Project 1. Approval of Minutes: There was a minor change to the December minutes in regard to adding drainage issue context to a statement made by Mr. Horwitz. Mr. DePaolo asked Mr. Goodman if he had discussion with Guy Krough regarding bond indemnification. Mr. Goodman indicated that he had not talked with him. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept. Mr. Horwitz seconded. Approved. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: Mr. Goodman brought up the issue of a suggestion from Mr. Zaharis to use a motor grader for plowing snow. Mr. Weber indicated that we still need trucks and that a motor grader is not appropriate for the Town’s snow removal and maintenance needs. Mr. Goodman reported that he received an email from Mr. Zaharis about receiving the Town’s replacement schedule. Mr. Goodman will check previous Town Board minutes to verify this request. Mr. Horwitz asked if the Town has a noise ordinance. Mr. DePaolo explained that the ordinance is nuisance driven rather than decibel driven. If noise is going to be generated that poses a nuisance, a permit must be obtained. Alternatively, the Sheriff can be called if disturbances occur. a. Consider modification to agenda: None 3. Holochuck Infrastucture / Utility Approval – Mr. Parker presented maps of the proposed 106 unit subdivision which includes two entrances off of State Route 96. Water will have two connections to the Town’s existing 12” line located along State Route 96, sewer will require pumping into the Town’s existing line, and storm water will be collected via catch basins and discharged into storm water ponds installed by the developer. Mr. Hebdon explained that the proposal is covered under the 2008 storm water rules and regulations. He also shared that State DOT will not allow left hand turns at the southern entrance/exit onto or off of State Route 96. Mr. DePaolo asked if the project will be done in phases and Mr. Parker explained that it would be done in two phases. Mr. Goodman asked about maintenance of sidewalks. Mr. Hebdon explained that the Town only maintains designated walkways and that it is normal practice for the Homeowner’s Association to maintain sidewalks. Mr. Goodman felt that the issue of HOA sidewalk maintenance should be defined officially. Mr. Parks explained that it is captured in the HOA bylaws. th Mr. Goodman will add it as a draft resolution for the February 13 Town Board meeting for discussion. Mr. Goodman will check to see if the Town Board made an exception to existing law regarding property owners maintaining sidewalks. There are several conditions at the Planning Board level that the development group is working on. Addition items are: 1. Work through pump sizes. 2. Island at lower entrance. PWD would like to review these plans prior to approval. 3. PWD needs two copies of construction plans. 4. PWD will need 60” ROW for road construction and 20’ for utilities. 5. Wet well discussion. Mr. Goodman has concerns about ensuring connections to trails and walkways. Ms. Balestra explained that there were very explicit conversations held with the NYS Parks. Mr. DePaolo asked if there were any outstanding issues in transferring east-side land to State Parks. Mr. Parks indicated that it is unsure given the present situation of the State budget. In regard to the Black Diamond Trail, Ms. Balestra confirmed that whoever ends up with the parcel that borders the trail will be responsible for maintaining it. Mr. Parks stated that the land needs to be conveyed. Mr. Goodman asked if the Committee needs to give approval for easements. Ms. Balestra read from the resolution that indicates that Public Works approval is required. In discussion about the existing pump building, Mr. Hebdon informed the group that it has been designated as historic. Relative to the pump station that will serve the development, Mr. Weber stated that it is privately owned and maintained, but that we will need easements. Mr. Hebdon informed the Holochuck group that the Heatlh Department will require a backup plan in the event of a power outage. It was explained that Mr. Hebdon is the PWD representative for Health Department approvals. Since the pump station is an extension of the Town’s system, we will send the plan to the Department of Health for approval. Mr. DePaolo asked if there have been any discussions with TCAT. Mr. Parks said that TCAT refuses to serve the site and that there are two service sites nearby at the hospital and on State Route 96. He explained that a ROW will be dedicated, but the walkway requires construction. Mr. Goodman asked about the ease of access to the service sites and it was determined that they are within ¼ mile of the development. Mr. DePaolo motioned to refer the Holochuck concept and location to the Town Board for road, water, sewer, and storm water. Mr. Horwitz seconded. Carried. 4. Danby Road Preservation Law – Mr. Goodman wants to determine whether we should base the Town of Ithaca Road Preservation Law on the County’s Law or the Town of Danby. There was agreement that the County’s Law would be best. At our next meeting, Mr. DePaolo would like to review the exemption for local pickup/delivery, garbage trucks, buses, etc. Mr. Goodman would like to explore different thresholds for tonnage based on road conditions. Mr. Weber will provide the updated collector road map that was recently updated. 5. Toolcat Replacement Sole Source Purchase – After discussion with Susan Brock, it was determined that this is not a sole source purchase, but rather a specialization or standardization purchase. Since we have several accessories that fit the old Tool Cat, PWF would like to purchase another Tool Cat from the Bobcat Company. A resolution is required and has been prepared. The Committee was in agreement. 6. Project Updates 2012 Project Schedule - Mr. Weber presented the year’s calendar of projects and planning dates. He explained that the Town Board will still need to authorize award of projects and Town Board meetings are the basis of the construction schedule. Hanshaw Road - Mr. Weber will provide letters regarding loss of funding for this project that was approved by the Town Board in 2010 for design. Ridgecrest Tank Status – The most recent testing resulted in non-detectable VOCs. We will continue to do testing and beginning in 2012 will be done every other month. The violation will remain open through April so we can ascertain that the VOCs remain non- detectable. If all goes well, we will petition to release the Town from the claim. South Hill Trail - Currently, the repairs are holding though there is still some settlement. We found old railroad maps that indicate the trail is an old livestock crossing. We found that an old draining pipe was plugged and cleaned it out. Meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Next Meeting: February 28th, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. due to scheduling conflicts. th Changed to March 6 at 1:00 p.m. Future Agenda Items: 2012 Capital Improvement Projects Parks and Trails (Michigan Hill Park, South Hill Trail, Forest Home) Road Preservation – Delta Law analysis and approach Water and Wastewater Master Plan Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work Grant Opportunities for Forest Home Bridge West Haven Road Drainage South Hill Trail Extension lvp