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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-03-06 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE March 6, 2012, 1:00 p.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Nahmin Horwitz, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Creig Hebdon, Rich Schoch 1. Approval of Minutes: There were minor changes to the January minutes in regard to a misspelled name and item #3, last paragraph restated as “Mr. DePaolo motioned to refer the Holochuck concept …”. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept. Mr. Horwitz seconded. Approved. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: Mr. Horwitz asked if we learned anything from the Hanshaw Road proposed project in regard to the loss of federal grant funds. Mr. Weber explained that it was a County road project in which the Town had no administrative responsibilities. Mr. DePaolo added that the Town only agreed to participate in sidewalk design for the project. Discussion was held about how any changes to the accepted grant proposal will delay the process. Mr. Goodman suggested further conversation with County personnel to determine what happened. Mr. DePaolo requested periodic updates in regard to bids that are awarded to purchase equipment. Mr. Horwitz presented a newspaper article addressing Hydrilla, an aggressive water weed in the inlet. He is concerned about impacts to the Town and asked if there is anything that can be done now that will be helpful in controlling the invasive species. Discussion was held that the DEC, NYS Canal System, and the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation are aware of the problem and will attempt to control it using periodic herbicide applications. a. Consider modification to agenda: None 3. Tutelo Park Playground: Mr. Weber explained that Tutelo Park was not identified in the budget for playground replacement, but that we were able to purchase two playground structures for the price on one – which was identified in the budget for Tareyton Park. Since Tutelo Park is highly utilized and currently has no playground, PWF would like to install one there. Mr. Schoch provided maps and photos showing the proposed location and plan for shoring up the slope. The only expense will be to add “Fibar” mulch to the play area. Mr. Weber said that the proposal still needs to go to the Planning Board. Mr. Goodman said that he would report the proposal at the next Town Board meeting. Mr. Hebdon will provide an electronic version of the map and plan for the Town Board. 4. Trailer Scrap / Surplus: Mr. Weber reported that a 1990 utility trailer broke and parts can not be obtained for repair. He has submitted a resolution for the next Town Board meeting to scrap it. A decision has not been made whether or not to replace it. 5. Road Preservation Law Discussion: Mr. Weber provided a handout from the County used in their RFP process for engineering firms to develop road evaluation standards, as an example for the Town. A lengthy discussion on the local law was held and it was agreed that frequency and weight loads would be changed appropriately. An unofficial collector road map that was provided as an internal preliminary guide was reviewed. Mr. Goodman suggested focusing on specifics of the County Law that will differ for the Town and determine the process for moving forward. Mr. Weber added that vehicle wheel base and turning radius need to be considered in addition to vehicle weight load and frequency of use. Also, background road needs should be considered during projects. He said that road evaluation should be done on a project-by-project basis. Mr. DePaolo would also like to address definitions, specifically the word “persons” and if it includes government agencies. Mr. Goodman suggested asking Susan Brock or Guy Krough. Mr. DePaolo asked if we would be subject to our own restrictions. Mr. Weber explained that PWF vehicles can be exempted via weight load permits. Discussion was held about how to best quantify weight load and frequency. Mr. Goodman suggested speaking with the County to determine their original data and how they settled on their final data. Mr. Weber suggested including the Planning Department in on those discussions. Mr. Horwitz asked if it is reasonable for PWF to make road assessments. Mr. Weber responded that PWF can assess deterioration and suggest options for consideration. Mr. Goodman added that the purpose is to have a road use agreement in lieu of a permit prior to the project starting to determine how any damage will be handled. Mr. DePaolo asked why local pickup/delivery vehicles can be exempted. Mr. Weber explained that the Town may choose to exempt certain vehicles to enhance services, such as garbage pickup. Mr. Goodman will transfer the draft law into the standard local law format and present it to Susan Brock for input. Mr. DePaolo suggested highlighting language specific to impacts and responsibility for road damage before vs. after when presenting to Susan Brock. 6. South Hill Trail: Mr. Goodman reported that he met with the Town of Caroline. He also reported that Cornell is offering a course this semester that may help the situation regarding a specific easement. NYSEG has told the Town of Caroline that they are OK with the trail as long as a specific resident is OK with it. Mr. Goodman reported that the Town of Caroline and Don Barber will approach NYSEG and the community group will approach the resident for further discussion. He suggested inviting the students from Cornell to speak with us. 7. Project Updates (Mr. Weber): Ridgecrest Tank Status – The most recent test results have not yet been received and are expected tomorrow. Testing will continue at least through April. East Shore Drive Water Main – Construction will begin Monday. A temporary water supply will be constructed. South Hill Trail – The complexity of the repair has changed which will require equipment rental. PWF may need to have additional funding approved by the Town Board. Mr. Weber also informed the group that three vehicles have been ordered through State contract bid. All three vehicles were less than budgeted. Meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. Next Meeting: April 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.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