HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-08-21
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
August 21, 2012, 10:00 p.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith
Guests: Forest Home Community representatives: Bruce Brittain, Doug Brittain
1. Approval of Minutes:
There were two minor changes to the June minutes. The word “policy” was changed to
“lighting law” in the first paragraph, third sentence of item 3. In the fourth sentence of the
same paragraph, wording was changed to “Mr. Weber was not aware of ‘another’ policy”.
Mr. DePaolo moved to accept. Mr. Goodman seconded. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. DePaolo raised the issue of turtle safety during crossing East King Road. He would
like to bring the concern to the Town Board for the purpose of installing signs for motorist
awareness.
a. Consider modification to agenda:
None
3. Forest Home Improvement Requests
Discussion took place regarding the items on the spring 2012 Forest Home Project List.
The different categories were discussed relative to the ability to implement the requests.
Mr. Weber reported that some items, such as sign installation and painting of crosswalks,
have been or can be completed. Other items have issues of ownership (requiring
easements/rights-of-way), drainage, handicap standards compliance, etc. A
comprehensive approach is necessary rather than reacting with actions that are
temporary fixes. In regard to the lighting at the intersection of Pleasant Grove and Forest
Home, Mr. Weber will contact NYSEG about installing a drop lens to improve illumination.
Maintenance of shoulders can be facilitated, but there are supplemental improvements
that will need to be implemented to maintain the integrity of the shoulders. i.e. removal of
downhill drainage obstructions. Improvements have been made to a number of the listed
items, however the extent of our improvements, due to actual practical use, do not
necessarily meet the expectations of the neighborhood for intended use. Installation of
crosswalks at McIntyre and Plantations on Forest Home Drive will require coordination
with Cornell.
Mr. Goodman asked if State approval has been granted for the Upstream Bridge. Mr.
Weber responded that the State is still considering variances to construction standards
and is looking for clarification from the County prior to final approval. Additional funds
have been obtained to cover cost increases.
Mr. Goodman asked about the status of the discussion between Cornell and the Town
relative to ownership of a stone wall adjacent to Cornell’s trail. Mr. Weber informed Mr.
Goodman that discussions have been preliminary and that we are waiting for a formal
notification from Cornell regarding legal determination on ownership.
Mr. Goodman mentioned that the Town Board will review Cornell’s proposal for transfer of
the Forest Home neighborhood park.
Mr. DePaolo suggested creating a list of actions items for the Town, Cornell, Tompkins
County, etc., in order to organize the list and the tasks associated.
4. Road Preservation Law Discussion:
Mr. Goodman reported that CBS news reported that State fracking guidelines will be
issued after Labor Day. Discussion focused on road preservation law vehicle weights,
frequency of trips, “permitted” use vs. “road use agreements”, exemptions, etc,. It was
agreed that the County’s model of the law was a good model to start with. The final
decision was made to take the draft to the Town Board Study Session for discussion and
referral to legal counsel for recommendation for creation of a local law. Mr. DePaolo
would like the definition of “essential local pickup/delivery” and clarity on the use of the
word “permit” in different contexts.
5. Salem/Birchwood Intersection Request:
Mr. Weber received a letter from Herb Engman sent by a resident regarding the “S” curve
on Salem Drive at the intersection of Birchwood Drive North. There are sight restrictions
at the intersection due to vegetation and roadway geometrics. There is currently one stop
sign on Birchwood Drive North. The Town will install two more stop signs, making a 3-
way stop on Salem Drive.
6. Six Mile Vineyard Drainage/Erosion Issue:
Mr. Weber reported significant erosion on Six Mile Creek Vineyard property. Several
years ago, rip rap was installed at the outlet to the drainage. After last year’s severe
weather, we are experiencing erosion on both sides of the drainage. We currently have
easements for the drainage; however, we do not have easements to facilitate
construction. The Town needs to obtain easements from the owner and we will contract
the work out because it exceeds the ability of our equipment.
7. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
Ridgecrest Water Tank:
Samples for testing will be taken at the end of August. If the results are consistent with
past results, Mr. Weber will consider a petition to the Tompkins County Health
Department for removal from violation notice. Notification letters will continue to be sent.
Northview Water Tank:
We are working through issues with Aquastore regarding concrete conformance with
project specifications.
Penny Lane Water Main:
Complete
Triphammer T-Main:
Bids were opened and analyzed and the low bidder was under the engineer’s estimate.
Bolton Point is waiting for finalization of easements prior to notification of award to the
contractor. Construction will more than likely start after Labor Day.
Pole Barn Construction:
Low bidder was $61,300. The engineer’s estimate was $75,000. Authorize to award will
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be presented to the Town Board at the August 27 Study Session.
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Bid opening for the Public Works Facility Annex will be on September 5 and will go
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before the Town Board on September 10.
Meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
Next Meeting: September 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Future Agenda Items:
Forest Home Project List / Comments from Mr. Weber
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
Grant Opportunities for Forest Home Bridge
West Haven Road Drainage
South Hill Trail Extension
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