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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-10-16 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE October 16, 2012, 10:00 p.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Rich Schoch (11:30) Guests: Jeff Smith, Tompkins County Highway Director Dan Walker, Labella Engineering 1. Approval of Minutes: There was a minor change to the September minutes. Mr. DePaolo moved to accept. Mr. Goodman seconded. Approved. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: Mr. DePaolo stated that he received an email regarding the “turtle crossing” signs, but that it could be discussed at a later meeting. a. Consider modification to agenda: Move Pine Tree Road Speed Reduction to Item #4 and remove item #6 which is a duplicate item. Lighting request status was moved to item #5 and discussion of mowed facilities was moved to Item #6. 3. Road Preservation Law Discussion: Mr. Goodman explained that we are in the process of defining the Town’s Road Preservation Law and thought it would be useful for the guests to speak about how the County program is going. Areas in question for the Town are: 1. The number of truck trips and truck weights in regard to application of a standard or methodology for determining road wear and tear 2. Enforcement, which can be difficult since local law enforcement has limited resources 3. Equal application of the Law and exercising discretion 4. The lack of project timeframes in the Law Mr. Walker explained that there have not been any projects to date that exceed the threshold of 1,000 trips and 30 tons per load. Mr. Jeff Smith added that a current project is using Minor Arterial roads that can handle the traffic so no permit was required. He stated that the current process involves a pre-application conference with the developer and allows the County Highway Director to evaluate the impact to the roads and to select the proper routes. Mr. Walker stated that the Town’s planning process will also help in determining projects prior to their onset. Mr. DePaolo asked if the County considered determining the impact based on the total amount of material transported. Mr. Jeff Smith responded that they had not, but that it was a good suggestion. Mr. Walker stated that the County Law does not state criteria based on any given road, but that the County Highway Director can post weight limits on roads or can post temporary weight limits if the road can be easily damaged. Local delivery cannot be restricted, but can require a permit and the permit can require reconstruction or damage mitigation costs. Mr. Walker explained the importance of communicating with all agencies and municipalities involved and suggested adding a clause in local Road Preservation Laws that a County permit may be required. Mr. Walker said the assessment approach could be as simple as an upfront evaluation and agreement with monitoring or a more detailed approach involving coring and strength testing before and after to determine the life of the road used for a cost assessment to rebuild. Mr. Walker will provide updated information regarding methodology and gave out a process flowchart and instructions. He recommends referencing frequency and timeframes, keeping in mind the time of year and road conditions. Mr. Jeff Smith said that these factors should be noted on the application and the developer should acknowledge what needs to be done. Mr. Goodman asked about the Law’s reference to a “road use agreement”. Mr. Walker explained that the permit is the road use agreement, which gives leverage for enforcement, and includes a list of conditions, determined impact, and cost of repair. Enforcement could entail law enforcement issuing a ticket and revocation of the permit. Trucks at 30 tons will require an overweight permit. Mr. Jeff Smith suggested the idea of a checklist to ensure enforcement throughout the process. Mr. Goodman will try to attend the next Town of Caroline meeting where they are discussing their Road Preservation Law. 4. Pine Tree Road Speed Reduction Mr. Goodman reported that he received an email from residents in support of reducing the speed from 35 mph on Pine Tree Road. Mr. Jeff Smith stated that he did some outreach and is in support of the reduction. The next step would be for the Committee to submit a resolution to the Town Board, if the Committee is in agreement of the reduction, and to submit the necessary documentation to the State for evaluation. Mr. DePaolo moved to submit a resolution to the Town Board recommending a reduction in speed on Pine Tree Road, seconded by Mr. Goodman. Approved. 5. Lighting Request Status Mr. Weber reported that he just received the required form from NYSEG and will begin the process. It will cost $400.00+ to switch out the existing lamp to a globe lamp on Forest Home Drive. He has not received a cost regarding the Conifer Drive intersection. The light at Conifer Drive will match all others. 6. Discussion of Mowed Facilities Cost Discussion was held regarding the list of maintained parks, trails, walkways, and utility facilities and the cost associated. Mr. Weber explained that maintaining additional areas could mean that other current tasks will need to be adjusted accordingly. Mr. DePaolo questioned whether we are realizing any advantages by owning the equipment vs. renting. 7. Project Updates (Mr. Weber): Tutelo Park Playground: The playground is done with the exception of topsoil and landscaping. Last Sunday, the First Assembly Church of God congregation helped by spreading the Fibar mulch. Northview Water Tank: The tank is ready to go back online. The water is slightly high on chlorine so, flushing and recirculation will be performed. Harris B. Dates Drive Improvements: th Bids were opened on October 15. The Town Board approved awarding the project. It is anticipated that the project will be complete by Thanksgiving. The hospital access will not be denied. Gutter work is being conducted at the section near Indian Creek Road. Paving will be done next week. Pole Barn / Annex Construction: The annex is progressing structurally. Trusses have been delayed. The Pole Barn is ready for trusses. Triphammer T-Main: The project should start this week. The pipe is delayed. Meetings are being held with the Mall to determine detour signage at three locations. Meeting adjourned at noon. Next Meeting: November 20, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Future Agenda Items: 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 South Hill Trail Extension lvp