HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-12-18
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
December 18, 2012, 10:00 p.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Rich Schoch, Creig Hebdon (10:20)
1. Approval of Minutes:
There were three minor changes to the October minutes. Mr. DePaolo moved to accept.
Mr. Goodman seconded. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
None
a. Consider modification to agenda:
Switch Road Preservation Law Discussion and Discussion of Mowed Facilities Costs. Mr.
Weber asked about the 2013 meeting schedule and it was agreed to talk about it at the
end of the meeting. Mr. Goodman wants to discuss a comment from the ERC regarding
loading and unloading of vehicle with compost and mulch at the Public Works Facility.
3. Discussion of Mowed Facilities Costs
Mr. Weber presented an updated cost detail report for reference purposes. Mr. Weber
explained the use of PubWorks, PWD’s asset management program, and said that we
use industry standards to determine the costs of equipment use. Discussion was held
regarding budgeting percentages, which can vary from year to year. Mr. DePaolo
questioned the benefits of equipment ownership and discussion was held about the use
of landscape contractors and volunteer initiatives, such as Adopt-a-Park programs. Mr.
Goodman will speak with Tee-Ann about the Adopt-a-Park program. Mr. Weber said that
he is meeting with the Forest Home Improvement Association on 1/11/13 at 3:30 p.m.
regarding the Forest Home Park to discuss challenges for the Town and opportunities for
the community. Mr. Weber said that authorization from Cornell may be needed to make
any changes to the park, per the existing lease. He also added that we have a sewage
pump station at the park that should be taken into consideration. Mr. Goodman
questioned any liability that may exist in using volunteers and will talk to Susan Brock.
Mr. Goodman asked how the PWD sees staffing needs due to increased expectations.
Mr. Weber responded that it is dependent on the level of service provided and priorities.
Mr. DePaolo added that consideration of utilizing contractors would require a breakdown
of cost and/or policy consideration.
4. Road Preservation Law Discussion:
Mr. Goodman attended the last Town of Caroline Road Preservation Committee meeting
and will attend again this afternoon to discuss posting of roads. They are currently
discussing classification of their road by Type A, B, & C. Mr. Weber added that the crux
of the determination is the size of the vehicle and the frequency of trips. Mr. DePaolo
brought up with issue of tracking road use. Mr. Goodman referred to Susan Brock’s
comment about banning certain weight trucks on Town roads and said that NYMIR
analyzed the Town of Dickinson’s Road Use Law which requires high frequency truck
traffic to stay on State routes. There was discussion about posting all Town roads to a
minimum load vs. individual analysis of each road’s base structure and what the process
would look like for permitting. Mr. Goodman asked Mr. Weber what is the easiest
approach and Mr. Weber said following the County Law is easiest. Mr. Goodman
presented the idea of including a Standard in the Law to determine if there should be a
bond to prevent arbitrariness and capriciousness, such as AASHTO, as a reasonable
next step. He will speak with Susan Brock.
5. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
Triphammer T-Main:
The project is complete. The only obligation left for the Town is the construction
inspection of asphalt and tree replacement in the spring.
Pole Barn / Annex Construction:
Construction is complete. PWD is hoping for the final Certificate of Occupancy on the
Annex this week.
Salt Storage Shed: Mr. DePaolo asked about this project. Mr. Weber reported that the
project is scheduled for the 1/15/13 Planning Meeting, and for the ZBA in February/March.
Harris B. Dates Drive Improvements:
Mr. Goodman shared comments from the ERC. Mr. Weber addressed the comments to
the Committee’s satisfaction. Discussion was held about how the Town ended up with the
road and the advantages and disadvantages or owning and maintaining the road.
Six Mile Creek Vineyard Drainage:
Mr. Weber explained the drainage and erosion issues with this project. Easements will
need to be acquired. Mr. Hebdon added that energy dissipation measures will need to be
taken.
Intersection Light Installation:
Mr. Weber reported the scheduled work has not been completed, but a globe was
replaced at the Forest Home/Pleasant Grove Rd. intersection without a work order being
in place. No further work has been performed, but a 150 watt bulb and lower globe will be
installed.
6. ERC Comment Regarding Loading/Unloading of Vehicles for Compost/Mulch:
Mr. Goodman presented the comment to provide vehicle loading/unloading services for
compost and mulch from the suggestion box. Mr. Weber brought up the issue of liability
in regard to load weights per vehicles, equipment/staff availability, and possible damage
to vehicles. Mr. Weber also suggested that the service should be fee based if we add
labor to the service. Mr. Goodman will check to see what other Towns do.
7. The 2013 meeting schedule was postponed due to time constraints.
Meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for: January 15, 2013 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
2013 Meeting Schedule
lvp