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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2011-01-25 Final, Approved 2-15-11 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 25, 2011 Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Nahmin Horwitz, Jim Weber, Mike Smith Rich DePaolo arrived at 10:50 Ithaca Estates III – Larry Fabbroni gave an overview of the project. There have been issues and discussions regarding the stormwater plans and changes have been made. The current issue right now is to get Public Works approval of the infrastructure plan as presented now. At issue is a missing easement from Mr. Monkmeyer to the Town for maintenance of public utilities. The location of the conceptual park land and infrastructure were reviewed and the location of the missing easement was detailed. Motion made and seconded to refer the matter to the Town Board with a recommendation to approve the infrastructure as shown on the diagram, contingent on the completion of an easement for the watermain. Passed unanimously. Christopher Circle Water Tank – Paul Merrill from the neighborhood was present The Committee had the petition from the Christopher Circle Neighborhood Group which detailed concerns with staging of equipment and materials at the site and the associated noise, traffic and danger due to the proximity of the school. Discussion followed. The water tank property is used for staging for emergency repairs and construction projects. The most recent project is the Safe Walkways to School grant construction of the Warren Road Walkway. The project has taken much longer than anticipated but should be done this construction season. Discussion followed on the number of emergencies and alternate possible sites. Mr. Merrill was asked for his opinion. Mr. Merrill noted that he was expressing his personal opinion, not necessarily the Neighborhood Group’s; he did not have an issue emergency staging but felt that it was against Town Code in a number of ways to allow construction staging to occur. Discussion followed. It was determined that the topic would be researched by the Attorney for the Town and a report and discussion held at the next Town Board meeting. Discussion continued with Mr. Weber noting that there are no projects in the 10 year span detailed in the Capital Projects Plan except the refurbishing of the water tank itself and the unknown affiliated projects that may deal with the North East drainage issues. Staging for those could be discussed and determined during the project planning. Mr. DePaolo wanted to add a discussion on hours of operation also. Final, Approved 2-15-11 Forest Home Wall John Miller and Doug and Bruce Britain were present There was a lengthy discussion about the wall and refurbishing of an area of road in Forest Home. The wall is very close to the edge of the road and it is not there to support the road, but to support the lawn of the property. There are a lot of legal questions surrounding the wall and its ownership and whether the Town has the right to do anything to or with it. In Mr. Weber’s opinion, neither the road nor the wall need work done to them in the foreseeable future. Detailed history and locations were given and what refurbishing would entail was discussed. There is nothing in any board resolutions etc that commit the Town to doing anything at this point and the outstanding legal questions need to be answered before any decisions or actions can be forwarded to the Town Board for direction. Mr. Brittain thought the impetus seems to be piggybacking with the County when they close the road for the bridge and it has been perpetually put off Walkway – Mr. Weber stated that it would be very costly to do anything except temporary repairs. He was concerned about legality issues because the walkway does not meet ADA standards etc. If the walkway is identified as Town owned, there are many requirements that must be met. Mr. Horwitz asked for ballpark numbers and Mr. Weber responded approximately $20K for reconstructing and $1-2K for the visual concerns but that is without staff time for work or easements etc. Discussion followed regarding what level of repair or construction would be needed to make it safe. Discussion then came to liability and ADA requirements. Discussion turned to who uses the trail and why do we want to maintain it. Give it to Cornell. Discussion followed on the long-term plan. Mr. Brittain gave a history of the area and the streets and how it came to the Town. He thought the problems are in the right-of-way and mostly just fixing the railings and the rope not extending to the top. There were four things identified; the rope not extending to the top, the gravel being filled in, a broken handrail at the top and bottom. Mr. Weber responded that they are looking into that, but there are liability issues. Mr. DePaolo asked if we have to close the trail, we are acknowledging the trail is dangerous and should it be closed while repairs happen. Discussion followed. Mr. Weber was concerned about the larger question. Mr. Bruce Brittain stated that he thinks it is safe as is and shouldn’t be closed. In summary, Mr. Goodman said it sounds like some work is being done but a larger discussion needs to happen regarding the larger, long-term questions. It was decided that it would be reported at the Board study session and then discussed further at the Public Works Committee again. Mr. Brittain also offered that FH residents could form work groups to help with the work. Final, Approved 2-15-11 Other issues: Mr. Weber highlighted other projects that have been closed out. Mr. Miller added that a survey will go out to FH residents re the traffic calming efforts and he asked for traffic counts/studies the town will have. Mr. Weber did not guarantee that he would be able to. rdth The next meeting was moved to the 3 Tuesday, February 15 and Mr. Goodman would like to make that rotation permanent. Minutes – Mr. DePaolo moved, and Mr. Horwitz seconded acceptance of the minutes and they were approved with minor changes.