HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2011-02-15
PWC 2-15- 2011
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
February 15, 2011, 10:30 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Nahmin Horwitz, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike
Smith, Creig Hebdon
Approval of Minutes – Jan 25, 2011
Moved by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Nahmin Horwitz. Unanimous.
Member Comments/Concerns -- None
a. Consider modifications to agenda – None
Belle Sherman Cottages – Preliminary Infrastructure Consideration
Mr. Hebdon gave an overview. Mr. DePaolo asked if there would be phasing of the project
and if there were easements needed? (no)
Members of the Development Team presented the infrastructure plans.
Mr. DePaolo moved to recommend to the Board that they accept the concept and location of
the infrastructure as presented subject to the approval of the Town Engineer and necessary
Planning Board approval(s). Seconded by Mr. Goodman. Unanimous
Cleveland Estates – Preliminary Infrastructure Consideration
Representatives were present and gave a brief over view of the location and construction of
the infrastructure and drainage designs. Motion made by Rich DePaolo, seconded by
Nahmin Horwitz to move the approval of the concept of location of the infrastructure on to
the Town Board.
Construction Staging Discussion and Consideration
Residents from the Christopher Circle Neighborhood Group were present. Mr. Goodman
reported that the Town Board requested a policy/procedure memo or resolution on how
Town staff will move forward with construction projects in the future. Mr. Weber noted that
there are two types of construction, town-run and contractor-run projects.
With Town-constructed jobs, the stockpiling and staging could be done on the side of the
road in the ROW’s but there would be increased costs and traffic concerns because of barriers,
cones, lights etc.
Larger projects or contractor-run projects are dependent on the contractor. Many variables
with state regulations coming into play, i.e. trailers etc may be needed. Some contractors will
PWC 2-15- 2011
negotiate with private property owners to secure staging sites in exchange for services or
money. The Town could put regulations in the bid documents requiring review by the Town
of the designated staging area selected by the contractor, but it would also depend on the
zone and what is allowed by right as far as trailers, fences, grading etc. The definition of
Right-of-Ways were explained and discussed.
Discussion turned to possible staging areas outside of the Town such as Cornell property or
Lansing land. Mr. Weber was not comfortable with that for liability reasons and, moving the
same type of NIMBY issues to another municipality.
Mr. Goodman brought the discussion back to a draft proposal for the Town Board. He
suggested that Town-run projects would submit a proposed staging site and the determining
factors for choosing it and if it were contractor-run, a requirement would be put in the bid
documents with the same requirement. The Town Board would then be able to determine
whether it was agreeable. Mr. DePaolo noted that emergency repairs would not be included.
Specific upcoming projects and possible staging alternatives were discussed.
Mr. Goodman asked what we would be doing differently in bid specifications. Mr. Weber
stated that we would have to state the restrictions in the specifications because it would
impact their costs. What they have to go through to get approval on a staging area needs to
be very clear. Discussion followed on whether the Town Board is going to have to give
approval or just be made aware of it. If it was Town property, the Board could, but if it was
private property, the only restrictions would be in zoning regulations.
The difficulty in thinking of all scenarios was discussed. To provide a document that could
be a resolution or law would be difficult. To frame the concerns as more of a policy that could
be supported by the Board on a case-by-case basis would work. Discussion followed.
Mr. Goodman wanted to keep it simple such as: If it is a project that the Town is going to do
the work on, at the time the project comes to the Town Board for approval, at that point the
proposed staging options should be discussed. The staging should be part of the description
of the project.
Notification processes were discussed. Mr. Merrill thought the Christopher Circle residents
should be notified if the tank site was being considered. Discussion followed.
Mr. Goodman asked Mr. Weber to come up with a paragraph describing the “policy” for the
th
full Board to consider on March 7 .
The discussion then moved to the legality of whether a municipality has to follow its own
rules and regulations. The courts have determined that they do not and there is a balancing
test that each project would go through and a review would happen and a determination
would be made on a case-by-case basis. Mr. DePaolo stated that that is what the Town Board
PWC 2-15- 2011
is trying to do with this policy. Each project would have to be weighed and sometimes, in the
interest of the Town as a whole, the site may be used even though it is distasteful to the
neighbors.
Mr. Merrill stated that he was 100% in favor of that, but worried about the notification
process for the neighborhood. He was looking to build trust between the neighborhood and
the Town and that the Town is at least thinking about the impact to the Town.
Mr. DePaolo responded that the neighborhood is getting a lot of attention to this matter and
the Board is going so far as proposing a policy and process in place and that should engender
trust.
(Mr. Horowitz had to leave)
Updates on (if time available)
City of Ithaca Maple Ave. Tank Draining – Mr. Weber stated that we have been
approached by the City and they would like to drain their tank and open a valve
and drain through our system into the drainage along Pine Tree Rd. they will
have to install a new pipe, hydrant lateral and a valve at their cost. He had no
issues with what they were proposing and ROW’s and maintenance agreements
are all in place.
Future Agenda Items:
Water and Wastewater Master Plan
2011 Project Schedule
Forest Home Wall/sidewalk work
Forest Home Trail options