HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2011-10-18
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
October 18, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Creig
Hebdon (10:30), Herb Engman (10:50)
Guests: Thomas Hohn from Hayts Road, Tammi Aiken and Mina Ammundsen from Cornell,
Bruce Brittain (resident of Forest Home Drive)
1. Approval of Minutes:
There was a minor change to the September minutes. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept.
Mr. Goodman seconded. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
There were no comments or concerns to report.
a. Consider modification to agenda:
Mr. Goodman would like to add Siena Drive to Project Updates.
3. Hayts Road Speed Limit Reduction Request
Mr. Weber began the discussion by reporting that Hayts Road is a County road, but that a
speed reduction would have to be initiated by the Town of Ithaca. Currently, the road is
not posted for speed, but the State policy is that there is a 55 mph limit. Mr. Hohn
reported that he has lived in the area just over 3 years and has witnessed several
dangerous incidents on the road. He has noticed an increase in traffic and high speeds.
The biggest complaint is several blind spots along the road which make it difficult exiting
driveways. Mr. Weber added that Hayts Road serves as a collector road and has only a
few stop signs. The residents are requesting a reduction to 45 mph. Mr. Weber
mentioned that he has requested a listing of past accidents on the road from the Sheriff,
but has not gotten a response. He will follow-up. Mr. Goodman explained that the
process is initiated by the Town for approval, then goes to the County, then goes to the
State. He indicated that further attempts may be necessary if the State rejects the
request and encouraged Mr. Hohn to gather documentation of incidents that did not result
in a reportable accident and provide it to the Town Board. Mr. DePaolo motioned to have
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the issue considered at the November 7 Town Board meeting. Mr. Goodman seconded.
Carried.
4. Sprucewood Apartments
Mr. Weber presented an aerial map of the development and explained that the
owner/manager is requesting a speed limit reduction, speed bump placement, and street
light installation. By default, since there is no current speed posting, the limit is 30 mph
per State law. Mr. DePaolo agreed that 30 mph is excessive for this type of area. Mr.
Weber explained that the current parking/road configuration does not allow for placement
of signs. He explained that to facilitate light installation, the adopted process of the Town
would be the creation of a lighting district, which would require resident’s approval within
the proposed district boundaries. He offered the suggestion of transferring ownership of
the road to the owner as it would allow them to manage the requests and issues
internally. There was discussion regarding access and surrounding property. Mr.
Goodman suggested that Mr. Weber meet with the owner and discuss the option of
transferring ownership.
5. Cornell – Judd Falls Road and Plantations Road Metal Arch Replacement
Ms. Ammundsen explained that corrosion issues exist with the current metal arch on
Plantations Road and that options are being explored for replacement. Cornell wants to
work closely with the Town of Ithaca for ideas and input as the Town owns Judd Falls
Road, which crosses over Plantations Road. Ms. Aiken introduced the options of:
replacement of the arch, a bridge, or an at-grade intersection. Testing and studies will be
done, which includes Cathodic Protection, which is a temporary fix dependent upon
current conditions of the arch and it is expected that the replacement would not be started
for ~two years. Mr. Weber offered the suggestion of transferring ownership of Judd Falls
Road to Cornell as an option, which would aid in efficiency of the process. Ms. Aiken
asked if site plan approval was needed and Mr. Smith answered that it was dependent on
the process chosen. Mr. Weber asked that they consider the total impact in regard to
water, sewer, traffic, Town road standards, project coordination, etc.
6. Project Updates
Snyder Hill Road Paving – Paving is complete. There were minor issues with the
contractor changing the price of constructing driveways. The milling/repaving contract
has been completed. A new contractor will complete the driveways within the bonded
amount. Repaving of driveways will begin on 10/26.
Mr. Weber reviewed the map of Snyder Hill Road and identified a complaint of flooding in
the basement of a resident. Discussion followed regarding the road improvements made
to Snyder Hill. Mr. Weber is meeting with the insurance adjuster on 10/19 which will
include reviewing plans and a site visit.
East Shore Water Main – Construction is progressing. The contractor is as far as the
Wastewater Treatment Plant and we are hoping that the weather will allow work to
continue for three more weeks.
Town Hall Roof – The mason is working. Due to an over-estimate of masonry, a change-
order in our favor has been done which will allow for the “water and ice shield” to be
installed on the entire roof. The contractor will begin tearing off the roof on 10/19. Steel
for the roof will be delivered on 10/20.
Town Hall HVAC – We have a signed contract which is now filed with the Town Clerk.
Employee surveys will begin shortly.
Ridgecrest Water Tank – Overflowing the tank has worked well in eliminating VOCs to
zero at last testing. We will continue overflowing the tank through November and provide
another notification in December. The next test will be performed next week.
Siena Drive – Mr. Goodman added this item. Mr. Weber reported that the original plan
was to remove pavement and repave. But, the wet season caused rutting and it became
evident that the structure was flawed. Clay was discovered under the gravel which
causes movement and heaving. We removed the clay, added gravel, drainage, and
paved. Residents have expressed happiness with the improvements. Mr. Weber also
reported that St. Catherine Circle has received an overlay.
Mr. DePaolo motioned to adjourn at 11:47 am. Seconded by Mr. Goodman. Carried.
Next Meeting: November 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
Future Agenda Items:
2012 Capital Improvement Projects
Parks and Trails (Michigan Hill Park, South Hill Trail, Forest Home)
Road Preservation – Delta Law analysis and approach
Water and Wastewater Master Plan
Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work
West Haven Road Drainage
2012 Budget Changes
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