HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2019-07-16TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
July 16, 2019 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo,TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Bill Goodman, Jim
Weber, Dan Thaete, Rich Ten Kate, Steve Riddle, Judy Drake, Mike Solvig, Joe Slater
Guests: Bruce Brittain and Doug Brittain representing the Forest Home Improvement Assoc.
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from June 18th, 2019 were approved by a motion from Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Ms. Hunter.
Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. Howe reported that he received a storm water drainage complaint from the resident at 139 Salem
Drive. He suggested having a Town Board discussion, so all members are aware of the town's
responsibilities for various issues when they are approached.
a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda —
1. Mr. Goodman added Cornell Earth Source Heat Seismic Testing
3. PW Staffing Plan:
Ms. Drake referenced adding a GIS Analyst to the Staffing Plan for 2020 for town -wide use. The
position would be housed at Town Hall. Mr. Thaete added that GIS is a data management tool to
keep track of assets. He said the sewer study was done in GIS and the Planning Department has
used the tool. There is a growing need for the asset and for future growth, sewer lateral inspections,
and Code Enforcement aspects. The Committee had no issue with planned budgeting for the position.
4. 2020 CIP Discussion:
Mr. Weber, at the request of the Town Board, has adjusted the CIP for 2020. He added that he feels
the PW Administrative Addition should shift to 2020 and the Fueling Station should shift to 2021.
Further discussion will be forthcoming regarding the PW Administrative Addition to get a better idea of
cost and timing. Ms. Hunter emphasized the need to minimize further design fees, until necessary.
Discussion was held regarding the cost/donation for Michigan Hills Park Project and a segmented
approach. Mr. Goodman would like to add the Forest Home Walkway for 2020 to the Sidewalk
section of the CIP and continue to advocate for sidewalk districts to pay for improvements. In
addition, he is getting requests for a sidewalk along Winthrop Drive near the school and would like to
add that to 2021.
5. Water and Sewer Improvement Spreadsheet:
Mr. Goodman reported that the discussion will continue at the Study Session on 7/22 along with
continued improvement to the spreadsheet that he started. Mr. Weber emphasized not losing focus
on existing infrastructure and maintenance. The Committee wants to integrate spreadsheets and
information to move in the direction of a detailed asset management matrix to assist with more
effective/efficient prioritization of projects and budget decisions. Mr. Goodman suggested starting
with water and sewer projects as those areas have had formal studies done. He hopes to be able to
focus on that effort this winter. Ms. Hunter expressed her desire for a weighted scoring system.
Discussion was held regarding water quality, inclusion of Bolton Point, future growth, intermunicipal
growth, fire flows, storage, pressures, updating Town Code, etc. Mr. Slater added that he is
continuing to work with a representative from Onondaga County and hopes to devote more time this
fall.
6. Forest Home Weight Limit and "S" Curve Discussion:
Mr. Weber reminded the group about the request from the Forest Home Improvement Association for
improved/increased signage regarding weight limits, specifically leading into the "S" curve. He
received a quote of $4000 to update/increase 13 signs. He said the Town Code indicates not having
to change signs to include "registered weight" and could not get a quote as it is not the MUTCD
Standard. He referenced the Town Law Law 250-9 definition. Mr. Brittain emphasized that, in order
for enforcement to take place, the sign must stipulate "registered weight". Mr. Goodman suggested
presenting the issue to Susan Brock. Mr. Goodman will also contact the Sheriff's Department for
information.
Mr. Howe asked what the town can do for Mr. Foote to keep vehicles off his property through the "S"
curve. Mr. Goodman will reach out to Mr. Foote and also to Susan Brock. Doug Brittain emphasized
the importance of pre -signage to alert vehicles before the enter the area.
7. Project Updates:
• Mr. Weber reported that Winthrop Drive Water Main is moving along. The first section is complete
and the Contractor is working on the Christopher Tank zone. It is expected that the project will be
complete by the end of the month and then the Contractor will move onto the Muriel Street project.
• Poole Road Mill and Fill and shoulders is complete.
• Bundy Road Improvements will begin in early August. The contract is signed. An electronic
information board will be installed for commuters.
• Michigan Hills Park is progressing in that PWD is working with Tompkins County Soil and Water for
erosion control devices to be fabricated and installed.
• Route 79 sidewalk plans are being communicated. A detour will be required.
8. Cornell Earth Source Heat Seismic Testing:
Mr. Goodman reported that Cornell has approached the town to request permission for Cornell
geologists to facilitate drilling test wells for a feasibility study to develop a geothermal heat system for
their campus. The Committee was in agreement with working with Cornell on the initiative.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m., motioned by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Ms. Hunter. Carried.
Our next meeting will be on 8/20 at 9:00 a.m.
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Future agenda items:
• Mr. Goodman - Coddington Road Community Center and park easement regarding the alienation
process.
• Sewer Study Service/Billing Concerns
• 2020 Capital Improvement Project List