HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2020-03-17TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 17, 2020 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: TeeAnn Hunter, Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Dan Thaete, Mike
Smith, Judy Drake, Joe Slater, Joe Talbut, Mike Solvig
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from February 27, 2020 were moved by a motion from Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe.
Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
None
a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda —
1. Mr. Howe added Forest Home Walkway and an Executive Session
2. Mr. Weber added Ithaca College's and NYS Parks' request for a crosswalk on Stone Quarry
Road.
3. Sewer Billing Update:
Joe Slater reported that he has been working with a Cornell representative and has determined that
six accounts/buildings within the town are being paid to the City by Cornell. Three accounts/buildings
are still being investigated. Cornell will correct the invoices going forward. More time is needed to get
a full understanding of the details. Engineering is working on the issue of sewer units on a townwide
basis and will work to update laws as needed. The Public Works Committee has been chosen
informally as the review committee for water and sewer law updates. The issue is still in the analysis
phase and will likely takes weeks to sort out. Mr. Goodman expressed his concern about unfairness
regarding irrigation waivers. Joe Slater recommended that the Town Board consider charging for
sewer units. Ms. Hunter requested that Committee members and Town Board be kept abreast of
progress and findings.
4. Community Garden Discussion:
Ms. Hunter reported that things are up and running at the garden. A mandatory meeting will be
scheduled with gardeners and town representation to structure the organization to be more self-
governing with designated duties. Ms. Hunter would like some garden fabric placed where the
raspberries were in order to utilize those plots. In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, concern was
expressed about the sharing of tools. Prudence in using PPE should be emphasized, but the garden
will remain open.
5. Town Hall Planting Plan and Schedule:
Mr. Weber asked about the maintenance expectations of volunteers if we take advantage of the offer
for an improved garden design at Town Hall. PWF will schedule maintenance of existing gardens for
the summer. Ms. Hunter will provide contact information of the person volunteering their design
services to Joe Talbut and he will connect the maintenance volunteers so they can work together.
6. PW Construction Restrictions:
Mr. Weber provided follow-up about restricting access to compost/mulch pickup during building
renovation. There will be no drop-off of brush and leaves during this time, but the facility will
determine an alternate location(s) for compost and mulch for the public. Notification will be publicized
via the town newsletter and Website.
7. Forest Home Walkway:
Mr. Goodman reported that the first part of the feasibility study is complete. He has been in touch with
Cornell Botanical Garden regarding an MOU for an easement to keep alignment where it crosses onto
their property. Cornell would like, as part of the MOU, to move a crosswalk that is near Beebe Lake.
Details would need to be figured out regarding responsibility for ADA accessible curbing at the new
location. Mr. Goodman will look at the location and get back in touch with Cornell regarding the MOU
and crosswalk stipulations.
8. Crosswalk on Stone Quarry Road:
Mr. Weber reported that he has met with representatives from Ithaca College and NYS Parks
regarding the two entities wanting to connect trails on their parcels that would cross over Stone Quarry
Road. There would be a slight offset. He recommended reduced the speed limit to 25 mph and
additional signage, as there are site restrictions. He directed the entities to present the item to the
Town Board. The item will be put on the Town Board agenda in the future.
The Committee moved into Executive Session at 10:23 a.m. and moved out of Executive Session at 10:33
a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 a.m., moved by Mr. DePaolo and seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried.
Our next meeting is scheduled for April 21 St, but is considered pending due to construction at PW.
Me
Future agenda items: Forest Home Walkway