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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2020-04-21TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE April 21, 2020 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: TeeAnn Hunter, Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Judy Drake, Dan Thaete, Mike Smith, Joe Slater, Joe Talbut, Rich Ten Kate, Bill Goodman, Sue Ritter, Paulette Rosa Guests: Potential property owners of 311 Bostwick Rd. 1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 17, 2020 were moved by Mr. Howe, seconded by Ms. Hunter. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda — 1. Mr. Thaete added sewer exemption request for 311 Bostwick Rd. and Gateway Trail drainage concerns. 2. Mr. Howe added Forest Home "S" curve. 3. Mr. Ten Kate added 105 Honness Lane drainage issues. 3. 311 Bostwick Rd Sewer Exemption Request: Mr. Thaete shared a map showing the proposed subdivision of the lot on Bostwick Rd. He explained that sewer service ends at the Seven Mile Dr. and Bostwick Rd. intersection and does not extend to the property. Being a town -wide benefited area that requires connection to public service, he is requesting that the Committee recommend either the applicant be required to extend the sewer service 1000' to the property or grant an exemption to the potential purchaser, therefore, allowing a septic system. He added that the property at 307 Bostwick Rd. is currently on a septic system. This is a low -density residential area with open space conservation land across the road from the lot and agricultural land above the water tank on Bostwick Rd.; which is not conducive to further growth and the need for sewer service extension. Mr. Howe said he was open to the exemption. Mr. DePaolo expressed his concern about purchaser's intent and the possibility of the lots being further divided, driving the need for a sewer system extension. He said he is not in favor of exemptions in the event of further divided lots. He wants to maintain the character of the area and agrees he would prefer not to extend sewer service. The potential purchasers of one lot indicated they would intend for a single- family home. Mr. Howe raised the issue that the Committee is limited in its authority and that the Planning Board should be involved in the decision. Ms. Hunter said she is not ready to make any determination yet and needs more information regarding deed restrictions and lot constraints. Mr. Thaete will speak with Susan Brock about a conditional exemption. Mr. Goodman suggested looking at past precedence and is against extending the line. Ms. Ritter questioned whose authority it is to give the exemption. Mr. Howe will bring up the issue with Susan Brock at the 4/22 Management Team Meeting. 4. Gateway Trail Drainage Concerns: Mr. Thaete shared a map of the Gateway Trail 100-Year Flood Plain Elevation and explained the concerns of residents living in the flood plain and water building up on the residential side before releasing. Fisher Engineering is recommending a 36 1) pipe, which would serve as a quick equalization of water flow for a large rain event. Mr. DePaolo asked about other options that would address the issue of flood plain management that are at ground level and would provide a weir like flow for more effective conveyance. Discussion was held regarding flat laminar flow, box culverts, upsizing, additional pipes, alleviation of water that is surging and not after it has pooled, cost and cost saving measures, etc. Mr. Thaete said the first step is to determine the flow using historical elevation passing through, then to determine what could convey it effectively. Ms. Ritter mentioned that NYS DOT is reminding the town that the money needs to be utilized or it will be reallocated. She will let them know that we are working on a solution. Mr. Thaete will meet with staff and pull together information to provide to the Committee regarding flow and culvert size(s). Ms. Hunter suggested setting a special meeting or presentation to the Town Board if information becomes available before the next PWC meeting. 5. Forest Home "S" Curve: Mr. Howe reported that a guiderail estimate has not yet been received in order to provide any further updates. He suggested setting a special meeting if information becomes available prior to the next PWC meeting. 6. West Hill Community Garden Discussion: Ms. Hunter reported that the garden was closed as of 4/14 due to the Tompkins County Board of Health's recommendations. Many participants are requesting that guidelines be put in place in order to operate safely in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. The Committee was willing to modify practices so that the garden can reopen. Mr. Talbut and Ms. Hunter will communicate with members and form a Committee to develop a procedure to meet guidelines. 7. Project Updates: • Mr. Thaete reported that the PW Addition is underway and on schedule. Internal demolition is complete and external demolition will begin next week. Staff meets regularly to keep things progressing. • Danby Road I&I Study — Meters are in the ground and the study in underway to increase capacity efforts for the future NNC areas. • Mr. Talbut reported that PW has begun brush and bagged leaf pickup this week. Crews are small and are following COVID-19 guidelines. • East King Road Park is delayed, but some site work can be done. The trail is very actively utilized. Mr. DePaolo suggested verifying signage at parks on a town -wide basis. • The Invasive Species Project on South Hill Trail is in its final stages of removal. Some cleanup remains. • Mr. Ten Kate reported on upcoming paving projects with Winthrop Dr., Sandra PI., and Simbury Dr. being planned. Other possible resurfacing projects could include Pennsylvania and Kendall Avenues. • He reported that a drainage issue on Honness Lane will require legal consult from Susan Brock. The issue will be discussed at the 4/22 Management Team Meeting. • Mr. Slater reported on Cornell metering/billing. He will meet his contact at Cornell in the future. • He reported that the GIS Analyst is in the finishing stages of calculating the town -wide water and sewer benefit units. There are some anomalies that require consideration. He is working on presenting the information. The goal is to revamp town laws to simplify them and address anomalies. • He reported that he is monitoring sewer system lift stations daily using "try and buy" systems which will pump calculation and I&I information. • Other maintenance projects such as Penny Lane, West Hill Water Tank, lawn restoration. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m., moved by Mr. Howe and seconded by Mr. DePaolo. Carried. Our next meeting is scheduled for 5/19/20. Me Future agenda items: Forest Home Walkway