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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2020-06-16TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE June 16th, 2020 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility ZOOM Board and Staff Present: TeeAnn Hunter, Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Mike Smith, Judy Drake, Joe Slater, Dan Thaete, Joe Talbut, Rich Ten Kate, Bill Goodman, Paulette Rosa, Donna Shaw, Marty Moseley, Steve Riddle, Joe Hulbert, Bernie Morse, Mike Beach 1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 19th, 2020 were modified with minor sentence changes for clarity. Approval of minutes moved by Ms. Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Fleet Replacement Program Discussion added b. Playground/Park Reopening Discussion added c. Forest Home Walkway MOU Discussion/Update will go into Executive Session 3. Sewer Billing Updates: Mr. Slater explained that using past invoices from the past six years, he created a spreadsheet of the sewer deductions that have been taken for Cornell buildings. He said he would converse with Mark Howe from Cornell to discuss the issue of deductions. A written communication will follow, drafted with Susan Brock's assistance. Mr. Slater said the discussion with Mark Howe six to eight months ago did not produce any documentation relative to any type of sewer exemption, but the letter should give Cornell the opportunity to produce something. He added that Local Laws should be updated to address any ambiguity. He stated that agricultural/greenhouses are allowed for annual sewer exemptions within town wide benefited areas. Mr. Howe will contact Susan Brock for her assistance in drafting the letter. 4. Fleet Replacement Program: Mr. Slater reviewed the current spreadsheet for items that are slated to be replaced in 2021. Mr. Howe, at Ms. Hunter's request, will raise the conversation at this week's Management Team Meeting about utilizing an Asset Management Plan. Ms. Hunter said that an AMP will provide more concrete data for assessment, prioritization, and decision -making about annual fleet replacements. The "potential revenue" column will be populated using previous auction figures to assist in the assessment of resale value. Discussion will need to take place to determine what the plan should include. Mr. Howe stated that electric vehicles should be considered going forward, whenever possible. 5. Discussion Regarding Future Use of Chip Welch Property@ Public Works: Mr. Thaete discussed the current state of the property and Mr. Goodman will contact the realtor about an item that was removed and about obtaining the keys. He stated that there are no site plans yet. Discussion was held regarding demolition of the structure, securing the facility, and capping the utilities. All utilities will be turned off except the electricity for now (sewer, water, gas). Ithaca Reuse will be contacted to see if there is any interest in items left behind. The town will evaluate if there is anything of value for the town's use. Mr. Thaete will reach out the demolition contractors. 6. Towerview Road Parking Request: Mr. Howe shared a request from a resident requesting alternate -side -of -road parking. Mr. Goodman stated that past practice has been to have local residents submit a petition in order to begin the process to consider restricting parking. Mr. Howe will contact the requester and inform them of the petition requirement. Mr. Ten Kate stated that a fire truck would struggle to fit between the vehicles as a 20' lane needs to be maintained. Mr. Howe will contact the Sheriff to discuss. Mr. DePaolo added that the trailhead at Coddington and Hudson is regularly blocked with vehicles. Mr. Talbut will install signage to prohibit blocking the trailhead gate. 7. Reopening of Parks and Playgrounds: It was the consensus of the Committee that the parks and playgrounds should be opened, but the town will continue to encourage social distancing and abiding by State rules. The pavilion can now have groups of 25, per the Governor's phased plan. Ms. Drake suggested removing some tables from the pavilion to ensure social distancing. Sports are allowed as of July 6th. Mr. Talbut will contact the Babe Ruth Baseball League so they can plan their game season. East Shore Park continues to be an issue with social distancing guidelines being ignored, despite signs being posted that the park is closed. Parking is also an issue. Mr. DePaolo asked if crews focus on removal of Virginia Creeper on trees along the trails. Mr. Talbut stated that PWD is bringing the crews up to speed regarding this type of task and will make them more aware and start to deal with the growth. Mr. Smith indicated that it is a native species. At the 7/21/20 PWC Meeting, Mr. DePaolo acknowledged that it is native, but control may still be warranted. 8. Project Updates: • Mr. Thaete reported that the PW Addition is 50% complete. There are some change orders. • Danby Road I&I Study — Meters have been pulled and we are waiting on data. • Winston/Salem Water Main Relocation Project — The project is underway and is going smoothly. The main line piping should be done by the end of this week and the project should be complete by the end of July. 9. Forest Home Walkway MOU Discussion/Update: Mr. Goodman moved to enter Executive Session at 10:18 a.m. to discuss the acquisition of an interest in real property where publicity might affect the valuation, seconded by Ms. Hunter. Unanimous. Mr. DePaolo moved and Ms. Hunter seconded returning to open session at 10:47 a.m. Mr. Goodman reported that upcoming public meetings will take place that will allow the Forest Home Community residents to give input regarding the project. The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m., moved by Mr. DePaolo and seconded by Ms. Hunter. Carried. Our next meeting is scheduled for 7/21/20. JES