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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2020-07-21TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE J u ly 21 st, 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, Paulette Rosa, Donna Shaw, Marty Moseley, Dave O'Shea 1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from June16th, 2020 were modified with the addition that Mr. Smith indicated that Virginia Creeper is a native species, Item #7. Approval of minutes with the change was moved by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Fleet Replacement Program Discussion added b. CIP Discussion added c. Discussion of East Shore Park Ms. Hunter reported that during a Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee tour on 7/20/20, it was discussed that there is an easement issue regarding Hospicare and the Saunders Park Trail. She asked if there was anything formal that the Committee needed to do. Mr. Howe stated that conversations are taking place to see if an easement can be acquired from Hospicare. Discussion was held as to why an easement is needed and the existing alignment. Mr. Talbut will provide an update about the easement discussion. 3. 2021 Capital Improvement Plan: Mr. Thaete reviewed the CIP for the purpose of moving the plan to the Budget Committee. He stated that he had updated sections since the file had been provided. Road projects have been added, Forest Home "S" Curve was moved to 2022 for further planning, RFP West Hill THM Study was moved to 2021. The 124 Seven Mile Drive property demolition may be included in the 2020 budget year and may reduce the overall 2021 CIP budget. Mr. Slater explained that asbestos samples have been obtained and results will be available this week. This will help to determine the overall cost of the demolition. Ms. Hunter asked about how the CIP correlates with the Agreement for the Expenditure of Highway Monies. Joe Slater will follow up regarding the Agreement. Mr. Thaete explained that his department is planning to formulate a Master Plan of projects going forward that will entail an analysis approach to prioritizing projects. Discussion was held regarding the Water & Sewer Matrix, a more cost-effective process for water main upgrades, upsizing water mains and environmental reviews, the SEQR process, etc. Ms. Hunter recommended the CIP be sent to the Budget Committee for inclusion in the 2021 Budget, Mr. DePaolo seconded. Carried. 4. Fleet Replacement Program: Mr. Slater reviewed the Fleet Replacement Program with potential revenue added. Mr. Howe reminded the group to consider hybrid vehicle options, whenever possible. Ms. Hunter, Mr. Howe, and Ben Coakley will meet to discuss what is involved in formulating an asset management plan for the town. Ms. Hunter recommended the Fleet Replacement Program be sent to the Budget Committee for inclusion in the 2021 Budget, Mr. DePaolo seconded. Carried. 5. Discussion Regarding Future Use of Chip Welch Property@ Public Works: Mr. Slater reiterated that asbestos samples were taken on the property last week and results should be available this week. This will help to determine the total cost to remediate the issue, if any, and demolish the existing structure. 6. Request for Speed Hump on Pennsylvania/Kendall Avenue: Mr. Slater explained that a resident is requesting speed humps/bumps be placed on Maple Avenue near their residence to control speed. Mr. Slater and/or Ms. Rosa explained to the resident that there is a petition process for the town. To date, no letter or petition has been received. 7. East Shore Park: Mr. Slater reported that he and Mr. Talbut met with the Sheriff, Cornell Police, and representatives from Cornell regarding complaints received due to the public utilizing the park. There have been complaints about parking on the state highway and pedestrians walking along the road causing an unsafe situation, stealing from the Merrill Sailing Center, congested parking in the lot, swimming when it isn't allowed, and public use after posted park hours. Public Works can take steps to limit parking in the lot to alleviate congestion and help the Merrill Sailing Center designate their area as private property. The Sheriff and State Police have the right to ticket vehicles parked on the state highway even with no "no parking" signs but, stated that it would help to have the area posted. Mr. DePaolo expressed concern that posting signs would push the problem down the road into the residential area. He asked how we are discouraging swimming and if we are exposed to liability. Ms. Drake reported that a risk management inspector visits the park annually and feels the signage suffices for liability protection. Mr. DePaolo referenced the gathering limitations and social distancing due to COVID-19. Mr. Talbut stated that signs are posted with the rules, but that enforcement does not occur. Mr. DePaolo reminded the group that when the Sheriff attended a Town Board meeting, he stated that patrol and enforcement would be complaint driven. Mr. Slater reported that the Sheriff stated that enforcement can only effectively occur if the park is closed. He referenced Local Laws and will get more information. Members of the Committee feel conflicted as there is limited space for public access to the water but, understand the gravity of the safety issues involved. Mr. DePaolo asked if the current signage threatens any penalty and stated that it should. Mr. Talbut indicated that it doesn't. Ms. Hunter stated that lakefront municipalities need to address the issue of no swimming access to the lake. Mr. Slater will follow up with the Sheriff to discuss further. 8. Project Updates: • Mr. Thaete reported that the PW Addition is underway. There is a slight delay in the window delivery. • Danby Road I&I Study is underway. There is a slight delay in data analysis logging due to COVID- 19. • Winston/Salem Water Main Relocation Project — The project is going well. Services are being connected and paving will be done afterward. The project should be complete by the end of August. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m., moved by Ms. Hunter and seconded by Mr. DePaolo. Carried. Our next meeting is scheduled for 8/18/20. JES