HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2020-10-20TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
October 20th, 2020 9:00 a.m.
ZOOM Meeting
Board and Staff Present: TeeAnn Hunter, Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Paulette Rosa; Mike Smith, Joe
Slater, Dan Thaete, Donna Shaw, Marty Moseley, Mike Solvig, Paulette Rosa, Judy Drake, Joe Talbut;
Susan Brock, Dave O'Shea; Steve Riddle; Mike Solvig
Guests: Mark Howe, Utilities Distribution and Energy Management at Cornell University
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from September 15th, 2020 approved with a motion from Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr.
Howe. Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: No comments / concerns.
a. No additions to the agenda.
3. Cornell Sewer Exemption Certified Letter:
Mr. Mark Howe from Cornell addressed a letter sent to him on 7/23/20 from Joe Slater regarding sub -
metered sewer readings being deducted from invoices prior to being sent to the town. He
acknowledged that no formal contract was found regarding permission to do so within Cornell's legal
documents and, therefore, the town has a legitimate reason for concern. He explained that in the
past, deductions were taken for potable water inflow that does not make it to the sewer system. He is
asking for some sort of equitable solution. Ms. Hunter asked if Mr. Mark Howe knew how this situation
came to be, in that it isn't allowed for any other entities. He was not aware of any Memorandum of
Understanding with the town. Mr. Slater asked if any progress had been made on developing a
process similar to Bolton Point's remote metering process. Mr. Mark Howe indicated that Cornell is
working on it. Mr. Thaete asked if Cornell has a philosophy or documented process for determining
when to install a sub -meter. Mr. Mark Howe stated that there is a process. He stated that there is
internal oversight, review of drawings, and permits are obtained from the town. Mr. DePaolo asked
who makes the determination to add a sub -meter and what warrants a deduction? He asked if there is
a process or is it arbitrary? Mr. Mark Howe responded that it is the function of the Utilities Department
working with Engineers and workers. It was verified that there is no meter for sewer going out, only for
potable water entering Cornell facilities. Ms. Hunter asked if anyone else should be involved and Mr.
Mark Howe responded that Mr. Gary Stewart of Cornell Community Relations should be involved. Mr.
DePaolo raised the question about past discrepancies in billing and the type of remuneration needed
to resolve the issue and if the most recent invoice contained any form of deductions. Mr. Mark Howe
stated he would have to check with his Finance Department about that. Mr. Thaete asked that Mr.
Mark Howe also ensure that town customers that appear on the City of Ithaca's bill be corrected.
Discussion continued with in the Committee about any missing information, regulation and
management of the process, a more effective way of quantifying sewer distribution, Local Law
updates, the applicability of a Statute of Limitations, negotiation of a settlement, transparency of meter
data, other entities that a deduction process could apply to, etc. Mr. Slater will pull together some one
information and the Committee will revisit the topic at its next meeting in November.
4. Priority of Sand Bank Road Project in 2021
Mr. Howe asked why this project was not done in past years as indicated on the previous CIP. Mr.
Slater explained, that at the time, other projects became the priority for the available funding.
Previously, the project was to remove the humps and bumps, which is a much larger reconstruction.
The 2021 project will be to address the issue of asphalt pushing and shoulder repair, which is less of
an involved project.
5. Project Updates:
• PWF Addition is in the final stages, with a targeted move -in date of 11/1/20.
• Danby Road I&I Study preliminary study has been reviewed. There are some glitches and
anomalies, so it was sent back to Larson for additional clarification. Engineering is waiting for
Larson to determine why the data is skewed and will review their explanation when it is received. It
is possible it could be an equipment calibration issue.
• Winston/Salem Water Main Relocation Project — The project is complete with a few remaining
punch list items to be completed.
• Inlet Valley Sewer Rehabilitation piping was not in bad shape, so the Contractor is working on
some other pipes in the area to make up the difference.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 a.m., moved by Mr. DePaolo and seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried.
Our next meeting is scheduled for 11/17/20.
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