HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2020-09-15TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
September 15th, 2020 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility ZOOM
Board and Staff Present: TeeAnn Hunter, Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Mike Smith, Bill Goodman, Joe
Slater, Dan Thaete, Donna Shaw, Marty Moseley, Glen Reese, Mike Solvig, Paulette Rosa, Judy Drake,
Joe Talbut, Rich TenKate
Guests: Caroline Arms, Bruce Brittain, Doug Brittain of the Forest Home Community; Keith Ewald, Chuck
White of Barton & Loguidice; Kristin Gutenberger of Cornell Real Estate
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from August 18th, 2020 were modified with minor spell ing/grammar corrections. Approval of
the minutes with the changes was moved by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. Howe asked to add the following topics for future agendas:
• Residential Sewer Exemptions
• The priority of the Sand Bank Road Project in the 2021 budget for $300,000
3. Forest Home Walkway Design/Development Documents:
Mr. Thaete reminded the Committee that the Engineering Department reached out the Barton &
Loguidice to advance the final design phase and prepare construction documents for bidding to local
contractors. This will take the project plans to the 100% completion level based on Concept D. The
initial Design/Development Phase (September -October 2020) will facilitate a kick-off of the project,
review project objectives and goals, establish the project schedule, and discuss initial conception
design components to be incorporated into the overall project. Mr. Goodman stated that a draft
Easement Memorandum of Understand has been sent to Cornell for the walkway to remain on its
current alignment and that Cornell is reviewing the MOU. The MOU states that Cornell will not charge
for the easement but in exchange, the town would put a new crosswalk near the Botanic Gardens. Mr.
Howe would like the MOU to be addressed at the 9/28/20 Town Board Meeting. Ms. Gutenberger from
Cornell Real Estate stated that she wants to get a group together to attend the Town Board Meeting.
Ms. Arms expressed her concerns regarding the alignment of the crosswalk at the bottom of the
walkway, maintenance challenges (including fallen trees) if stairs are installed, and a timber railing vs.
galvanized steel, railings extended on steeper sections, and what trees and plantings (daylilies) will be
affected. She added that she would be amenable to adjustments to the drainage system on her
property in order to make improvements provided it conveys at least as much water as it currently
does. Mr. Bruce Brittain claims that some details had already been agreed upon, such as the
alignment at the bottom and the use of a ramps vs. stairs on steep areas. He stated that a timber rail
looks good, but galvanized is better and that only the current posts have failed. He also expressed the
concern about extending the handrail to steep areas. He felt that more community input is needed.
Mr. Doug Brittain echoed the others and brought up the drainage issue near the bottom and erosion
down the center of the walkway. If steps are used, no drainage remediation is needed. If no steps are
used, the drainage should wrap around the corner at the bottom. Mr. Thaete stated that, per previous
PWC notes, it was agreed that the walkway would be centered on the trail for improved drainage and
that a timber rail (costing 2/3 less than galvanized) was in the best interest of the budget. Mr. DePaolo
asked to consider the cost of maintenance and the life expectancy of a timber rail before making a
final decision. Mr. Thaete stated that his understanding was the neighbor (Ms. Arms) was not in favor
of the trailhead curving northward at the bottom of the trail, as it will encroach on Ms. Arms property
and would require easements. Ms. Arms stated that was not true and that she would be in favor of the
curve north alignment and would be open to granting easements. Mr. Ewald reminded the group that
materials and railings are part of the next phase. He explained that the map shown was meant to be
general at this point, but that flexibility will be shown in incorporating agreed upon details and
community input going forward. Mr. Howe added that once the MOU is signed, we can delve into
details with Barton & Loguidice and get community input in the Design and Construction Phase. Some
details to resolve include the railings type and placement, ramps vs stairs, easements, drainage
concerns, winter maintenance concerns. The Committee recommended to move approval of the MOU
with Barton & Loguidice, with the understanding of further decisions on details, to the Town Board at
its 9/28/20 meeting - moved by Mr. Howe, seconded by Mr. DePaolo. Carried.
4. Cornell Sewer Deduction Discussion:
Mr. Slater explained that Cornell has its own water plant, reads its own water meters, takes meter
readings and computes sewer rents (including sewer deductions), then sends payment to the town for
sewer use. The only approved exemption for sanitary sewer deductions is for irrigation per the Water
and Sewer Benefited Assessment formula, which is an annual tax rather than a quarterly usage bill.
Mark Howe from Cornell and his team will attend next month's PWC meeting to request that the town
give relief for sewer deductions that are currently on the quarterly sewer rents bill. Mr. Slater will
forward a packet of information to Committee members and Susan Brock prior to the meeting.
5. Project Updates:
• 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.
• Winston/Salem Water Main Relocation Project —
being done today for a punch list.
• Bundy Road Reconstruction is complete.
The project is complete. The final walk-through is
• PWF Addition will be 95% complete in two weeks with a targeted move -in date of 11/1/20.
The meeting was adjourned at 10: 17 a.m., moved by Mr. DePaolo and seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried.
Our next meeting is scheduled for 10/20/20.
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