HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2009-12-01 TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Works Committee
December 1, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Present: Peter Stein, Bill Goodman,Gene Redman, Wayne Sincebaugh, Mike
Smith,and Creig Hebdon
Guest: Michelle Fongyee-Whelan,Randy Smith, Ben Kuo, Kristie Mahoney,and
Chris Collins
The meeting began at 9:03 a.m.
The minutes from the October 27, 2009, meeting were approved.
Concerns Regarding Southwoods Subdivision Fire Flows
Randy Smith,Southwoods Subdivision,explained to the Committee that there is a
water flow problem in their subdivision. He indicated that the fire hydrants were
painted black because they are not useable.
There are 44 lots in the subdivision and about half have houses on them. They are
concerned that when the subdivision becomes filled up, this flow will be even worse.
Ben Kuo said the PSI (Pound per Square Inch) is around 23. Peter Stein asked what the
normal was. Wayne Sincebaugh said it should range between 30 to 35 PSI, and 25 PSI
would be low. Wayne explained that the Health Department's minimal is 20 PSI.
Wayne said the problem is that the subdivision is out on the very end of the line. The
tank that feeds the subdivision is on Teton Court.
Creig Hebdon explained the subdivision was approved in 1989 and no hydrology
models were used. The building of the subdivision started in 2003. Creig said that we
now use hydrology models.
It was explained that the level of the tank dictates the PSI. Elevations can also be a
factor,and the tank and subdivision are about the same level.
Wayne explained that they would have good flow if the water would have been put in
from the Ridgecrest Road tank. He also said it would cost approximately$250,000 to
$300,000 to change it to the Ridgecrest Road tank.
lic Works Committee Minutes,December 1,2009 Page 2
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The residents felt like they were stuck because even if the PSI goes below 20, the Town
is not legal responsibility for the low pressure.
Peter said that he talked to the Fire Department. The Fire Department is aware that the
fire hydrants are not useable. They would get the water from other places.
Kristie Mahoney said that residents are lead to believe there is no problem with fire
flow because the hydrants are there. Ben added that he would like to see the Town get
the hydrants in working condition. Again,Wayne said that it would cost
approximately$250,000 to $300,000 to change the water flow to Southwoods
Subdivision to the Ridgecrest Road tank.
Peter explained that residents can put in a buster pump,but that would not help the fire
flow.
The Committee discussed who the developer of the subdivision was: Joe Quigley and
Tony Ingraffi. There was also discussion on the value of the lots. We are looking at
$200,000 for houses down the road.
Peter said he would look into the fire protection issue. The question was asked if a
pond would make better safety. Wayne felt that the hydrant on Troy Road (off of
Ridgecrest Road water tank) would be better.
Wayne explained that lift stations are not feasible because they can't hold enough
water.
The question was raised if this situation would ever be fixed. The Town Board can do it
any time. It was pointed out that water lines have to be 10 feet from sewer lines.
The fire hydrants were painted black several years ago. Black means there is very low
flow.
The Committee set the time for the January meeting to be January 26, 2010,at 9:00 a.m.
Petition for Lighting on Trail
The Committee discussed the petition for lighting on the trail between East Hill Plaza
and the Senior Living Center. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
Meeting was adjourned 10:07 a.m.
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