HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2008-03-25 •
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Works Committee
March 25,2008,9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Present: Peter Stein, Bill Goodman, Pat Leary, Dan Walker, Fred Noteboom,
Rich Schoch,Mike Smith,Wayne Sincebaugh, and Gene Redman.
Guests: Creig Hebdon,Darby Kiley, and Kristin Taylor
The meeting began at 9:07 a.m.
The February 26, 2008,meeting minutes were approved.
Moving the April Meeting Date
Due to the special election for the Tompkins County Legislation and the Public
Works Facility's conference room is used as a voting place,we,need to,
reschedule the April meeting.
It was agreed that we will meet on April 29th at 9:00 a.m.
Excavation and Construction in Town's Roadways
Fred Noteboom explained that we have been working on updating the Town's
policy on excavation and construction in the Town's roadways. This document
has not been changed since 1966. He gave each Committee member a copy for
their review. Fred said the language has been updated. We no longer charge a
deposit for work being done in our rights-of-way. Peter Stein asked what we do
now, and Fred said that most times it is bonded.
Town Hall Roof
Dan Walker said that he had no more information for the Committee regarding
the cost.
The Committee discussed the idea of doing part now and then the rest later.
Most felt it was not a good idea to do it that way. Dan indicated that the metal
roof was at least 40 yeas old and the gutter section is failing.
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Public Works Committee Minutes,March 25, 2008 Page 2
The Committee discussed putting on solar panels. It was felt that more
information regarding the effectiveness (will they work with taller buildings
around it) needs to be received. The Committee wondered if the roof project
should wait until there is more information on the solar panels. Dan said that
the Energy Committee has gotten new information and is reviewing it.
Dan will get estimates and talk to the Energy Committee regarding this.
East Shore Drive Water Line
The Committee discussed that there is not enough money in the 2008 budget to
work on this project and it was felt that we might want to wait to see what the
City of Ithaca is going to do regarding their water system.
Review of Trumansburg Road and Hanshaw Road Water Line
On Hanshaw Road the water lines are in and they will be working on tying into
the services that go to the houses.
There is one more tie in to do on Trumansburg Road and then the restoration
will be completed in April or May.
Northeast Drainage Survey
Creig Hebdon presented a map highlighting the residents who returned surveys.
Creig broke down the surveys into categories: Dying trees,bad culverts,
excessive erosion, wet basements,water in the ditch, etc.
Creig suggested that the Town now go out and look at the areas ourselves to
assess the situations.
Creig noted that some areas had back lot problems and that we could look at the
original subdivision plans to see if there was originally a swale or some other
drainage system that has become blocked.
Creig pointed out that the problems on Warren Road and Hanshaw Road would
have to be addressed by Tompkins County.
Peter asked if putting in underground drainage along the Towri s roads would
really help. Fred said not really, it would make the water drain out faster and
cause problems down stream. It will not address water in back yards.
Public Works Committee Minutes,March 25,2008 Page 3
Creig said that one solution might be to educate residents on different -
landscaping techniques,such as rain gardens or ponds. This type of thing could
help instead of just getting rid of the water.
The Committee asked that a preliminary plan be brought back to the next
meeting; possibly having a map for each different type of problem.
Pat Leary was concerned about rain gardens, ponds, and water in the ditches and
mosquitoes. Darby Kiley explained that ditches do not create a real problem as it
take seven days to lay eggs and hatch. Most water in ditches and rain gardens
are absorbed before that.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
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