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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 1994-05-26 iTh TOWN OF ITHACA " ENGINEERING MEMORANDUM TO: Public Works Committee: David Klein, Chairman John Whitcomb . Edward Conley Fred Noteboom Rich Schoch FROM: Dan Walker, Town Engineer SUBJECT: Public Works Committee Agenda for 5/26/94 DATE: May 25, 1994 The Public Works Committee will meet 8:00 A.M. , May 26, 1994 at the Town Highway Garage. AGENDA 1 . Brush and Leaf Pick-up. 2 . Chase,. Lane -Access .Easement. 3. Sand Bank Road R.O.W. Status. 4. Coddington Road, Troy Road Water. 5 . West Haven Road Sewer. 6 . Town Hall Facilities . If you are unable to attend this meeting, please notify mews soon as possible. xc: Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner Andrew Frost, Code Enforcement Officer FINAL • Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes May 25 , 1994 PRESENT : Dan Walker, Fred Noteboom, John Whitcomb , and David Klein Meeting started at 8 : 10 a. m . BRUSH AND WEEDS : Fred Noteboom opened the meeting by discussing the current procedure for Town residents and contractors who bring brush and leaves to the Town Barn and who take chips and composting ( end product of brush and leaves brought to the Barn) . John Whitcomb expressed concern regarding where the chips and composting are being taken, since it is supposed to be limited to Town residents. David Klein asked if we limit the amount of material being taken, and Fred answered no. John asked what hours residents could pick up and drop off materials, and Fred indicated that only during normal working hours . Dan Walker indicated that the Town, . should not load vehicles (with chips or composting ) . Fred reminded the Committee that Kathy Valentino had suggested that boxes be put out in front of the Town Barn gates so that residents could get materials after hours . It was decided that the Town would put either piles out front or boxes, people would have to load their own vehicles with materials , and we would try to limit the amount of materials taken to one truck load ( signage would be provided with this information ) . CHASE LANE : Dan discussed that presently there is a temporary easement ( from 1990 ) which the Town can use as a turn around. The property owner is anxious to put in a driveway. The development ran into problems when it was discovered that the road for Phase II of the project is on a designated wetlands. Consequently, an easement on the project was changed and two property owners built houses near the easement. This easement is an access road which has not been finished. Another property owner wants the easement removed so they can sell their property (which the easement runs through) . John indicated that he was reluctant to give up the temporary easement until the rest of Chase Lane is built, and David agreed. David asked how long the cul-da-sac is, and Dan indicated about 2000 feet ( subdivision regulations limit cul-de-sacs to 1 ,000 feet) . There was no determination made regarding Chase Lane because it was just put on the agenda for an overview in case it is brought before the Town Board. SANDBANK ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY: Dan updated the Committee on the current right-of-way, indicating that it was unclear if the Town had abandoned it or not. The property owner on the right-of-way feels that the Town should be maintaining the right-of-way. There is a water main on it. Dan indicated that the right-of-way could • C ) be used for a trail that the City, State , and Town are in the process of developing. Fred indicated that the Town could put oil and stone on the right-of-way to preserve it. It was decided that more research on the right-of-way is needed and that Dan will work on that. CODDINGTON ROAD/TROY ROAD WATER: Dan informed the Committee that surveys had been sent to the residents on Coddington Road and Troy Road regarding their present water situation. We are hoping to get• these surveys back in the mail, but the ones we don't we will call on the phone . Dan will draft the results of this survey. WEST HAVEN SEWER: It was felt that a survey (of the people involved) did not need to be completed since the people had already signed a petition—indicating the willingness to participate , so Dan authorized a design study to be started. A report will . be available at the Town Board Meeting. David Klein asked if all the various water and sewer projects were creating staffing problems. Dan felt they were not since most of the jobs are small. He did indicate that the Engineering Department was in the process of working on Coddington Road and Danby Road' s sewers replacing such things as pipes, etc. Dan indicated that the Engineering Department is trying to move toward the Town maintaining their own sewers in the future. David asked about the infiltration in the Northeast and where it was in the processing. Dan indicated that next week construction should begin. Fred pointed out that 'one of the manholes on Blackstone Avenue was in very, bad shape and that a contractor will be fixing it in the near future. Dan demonstrated that the Town staff could not handle this type of job with the current equipment and lack of staff. It was discussed that if the Town moves toward a department of public works, we will need more staff—possibly two more people . Dan also indicated that the Town should be spending around $150,000 to $200,000 a year for maintenance of the sewer and water systems with the Town staff doing their own work. Fred reminded the Committee that the Highway Superintendent will be studying the possibility of a department of public works . It was felt that the currently Assistant Engineer position should be upgraded as his qualifications are very good. Dan explained that the City of Ithaca has a Superintendent of Public Works and two Assistant Superintendents—one for water and sewer and one for streets and facilities. TOWN HALL: Dan went to a meeting with the Post Office officials and City of Ithaca personnel regarding the future of the Post Office building in Downtown Ithaca. There are two options . One is for the Post Office to figure out how much space they will need for surplus and then sell the building with the option that the Post Office can lease space . The other is to enter into a long term lease , with the leasee leasing back space for the Post Office . Dan indicated that governmental entities will have preference over the private sector. David considered that leasing the building may drive the Town of Ithaca' s operational costs up, plus the Town would have to complete some renovations in the building. Dan indicated that the Town is very interested in the Post Office building. David had concerns about how fast the Post Office will establish their space needs. Dan said within two weeks, consequently David feels the Town should move ahead with hiring a consultant and put together a study for the Town Board to consider. Meeting adjourned at 9 : 20 a.m. ghk •