HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 1994-09-29 Highway and Parka Departient
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IT�\ Ithaca, IT 14851
TOWN OF ITHACA fax 1 (617) 273-9239
21044 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 FINAL
TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783
NOTE: Date of meeting has been changed from 9/22/94 to 9/29/94
Town of Ithaca Public Works Committee Meeting
September 29 , 1994 , 8: 00 a.m.
Town of Ithaca Highway Barn
1 . Approval of Minutes
August 25 , 1994 David
2 . Discussion of Public Works Work Plan Fred. Dan and Rich
• 3. Leaf Vac/10 Year Equipment Plan Fred
4 . Discussion of Forest Home Drive Bridge Fred
5 . Discussion of Judd Fails Road Reconstruction Dan and Fred
6 . Status of Water and Sewer Capital Projects Dan
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pc: Mary Bryant Administrative Secretary
Jon Kanter, Town Planner
George. Frantz, Assistant Town Planner
Andrew Frost, Code Enforcement Officer
4oi.141,
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FINAL
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes
September 29 , 1994
Present: David Klein , Chairperson; Dan Walker; John Whitcomb ; and
Rich Schoch
The meeting began at 8 : 10 a. m.
There was a motion by John Whitcomb to approve the August meeting ' s
minutes . It was seconded and approved.
PUBLIC WORKS WORK PLAN
Dan discussed the current work plan for water and sewer. John
Whitcomb indicated that there is no money in the Capital Reserve
fund for future sewer projects but that there is money for water
projects . Dan indicated that there was a need to change the rates
for water and sewer since they have not been done in a long time
and this will help build the reserves again .
Dan also discussed some of the proposed projects for highway
maintenance for the next ten years . David asked how things were
going on Hopkins Road , and was informed that the shoulders and
surface treatment were left to be completed. David also asked for
the breakdown of the full cost to rebuild Hopkins Road.
David then asked what the future plans for Parks are . Rich Schoch
indicated that there are no Parks to be created in the near future ,
but that major resurfacing work on East Ithaca Recreation Way and
Chase Pond-Hospice Trail needed to be completed . Rich also
indicated that these projects may be expensive .
David asked if there will be any personnel changes ( additions ) with
the Parks department . Rich said no .
Dan indicated that the Parks Manager was getting more involved with
the Planning , Engineering, and Zoning monthly meetings . Rich
informed the Committee that he would be conducting a tour of all
the Town parks for the Planning Department. David asked if the
Planning Board was also invited, and Rich said, at this point , it
was only the Planning Department. David felt that the Planning
Board should get together with Rich and discuss the Town parks.
John said that in the past the Town had discussed having a bus tour
for the Board regarding public works projects including Town parks .
He will talk to Fred more about this .
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Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2
LEAF VAC/TEN YEAR EQUIPMENT PLAN
Rich informed the Committee that the Town currently has two leaf
vacuums. One has been repaired by the mechanic, and the other
needs a new motor.
Rich also touched on the subject of a new machine called a Leaf
Flow, which will throw the leaves instead of vacuuming them. He
will get more information on this. Fred and Rich hope to visit
other municipalities who use this machine to see it in action.
John informed the Committee that he and Fred agreed that the
equipment fund needed to be "leveled" out, so each year the budget
will remain consistent. During lean years, when less expensive
equipment is purchased, the Town would be able to build up a "mini"
capital reserve fund.
This topic lead to discussion regarding the Town' s current gradeall
and if it was fixed. Dan indicated that it was and that the
Highway Department was able to complete the work-discussed at
August meeting—in Deer Run. Dan also indicated that the Chase Pond
Subdivision diversion drainage ditch was completed but that it was
still leaking water down towards Deer Run. He indicated that the
Town may need to "tile it. " Dan said that we successfully cut the
surface water, but not the rain water=it continues to run off in -
lawns and the street. There is a meeting on Friday to discuss this
more.
FOREST HOME DRIVE BRIDGE
John indicated that the Tompkins County Public Works Committee
approved a one lane bridge with a four foot walkway with a
cantilever.
Dan indicated that the cost was less because the abutment would
cost less to build. David indicated that the maintenance life
cycle costs from the County report seemed unrealistic. John
indicated that the Town's share of construction cost was estimated
at $40,000 and we budgeted $50,000.
David mentioned Jim Kazda's remark about the Town having total
liability with regards to the bridge. John stated he has
reassurance from the Tompkins County Public Works Committee that
the Town is not totally liable.
Dan indicated that he would try to get a copy of the minutes from
the meeting. David asked if the Tompkins County Board of
Representatives needed to approve it now. Dan was not sure but did
not think so. It does have to be approved by New York State
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation because
of the historic preservation funding.
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Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3
JUDD FALLS ROAD
Dan indicated that the Engineering Department is preparing a
detailed layout of the reconstruction of Judd Falls Road for the
October Public Works meeting with cost estimates.
David asked if the construction would be completed by the Town
Highway Crews or would we bid the construction out. Dan said he
needed to talk to Fred, but felt that it would be better contracted
out. David agreed with that, stating that if the project took
longer to complete and the Town crews worked on it, other. Highway
projects would suffer.
Dan indicated that possibly the cost could be lumped together with
the Forest Home Drive Bridge and be bonded out.
David asked if we could maintain local traffic while under
construction. Dan .indicated that we can, but that as the old base
is taken out a new base would have to be put in simultaneously.
Coordination with Cornell' s reconstruction of their part of the
project will be necessary.
WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS
Dan told the Committee that the bids for the West Haven Road sewer
project are due September 30. There have been between 6 and 12
contractors inquiring about the bids. Dan also informed the
Committee that there may be some delay with regards to the New York
State right-of-way permitting process for the portion of the
project on Route 79.
Dan also informed the Committee that the bids for the Coddington
Road project are due October 7, 1994.
Dan discussed the possibility for a water project in conjunction
with the reconstruction of the Octopus, which the State will be
doing. David asked that since the State was reconstructing the
Octopus, shouldn't they replace water mains. Dan said yes if there
are no changes in size, etc. in the water mains. Any upgrading
costs would be negotiated between City, Town, and State.
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY OF HIGHWAY BARN
Dan has been in contact with the realtor regarding the Town' s
purchase offer. After estimating it would cost nearly $2,000 to
correct some unfinished structural problems with the building that
weren't reflected in the appraisal, he felt that the $47 ,000 offer
was still fair, particularly if several mercury vapor lights would
be included in the sale which weren't installed yet.
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Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes Page 4
TOWN HALL
David then asked about how the plans for a new Town Hall were
progressing. It was discussed that each department wants some
private offices. David said that for department' s such as
Personnel and Accounting, they should have private offices due to
the need for confidentiality and security.
Dan indicated that before a Personnel Staffing Plan can be
developed, a Work Plan needs to be in place first. Dan said that
he will get the information to HOLT Architects soon.
HOPKINS ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Gail handed out copies of a resolution going to the Town Board as
a result of the neighborhood' s petition. The Committee felt that
45 mph would be more fitting than 30 mph but that the State would
have the final say..
Meeting adjourned at 9: 15 a.m.
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