HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2018-08-21
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
August 21, 2018 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Jim Weber,
Joe Slater
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from June 19, 2018 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by
Mr. Howe. Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda - None
3. Water / Sewer Maintenance Budget Requests / Increases:
Mr. Weber explained that recent issues with several water and sewer pump stations will
necessitate transferring $56,000 of funds from reserves to the applicable Consultant Services
line items. 2018 Consultant Services funds were used to close out the South and West Hill
Water Study, leaving the line $3,155 in the red. Joe Slater provided a memo identifying costs
for pump/motor rebuilds/replacements and a control board. Due to extensive lead times for
rebuilds and purchases and Southwoods already having a rebuild done in 2017, the estimate
includes a rebuild and the purchase of a spare for Southwoods pump station. The request
will be addressed at the 8/27 or 9/10 Town Board Meeting.
4. Easement Language Discussion:
Mr. Weber explained that previous conversations and tree issues on easements led to a
request for Public Works to compile information for easement utilization. He asked for input
from the Committee regarding the draft. Discussion was held regarding posting information
on the town’s Website, providing a map or guide for residents to research, costs associated
with removal of trees, communication with residents, and the FOIL process. This effort is tied
in with the upcoming Townwide Sewer Assessment that will be done and will require access
to all utility lines. The Committee agreed that the draft covers all the basic information.
5. Town Board Tour Expectations/Discussion:
Mr. Weber requested information regarding places to visit during the tour this year. His ideas
included ditches, pump stations, South Hill/West Hill Water Study deficiency areas, and
completed projects. Discussion was held regarding the SH/WH Water Study report. Mr.
Weber explained that the report is based on a full build-out, but that the town would address
specific areas of need for current customers. Ms. Hunter expressed the need to prepare for
developmental applications. Mr. Smith indicated that Mr. Goodman expressed interest in
coordinating a farm tour on the same day. Mr. Weber will meet with Mr. Goodman to discuss.
6. City Route 79 Sidewalk Detour Request:
Mr. Weber presented a request from the City to detour traffic from State Route 79 to town
roads (Coy Glen, Westhaven). Discussion was held regarding it being a problematic situation
due to severe road grades leading to abrupt stops of the requested roads for detour, signage,
alternate options, road use agreement and large truck traffic, residential classifications, and
NYS DOT involvement. It is unclear if the request was official at this point, but Mr. Weber will
respond to the request and discourage the use of the town roads requested.
7. Project Updates:
Ellis Hollow Water Main and Tank Update:
The project is in the last stages of testing. The system has been chlorinated and SCADA is
installed on the control building. There is a NYSEG permit issue due to confusion. The
system should be ready to go online this week, but may need a temporary generator as
NYSEG is dealing with flood issues. The project should be closed out in 3-4 weeks after site
restoration.
Perry Lane Reconstruction: Concrete gutters are poured. Paving will take place next
week. Mailboxes and final restoration need to be completed.
Chase Lane/LeGrand Pavement Project:
Stone and Oil is complete. Striping needs to be done. The issue will be discussed during the
Town Board Tour and Mr. Weber will reach out to residents regarding striping.
8. Other:
Mr. Howe reported that a piece of the guiderail at a tight curve on Forest Home Drive is
compromised. Mr. Weber indicated that Public Works is aware of it, but that there is not solid
ground to drive a guiderail post into. Mr. Howe also stated that residents are asking about
utilizing the trail between Warren Road and Pleasant Grove. Mr. Weber explained that the
funds designated for the trail were transferred to the Michigan Hill Park project and that
additional funds would be designated for the trail in the 2019 budget.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 a.m., motioned by Ms. Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo.
Carried.
Our next meeting will be on 9/18 at 9:00 a.m.
lvp