HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2018-11-20
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
November 20, 2018 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Bill Goodman, TeeAnn Hunter, Rich Schoch, Mike Smith,
Dan Thaete, Joe Talbut, Rich Ten Kate
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from August 21st, 2018 were approved by a motion from Ms. Hunter, seconded by
Mr. Howe. Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda – Item #3 was removed and will be discussed at
the December meeting. A debriefing of the 11/19 Town Board Meeting was added.
3. Debriefing of 11/19 Town Board Meeting:
Mr. Goodman shared that Town Board discussion regarding the Forest Home
walkway/road/wall resulted in delaying PWC discussion in order to assess the issues and
what can be done. More detailed discussion with PWD staff will take place. Mr. Schoch
reported that crusher run and a temporary rope handrail should be done as soon as possible
if the walkway is going to remain open. Jersey carts would need to be rented as our
equipment is too large to maneuver in the area. It was suggested that “limited winter
maintenance” signs should be posted. Hazardous trees have been removed. In regard to the
FH wall, discussion is needed to determine how to prevent further erosion.
FH Drive will be discussed at the 12/10 Town Board Meeting. Mr. Goodman will alert the
parties involved. Discussion was held regarding options available with the least impact, traffic
counts and data, forming sidewalk and/or park districts, Cornell contributions, budget
amendments, road standards, etc.
4. Inlet Valley Cemetery Maintenance and Building:
Mr. Talbut explained that the previous volunteer notified the town that he could not continue to
mow the cemetery at this time. Mr. Talbut will contact Ron Schoneman to see if he is
interested in taking over, as he expressed an interest previously. The town normally provides
weed eater string and gas to volunteers. Mr. Goodman reported that someone contacted him
about wanting the building at the cemetery, but he has not heard anymore from him after
being told that he could have it if he removed it.
5. Sewer Study Updates:
Mr. Thaete reported that Larsen Design is surveying and evaluating manholes. They have
made one pass around the town, but have 45 more manholes to access. PWD crews are
locating and uncovering manholes for access. The surveying is delayed due to snow so the
study will likely go into next year around February. We will then have a fully mapped system.
The next step will be an INI study, which will take a year or two.
6. Discuss Warren Road Walkway Drainage:
Mr. Schoch provided an email outlining his historical knowledge of the pre- and post-
construction drainage concerns involving some residents who are indicating that they are
going to sue the town due to basement flooding after installation of the Warren Road
Walkway. Discussion was held regarding the issue existing prior to walkway construction and
remediation performed during and after construction. A claim was previously made to our
insurance adjuster, in which they did not award any payment, determining that the town was
not liable. Mr. Goodman will contact the residents with pertinent information and see if they
still want to present their concerns at our January Committee meeting.
8. Other:
Ms. Hunter brought up the issue of Ph levels in the discharge pit at Ithaca Beer and the threat
to PWD employees. Mr. Thaete explained that algae growth, which depletes the oxygen, and
possible upstream flows mixing with the discharge pit causing a chemical reaction are the
bigger concerns. Mr. Goodman reported that Joe Slater will be attending the 12/10 Town
Board Meeting to discuss the topic in regard to hazards, penalties, pump station deterioration,
etc.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 a.m., motioned by Mr. Howe, seconded by Ms. Hunter.
Carried.
Our next meeting will be on 12/18 at 9:00 a.m.
lvp