HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2017-01-31
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
January 31, 2017 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Dan Thaete, Bill
Goodman, Joe Slater, Steve Riddle, Mike Solvig
Guests: Andy Sciarabba of T. G. Miller and Scott Whitham of Whitham Planing & Design
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from December 20, 2016 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo,
seconded by Mr. Howe.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – None
3. Maplewood Water and Sewer Dedication:
Mr. Weber explained that it is standard process for the Committee to review plans whenever
there are modifications to existing systems or new installations, prior to Town Board approval.
He notified the Committee that the Town would be accepting sanitary sewer modifications.
Still needed, is documentation from the City that they reviewed the plans and have no conflict
with allowing the Town to place the line in the City right–of-way. Mr. Thaete added that there
are basic relocation and minor adjustments that need to be reflected in the plan. Discussion
was held with guest representation regarding easement, existing manholes, and landscaping
issues. Mr. Sciarabba gave an update of the status and feels that the line can be adjusted to
avoid areas of landscaping. Mr. Weber added that the Town would not be responsible for
restoration in areas of landscaping where maintenance is needed, as stated in the easement
agreement. Further discussion was held regarding the steps that need to take place leading
up to Town Board approval, point of ownership demarcation at the tie in at Mitchell Street T-
main, no fire hydrant on leg, etc. Mr. Sciarabba agreed to make the necessary changes to
the plan in the near future.
4. Begin Discussion on CIP Adjustments/Modifications:
Mr. Weber specifically discussed the Ellis Hollow water tank and water main projects. He will
start to get legal verbiage for RFP for design services. He estimates the design cost to be
~$377,500 – 400,000 with a ~$2,500,000 project cost. The Town has met with Bolton Point in
regard to the design and their system. The Town has also met with the County to discuss the
Ellis Hollow easement. Discussion was held regarding a gas main and delays to the schedule
due to the water main alignment. Mr. Weber stated that the projects should be ready to bid
this fall with the hope of construction beginning in the spring of 2019. He stated that CIP
projects may need to be shifted by two years and there may be additions to address other
areas of concern, such as water breaks and failing roads. Mr. Weber will have staff review
the current CIP and will provide input to the Committee regarding adjustments so that he can
have a plan for 2018 Budget Committee discussions. Discussion was held regarding
adjustments that have already been made to the CIP, upcoming water system studies, Pine
Tree Water Tank park land, etc.
5. Update Ithaca Beer Notice of Violation and Discharge Permit:
Mr. Weber reported that, working through the approval process, there are issues with the
sewer system such as melted new pipe and lift station concerns due to discharge from Ithaca
Beer. Ithaca Beer has been formally placed in violation in regard to discharge by the City’s
waste water plant. IB has been working with a consultant to work through the process of
rectifying the problems. The issue is currently in the City’s hands in regard to the waste water
plant and Mr. Slater is monitoring the lift stations for damage.
6. Project Status:
Sapsucker and Christopher Circle Water Main Replacements –The projects are out for
bid. Bid opening is on 2/17. The bids will go to the Town Board for authorization of award on
2/27. The contractor should be able to start the end of March/early April. Contracts and
submittals are needed. The project should be complete by the end of July/early August
barring any weather issues.
Ellis Hollow Tank Design/Approval Process – Mr. Weber reported that two options were
submitted by the developer regarding service pending the tank being online. Both options
connect to the transmission line, therefore, BP Commission approval is needed. Impact to
the system will be an increase by ~50psi to current pressures. Being an old system, it is
subject to failure. The Town must go to the E&O Committee and the BP Commission for
approval. Discussion was held regarding the process, etc.
Edgewater Sewer – Mr. Weber reported that the contractor’s method to abandon the old
sewer line had not worked out. Mr. Thaete reported that the contractor was recently able to
complete and abandonment with no additional money from the Town.
Six Mile Creek Stormwater Project – Mr. Weber reported and easement agreement is
pending Susan Brock’s review. Then it will need to be submitted to the owner for signature.
7. Discussion of future agenda items was held, as a reminder for closure. (Town Board referral
of sidewalks on Snyder Hill Road, Larisa Lane sewer discussion)
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Our next meeting will be on 2/28/17 at 9:00 a.m. due to Association of Towns conflict with the
original 2/21 date.
lvp