HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2017-09-19
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
September 19, 2017 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Jim Weber,
Judy Drake, Dan Thaete, Bill Goodman, Joe Slater, Rich Schoch, Sue Ritter, Nick Goldsmith
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from August 15, 2017 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo, seconded
by Ms. Hunter. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. The Park Maintenance Manager Job Description discussion was moved to item #3
from #4.
3. Review and Discuss Park Maintenance Manager Job Description:
Mr. Weber asked the Committee to consider any changes needed to the job description
based on future needs and expectations. Judy stated that someone needs to be hired by
April in order to train for the position which becomes vacant in November 2018. Committee
members would like to talk with Rich Schoch about how he feels the job description currently
fits the job. The item will be discussed at the P&O Committee meeting on Wednesday and
return to the PWC for recommendations in October.
4. Tompkins County Consolidated Services Proposal, Street Lights:
Nick Goldsmith presented background and options for the town joining a shared service plan
for LED street lighting. Options are to retain the NYSEG lease, but switch to an LED lease
and pay a maintenance fee or to join the shared service plan, purchase the streetlights from
NYSEG, and upgrade to LED lighting, which the City has agreed to maintain at a cost.
Nick reported that there is more of a savings with the shared service plan. Discussion was
held regarding lighting quality, lighting district inclusion, rates, City maintenance. Nick
explained that it is still very early in the discussion and details would need to be worked out.
The Committee was supportive in exploring the option. Nick will provide a share cost analysis
to the Committee at a future meeting.
5. Apple Orchard PRV Update:
Mr. Weber reported that development in the Town of Dryden and Hamlet of Varna puts
additional demand on the Sapsucker Water Tank that was not taken into account when the
tank was replaced. By transferring the Apple Orchard PRV and the Route 366 water main to
the Town of Dryden for ownership and maintenance, it places ownership to the municipalities
receiving the service rather than the town. The Committee was in favor or moving forward
with the transfer.
6. TCAT Bus Stop Locations and Signing Request:
Mr. Weber reported that TCAT has approached the town about installing signs at each of their
bus stop locations. In the TCAT proposal, they would provide the sign, but the town would
facilitate permitting and installation of the signs and purchase the drivers and posts to do so.
Since the signs are informational rather than regulatory, TCAT would need to get easements
from some property owners in order to designate a bus stop. Given the time constraint, PW
would permit and TCAT would install. The Committee was in favor of exploring the request.
7. Michigan Hills Park – Discuss Items from Community Meeting:
Mike Smith reported back about the Community meeting held in regard to construction of the
park and trail. Concerns were primarily regarding storm water drainage, privacy, and informal
parking on King Road for those living adjacent to the park. Residents expressed interest in
plantings to aid in creating privacy. The Committee discussed the idea of staking out the trail
to give residents an idea of the planned trail prior to construction. The Committee was in
favor of moving forward on getting construction drawings to determine impacts.
Arrangements will be made so members can see the proposed park/trail location during the
Farm Tour on 10/20.
8. Project Status:
Sanitary Sewer Manhole Repair – The project started this week.
South/West Hill Water Study – Flow test is done. Analysis is on the schedule for the end of
the year.
Ellis Hollow Water Main Design – Waiting on contract. The item is going to Monday’s Town
Board for authorization to submit the application to the Comptroller’s Office.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m., motioned by Ms. Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo.
Our next meeting will be on 10/17 at 9:00 a.m.
lvp