HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2016-02-09
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
February 9, 2016 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Mike Solvig, Pam Bleiwas, Creig Hebdon
Guests: Dan Walker, LaBella Engineering
Doug and Bruce Brittain of the Forest Home Neighborhood
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from January 19, 2016 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo,
seconded by Mr. Howe.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Weber added:
1) Route 79 Sewer at Commonlands
2) Pine Tree Water Tank Replacement
3) NYSDOT Shared Services Agreement
3. Public Works Committee Meeting Schedule:
The 2016 meeting schedule was discussed and approved.
4. Encroachment License for 932 East Shore Drive:
Mr. Weber gave the group a historical review of the topic. An encroachment agreement
needs to be obtained in order to build a stacked wall for the driveway on the existing sewer
easement. The town is not responsible for maintenance of or damage to the wall when
performing emergency maintenance to sewer lines, but is responsible for design review of the
wall over the sewer line. The encroachment license will give the town the right to utilize the
easement for maintenance access purposes. The property owner is currently working through
the NYSDOT permitting process for driveway access. The topic will go to the March Town
Board meeting.
5. Discuss Safety Concern for Sandbank Road:
Mr. Weber referenced an email received from a traveler regarding the unsafe/hazardous
conditions on Sandbank Road. He explained that court decisions led to the changes that
were made to Sandbank Road so far. The roadway meets all expected standards. Mr.
Goodman will raise the topic to the Town Board and respond to the resident.
6. Review Options for Forest Home Wall:
Mr. Weber explained that Dan Walker from LaBella Engineering was present to explain
design options to modify the Forest Home wall area, with emphasis on traffic and pedestrian
safety. Mr. Foote’s letter of concerns was reviewed. Mr. Walker confirmed that some
signage exists restricting vehicles >5 ton, although enforcement is an issue. Following
meetings in the field and with the property owner, the area of concern was divided into five
distinct sections, which were reviewed. Mr. Walker continued to explain the design options
and discussion was held regarding ADA compliance, fencing, grading, curbing, material
options, etc. Mr. Walker will provide a list of design options and costs, including options for
st
materials, along with the cost of long-term maintenance at the March 21 Town Board
meeting.
7. Shared Services Agreement with DOT:
Mr. Weber explained that he spoke with Mr. Eric Buck of NYSDOT about adding an
indemnification clause and will include costs based on the town’s personnel and equipment
use, rather than being charged the State’s rates. He will provide a copy of Susan Brock’s red-
lined draft to the Committee members for their review and input. The agreement will be sent
to NYSDOT which will send it on to Albany for final consideration.
8. Project Status:
Route 79 Sewer Relining will continue, but it will have a gap in the middle due to the
Commonlands area realigning an 8” line connecting to a 10” line after housing placement was
changed. This causes a reduced capacity and flow issue. Susan Brock will be looking into
whether or not an easement was obtained for realign the line. The 8” line may need to be
increased to a 10” line. Currently houses are built over top of the 10” line.
Pine Tree Water Tank project for 2016 will need to be tabled as Cornell is tripling the capacity
of its housing in a current complex. Taking into consideration the probable future
development in the area, the proposed water tank’s capacity is not sufficient in its current
configuration. Further discussion is needed. Mr. Hebdon reported that we need to hire a
consultant to do water modeling and should have a better idea of the needs by fall 2016. Mr.
Solvig stated that he will not be bonding for the project this year.
The Sapsucker Water Tank PRV is nearly complete. Stairs need to be added. Then the tank
can be filled to capacity and fully on-line. The Trumansburg Water Tank process is
progressing. The old Sapsucker water tank was taken down at a good price.
Susan Brock has some issues with the Park Lane Water Main Replacement verbiage.
Christopher and Sapsucker Water Main Replacement process is progressing.
The PWF Emergency Generator has some issues with the electrical panel. A new panel will
be installed next week.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
March 15th, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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