HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2016-04-19
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
April 19, 2016 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Creig Hebdon, Joe Slater, Dan Thaete
Guest: Liz Thomas, Town of Ulysses Supervisor
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from March 15, 2016 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo, seconded
by Ms. Hunter.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – None
3. Trumansburg Tank Discussion with Town of Ulysses Relative to Cost Sharing:
The purpose of the discussion is to determine if the Town of Ithaca will share part or all of the
cost to install an aerator within the Town of Ithaca’s Trumansburg Tank to assist in water
quality issues in the Town of Ulysses. Mr. Weber presented background of the issue and
explained how the system currently functions, and that the Town of Ithaca is not in violation
for water quality. The issue exists within the Town of Ulysses due to an oversized water
system, which includes 12” water mains and low water usage, resulting in high TTHMs. The
Town of Ulysses has investigated a number of options to mitigate the water issue. One
option being considered is the installation of an aerator in the Town of Ithaca’s Trumansburg
Tank which costs ~$135,000. Additional options include an additional aerator in the Town of
Ulysses Iradell Tank, continued flushing of Ulysses water mains, and re-piping of the Iradell
tank to separate inflow and outflow. Determination needs to be made on which entity will pay
for the Town of Ulysses Tank aerator or if there will be cost sharing. Discussion was held
regarding exercising the Town of Ithaca tanks more effectively, bulk rates, a separate intake
on the Ulysses tank along with a charcoal filter within the system, and additional costs such
as electrical, labor, controls, etc. The Committee indicated being amenable to partial
payment, contingent on a commitment from the Town of Ulysses for additional means to
mitigate the issue. Time is of the essence, due the Town of Ithaca Trumansburg Tank Project
requiring a decision regarding the roof type. The issue will be further discussed at the 4/25/16
Board Meeting.
The Committee recommended to the Board that a mixer, which costs $20,000., be included in
the upcoming Trumansburg Water Tank project.
4. 2017 Fleet Replacement Program and CIP Review/Badger Discussion:
Mr. Weber discussed the need to replace the Badger Excavator with a Gradall Excavator in
2016, as the Public Works Department is in need of a full fleet for effective operation.
Discussion was held regarding purchasing used and expenditures to repair the current 2004
Gradall. Mr. Howe was comfortable moving forward on replacing the Badger Excavator. Mr.
DePaolo motioned to approve, seconded by Ms. Hunter. Approved.
To provide information to the Budget Committee for consideration of the 2017 budget, the
Fleet Replacement Program and the CIP program were discussed. Ms. Hunter requested
mileage and maintenance records on all 2017 vehicles to be replaced in order to make a
decision regarding the 2017 budget.
Mr. Weber explained that the Troy to Southwoods water main has pressure deficiencies and
asked if the Committee would like the project to stay on the CIP. The Committee agreed to
move the project out to 2018 and monitor development plans in the area.
5. Review of Eastern Heights Water Study Expectations:
Mr. Weber explained that he would like to continue utilizing GHD Consulting Services for the
water study on Eastern Heights, as they have done previous studies and are creating a
hydraulic model of the town’s system. The quote provided, $34,500, is higher than the
budgeted amount of $25,000 due to the extra detail associated with Cornell’s Maplewood and
East Hill Plaza developments. Consideration of asking Cornell to participate in the extra cost
was discussed. There was also discussion of expanding the scope to South and West Hills.
This could either be done this year (2016) by expanding the existing scope, or include in the
2017 budget. The Committee supported staying with GHD and including their services in the
2017 budget.
6. Road Use Agreement for Conifer Development (West Hill Dr.):
Town and County staff have met with the developer regarding road use for the development.
The road use is below the threshold for the County and above the threshold for the Town.
The developer is ready to get started. The law says that Mr. Weber can issue a permit to the
developer to start construction with a Road Use Agreement completed in the future. Areas of
concern have been identified in two sections of the roadway and costs have been submitted
to the developer. The Committee approved allowing the process as outlined.
7. Project Status:
Trumansburg Water Tank Replacement – The Notice of Award has been issued and a
decision on the award of Alternate Bid A or B, based on the inclusion of an aerator or not, will
be determined at the next Town Board meeting.
Park Lane, Christopher and Sapsucker Water Mains - Bid have been awarded and we
are awaiting project submittals.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
May 17, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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