HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2016-09-20
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
September 20, 2016 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, TeeAnn Hunter, Jim Weber, Mike Smith,
Bill Goodman, Dan Thaete, Joe Slater, Mike Solvig
Guests: Boris Simkin and Erik Whitney representing Westview Partners Development
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from August 16, 2016 were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. DePaolo, seconded
by Ms. Hunter.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Weber added Renzetti Place Sewer Main
Replacement Project on the South Hill Trail
3. East Hill Water Study Implementation Options:
Mr. Weber followed up on the prior GHD presentation regarding system improvements to
facilitate the Cornell’s Maplewood Development. Water tank options for serving the
development and meeting the demands of the developer’s schedule were discussed;
specifically increasing the capacity of the existing tank or adding a new tank. Currently, the
Pine Tree Tank is undersized to meet current and any increased demands. Consideration
also needs to be given to future area development. Priorities include uninterrupted supply,
pressure, system redundancy, and fire flows. The optimal scenario would entail building an
additional tank on property along Ellis Hollow Road, which would require an easement. The
map was reviewed and discussion was held regarding cost, the timetable, and capacity
needed. Mr. Goodman reported that he would be meeting with EDR Development this
evening to discuss contributions, as Code Enforcement would need to be increased during
the project. Board members like the idea of an additional tank. The item will be discussed at
the next Study Session. Mr. Goodman will discuss the issue with Cornell.
4. Larisa Lane Sanitary Sewer Modifications Request:
Mr. Weber explained that, due to phasing and storm water requirements, there are housing
lots that cannot be serviced by sewer; and that the developer wants to modify the approved
sewer plan by moving it outside of the ROW onto private property. The reason for the
requested modification is due to installation of storm water facilities, which deviated from the
original plan, resulting in lack of cover for sewer service to the lots. Other alternatives were
presented by Public Works and discussed, as going onto private property is not to the town’s
or the future property owner’s benefit. Mr. Weber reported that this would be a Town Board
decision. Committee Board members did not feel they had enough information to make a
recommendation and that granting a variance from Town Standards would set precedence for
future development. The developer’s Engineer will provide cost information based on other
feasible alternatives in the near future. The item will be re-evaluated at our next meeting.
5. Conservation Board Referral for South Hill Sign:
Discussion was held regarding changes to the view corridor due to developments and natural
growth on 96B pull-off. NYS permits will be required as it will be in the DOT right-of-way.
Public Works Committee members supported the project.
6. Renzetti Place Sewer Main Replacement Project on South Hill Trail:
Mr. Weber explained that the City needs to repair sanitary sewer adjacent to the South Hill
Trail, which is within an easement from Therm. Does the Town want sanitary sewer running
under the trail or should we request that they reconstruct in place? Members were
comfortable with the sewer being placed under the trail as long as manholes were located off
the trail to eliminate liability due to trip hazards and maintenance issues. Mr. Weber will
discuss the issue with Susan Brock.
8. Project Status:
Trumansburg Rd. Water Tank Replacement – The project is complete with no issues. The
head on the aerator needs to be replaced. The tank is online. Backup bypass is still online.
Park Lane Water Main - The project is complete. Dan Thaete is working on a punch list.
Pine Tree Road Construction – Rich Schoch and Mr. Weber did a preliminary walk of the
walkway. The town is requesting that an 18” drop off adjacent to the stacked block wall be
mitigated for tripping hazards before accepting the work. It is the future plan that more blocks
will be placed.
Pine Tree Backlot Sewer – The Contractor has done camera work, measured, and cleaned
out the sewer line. PWF is in the process of getting quotes to do manhole rehabilitation.
Mr. Weber reported that wood clad guide rail has been placed around the PWF generator, if
members wanted to see an example of it for possible future use within the town.
Future Agenda Item: Park Usage
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Our next meeting will be on 10/18/16 at 9:00 a.m.
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