HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2015-05-19
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
May 19th, 2015 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Creig Hebdon,
Bruce Bates, Wayne Sincebaugh
Guests: David Herrick of T. G. Miller, P.C. representing Greenways Project
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from April 21st, 2015 were approved. Mr. Howe motioned to accept. Mr. DePaolo
seconded.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Smith added the Gateway Trail Detailed Design
and ROW
3. Greenways Sewer / Easement Update:
Mr. Herrick gave a background report regarding the Phase 3 sewer system. INHS prefers
going back to a gravity collection and conveyance system which enables an 8” sanitary sewer
extension and 20’ permanent easement, avoiding extensive property disturbance, and
extension of the Town facility to the Phase 3 cluster. He asked if the rearrangements
necessitate additional notification to residents. Mr. Weber stated that since it is additional
infrastructure that the Town would be accepting maintenance responsibility, the concept of
“gravity flow” would need to be passed by the Public Works Committee. The Committee
agreed.
4. No Parking Inquiries for Towerview, Terraceview, and Westview:
Mr. Weber reported that two residents called him requesting parking restrictions in the area.
He explained the petition process and the residents will be working with the Town Clerk to
create an online petition. Discussion was held regarding the gorge being City property, but
being heavily accessed via Town roads during summer months. Past practice by the Town
Board has been to restrict parking on a seasonal basis once the petition process has been
followed. Mr. Weber will create a public hearing resolution for Towerview Drive for
consideration by the Town Board, which may be expanded based on the pending petition
process.
5. City / Town Sewer Meter Discussion:
Mr. Sincebaugh reported lack of appropriate installation of City sewer flow meters likely
resulting in inaccurate accounting of sewer flows from the Town. City reports are indicating
significantly higher flows than the Town’s temporary meters. Mr. Sincebaugh has been
meeting with City, as it is incumbent upon the Town to ensure proper installation of meters.
We are not contributing as much flow as the City indicates. The issue will be presented to the
Town Board for further discussion.
6. East Hill Recreation Way Discussion:
Mr. Weber reported that land disturbance by a resident on Cornell property is affecting and
causing liability on the trail. Cornell has no issue with the resident and wants the Town to
come up with a plan that they can attempt to enforce. He stated that we are working through
the process with Susan Brock.
7. Gateway Trail Detailed Design and ROW:
Mr. Smith reported that design approval was received for Phase 1, which will allow for tree
clearing near Home Depot and the State Park. Fisher Associates is working on detail designs
and should have them ready in June. The detail designs then go to DOT for approval. Once
through approval, contracts for ROW acquisition and construction can be obtained. He asked
for the opinion of the Committee if the Town assumes responsibility for ROW acquisition
rather than going through the State. The Town would not be reimbursed for that portion, if so,
but it would allow for possible earlier construction. Since there is no guarantee that there
would be a benefit, the Committee did not see an advantage to the Town doing the work to
acquire the ROW and feels the Town Board should weigh in.
8. Project Updates:
Elm Street Drainage – Bids received were double what was approved in the budget
(estimated), therefore we will not be awarding at this time. The project will be reassessed.
Sapsucker Tank Replacement – Bids received were good. Conversations are being held
with the Comptroller’s Office in regard to agricultural districts. We are hoping for quick
approval.
Coddington Rd Water Main Phase 2 – The Contract has been awarded. The Contractor is
requesting to work four 10-hr days. We are waiting on the Department of Labor for signed
contracts.
Inlet Valley Cemetery Rehabilitation – Information has been sent to the Division of
Cemeteries. There were two responders for the wall repair bid. We are waiting to hear what
the grant amount will be before awarding the contract.
Lake View Cemetery Drainage – The culvert under the driveway was plugged and removed
last year. The wall is leaning forward. We are looking to replace the culvert and realign the
wall. Another section of the wall that is leaning will require taking out a tree.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
June 23rd, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
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