HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2015-10-20
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
October 20, 2015 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Herb Engman, Jim Weber, Mike Smith
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from September 15, 2015 were approved with the minor change of reference from
“use-by-right” to “highway-by-use”. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept. Mr. Engman seconded.
2. Member Comments / Concerns: None
a. Modifications to Agenda –
1) Mr. Engman added to a future agenda, the Towerview topic raised by residents
regarding signage, litter, etc.
2) He also explained that the estate of George Conneman would like to contribute
funds to the town and recommended substituting the East Hill Trail Culvert
project in 2016 for design and building of the Michigan Hill Park over time.
3) Mr. Weber added discussion regarding Sapsucker Water Tank.
3. Signage for Trail Etiquette – Spring Newsletter:
Mr. DePaolo would like signs posted in regard to trail users staying to the right, except to pass
on the left. Discussion was held regarding starting with major trail heads to see if the signage
helps. He will research the types of signs available and the item will remain on the agenda.
4. Mitchell Street Sidewalk Request:
Mr. Weber referenced a petition submitted to consider building a sidewalk on Mitchell Street
between Clover Lane and the Town/City line. The petition also requests speed bumps be
installed at the crossing of East Hill Recreation Way at Mitchell Street. He explained that
there are challenges due to steps, driveways, grading, a large utility pole, and “highway-by-
use” road. All ADA regulations will need to be met. He reported that the County is not in
favor of the request within the existing pavement. Mr. Engman stated that further discussion
with the County will be needed and that he may contact the appropriate County Legislator.
Mr. Weber encouraged members to visit the area to get a feel for the need in regard to
challenges for construction and impacts to property owners.
5. Update on Status of Badger Excavator:
Mr. Weber reported that an agreement was made to exchange the faulty excavator with a
demonstration unit. The PWD will use the demo unit for a week before making the final
decision to keep it or not. Negotiations will take place regarding installing an exhaust brake,
as there is not one on the demo unit. The unit should be arriving this week.
6. Honness Lane Gravel Update:
Mr. Weber reported that the Contractor completed the project on 10/19/15. The Contractor
had to replace unsuitable sub-base material. A review is being done to determine the cost of
replacement material. PWD will need to do some work to back-up the pavement on the
shoulders in some places and have striping done.
7. Project Updates:
Elm Street Drainage – The Contractor should be starting the project next week. Elm Street
will be closed during the project.
Sapsucker Tank Replacement – The Tank is up, piping is in, and testing is being done. The
tank will be filled soon. Once the PRV is done, the tank can be put on line.
Coddington Rd Water Main Phase 2 – The project is complete. Final restoration will be
done in the spring.
Inlet Valley Cemetery Rehabilitation – Headstones have been repaired. Mr. Weber will be
closing out the project. Mr. Engman asked about repairing or replacing the archway. The
item will remain on the agenda.
Honness Lane Reconstruction – The project is complete.
State Route 79 Sewer Rehab – The project is complete.
Manhole Repair – Vacri Construction was awarded the project and will be starting soon.
Town Hall Exterior Stair Replacement – The project is complete.
8. Other:
Mr. Engman reported that Chris Balestra is working on getting signs put up to direct public to
the post office.
Forest Home Wall RFPs are due Friday. Proposals will be available to consultants to
investigate options. The item will go to the Town Board on 11/9/15.
Mr. Weber reported that PWD is taking deliveries of treated salt.
Mr. Weber informed the Committee of staffing adjustments due to two employees retiring.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
November 17, at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility
lvp