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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2014-07-15 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE July 15, 2014 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Rod Howe, Jim Weber, Mike Solvig, Mike Smith, Creig Hebdon (Dan Thaete) 1. Approval of Minutes: th Minutes from June 17 approved. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Modifications to Agenda – Mr. Weber added asphalt repairs to Pleasant Grove Road and Cornell legal issue discussion. Mr. Engman added the Lake View Cemetery. 3. Whitetail Drive Drainage Issues: a. 169 Whitetail – Mr. Weber and Mr. Hebdon reported that they looked at the issue and found that the trench had settled and water was ponding in the ditch. The PWD will add more topsoil this fall. b. 149 / 151 Whitetail – Mr. Weber explained that complaints have been received from homeowners that water is seeping through embankments and ponding in the backyard and they feel that the Town is responsible. Mr. Weber reported that a ditch had been constructed above the properties but, documentation cannot be found that explains why or when the ditch was dug. The PWD will research and address the issue. 4. 111 Woolf Lane Pond: Mr. Hebdon explained that in 1987 an extension to Woolf Lane was added for the West Wood Hills subdivision. A neighboring resident gave permission to the development to put in a storm water pond on their property. Engineering was needed to approve and verify the size of the pond. The resident says the pond is ours and now wants the Town to clean the pond due to silt and sedimentation. A Town Board resolution was found accepting the road, water, and sewer – but, exempting the pond. Therefore, Mr. Hebdon sent a letter to the resident instructing them to contact the developer or to provide information to prove Town ownership. He added that Susan Brock approved the action. Mr. Engman expressed concern over the lack of maintenance and the storm water purpose being defeated. Mr. Hebdon explained that the Town could cite the developer or fix the issue and charge the benefited home owner. There is no estimated cost at this time, but could easily be tens of thousands of dollars. Mr. Engman suggested that we look into ways to spread the cost out. Mr. Weber added that the developer or Homeowner’s Association should have been held responsible, but the action took place prior to any storm water rules and regulations in the Town. 5. City of Ithaca Stormwater Fees: Mr. Engman suggested watching to see the outcome of the City’s Proposed Legislation Concerning Stormwater Infrastructure Management and Financing. The intent of the policy is to spread the cost out to other jurisdictions due to conveyance to the City and to include tax-exempt owners. Mr. Weber added that most of the City is piped, whereas the Town is primarily a ditching system and to keep this in mind when considering fees. Mr. Engman stated that as stormwater issue seem to be increasing it may require stronger regulations, determining the cause, and prevention. More than the general tax base is needed. He suggested being more strict with developers. There was discussion as to how the Stormwater Coalition pertains to the situation. 6. Discuss Complete Streets Local Legislation: Mr. Engman handed out a packet that was reviewed and encouraged consideration of pedestrians, cyclists, etc. when reconstructing roads. He suggested setting a policy to bring attention to the Legislation. Mr. Weber explained that past practice has been to narrow roads and that this Legislation would have the effect of widening roads. He also stated that most of the Town’s roads have stormwater ditches vs. piping. Mr. Engman emphasized using the information for thorough discussions of all options when reconstructing roads. Also, the public needs to be educated on the program. 7. Town Board Bus Tour Update: th Mr. Weber has contacted the van company for the date range of August 20 through thnd August 27, with August 22 being the preference. He reviewed the current list and asked for any suggestions. Mr. Engman suggested reducing the number of water tanks. Mr. Howe wants to add any large future expenditures and the Forest Home area. Mr. Solvig suggested adding a playground that is projected for replacement and the site for the Michigan Hill Trail. It was suggested to start the tour around 9:00 a.m. and ending around 1:00 p.m. Mr. Weber will compile and list and map to be provided and confirm the date and time. 8. Project Updates: Sand Bank Road Reconstruction: The project is slightly behind schedule. We have closed the road for September. Currently we are hammering rock. We do not want to open the road until the guiderail is installed, striping is done, and the asphalt is cured. Winner’s Circle Stormwater and Road Reconstruction: The storm sewer spin casting project began on 7/14 and is going smoothly. The manufacturing representative for mortar visited the site to ensure that the contractor was performing the process correctly. This process may be a good alternative for the Elm Street Culvert. Route 79 Sewer Repair: Bids came in much higher than budgeted due to the use of transite pipe which required remediation of asbestos. Alternatives are to ask the Town Board for more money, re-bid the project using the cast-in-place process, or decrease the scope. It was agreed that the project will be re-bid using the cast-in-place process. Christopher Tank Replacement: The project has been awarded. Coddington Road Water Main: Mr. Hebdon is meeting with lawyers regarding some remaining easements needed. Phase I has begun with no problems. 9. Pleasant Grove Road: Mr. Weber explained a legal issue that exists due to Cornell updating and submitting old plans that had Mr. Hebdon’s P. E. stamp affixed for new asphalt repairs to a speed table after replacing a water main. The issue is in the hands of the Cornell’s legal department. Dan Thaete verified that the repair to the speed table was acceptable. PWD is working with the County to not release the contractor until the speed table is in accordance with the original plan and a Hold Harmless Agreement is obtained. Mr. Weber will keep the Committee informed. 10. Mr. Engman reported that some vandalism took place at the Lake View Cemetery that requires a temporary emergency fix to the doors and window of a mausoleum. Mr. Weber reported that we have a contractor that has begun mowing the cemetery. Mr. Engman stated that if the Town inherits the cemetery, we would need to have a good survey done of the property. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for: August 19 at 9:00 at the Public Works Facility lvp