Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2013-01-15 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 15, 2013 10:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Rich DePaolo, Rod Howe, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Bill Goodman 1. 2013 Meeting Schedule – It was discussed and decided to change the monthly meeting time to 9:00 am. The third Tuesday of each month will remain as the meeting day for each month with a goal of keeping the meeting length at 1½ hours. Due to scheduling conflicts for the third week in February, the next PWC meeting was rescheduled for th February 12 at 9:00 a.m. 2. Approval of Minutes: There were two minor clarification changes to the December minutes. Mr. DePaolo moved to accept. Mr. Engman seconded. Approved. 3. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Consider modification to agenda: Item #7, 2013 Meeting Schedule was moved to Item #1 and all other items were subsequently moved down. 4. Road Preservation Law Discussion: Mr. Goodman updated the new Committee members on the progress of this topic to date rd and informed them that the Town of Caroline will be having a meeting on January 23 where they will propose their Road Preservation Law. In regard to our Law, we need to define our limits and set standards. Mr. Goodman explained that the Committee’s input is needed in order to draft our Law. Mr. Engman feels that we should be leaning toward using the County’s Law as a model in order to get something in place. Mr. Weber added that the Town’s roads are built to County and/or State standards and that our limits can be defined with that in mind. Mr. DePaolo suggested the definition of a “road use agreement” and how the process works be added to the Town’s Law. Mr. Goodman said that other municipalities have put together draft Road Use Agreements that we could model. Mr. DePaolo questioned references to industry and it was agreed to remove these references from the Town’s draft Law. He also questioned the definition of “peace officer” and suggested adding the definition. Mr. Goodman will research the State’s definition. Mr. Engman asked Mr. Weber about figures for truck trips and weights. Mr. Weber responded that most of the Town’s roads would have no problem being set at 20 – 25 tons, but asked that the Committee consider the intent of the Law. Mr. Engman responded that he feels the intention is to ensure that the public does not pay for imposed business development and added that enforcement will be a challenge. Mr. Engman would like to see some consistency between municipalities and suggested a 30-ton weight limit and a trip limit of 500. The reference to ASHTO will also be added. Mr. DePaolo would like further definition or reference added regarding “project site”. Mr. Engman agreed as there may not always be a “site” for project. Mr. DePaolo would like a reference added that the fee structure is defined by the Town Board. Mr. Goodman said that he should be able to have the draft ready in two weeks and will provide it. 5. Discussion of Forest Home Park Maintenance Mr. Engman reported that he, Mr. Weber, and Mr. Schoch met with the Forest Home Community to begin discussion of a feasible plan to maintain the park. Mr. Schoch provided an email with a configuration map for ease of maintenance. Mr. Engman would like to bring in Cornell Plantations for ideas of design and possible native species. Mr. Engman said that the Forest Home Community reported that they anticipate it would be a low activity park, but would like a grassy area for community celebrations. He said that Cornell has promised to reestablish the Hasbrouck bench that was destroyed. He would still like to pursue the Adopt-a-Park idea. Mr. Weber added that it is the Town’s responsibility for adherence to lease requirements such as controlling invasive species. Mr. Engman said that discussion needs to be held regarding public engagement and the level of maintenance expected and that we need to have a plan by spring. 6. Discussion of Six Mile Creek Drainage Mr. Weber updated the new members with erosion and drainage issues of the vineyard. Easements are needed and the project needs to go through the Stream Setback Law process. He explained the overall approach for mitigation of erosion and that there is no current life safety/welfare issue. 7. Discussion of Coddington Road Water Main Replacement Process Schedule Mr. Weber explained that in order for the project to commence in 2014, the process of getting public interest orders should begin this summer to meet timing requirements of the State Comptroller’s Office and asked if the Committee was willing to proceed. He explained that ITCTC has the project scheduled and the money is earmarked for the County to do their project in 2015. He said that savings will be realized by doing the Town’s project prior to the County doing theirs in that area. There were no objections to moving ahead with the Town’s project. 8. Project Updates (Mr. Weber): Salt Storage Shed: The project will go to the Planning Board on 1/15/13 and then to the Zoning Board of Approvals after. Four variances are needed (Height, Square Footage, Building, and Sprinkler). It will also need to go through the Stream Setback Law Process. Options exist to have the Town’s staff design and build the building or to contract building design out to AST, who has performed these services to other communities in the area. 2013 Vehicle and Equipment Purchases: The PWD has been able to piggy back onto other municipality’s bids or to extend prior bids. The tractor mower may need to be bid out. The vehicle for Codes is coming in several hundred dollars higher than budgeted per State bid so, some budget adjustment may be requested. Safe Routes to School Speed Indicators: The grant has been awarded and the project is on the agenda for today’s ITCTC meeting. The next step is to sign the agreement with the State and have the kickoff meeting to identify responsibilities. Other: a) Mr. Weber reported that John Lampman from the County submitted design plans and specifications for the Forest Home Upstream Bridge to DOT. The County is hoping to bid for construction this year. b) Mr. Weber presented the current Engineering Work List to the Committee. Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for: February 12, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. Future Agenda Items: Road Use Preservation Law Parks and Trails (Michigan Hill Park, South Hill Trail, Forest Home) Water and Wastewater Master Plan Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work South Hill Trail Extension 2013 Meeting Schedule lvp