HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2013-10-15
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
October 15, 2013 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Rich DePaolo, Rod Howe, Mike Smith,
Jim Weber, Mike Solvig
1. Approval of Minutes:
The minutes from September were approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
No member comments or concerns.
a. Modification to agenda – Mike Smith added the Urban and Community Forestry
Grant Program
3. Penny Lane ROW Issues:
Mr. Weber stated that he received an email from Sue Ritter from Attorney Don Crittenden
via the Harris Beach Lawn Firm regarding the lack of documentation during a title search
for conveyance of the Northwest extension of Penny Lane. There is some question as to
whether or not the deed reserved the right to Housecraft Builders, Inc. to convey or
dedicate the extension. Mr. Engman felt that since Guy Krogh indicated that it is a
“highway by use” that the Town’s needs are being met and the Town does not have
resources to spend time and money to resolve the issue, but that we should confirm
ownership on both the semi-circle and hammerhead with Guy Krogh. The Committee
agreed. Mr. Weber said that he would talk to Sue Ritter and Guy Krogh to see what the
next step should be for informational purposes.
4. Town Board Budget Concerns:
Mr. Engman began the discussion with the issue of the fixed generator for the Public
Works Facility that was discussed at the last Town Board meeting. He suggested setting
aside $50,000 in 2014 and another $50,000 in 2015 for the project and asked if it was
feasible. It was agreed that it was. Mr. Weber also stated that a fuel source would need
to be chosen as only one can be utilized. Mr. Engman also raised the issue of the Elm
Street Extension culvert repair. There is the option to abandon the road, but we need
traffic counts to establish road use. Mr. Weber added that we still need to remove what is
there as it is failing and will continue to fail. He explained that removal could be done
without disturbing the creek bed unless NYS DEC requires it to be done. He referred to
his asset management memo previously provided and stated that there are older assets
throughout the Town that will require maintenance or repair. Mr. Engman suggested
taking a closer look at the estimate the fix the culvert vs. abandoning the road and taking
the next year to figure it out.
5. Urban and Community Forest Grant Program:
Mr. Smith described a grant opportunity for our Pest Management Plan. The grant is in its
twelfth round and requires that tree inventory be done. It is due December 5, 2013 and is
from $2,500 to $25,000 with no match required. The money must be used within a three-
year period. There are specific requirements around elements, species, location, etc., and
as diseases arise it would be helpful to be prepared with an inventory of trees that are on
public properties, their condition, and possible liabilities. Mr. Engman suggested
contacting Mark Whitmore for the name of the person at Cornell that has equipment for
the purpose of inventorying trees. Mr. DePaolo would like to see a map created possibly
using GPS. All agree that we need to determine how far $25,000 will go and had no
objection to looking into the grant.
6. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
Salt Storage Building – Paving was scheduled to be completed last week, but was
pushed off. An agreement with the contractor regarding performance and the concrete on
the footers not meeting spec was reached and there will be a $5,000 deduct from the
contract. Paving should be completed this week and then we will retrieve the surplus salt
from the Town of Newfield that they have been storing for us.
Trumansburg Sewer Repair – The sewer relining is complete. The contractor is
remobilizing today to perform manhole relining and epoxy.
Whitetail Drive Reconstruction – The contractor is continuing with drainage for the next
couple of days. Paving will be done next week.
Pleasant Grove Water Main – The project and testing is complete.
Town Hall HVAC Repairs – Bruce Bates has indicated that a permit is not needed. We
are working with the contractor and should have an estimate in a couple of days. The
software for the control system should be received soon.
Warranty Repairs to Harris B. Dates Drive – Two inches were milled off under warranty
over an area of about 50 feet due to the asphalt being pushed. Project is complete.
Northeast Water Study – Our consultant is looking at opportunities for improvement.
One option might be elimination of a tank. We will be setting up meetings in the near
future to discuss options.
Mr. Engman reported that he attended an ITCTC meeting last week where Fernando
deAragon indicated that the Forest Home sidewalk will likely not be funded due to regional
funding priorities.
Mr. Howe asked about the Forest Home Upstream Bridge start date to which Mr. Weber
replied that the DOT has not authorized award. The County is hoping to hear soon.
Mr. Engman commented that Hanshaw Road sidewalk is progressing. Mr. Weber stated
that the County is hoping to have the binder in place prior to the start of the winter season
to prevent plowing issues. Mr. Weber also explained that he worked with the County and
the contractor to minimize issues during brush and leaf pickup.
Speed Indicator Grant – Mr. Engman reported that there was an article in the newspaper
regarding the Town Board rejecting the grant. The grant was rejected in an effort to get
the speed indicators in place before Christmas, since it was the intention that they be in
place before the school year started for safety purposes. There was discussion as to the
rationale of rejecting the money. Mr. Engman explained that it was our original intention
to only put in two indicators, but the State asked us to expand our scope which would
likely result in more cost for the Town.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for: November 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.
Future Agenda Items:
Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work
Coddington Road Sewer Line Extension
Grant for Inlet Valley Cemetery
Bluegrass Lane Trail after Hanshaw Road Walkway is complete
Parks and Trails (Michigan Hill Park, South Hill Trail, Forest Home)
Water and Wastewater Master Plan
South Hill Trail Extension
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