HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2013-11-19
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
November 19, 2013 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Herb Engman, Rich DePaolo, Rod Howe, Mike Smith,
Jim Weber, Dan Thaete for video presentation
1. Approval of Minutes:
The minutes from October 15th were approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
No member comments or concerns.
a. Modifications to agenda –
1) Added discussion of December and January meeting dates.
2) Move T-Burg Sewer Reline video from Project Updates to the first item.
3. Trumansburg Sewer Reline (Video Review):
Dan Thaete attended to present before and after pictures/video of the sewer lines and
manholes of a 2000 foot section of Trumansburg Road which was the scope of the
project. He and Mr. Weber explained the trenchless technology and the issue of having
both clay and cast iron pipes. Cast iron pipes are not optimal in the corrosive
environment due to the buildup of concretions which causes flow issues. Another issue
was compromised joints and sagging low points of pipes. According to City maps (the
City was then providing the water and sewer services), the pipes were installed in the late
1950s and early 1960s. The sewer relining project will extend the life of the pipes by 20 –
30 years. Using this technology, we avoided having to dig into the road and escalate the
cost of the project.
4. Longview As-Built Plan Submittal (Compliance Discussion):
Mr. Weber presented a substandard as-built that was provided by the Longview Homes
contractor. Since we are expected to take over the utilities for this development, permits
require an as-built that indicates locations and dimensions to valves, hydrants, T-mains,
etc., before we will accept the utilities. As a result, the Certificate of Occupancy could
potentially be held up.
5. Town Board Budget Concerns:
Mr. Weber explained that having the expense for the emergency generator split over two
years will allow us to investigate working with an electrical engineer and/or generator
experts to get a better idea of what is needed for design in order for the facility to serve as
an emergency management center.
6. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
Salt Storage Building – The project is complete. There is currently 1400 tons of salt in
the shed. Whereas, the salt last year was brown (mixed with additives on site), it is blue
(pre-mixed by the manufacturer) this year.
Whitetail Drive Reconstruction – The project is complete with the exception of topsoil
work that will be completed in the spring by the Contractor and shoulder blending that we
will perform. There is a warranty issue that the Contractor will address also. The project
stayed within budget and approved change orders, which included reconstruction of two
driveways and concrete gutters. Mr. Engman commented that the project looks good.
Pleasant Grove Water Main – All issues have been worked out with the County. Bolton
Point is satisfied with the project. The intersection of Pleasant Grove and Cradit Farm
Drive was intentionally left incomplete per an agreement with Cornell who will be
conducting a water main project there.
Speed Indicator Grant – Two speed indicators were received for $7,530. They will be
installed in the next couple of weeks.
Town Hall HVAC Repairs – We are working with the plumbing contractor who is doing
pipe fitting to tie in the floor’s hot water radiator to the roof-mounted AC unit. Wiring and
software operations are in progress. The upgrade should make the heating and air
conditioning operations consistent.
Northeast Water Study – The Consultant met with Staff on Monday and will be doing
flow tests on Thursday. They will set gauges, close valves, isolate runs, and flow
hydrants to verify our assumptions. There will be a pressure drop. Preliminary submittal
will be complete in late December or early January.
Elm Street Extension (Cornell Natural Area) – Mr. Weber met with Cornell who
indicated that they own half of the creek with the other half being owned privately. He
reported that we will contract with the private owners to construct a road to address outlet
concerns and stabilize the bank. Cornell approves of the plan, but does not want us to
extend beyond the end of the pipe and wants the use of natural stone.
South Hill Trail (added item) – The project is moving along well. Pipes are replaced and
rip rap is being placed with a minor relocation of the trail to be completed soon.
Inlet Valley Cemetery (added item) – Mr. Weber reported that Mr. Hebdon obtained
NYS Parks details/specifications for laid-up stone wall and can now work on putting
together a plan that can be passed out to contractors for quotes. Mr. Engman suggested
requesting everything we want in the NYS Cemetery Corporation grant and working with
what is awarded.
7. December 2013 and January 2014 Meeting Dates –
It was agreed that December’s meeting may be cancelled if there is nothing pressing. A
decision will be made approximately a week prior to the meeting. January’s meeting was
set for January 21, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
Mr. Engman would like the Committee to starting thinking about the upcoming year,
specifically learning about hydrogen powered vehicles and how they could apply to the
Town. Another item for thought is the concept of “complete streets”. He stated that the
National Government is looking at local governments to institute a Complete Streets
Policy to ensure that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and
operate the entire roadway with all users in mind. Mr. DePaolo suggested adding this to
the January agenda.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
th
December 17, but may be cancelled in which case the next meeting will be
st
January 21, 2014.
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
Hydrogen Powered Vehicles
Complete Streets Policy
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