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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-06-19 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE June 19, 2012, 10:00 p.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Nahmin Horwitz, Jim Weber Guests: Forest Home Community representatives: Jonathan Miller, Christine Lewenberger, Bruce Brittain, Doug Brittain 1. Approval of Minutes: There was a minor change to the April minutes. The word “Fracturing” was changed to “hydro-fracking”. Mr. DePaolo moved to accept. Mr. Horwitz seconded. Approved. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: Mr. Goodman thanked the Public Works Staff for holding a tour of some of the Public Works operations after the Town Board Luncheon on 6/15. The effort and information was very much appreciated. Mr. Goodman said that the idea was mentioned to him about holding a public open house so residents can see what goes on behind the scenes. Discussion will follow in the future. a. Consider modification to agenda: None 3. Forest Home Entrance Lighting and Community Requests Mr. Goodman addressed the Forest Home group’s concerns regarding the effects on wildlife due to the current lighting by asking if the lighting could be changed. Mr. Miller stated that the emails from the community are not an official request to change the lighting, but rather to see if there is a current lighting policy in the Town. Mr. Goodman stated that the light fixtures conform to the Town’s lighting law. Mr. Weber was not aware of another policy. Mr. DePaolo asked if there is any evidence to support the effects of the current lighting on wildlife. Mr. Miller indicated that there are varying opinions on the effects of metal halite vs. low pressure sodium lighting and that it is worth pursuing for wildlife. He stated that the intended purpose of the lights was to illuminate the entry features and not as a safety feature. Mr. DePaolo added that there is a safety component associated as part of the traffic calming project. Mr. Goodman said that the lighting was part of the Planning and Design process and asked how long they are expected to last. Perhaps the lights could be changed when they expire. Mr. Bruce Brittain provided information that they are expected to last for 24,000 hours. Mr. Doug Brittain asked if it would be all right with the Town to make the change when the time comes. Mr. Weber stated that the Town would be responsible for hiring someone to make the changes. He stated that the Forest Home Lighting District currently pays NYSEG for electric and meters and would be responsible for the cost of any changes to lighting. Mr. Doug Brittain stated that the issue is that the lamp does not diffuse the light and suggested swapping the lens as a simple solution. Mr. Miller agreed that it is a safety issue because motorists can not see pedestrians. The issue will be discussed further. The second item for discussion is the Forest Home Project List for spring 2012 which focuses on pedestrian facilities. Mr. Miller explained that the list has evolved over a few years and that the issues are not critical, but would improve walking, biking, jogging, etc., in the community. Some items would involve the Town Board while others could be resolved simply. An item of specific discussion was the possibility of a park in an area that Cornell currently owns, but is planning to lease. Mr. Bruce Brittain indicated that volunteerism is possible with some of the items, i.e., Forest Home Community Days. Mr. Goodman stated that he would need to look into liability and union issues around community volunteerism. The Committee agreed to have Mr. Weber and his staff review the list and add comments for our 7/17 meeting in order to prioritize the list. Members of the Committee will try to visit the Forest Home area for more understanding. 4. Road Preservation Law Discussion: Since our April meeting, Mr. Goodman and Mr. Horwitz attended the TCOG workshop in Cortland. Mr. Horwitz presented his idea of modeling our law after Tioga’s law, as it didn’t spell out technically difficult issues and gave authority to the Highway Superintendent while also allowing for challenges to decisions through arbitration. Mr. Weber expressed his concerns about arbitration delays, process timing, and arbitrator decisions undermining the road preservation law process. Discussion followed about road use agreements, permits, upfront determinations, road posting, ordinances and the role they play in the process to ensure compensation for damage to roads. Mr. Horwitz plans to attend the next Town of Caroline Committee meeting in order to learn more about their road posting efforts. Discussion will continue. 5. No Parking Request on State Route 79 Mr. Weber received a safety complaint from the Commonlands regarding parking on State Route 79 due to recently restricted parking on Penny and Lois Lanes. Motorists are parking very close to the intersection. Mr. Weber will contact the NYS DOT to address adding no parking signs at the intersection of Lois Lane and State Route 79 to improve visibility for motorists exiting Lois Lane. 6. Project Updates (Mr. Weber): South Hill Trail: Project is complete for less than was requested in additional funds. Plantings will be added around boulders and pipe outlet. Compost, mulch, and vegetation will cover the crushed concrete. Mr. Weber reported that he and the crew will debrief in order to learn from the project for future projects. East Shore Drive: Project is completed under budget. Notification of Completion has been sent to the contractor. Ridgecrest Water Tank: Testing will be done next week. The April results were: Ethylbenzene is non-detectable at <.05 ppb; o-xylene = 0.61 ppb; m-xylene = 1.1 ppb. We will be testing again in June and August. Hungerford Water Tank: The project is complete. Solids epoxy was used. There are no VOCs. Penny Lane Water Main: This projects starts Wednesday, 6/20/12 and should be completed by 7/4/12. Mr. Weber reported that the ZBA approved variances for the PWF Annex and Pole Barn. These items will go to the Planning Board on 6/19/12 for site plan approvals. Meeting adjourned at 11:4 5 a.m. Next Meeting: July 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Future Agenda Items: Forest Home Project List / Comments from Mr. Weber 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 Grant Opportunities for Forest Home Bridge West Haven Road Drainage South Hill Trail Extension lvp