HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2012-09-18
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
September 18, 2012, 10:00 p.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Nahmin Horwitz, Jim Weber,
Mike Smith, Rich Schoch
1. Approval of Minutes:
There were two minor changes to the August minutes. Mr. DePaolo moved to accept.
Mr. Goodman seconded. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. Horwitz asked if there is a place on the Town’s Website where the proposed PWF
fleet replacement list is presented for public availability. Mr. DePaolo stated that it is an
unprecedented amount of information to provide and is not standard procedure. Mr.
Goodman explained that the fleet replacement program is available upon request and is
part of the Town Board budget process.
a. Consider modification to agenda:
Move Park Maintenance Questions to item #3. Move Road Preservation Law Discussion
to item #4.
3. Park Maintenance Questions
Discussion took place regarding the potential of adding the Forest Home Park, currently
owned by Cornell, to the Town’s park system. Mr. DePaolo asked how often parks are
mowed and Mr. Schoch responded that we mow weekly starting in May through mid-
summer. We then focus on water tanks, pump stations, etc. which are done less
frequently during rapid growth periods. This year was an early spring, so we started
earlier and there is the potential for more frequency during heavy rain periods. Mr.
DePaolo would like a line item breakdown of the cost associated with maintenance. Mr.
Weber will provide information regarding standard labor/benefit rates and equipment use
costs. Mr. Goodman suggested two columns – one for the regular crew members and
one for the seasonal crew members. Mr. Goodman would also like a list of all of our
parks, preserves, trails, and water/sewer areas that require regular maintenance. Mr.
Weber indicated that there may be other costs associated with the Forest Home Park in
regard to tree maintenance, fence repair, benches, picnic table, etc. Mr. Goodman asked
how often the crew is maintaining each area. Mr. Schoch responded that they are out
everyday during busy times and move onto tree removal and brush trimming during down
times. Mr. Schoch added that we strive to maintain a certain level of maintenance to
promote public respect for the parks and trails.
4. Road Preservation Law Discussion:
Mr. Goodman referenced an email from Susan Brock, Town Attorney, which responded to
the Committee’s request for input in defining the Road Preservation Law. Mr. Goodman
suggested holding a special Committee meeting to review the email and review the
questions before our next Committee meeting. He would like to invite Dan Walker from
LaBella Engineering and a County Highway representative. He will also speak with Don
Barber from the Town of Caroline. Mr. Goodman will obtain information that NYMIR has
published. Mr. Weber will contact Jeff Smith to determine a County representative.
Preliminary questions include:
1. How does this apply to waste haulers, buses, etc?
2. Why would we only specify temporary projects? e.g. what if there was a quarry?
3. How do we decide the amount of bond required and the damage to be repaired?
4. Will AASHTO standards apply?
5. Should the Town Board be the designated entity for posting roads?
Discussion will focus on implementation, what has worked, what has there been issues with,
enforcement, and interpretation, etc.
5. Conifer Lighting Request:
A request was received to put up a street light at the intersection of Conifer Drive and
State Route 79. Mr. Weber is waiting for NYSEG to provide the cost for installation and to
determine the pole location. The Town will be responsible for the cost of installation and
maintenance.
Mr. Weber added that the Town will also be responsible for the previously discussed
installation cost of the modified light on Forest Home Drive. Once the type of bulb is
determined, NYSEG will inform Mr. Weber of the final cost. Mr. Goodman requested a
diagram of the types of lights which are the Town standard. Mr. Weber will request that
information from NYSEG.
6. Project Updates (Mr. Weber):
Ridgecrest Water Tank:
The August samples for testing were non-detectable. A final notification letter was sent in
September. The Tompkins County Health Department has notified us that we are no
longer under violation. The project is complete.
Northview Water Tank:
The tank is up and the caulk is curing. The water line still needs to be disinfected prior to
filling. The tank should be on line in approximately the next two weeks. It has been off
line since June. The concrete issue with the contractor has been resolved.
Triphammer T-Main:
We are working with the contractor. Easements are in place. The contractor is hoping to
start in early October and to be done by early November.
Pole Barn / Annex Construction:
The contractor has signed the Pole Barn bid and we are waiting on their signature for the
Annex. That should be done by the end of the week.
Harris B. Dates Drive Improvements:
We are performing drainage and curbing work. The project is going out to bid this week
for intersection work. The project should be completed by the end of November.
7. Other
Mr. DePaolo asked if there has been any progress in regard to “turtle crossing” signs on
East King Road. Mr. Weber will check back with Jeff Smith from the County.
Meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m.
Next Meeting: October 16, 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
Cornell Park Dedication Maintenance Requirements
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