HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2011-05-17
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
May 17, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Nahmin Horwitz, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Herb
Engman, Mike Smith
Guests Present: John Miller, Theresa Craighead, Doug Brittain, Bruce Brittain representing
the Forest Home Neighborhood.
1. Approval of Minutes:
A minor grammar change was made in the April 19, 2011 minutes. Mr. DePaolo motioned
to accept. Mr. Horwitz seconded. Approved.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. Horwitz asked what flushing the water mains in Lansing entailed. Mr. Weber
explained that an annual flush is performed to clear deposited minerals, improve flow, and
improve the overall quality of the water. There is focus on dead end lines as this is where
deposits tend to collect. The flushing of the water mains is not noticeable to residents due
to backup pumps and tanks.
a. Consider modification to agenda:
There were no modifications to the agenda.
3. Gateway Trail Update:
Due to the need to use earmarked funds, Mr. Smith asked for a consensus to plan
construction of the trail from the Inlet, through Buttermilk Falls Park, connecting to Stone
Quarry Road.
Mr. Horwitz suggested that negotiations with the City would be wise in regard to their
responsibility to constructing a trail bridge. Mr. Weber indicated that there is the
possibility of Federal funds for the creek bridge construction, but these funds can not be
used for maintenance/repairs. Mr. Weber reported that in order to determine an
estimated cost for the project, a consultant will need to be hired to complete the design.
4. Sand Bank Road Parking Updates:
Mr. Weber reported that the Town received a complaint about parking adjacent to the
general purpose field. Mr. Engman fielded a call where it was identified there might be a
safety issue for pedestrians and a safety violation because fire trucks can not fit between
vehicles. There was consideration for the Town to restrict parking which will require
initiating the public hearing process. Mr. Weber will schedule a public hearing with the
Town Board. Mr. DePaolo motioned that the PWC support consideration by the Town
Board of no parking in that area. Mr. Goodman seconded. Carried.
5. 2012 CIP Budget Discussion:
Mr. Weber presented the 2010 Capital Project Listing 10-Year Plan. Discussion around
project costs from members. Mr. Weber explained that the Plan shows the projects that
have been identified as priorities with anticipated costs. The Capital Project Committee
1 Continued on next page
and the Budget Committee will be responsible for choosing which projects will be
completed and to what extent. Mr. Goodman suggested having a parks/trails discussion
at the next meeting. Mr. Weber asked for a consensus on project priorities and water
priorities listing Penny Lane Water Mains, Hungerford Tank repainting, North View Tank
Replacement, and Danby Road Tank Replacement. All agreed. Time and effort
regarding Black Diamond Trail will be discussed at the next meeting.
6. Forest Home Trail Discussion:
Mr. Weber started the discussion by explaining that the trail is seriously deteriorating, is
no long in the ROW, requires much time and effort for maintenance and repairs, and
should be meeting ADA requirements. Mr. Horwitz commented that he received
information that the trail did not need to conform to ADA accessibility requirements. Ms.
Craighead indicated that the group previously presented a list of priorities for repairs
which included extension of the rope handrail and the bottom of the trail being very steep
due to erosion after the stairs were removed. It is unsafe during the winter. Mr. Weber
presented an alternative sidewalk along Forest Home Drive and Warren Road, but it will
infringe upon Cornell and private properties in regard to drainage. The public and Cornell
commuters value the trail and uses it regularly. Cornell University has been on board with
the ROW in the past. Discussion about the trail being turned over to Cornell or to a non-
profit organization. Mr. DePaolo and Mr. Goodman will make a site visit to assess the
trail’s condition. Staff will break down the repair costs into categories; Rail replacement,
Drainage.
7. Project Updates:
South Hill Trail – Mr. Goodman reported that he has met with the Town of Caroline
residents regarding extending the trail to the Caroline border and having the item added to
the Committee agenda for June.
Ridgecrest Road Tank Project – Mr. Weber reported that the project report has been
submitted to the Health Department. The tank is currently offline and is being ventilated.
The next step is refilling the tank and performing test for VOCs. The next customer
notification is due in June.
118 Eastern Heights Drive Pipe Replacement – Mr. Weber presented a survey map of
the property and reported that modifications to the deck are not shown on the map. TJ
Miller will survey the property. The Insituform process will likely be used for the project.
We are still working with the manufacturer to find a qualified contractor to perform the
work in the next month. A formalized license agreement for the deck will be prepared and
provided to the property owner.
Meeting adjourned at 11:55 am
Future Agenda Items:
Water & Wastewater Master Plan
2011 Project Schedule
Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work
Committee members will discuss scheduling of the June meeting.
lvp
2