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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2011-09-20 TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE September 20, 2011, 10:30 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Bill Goodman, Rich DePaolo, Jim Weber, Mike Smith 1. Approval of Minutes: There were some minor wording changes to the August minutes. Mr. DePaolo motioned to accept. Mr. Goodman seconded. Approved. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: There were no comments or concerns to report. a. Consider modification to agenda: Mr. Weber provided the Public Works Facility Master Plan, but intended to provide the Water and Wastewater Master Plan. 3. Updates – Mr. Weber Sales of Surplus Equipment – The Town of Caroline is interested in purchasing the 1972 Rubber Tire Roller which was previously slated for scrap, so we will be selling it rather than scrapping it. We generated $15,403.50 in sales from the equipment auction and $20,000.00 in sales from the Town of Ulysses. Siena Drive – Mr. Weber reported that Siena Drive is a good example of surface and structure deterioration due to excessive traffic (independent garbage companies, transit and school buses). We are rebuilding the road which includes removing asphalt, leveling, fabric, under-drain, and repaving. He hopes to have the permanent improvement project completed by the end of the season. Ridgecrest Water Tank – Another notification letter is being sent. The slug of water taken after significant overflow is significantly below previous VOC levels. We will continue to test the water. Colder temperatures should reduce VOCs. Per the Health Department, we are required to continue testing after thresholds are reached. Snyder Hill Road Paving – Milling is done and binder is going in. There is an issue regarding removal of 41 driveways not being specified in the bid. We will obtain the cost of replacing driveways from contractors. Mr. Weber is comfortable in regard to budget and on-time completion. Several draining issues are being resolved. East Shore Water Main – Construction is moving along with no major issues. The contractor may be 1500 – 2000 feet from the end of the project when he shuts down for winter and will resume in the spring. 4. Gateway Trail – Mike Smith reported that Congressman Hinchey is in favor of moving along with the plan for the trail even if we only focus on the lower portion. He also reported that the Department of Transportation agreed to no changes in the contract. Mike will be meeting with Rick Manning on 9/21/11 to discuss his interest in the project’s grant administration and/or design. Mr. Weber added that the Department of Transportation has final authorization regarding bidder qualifications and how the money is spent. When the project goes out for RFP and we make our assessment and recommendation for a qualified bidder, the DOT must concur in order to award the contract. Mr. Goodman asked if Town Board approval of the professional services contract chosen is required. Mr. Weber responded that Town Board approval is required since it has approved the granting process and the expenditure of funds for the project. There is a parks conference being held at Cornell this Friday and Saturday which is an opportunity to explore consultants/professional services. 5. Michigan Hill Park – Mike Smith reported that the grant for this project was not approved and that there has been no further progress. Mr. Goodman expressed that he feels the Gateway Trail is the priority. If money becomes available, we will address the Michigan Hill Trail. Mr. Goodman indicated that residents in the Town of Caroline have expressed an interest in attending a Public Works Committee meeting to discuss the South Hill Trail, but they are not ready at this time. It was agreed that discussion should take place at the October meeting regarding parks and trails capital project details, changes, etc. Mr. Weber will pull any plans together that exist for review purposes. 6. Road Preservation – Mr. Goodman reported that the August Study Session discussion involved the concern of road damage and traffic control due vehicles involved with drilling. Mr. Weber suggested focusing on collector roads and their structure for baseline standards. Mr. Goodman requested that a map be created using our database of roads. Mr. Weber will look into having a map produced so we can continue to monitor the situation. 7. Master Plan (Water & Wastewater) – Mr. Weber reminded the PWC of a previous discussion regarding the level of service and limitations on water pressure due to elevation. He has an outline, narrative, and mapping in order to make a determination on the level of service and would like to focus on a comprehensive plan for system improvements. He explained that the master plan will reference the comprehensive plan. Mr. Weber will provide copies of the master plan and the March 2011 letter from the City of Ithaca regarding water consumption. Master Plan (Public Works Facility) – Mr. Weber informed the Committee that 2012 facility projects will include and annex addition and an additional cold storage pole barn. He also mentioned that recent repairs made to the fuel pump system indicate potential future replacement of the containment structure. th 8. Other – Mr. Goodman said that he plans to attend the October 5 Forest Home Officer’s meeting. Mr. DePaolo expressed that he considers the Forest Home Trail an asset to the community and suggested adding signage to the trail in order to absolve the Town from liability. Mr. Weber added that moving the light as suggested will decrease intersection lighting and that additional cost would be required to add lighting for the crosswalk. Next Meeting: October 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Motion to adjourn at 11:58 a.m. by Mr. DePaolo. Seconded by Mr. Goodman. Carried. Future Agenda Items: Michigan Hill Park South Hill Trail Water and Wastewater Master Plan Forest Home Wall / Sidewalk Work Road Preservation – Delta Law analysis and approach West Haven Road Drainage 2012 Capital Improvement Projects 2012 Budget Changes lvp