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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2019-01-15TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 15, 2019 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Bill Goodman, Jim Weber, Mike Smith, Dan Thaete, Joe Slater, Mike Solvig, Bruce Bates, Steve Riddle 1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from December 18th, 2018 were approved by a motion from Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda — Mr. Weber added discussion about a FEMA letter that he received. Mr. Goodman added discussion about the February meeting date, as there is a conflict. 3. Easement Policy Discussion — Next Steps: Mr. Weber reported that the easement policy has been published in the town newsletter, however questions have arisen as to whether it should be legally adopted. Members agreed that it should be adopted, ensuring that standard easement language covers the policy. Discussion was held regarding reimbursement, case-by-case basis vs. law, older easement language being obscure and what it means to the town, a resolution referencing the policy, etc. Mr. Weber will reach out the Town Attorney and Town Clerk for what to present to the Town Board for adoption. 4. South/West Hill Water Study: Mr. Weber stated that there are questions alluding to how we got to where we are now in regard to minimum standards for the water study. The question is, do we acknowledge receipt and adopt the findings of the reports? Discussion was held regarding equipment specifications for a pumping rate of 1500 gallons per minute with a discharge pressure of 150 psi, fire flow requirements, fire vehicle requirements, development demand, townhouse development requests, areas of density, dead ends, service to customers, etc. Mr. DePaolo expressed concern about accepting some assumptions of the report and over -building based on it. Mr. Thaete explained that the report has current and long-term needs and references existing deficiencies and maximum buildout needs. Mr. Howe suggested creating a one-page roadmap from the report. Mr. DePaolo would like a resolution with embedded language as to how the town will approach improving the system. The resolution would support the study, but he does not want to accept the report as the standard going forward. Mr. Goodman stated that prioritization of the report findings would need to be determined and specific conversations would need to take place in regard to some developers. The Town Attorney is currently looking into the wording of the resolution. 5. Fire Service Repair — Library Annex: Mr. Weber reported that DPW is invoicing Cornell the amount of $5,234.76 for a Cornell - owned water main break at their library annex. There was a question of ownership and Cornell did not readily repair the break. Bolton Point lost several hundred thousand gallons of water from their transmission tank and DPW staff had to repair the break. Mr. Riddle reported that Cornell does not feel they need the connection and will be moving the hydrant and abandoning the connection. 6. Discuss PW Admin Addition Status: Mr. Weber reported that there is still no signed contract. There are two conflicting opinions in regard to addressing the intent of the Green Building Policy and the application of "points" involving the heat pump system with a gas backup system. Mr. Goodman will look at the policy again. Discussion was held regarding possible winter -type heat pumps, applying the Green Building Policy to the addition, points vs. best outcome for the building as a whole. 7. Project Updates — Mr. Weber Sewer Study — The study is moving along and should be ready for presentation to the Town Board in March or April after draft approval at the PWC in February. The study is an assessment of the existing system. We have found homes receiving service who have never been billed and there are discrepancies within Cornell. As development occurs, we have to look at specifics, options, responsible parties for cost, various tie-ins, potential flows for the Thurston Road interceptor. Sewer Updates between the Town, Cornell, and Dryden — Cornell is trying to negotiate with the City relative to North Campus. Mr. Solvig reported that the town's share for the E. State Street sewer interceptor Capital Project was $237,419.91, which was lower than expected. 8. Other: Mr. Weber reported that he received a letter from FEMA indicating that they will be in the Tompkins County area this year looking at inlet runoff into Cayuga Lake for the purpose of flood control and lake drainage. Mr. Goodman asked about guiderail on Forest Home Drive. Mr. Weber responded that he met with Elderlee yesterday and is getting estimates and is trying to finalize the scope of services for the Forest Home Walkway. 2019 Meeting Schedule — March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17 The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m., motioned by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried. Our next meeting will tentatively be on 2/12 at 9:00 a.m., but may have to be held on 2/26, depending on possible additional conflicts. Ivp February agenda item: Mr. Goodman - Coddington Road Community Center and park easement in regard to the alienation process. Mr. Weber will provide a map of the Pine Tree Water Tank.