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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2019-06-18TOWN OF ITHACA PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE June 18, 2019 9:00 a.m. Public Works Facility Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Mike Smith, Bill Goodman, Jim Weber, Dan Thaete, Rich Ten Kate, Steve Riddle, Paulette Rosa, Bruce Bates (9:30) Guests: Bruce Brittain, Doug Brittain, Carolyn Arms representing the Forest Home Improvement Assoc. 1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 21st, 2019 were approved by a motion from Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe with minor corrections. Carried. 2. Member Comments / Concerns: None a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda — None 3. Potential Road Abandonment — Winston Court: Mr. Weber reported that he met separately with Susan Brock and the owner of the housing complex at the end of Winston Court and we have the information and legal ability to move forward regarding water/sewer and storm water easements. Susan Brock is drafting a letter to send to Cornell regarding the Sapsucker Woods property release of ROWs. 4. Forest Home Weight Limit Sign Request: Mr. Weber explained that a request was received from the FHIA to update signage to the terminology "registered weight" in place of "5 -ton weight limit" and to add signs where they are needed for increased advance notification of weight restrictions. He explained that several signs require placement in the ROW of the county or city, but we can request that these changes be made if the Town Board approves the request. Mrs. Arms added that the law currently references "registered weight" rather than the weight limit and explained that there can be no law enforcement if it does not reference the registered weight. Emphasis was placed on signage well in advance of areas that are restrictive so that large trucks can avoid these areas rather than having to turn around. Mr. Weber will work the county and the city to update signage. He will also work with vendors to get an estimate of the cost of signs, by law, cannot be reused and any added signage must be uniform in high reflectivity. Mr. Goodman added that Mr. Foote would like the town to consider a more semi-permanent resolution to prevent large trucks from utilizing the area around the Forest Home wall and causing further damage. Currently, he has placed markers designating the road's boundaries. 5. Forest Home Sidewalk District: Mr. Goodman reported that the Ad Hoc group meeting over the past year regarding sidewalk districts opted for separate sidewalk districts rather than all in one. This would aid in raising money for the Forest Home sidewalk by holding public hearings to establish district boundaries, creating a district, Town Board approval, etc., as part of the 2020 budget process. The cost would be shared with Cornell. There would be a residential tax bill impact over a five-year period within the sidewalk district. Mr. Goodman explained that there was also a recent request from the Northeast Elementary School for sidewalks. He responded to the request by explaining the sidewalk district approach and encouraged submission of a formal request for sidewalk improvements. 6. Sesame Street Extension Request: Mr. Weber received an email from the Planning Department to Engineering regarding lot development on a parcel with streets and lots which was a prior subdivision, now dissolved, which the owner is looking to develop. There are ROW issues and other questions regarding how streets were developed, constructed, aligned, and road frontage in order to comply with the 280A Law. The owner is requesting that the town accept and maintain the roadway. Mr. Weber met with the owner and determined that it is not appropriate for the town to maintain what would essentially be a private driveway. A hammerhead or turnaround would be required. Mr. Bates gave some history on the property. Discussion was held regarding a private force main in the ROW, easement vs. deeded ROW, lack of an agreement, subdivision dissolution, deed transfer, property lines, survey maps, etc. Mr. Bates will continue to look for historical information. Mr. Goodman will make a list of topics to discuss with Susan Brock. 7. CIP Continue Discussion: Mr. Goodman reported that the CIP would be discussed at the 6/24 Study Session with concentration on water and sewer infrastructure, the sewer study, and implications for future work. He would like to add a category to the CIP for sidewalks. In addition, he would like to devise a uniform policy for parameters for speed bump/table options. Mr. Weber suggested getting input from emergency responders due to concerns about their vehicles. Mr. Goodman requested that a cohesive list be formulated for the 6/24 Study Session of things that can be done to improve the water system on South Hill. 8. Cemetery Discussion: Mr. Howe reported that he was told that the Bostwick Cemetery was not mowed for Memorial Day. Discussion was held as to the town's responsibilities and cemetery law. Paulette will do research. 9. Homestead Circle Referral from Town Board: Mr. DePaolo spoke with Seth Art, on behalf of other residents of Homestead Circle, and they want a stop sign. Mr. Goodman reported that a request has also been made for speed bumps. The Committee will recommend to the Town Board to install a stop sign and assess the situation later for effectiveness. An ordinance and a public hearing will be needed to amend the local law. 10. Project Updates: Winthrop Water Main Replacement: The project is moving along slower than anticipated. The Muriel Street Water Main Replacement was awarded to the same contractor and may have to be delayed to next year if the project is significantly delayed. Bundy Road — Contracts need to be signed. Startup is scheduled for late July. The road will be closed, but we won't know when until after the preconstruction meeting with the contractor. Mill & Fill Projects are scheduled for mid to late July. Stone and Oil is scheduled for August. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m., motioned by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Mr. Howe. Carried. Our next meeting will be on 7/16 at 9:00 a.m. Ivp Future agenda items: • Mr. Goodman - Coddington Road Community Center and park easement regarding the alienation process. • Sewer Study Service/Billing Concerns • 2020 Capital Improvement Project List