HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2019-08-20TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
August 20, 2019 9:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility
Board and Staff Present: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo,TeeAnn Hunter, Mike Smith, Bill Goodman, Dan
Thaete, Rich Ten Kate, Judy Drake, Mike Solvig, Donna Shaw, Joe Slater, Joe Talbut
Guests: Keith Ewald and Ashlyn Maurer of Barton & Lojuidice,
Bruce Brittain and Doug Brittain
1. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from June 16th, 2019 were approved by a motion from Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Ms. Hunter.
Carried.
2. Member Comments / Concerns:
Mr. Howe reported that there was another tractor -trailer incident at the S -Curve on Forest Home on
8/17/19. Mr. Goodman referenced Susan Brock's email regarding signage updates. She said that
special language on signs is not necessary in order to enforce the weight limit. The town can move
forward with installing signs per the Standard. Doug Brittain requested that the town contact Cornell
and the Sheriff's Department to alert them to the signs and to emphasize enforcement by them.
a. Consider Modifications to the Agenda —
1. Item #4, Water & Sewer Improvement Spreadsheet Referral from Town Board was omitted
due to time constraints.
3. Forest Home Walkway Presentation and Discussion of Design Options:
Keith Ewald of Barton & Lojuidice explained that his group is about 75% through the process of site
design with field visit assessment and meeting with residents. Ashlyn Maurer presented three
concepts with cost estimates for the purpose of discussion for further design refinement. Discussion
was held regarding feasibility, minimizing maintenance, surface type, deeded property vs. aligning with
the current path, retaining walls, types of steps vs. no steps, types of railing, signage, trailheads,
drainage, curbing, bicyclists, tree removal, rest areas, cross walks, trailheads, land acquisition,
prevailing wage rates used for estimates, etc. The cost ranged from $263,100 - $468,300. The
Committee recommended additional design considerations such as using natural stone for steps vs.
Redi-Rock concrete, centering of the western end of the walkway in TOI property to allow for drainage,
eliminating steps, narrowing steps and adding a stone dust path (side-by-side) for bicyclists, strollers,
etc., in areas where steps are placed, railing reduction, etc. Bruce and Doug Brittain presented a
concept based on Option A which offered additional considerations specific to the location of
crosswalks at both ends, modification to the proposed curbing and a larger entry area from Warren
Road. Bruce Brittain will provide information that he may have regarding a past land use agreement
with Cornell. Joe Talbut reported that maintenance would be harder with stairs, especially in heavy
snowstorms, as a snow blower could no longer be utilized. Dan Thaete raised concerns regarding
drainage issues for residents that could be caused due to changes in pitch, adding retaining walls,
steps, etc.
4. Equipment Request from Parks Department:
Joe Talbut presented a request for a groomer for Valentino Baseball Field for the 2020 budget year.
The field is heavily used in the spring and summer months and the groomer would be very helpful in
efficiently and effectively grooming the field vs. the current operation. A new unit can cost between
$10,000 and $15,000. Joe would research used equipment at a cost of between $3,000 and $10,000.
The Committee was in favor of adding the unit to the preliminary budget process.
5. Project Updates (Dan Thaete):
• Winthrop Drive Water Main is moving along with services in the ground. The Contractor has
moved to the Muriel Street Water Main and is about half -way through the install.
• Bundy Road Improvements has been delayed and should begin no later than 8/26. Dan Thaete
informed the Contractor that the signs need to be updated if they do not start this week. The signs
still indicate a start date of 8/12.
• Sewer Rehabilitation will be starting in one month.
• Michigan Hills Park is progressing. Property boundaries are established and a full SWPPP is
submitted. Joe Talbut is working with town crews. There were some initial survey reconciliation
issues. Drainage work began at the Hospice end.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m., motioned by Mr. DePaolo, seconded by Ms. Hunter. Carried.
Our next meeting will be on 9/16 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