HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Packet 2024-02-13AGENDA
PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE
February 13, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
ZOOM Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81695207215
1. Approval of
Minutes
a. January 16, 2024
2. Member Comments/Concerns
a. Consider Modifications to Agenda
3. SCLIWC Negotiated Work Plan – Slater
4. Town Hall Weatherization Update – Thaete/Swartwood
5. Town Hall Weatherization Consultant Recommendation – Thaete
6. Snow and Ice Policy – Slater
7. Project Updates -
a. King Rd West Culvert
b. PWF MEP Updates
c. TH Clerks/Mezz Update
d. North Campus – Interconnect update
Draft 1-2-24 Negotiated Workplan
between
Town of Ithaca (Bolton Point Customer) (Municipality)
and
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
(Bolton Point Water System)
The Bolton Point Water System (BPWS) supplies potable -water to the Municipal take-off point at
Spruce Lane, Pine Tree, Hungerford Hill and Pearsall CV’s. This water is paid for by the
Municipality per and Agreement of Municipal Cooperation. In addition, BPWS will provide the
following at BPWS cost:
1.) Water quality testing as required to meet AWWA and New York State Department of Health
standards
2.) Christopher Circle Pump Station electrical bills
3.) Routine operating, monitoring and maintenance activities associated with the Municipal
water system as further described in Appendix A, attached hereto
4.) Specification for customer meter settings
5.) Maintain the BPWS-owned meter and tail pieces of each Municipal custom
er; customer- installed meter and tail pieces are dedicated to BPWS upon final BPWS inspection of
initial service connection
6.) Secure water meter readings for regular and adequate billings
7.) Provide billing services for water consumption and chargeable services; bill Municipal
customers for water consumption and the Municipality for total water consumption and other
chargeable services; sewer billings and related accounting services as requested [future:
customer chargeable services to be billed to customers]
8.) Recordkeeping of billings, infrastructure changes, service events and operational history
and appropriate reporting to the Municipality of same.
9.) Verbal and written distribution system status reports to the Municipality
10.) Water line rnarkouts according to the U-Dig New York (UDNY) method
11.) Maintenance of BPWS - owned master meters; Municipality will install master meter
settings in accordance with BPWS master meter assembly specification
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
item 3
Town of Ithaca (B.P. Customer) /S.C.L.I.W.C.
Draft 1-2-24
The BPWS will perform the following as a separate charge to a Municipal customer or the
Municipality on a labor, materials and equipment basis. Until further amended, these charges will
be made against the Municipality:
1.) Issue and administer the following types of permits per the latest Commission approved fee
schedule (customer is billed directly):
a) water connection
b) NYS Building Code inspections of plumbing
2.) Administrate the Cross Connection Control Program per the latest Conimission - approved
customer fee schedule (customer is billed directly)
3.) Provide a limited category of repairs to customer-owned property per the Commission
approved fee schedule [Appendix BI (customer is billed through Municipality)
4.) Provide sufficient personnel to supervise the repairs of water service interruptions
(Municipality is billed)
5.) Upon request by the Municipality, provide for other than routine maintenance and repair of
the Municipal water distribution system (Municipality is billed)
6.) Provide other than business hour emergency response to reported service interruptions of
the Municipal water distribution system according to established service standards
(Municipality is billed)
7.) Provide construction observation under Municipal supervision as requested by Municipality,
and bacteria testing of water system extensions or replacements (Municipality is billed)
8.) Provide services not otherwise specified herein as requested by the Municipality and wiihin
BPWS's ability to perform (Municipality is billed)
9.) Monitor and maintain the Municipal telemetry within the BPWS (Municipality is billed)
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (B.P. Customer) /S.C.L.I.W.C.
Draft 1-2-24
Municipality will provide for the following:
1.) Distribution system replacements, improvements and extensions will be constructed
according to AWWA and BPWS standards
2.) Adequate labor, materials and equipment to effect repairs to the Municipal water system;
the Municipality may elect to effect these repairs, otherwise repairs will be effected using an
outside contractor
3.) Enforcement of the appropriate local, state and federal rules and laws governing the
distribution of potable water
4.) Pay for the cost associated with extraordinary water leakage monitoring and control
throughout the Municipal distribution system (other than the routine water leakage
monitoring in [Appendix A] that is performed after consultation between the Municipality and
BPWS
5.) Approved master meter settings (typically at municipal boundaries) (piping, valves, vaults
and appurtenances as necessary) in those locations necessary to properly perform water
audits after consultation between the Municipality and BPWS to agree upon methods and
timing
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (B.P. Customer) /S.C.L.I.W.C.
Draft 1-2-24
APPENDIX A
1.) Valve Maintenance:
Check to ensure proper position (opened or closed)
Leak check
Verify valve box to grade
Paint valve box
Make sure that measurements are available in valve book (if not, provide)
Document any problems for follow-tip
2.) Hydrant Maintenance:
Grease all nozzles
Operate through entire range and flush out stub (use a 1 " or 3/4" blowoff with gage)
Obtain static pressure if not available in the map.
Leak check
Document any problems (color, accessibility, visibility, etc.)
Check guard valve and maintain as described in 1.) above (no measurements are
necessary if guard valve is within 6 feet of hydrant)
Note any map discrepancies, which can then be used to make
corrections/updates
3.) PRV Maintenance:
Check pressures
Flush and inspect strainer
Flush and inspect needle valve
Inspect main valve housing for leaks
Inspect indicator rod packing for leaks
Inspect pilot valve for leaks
With valve off, listen for leaks
Check pit drainage, pump pit if necessary
Document problems for follow-up
4.) Notes:
All PRVs are inspected quarterly
Valves and hydrants are maintained and monitored on a three-year cycle
Distribution PRVs are repacked according with maintenance schedule
Transmission -line CV’s are repacked annually
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (B.P. Customer)/S.C.L.I.W.C.
Draft 1-2-24
APPENDIX B
Billing Item Regular Overtime
*Customer Service Representative (CSR) [per hr.] $45.50 $59.50
*Vehicle [per hr.] $21.00 $21.00
Curb Box Repair (flat fee) $50.00 N/A
Repair of Non-Conforming Meter Setting (flat fee) $100.00 N/A
Location of Lines/Special Occasions (flat fee) $66.50 $259.00
Frosted Meter/Meter Replacement due to Malfunction
of Customer System (flat fee) $229.00 $421.50
Damaged Radio/MXU replacement $325.50 N/A
Calibration Check - Only if Customer Requests it
and Meter Reads Correctly (flat fee) $133.00 N/A
-plus any additional fees from outside meter test vendor
* = A one-hour minimum (CSR and truck) charge applies to service calls during regular hours. A
four-hour minimum (CSR) and one-hour (truck) minimum charge applies to overtime work involving
a call-out.
1-2-24 G.W.
DRAFT 1-2-24 Negotiated Workplan
between
Town of Ithaca (Non-Bolton Point Customer) (Municipality)
and
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
(Bolton Point Water System)
The Town of Ithaca purchases water from the City of Ithaca and Cornell University at various
master-metered connections. The Bolton Point Water System (BPWS) receives no water
consumption revenue for this service area. BPWS will perform the following at BPWS cost:
1. Specification for customer meter settings
2. Maintain the BPWS-owned meter and tail pieces supplying water to residential Municipal
customer; customer installed meters and tail pieces are dedicated to BPWS upon final
BPWS inspection of initial service connection
3. Bill individual Municipal customers for water consumption and the Municipality for total
water consumption and other chargeable services to be billed to customers [future:
customer chargeable services to be billed to customers]
4. Recordkeeping of billings, infrastructure changes, service events and operational history
5. Verbal and written distribution system status reports to the Municipality
The BPWS will perform the following as a separate charge on a labor, materials and equipment
basis:
1. Issue and administer the following types of permits per the latest commission-approved
customer fee schedule (customer is billed directly):
a) water connection
b) NYS Building Code inspections of plumbing
2. Administer the Cross Connection Control Program per the latest Commission-approved
customer fee schedule (customer is billed directly)
3. Provide a limited category of repairs to customer-owned property per the Commission
-approved fee schedule [Appendix BI (customer is billed through Municipality)
4. Provide sufficient personnel to supervise the repairs of water service interruptions
(Municipality is billed)
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (Non-Bolton Point Customer) / S.C.L.I.W.C.
DRAFT 1-2-24
(continued page 2)
5. Monitor and operate Municipal facilities and infrastructure; provide for routine (Appendix
A) and non-routine maintenance and repair of the Municipal water distribution system
(municipality is billed)
6. Maintain Municipality-owned meters (0" and larger) and tail pieces, supplying water to
nonresidential customers; customer installed meters and tail pieces are dedicated to
Municipality upon final BPWS inspection of initial service connection.
7. Provide other than business hour emergency response to reported service interruptions
of the Municipal water distribution system according to established service standards
(Municipality is billed)
8. Provide construction observation under Municipal supervision as requested by the
Municipality, and bacteria testing of water system extensions or replacements
(Municipality is billed)
9. Water quality testing as required to meet New York State Department of Health
standards (Municipality is billed)
10. Maintenance and monitoring of custorner service connection up to the curb stop following
the initial approved installation by the customer (Municipality is billed)
11. Secure water meter readings for regular and adequate billings (Municipality is billed
12. Water line markouts according to the Underground Facilities Protection Organization
(UFPO) method (Municipality is billed)
13. Provide services not otherwise specified herein as requested by the Municipality and
within BPWS's ability to perform (Municipality is billed)
Municipality will provide for the following:
1. Distribution system replacements, improvements and extensions will be constructed
according to AWWA and BPWS standards
2. Adequate labor, materials and equipment to effect repairs to the Municipal water systern
on a first-refusal basis
3. Enforcement of appropriate local, state, and federal rules and laws governing the supply
of potable water
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (Non-Bolton Point Customer) / S.C.L.I.W.C.
DRAFT 1-2-24
(continued page 3)
4. Pay for the cost associated with extraordinary water leakage monitoring and control
throughout the Municipal system (other than the routine water leakage monitoring in
Appendix A) that is performed after consultation between Municipality and BPWS
5. Master meters in those locations necessary (primarily at Municipal boundaries) to
properly perform water audits; approved master meter settings (piping, valves, vaults and
appurtenances as necessary) in those locations necessary to properly perform water
audits after consultation between the Municipality and BPWS to agree upon methods and
timing
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (Non-Bolton Point Customer) / S.C.L.I.W.C.
DRAFT 1-2-24
APPENDIX A
1. Valve Maintenance:
Check to ensure proper position (opened or closed)
Leak check
Valve box to grade
Paint valve box
Make sure that measurements are available in valve book (if not, provide)
Document any problems for follow-up
2. Hydrant Maintenance:
Grease all nozzles
Operate through entire range and flush out stub (use a I" or 3/4 " blowoff with
gage)
Obtain static pressure if not available in map
Leak check
Document any problems (color, accessibility, visibility, etc.)
Check guard valve and maintain as described in 1) above (no measurements are
necessary if guard valve is within 6 feet of hydrant)
Note any map discrepancies, which can then be used to make
corrections/updates
3. PRV Maintenance:
Check pressures
Flush and inspect strainer
Flush and inspect needle valve
Inspect main valve housing for leaks
Inspect indicator rod packing for leaks
Inspect pilot valve for leaks
With valve off, listen for leaks
Check pit drainage, pump pit if necessary
Document problems for follow-up
4. Notes:
All PRVs are inspected quarterly
Valves and hydrants are maintained and monitored on a three-year cycle
Distribution PRV’s are repacked according with maintenance schedule
Transmission-line CV’s are repacked annually
Negotiated Workplan DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT
Town of Ithaca (Non-Bolton Point Customer) / S.C.L.I.W.C.
DRAFT 1-2-24
APPENDIX B
Billing Item Regular Overtime
*Customer Service Representative (CSR) [per hr.] $45.50 $59.50
*Vehicle [per hr.] $21.00 $21.00
Curb Box Repair (flat fee) $50.00 N/A
Repair of Non-Conforming Meter Setting (flat fee) $100.00 N/A
Location of Lines/Special Occasions (flat fee) $66.50 $259.00
Frosted Meter/Meter Replacement due to Malfunction
of Customer System (flat fee) $229.00 $421.50
Damaged Radio/MXU replacement $325.50 N/A
Calibration Check - Only if Customer Requests it
and Meter Reads Correctly (flat fee) $133.00 N/A
-plus any additional fees from outside meter test vendor
* = A one-hour minimum (CSR and truck) charge applies to service calls during regular hours.
A four-hour minimum (CSR) and one-hour (truck) minimum charge applies to overtime work
involving a call-out.
1-2-24 G.W.
January 2, 2024
Travis Mills
Town of Ithaca
106 Seven Mile Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
RE: WATER-RELATED MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT ITEMS IN
THE TOWN OF ITHACA FOR 2024; NEGOTIATED WORK PLAN
Dear Travis:
I've completed a review of my Town of Ithaca files. The following is a summary of
needed maintenance work and improvement projects. I've also included a copy of the
Negotiated Work Plans for your review.
Maintenance:
1) Leaks ............................................................................. p 2
2) Valves .......................................................................... Pp. 2
3) Hydrants ......................................................... Pp. 2
4) Pump Stations ...................................................... Pp. 2
5) Tanks and Tank Vaults ....................................... Pp. 3
6) PRV Vaults .................................................................. Pp. 3-4
8) Services To Be Relocated .................................. Pp. 4
9) Brush Clearing p. 4-5
You should let me know as these maintenance items have been completed and I will
cross them off my list.
Improvements:
1) Water Main Improvements: ............................................. Pp. 4-5
2) Water Main Replacements• ................................................. p. 5
3) Blow Off/Sampling Stations: ........................................... p. 5
APPENDIX A (Frandsen) ............................................................. p. 6
I look forward to progress in these areas for this year. Please call me if you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
Gregg Weatherby
Distribution Manager
cc: Joe Slater, DPW Superintendent
Rod Howe, Supervisor
Leaks:
No known leaks
Valves:
Valve N0915M at 339 Coddington Rd- Valve box has shifted. Can't get key on valve.
Valve N0520M at Juniper Dr & Hickory Pl- Top of valve box is leaning. Unable to get
valve key in it, or vacuum it out.
Valve N0610M at 123 Farm Pond Rd- Top of valve box is broken allowing it to fill with
dirt.
Valve N0012M at IC Pump station- Top of valve box is leaning and needs to be
straightened.
Valve N0045S- Need cold patch around top of valve box.
Valve H0040M at 126 Judd Falls Rd- Leaks when used.
Valve E0870M at Concord and Burleigh- Leaks when used.
Hydrants:
Hydrant S0120 at Taughannock Blvd. – Needs a 12inch riser. Needs to be dug.
Hydrant H0050 at 140 Judd Falls Rd- Leaks from 2 small corrosion holes on the cover
when open.
Mow around all pump stations and keep their access roads plowed during the
winter.
1) Coddington Road
a) No suggestions
2) Troy Road
a) No suggestions
3) Christopher Circle
a) No Suggestions
4) Pearsall Place
a) Have NYSEG turn off gas supply, remove and cap supply in
lower level, Remove and plug exhaust piping.
5) Coy Glen
a) No suggestions
2
Mow around all tanks. Provide inspections as called for in the NYSDOH letter of
January 29, 2008. Install standard fall protection systems.
1) Northview Road:
a) No suggestions
2) Christopher Circle:
a) No Suggestions
3) Pine Tree
a) No Suggestions
4) Danby Road
a) No Suggestions.
5) Troy Road
a) No Suggestions
6) Bostwick Road
a) No Suggestions
7) West Hill
a) No Suggestions
8) Trumansburg Road
a) No Suggestions
9) Sapsucker Woods Road
a) No Suggestions
10) Ellis Hollow Road
a) No Suggestions
PRV Vaults:
All vaults should be considered for confined space elimination. Other needed
work includes:
1) Stone Quarry Road (Upper/Middle/Lower):
a) Improve ladders to comply with OSHA standards.
b) The lower one or two of these stations could possibly be eliminated
if the Stone Quarry Road main were supplied by a new PRV in the
Stone Quarry Road control valve building.
2) East King Rd.:
a) No suggestions.
4) Elm Street Ext.:
a) Improve ladder to comply with OSHA standards.
PRVs Supplying Multiple Municipalities Including the Town of Ithaca
Install electric service for sump pumps, ventilation, lights, and power outlets.
Services To Be Repaired or Relocated:
a) 1319 Hanshaw Road - Lower service connection to prevent
freeze-ups.
b) 24 Renwick Heights – Replace lead service line from main to
curb valve.
Brush Clearing
1) Over water main along Christopher Lane from Brandywine Drive to
Christopher Circle tank driveway.
2) Over water main from Warren Road to Muriel Street.
3) Bundy Road to Trumansburg Road tank.
4) Route 79 to Bundy Road.
5) Over main from Sapsucker Woods tank to Salem Drive.
6) Over water main from Glenside to Elm Street tank. (City tank)
Improvements
Water Main Improvements:
1) Frandsen Subdivision Water Mains:
a) The elements of this project yet to be done are in the attached
Appendix A.
2) South Hill Water Supply:
a) Convert the operation of Northview Tank from a "sister" tank to an
"off-peak" tank.
3) Northeast:
a) No suggestions
4) Deerfield Place:
a) Install a hydrant at the end of the Deerfield Pl. water main or loop
the main to Salem Dr.
5) Summerhill Road:
a) Loop the Summerhill Rd. water main to the main behind
University Inn.
6) Tareyton Drive:
a) Loop Tareyton Dr. water main to Muriel St. water main.
7) LaGrand Court
a) Construct a trunk line back to Ridgecrest tank to complete a loop.
(This line should not be available for customer hook-up)--Pressure
complaints from LaGrand Court customers have been mostly abated by
installation of the pressure proportioning valve in the East King Road
PRV pit.
8) Evergreen Lane:
a) Low pressure fluctuations at upper end relating to operation of the
Woolf Lane pump station
Water Main Replacements:
1) Penny & Louis Lane
2) Pinewood Place
3) Synder Hill Road (Dove Drive to Dove Drive)
4) Other sections that have experienced high failure frequencies.
These sections of main have experienced high main break frequencies in past
years. Replacement would improve water system reliability in these areas.
Blow off/Sampling Stations:
1) 311 Roat St. -- install a one-inch blow off or a hydrant on the dead end.
2) Pineview Terrace South end and East end -- install a one-inch blow off
or a blow off on the gate valve.
3) Juniper Dr. -- install a one-inch blow off or a hydrant on the dead end.
4) Elm St. Ext./Haller Blvd. -- install a one-inch blow off on the dead end.
5) Homestead Rd. -- install a one-inch blow off on the dead end.
6) Mitchell St.Nine St. -- install a one-inch blow off on the dead end.
7) Tareyton Dr. South end and North end -- install a one-inch blow off on the
dead end.
8) Closed-between-pressure valves and other water main dead ends
(
APPENDIX A
Frandsen Subdivision Water Mains
The elements of this project yet to be done include:
A) Loop the main between John Street and (the future) King Lane.
B) Extend the Slaterville Road main up Park Lane to the end of Edwin
Drive (for future looping back to the Pine Tree Rd. tank area).
C) Connect the Hungerford tank system and the Pine Tree tank system
with a closed-between pressure valve at Tudor Road and King
Lane.
Cost of Carbon
Estimates for Town
Government
Buildings
Prepared by the Engineering and
Planning Departments for the Public
Works Committee
February 13, 2024
item 4
Town Hall
Weatherization
Recap: “Best”
Measures
Estimated
Carbon Emission
Reductions and
Cost of Carbon
for TH
Weatherization
and Public Works
Projects
Estimated Annual
CO2e Emissions
Savings(Tons)
NYS Value of
CO2e ($/
Ton)
Estimated
Annual Cost of
CO2e
Project Cost/CO2e
($/ton)
Town Hall- Weatherized 145.665 130 18,936.45$ 10,297.60$
Estimated Annual
CO2e Emissions (Tons)
NYS Value of
CO2e ($/
Ton)
Estimated
Annual Cost of
CO2e
Project Cost/CO2e
($/ton)
Garage & Mechanics
Bay- Existing 50.0 130 6,500.00$
Garage & Mechanics
Bay- All electric 11.8 130 1,534.00$
Total Savings 38.2 4,966.00$ 112,565.45$
Annex- Existing 5 130 650.00$
Annex- All Electric 1.1 130 143.00$
Total Savings 3.9 507.00$ 135,897.44$
Town Hall
Cost of Carbon
Public
Works
1. Cost and emission estimates taken from TH Weatherization Study based on the "best" scenario
2. Cost and emission estimates taken from the PW MEP study based on the "all electric" option
3. Annual Cost of CO2e taken from NYS DEC Guidance on Value of Carbon
5. Project Cost/ CO2e is the estimated total construction cost divided by tons of carbon reduced
Notes/ Assumptions
4. Calculations are for 1 calendar year.
Tables taken from the 2017 Representative Building Study for Tompkins County
https://ccetompkins.org/resources/residential-building-energy-use-study
Comparison of Air/
Ground Source Heat
Pumps Vs.
Traditional Heating
Methods
Town of Ithaca Department of Public Works
Snow & Ice Control Policy
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. SNOW AND ICE CONTROL GOALS
3. LEVEL OF SERVICE
4. WINTER WEATHER MONITORING
5. EQUIPMENT
6. DISPATCH OF EQUIPMENT
7. MATERIALS AND PLOWING PROCEDURES
8. MAILBOXES AND MAIL DELIVERY
9. DRIVEWAYS
10. DEPOSITING SNOW ON A HIGHWAY
11. LANDSCAPING AND LAWN DAMAGE
12. SERVICE REQUESTS, INQURIES AND COMPLAINTS
13. EXCEPTIONS
14. HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP
15. WINTER DRIVING TIPS
16. REVIEW OF POLICY
1. INTRODUCTION
This policy is intended to provide the Town of Ithaca Residents, Town of Ithaca Town Board,
motoring public, public transportation, emergency service agencies and the Town’s Department
of Public Works (DPW) personnel with general information regarding snow and ice removal
operations, level of service, and how the public can help and to serve. It is also intended to be a
guideline and training tool for the Public Works Department of Public Works employees.
The Town of Ithaca Public Works Department DPW is responsible for the maintenance and repair
of 49.88 centerline miles of Town roads and approximately 7.88 miles of pedestrian trails. The
department also has a snow and ice agreement in place with Tompkins County Highway
Department that adds an additional 5.72 miles to the Town’s snowplow routes. The Department
has no greater challenge than during the winter snow and ice season when it is tasked with
attempting to provide passable roads and pedestrian trails for routine travel and emergency services
during and after a snow or ice event.
2. SNOW AND ICE CONTROL GOALS
The snow and ice control goals of the Town’s Public Works Department DPW shall be to maintain
town roads in a passable driving condition for the motoring public in a safe, cost-effective manner
with motorist safety, budget constraints, and Public Works Department’s DPW personnel safety
in mind. Town Staff will be dedicated to continuously monitoring weather and road conditions to
item 6
enable the DPW to determine an effective response to an approaching winter storm event or a
storm that has arrived. The department will monitor ongoing and past snow and ice control
operations, strategies and costs and educate the public with regard to what levels of service can be
expected during and after a storm. Information will also be provided to the public to inform them
of how they can assist the DPW to perform its best throughout snow and ice removal operations?
3. LEVEL OF SERVICE
A.) Roads
It is not the policy of the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department DPW to provide continually
bare roads or to provide snow and ice control services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is also not
possible to maintain a bare road surface during or immediately following a snow or ice event. The
department’s snow and ice monitoring operations typically run from October 1st thru April 1st with
leeway provided as needed. The Town has, and will continue, to staff weekly alternating snowplow
teams and a 3-person night shift. Typical hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 6:30am to
3:00pm for a day shift and Sunday thru Friday 7:00pm thru 3:30am for the night shift. Overlapping
of hours is sometimes utilized for continuous events with focus on morning and evening commuter
travel times.
Sections of roadways improved for winter travel may continue to have residual snow and ice in a
compacted condition upon them until warmer temperatures or de-icing materials are applied to
allow for complete melt-off after a storm. These conditions may be continuous or they may be
localized in certain areas of the road depending on temperature, wind velocity, direction and other
factors. The Department of Public WorksDPW will continue to monitor and de-ice these areas as
necessary.
B.) Sidewalks, Trails, Walkways
It is also not the policy of the Town of Ithaca Public Works DepartmentDPW to provide continuous
service to the Town’s pedestrian facilities. In any event, the main priority of snow removal is
clearing the roadway with the pedestrian facilities becoming the secondary priority. The
Department of Public Works DPW currently utilizes staff to provide snow and ice removal
throughout various areas of the Town to clear surfaces after winter weather events. There are also
areas in the Town in which the property owners are required to provide snow removal for
pedestrian traffic as outlined in Town of Ithaca local law 230-7, maintenance of sidewalks. In these
areas, the Town will still monitor facilities for safety.
This being established, the Town does view pedestrian trails as a priority. The Department of
Public Works will utilize a sidewalk/trail crew during snow and ice events. Much of the time, this
is done congruently with clearing of the roadway. Depending on the significance of the event,
sidewalks may wait until regular hours to be cleared (so long as the event does not warrant clearing
urgently, i.e. no hazardous areas). This is determined at the discretion of the on-call supervisor. A
dedicated sidewalk/trail crew is always on call with intent to clear these pedestrians right of ways.
4. WINTER WEATHER MONITORING
During the winter months the Town of Ithaca’s Public Works DepartmentDPW’s Deputy Highway
Superintendent, Parks Maintenance Manager, Water and Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, and
assigned Supervisor of the night shift are responsible for monitoring the conditions of the road and
pedestrian facilities throughout the Town. These managers will also use infrared road temperature
sensors, local weather information, and cameras located in areas around the Town to assist with
their monitoring. The managers will also be responsible for initiating calls for staff to respond to
winter weather events.
5. EQUIPMENT
The Town of Ithaca Public Works Department DPW will acquire, maintain, repair, and replace
equipment as the annual Town’s budget allows. To provide for utilization of equipment in a cost-
effective manner, the Town may use trucks with plows and material application equipment, front-
end loaders, snow blowers, and brooms as necessary for the control of snow and ice on its roads
and pedestrian facilities.
The Department also utilizes strategically mounted video surveillance cameras, some with road
temperature sensors, to monitor weather condition in real time and rely on weather reports from
local weather stations to assist in determining the best course of action for current or anticipated
conditions. The Department will pursue and utilize automated snow and ice controls that are
calibrated and tested prior to each snow season. Annual calibration and maintenance of the controls
are essential to overall cost effective snow and ice control operations. The type of controllers used
by the Town of Ithaca are “ground-speed” controllers that apply salt at a rate relative to the travel
speed of the truck. This reduces excessive application of materials during slow travel speeds. Plow
truck operators have the ability to adjust the pre-set application rate for curves and intersections as
needed from inside the trucks.
6. DISPATCH OF EQUIPMENT
The start/onset? of snow and ice control operations for any snow or ice event is dependent on the
immediate and anticipated weather conditions. Upon visual inspection of the existing conditions
on various roads and monitoring weather predictions of anticipated conditions, Snow monitoring
will initiate snow and ice control operations by calling in the necessary personnel and dispatching
of equipment as required. The response time will be as soon as possible depending on how fast the
existing road conditions allow personnel to report to work.
7. MATERIALS AND PLOWING PROCEDURES
The Town of Ithaca currently uses a Type 2 Salt mixture on approximately 105 lane miles they
plow. The salt is specified and procured though the New York State Office of General Services
(NYS-OGS) contract # 23315 – Road Salt, Treated Salt, & Emergency Standby Road Salt. The
salt helps prevent the wintertime precipitation from bonding to the asphalt surfaces and provides
some ice-melting capabilities by creating a brine solution that has a lower freezing temperature
than the temperature of the surrounding ice. The brine solution is created by a combination of heat
from tire friction on the pavement, the sun and moisture in the air and from the accumulated snow
on the road. Pure rock salt has a practical working temperature range down to about 20 degrees
Fahrenheit while the mixtures for Type I and Type II salt have additives that create a freezing point
of -20 degrees or lower. Type I and Type II salt mixtures also include corrosion inhibiting solutions
and Organic Based Performance Enhancers (OBPE) that allow the mixture to have less scatter
when applied to the roadway surfaces. The Town of Ithaca DPW staff will continuously monitor
the technology related to snow and ice removal and work with the respective committees and Town
Board to pursue innovation and cost-effective efficiencies related to road de-icing materials and
equipment use for snow and ice removal.
Typical main plow beats can take up to approximately 4 hours to travel depending on the winter
weather event. During weather events which include severe intensities salt will not be applied as
it is considered a waste as it is pushed off the road before it is effective. In these situations, DPW
staff will work to get the roads cleared until a deicing solution can be applied and effective.
Plowing typically ends when the storm ends and roads have been made passable for travel. Drift
plowing and pushing back accumulated snow along the roadside will continue after the storm as
necessary.
8. MAILBOXES AND MAIL DELIVERY
It is the policy of the Town of Ithaca to repair or replace only those mailboxes that have been
damaged due to direct contact with the plow or wing. Most damage to mailboxes is caused not by
direct contact but by the heavy windrow of snow being carried by the plow blade and deposited
along the roadside as the truck moves forward. The sheer weight of the snow is sufficient to cause
many mailboxes to become dislodged from the post and may cause posts to be tipped over, bent,
or broken off. The Town will not be responsible for mailboxes that are hit and damaged that are
not installed according to the United States Postal Service guidelines
(https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm ).
Prior to each snow season, the plow operators will document their assigned routes and make note
of those mailboxes that may be a hazard or are already in a state of disrepair, damaged, bent over,
etc. for future reference and consideration should a complaint be lodged with the Public Works
Department during the snow season. All mailboxes that are in extremely poor condition will be
photographed for future reference.
If a mailbox and/or post are damaged beyond repair during snow removal operations due to direct
contact with the plow or wing, a temporary mailbox will be provided until such time that a
permanent replacement can be installed (usually in the spring).
Every effort is made by plow operators to remove snow as close to mailboxes as possible to provide
access by US Postal Service delivery vehicles. However, it is the responsibility of the resident to
provide final cleaning and access adjacent to their mailboxes.
9. DRIVEWAYS
During snow removal operations the accumulated windrow of snow being pushed and carried by
the plow inevitably gets deposited to the trucks’ right side shoulder and/or ditch along its route.
Driveways along the route also get filled in. The Department of Public Works assumes no
responsibility for the removal of snow deposited in driveways as a result of normal snow removal
operations. The Public Works Department cannot provide exact times that a certain road will be
plowed and it is not practical to change the angle of the blade to avoid driveways.
10. DEPOSITING SNOW ON A HIGHWAY
It is illegal to plow, place, push, throw or otherwise deposit or cause to be deposited, any snow or
destructive or injurious material or any material, including waste and recycling containers which
interferes with the safe use of the highway per section 1219 of the New York State Vehicle &
Traffic Law.
11. LANDSCAPING AND LAWN DAMAGE
Landscaping and lawns, including but not limited to; shrubs, trees, inanimate objects, etc. installed
by a property owner within the ROW will be the responsibility of the owner and the owner assumes
all risk of damage to such items. Furthermore, the Town cannot reasonably control drift or
discharge of snow and/or shoulder materials from the snowplow into roadside ditches and lawns.
Unless there is lawn or landscaping damage off the ROW due to direct contact with the plow or
wing, the Town will not be responsible for the removal/repair of any shoulder materials
inadvertently cast into adjacent lawn areas by the plow or wing. Town staff will review assigned
plow routes in the spring and address an unforeseen damages accordingly.
12. SERVICE REQUESTS, INQURIES AND COMPLAINTS
All requests, inquiries or complaints about snow and ice control service/operations should be
directed to the Town of Ithaca Department of Public Works Department office at (607)273-1656.
Normal office hours during the winter snow and ice season are 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday
through Friday. The on-duty Supervisors or other Public Works Department personnel will
respond as soon as feasibly possible.
During any given severe snow or ice event, the Public Works Department is extremely busy and
committed to clearing the roads as quickly as possible and to the best of their ability for the
traveling public. It should be noted that at the start of or during a snow or ice event, Department
of Public Works Supervisors and snow removal operators will either be enroute or already on duty.
During the typical snow and ice control hours of 3:30 AM to 7:00 PM, if it is snowing heavily
and/or the roads are icing over, the Department is well aware of that fact and is out doing all they
can at that particular time. The Public Works Department recommends patience and due caution
if travel is required.
13. EXCEPTIONS
Each snow or ice event has individual characteristics such as rate of accumulation, temperature,
wind velocity and direction, visibility, time of day, etc. associated with it and therefore must be
dealt with accordingly. The Town’s Superintendent of Highways and/or their designee(s) reserve
the right to alter operational strategies, deviate from these standards or terminate ongoing snow
and ice control operations at any time, if it is determined that various factors including but not
limited to, the need to rest snowplow crews, equipment failure, extreme snowfall accumulation
and conditions which make snow and ice control operations unsafe, unnecessary or ineffective.
14. HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP
There are several things that motorists and the public can do to help the Public Works Department
best perform their snow and ice control duties.
Be patient and be assured that during a snow or ice event every reasonable effort will be made
to keep the roads open.
Be considerate of the snowplow operators and do not attempt to pass them while they are in
operation.
Do not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path. Plow trucks, when loaded with sand
and salt weigh in excess of 30 tons. That is a lot of weight and responsibility for the driver to
deal with and the trucks simply are not as maneuverable and agile as a passenger vehicle. They
require extra time and distance to stop or avoid trouble.
When approaching snow removal equipment from the rear, travel a minimum of 200 feet
behind the equipment allowing for salting backing up and abrupt movements.
Do not park along the roadway during a snow or ice event. Parked vehicles are a hazard not
only to the snowplow operators but the travelling public as well. Any cars that are parked along
the roadway will be ticketed and /or towed per Town Law 250-21 (a)
When clearing driveway entrances near the roadways, pile snow on the right side in order to not
have the snowplow fill the driveways back in.
For additional information the Town encourages you to sign up for emergency alerts using the
TC siren button on the Town of Ithaca’s website under the Department of Public Works landing
page.
15. WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Winter driving can be very dangerous and requires motorists to be fully alert and aware of their
surrounding conditions. There are some things that can be done by motorists to improve their
chances for a safe driving experience. Some of the following tips can help:
Don’t drive unless you have to.
If you must drive, drive defensively, wear your seatbelt, turn your headlights on if conditions
warrant their use, be alert and exercise extreme caution. Driving on snow and ice packed roads
requires your full attention and demands your best driving skills.
Be informed of the current and predicted weather conditions for your area and know your
employers’ inclement weather policy. The fewer cars on the road, the more effective the
plowing operations.
Prepare your vehicle in advance of inclement weather. Regularly check the battery, antifreeze,
windshield wipers, heater and defroster. Have at least a half a tank of fuel and have adequate
snow tires on your vehicle.
Clean all snow and ice from your vehicle including all glass areas, headlights and taillights
before driving.
Have some basic equipment and extra clothing in your vehicle in case of an accident, long
delay or mechanical problems. Some useful items to have are a flashlight, jumper cables, first
aid kit, a hat, gloves, boots, blanket, ice scraper and possibly a small shovel.
Allow yourself extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This is
especially true at intersections where other motorists may be skidding and having difficulty
in stopping their vehicle.
Remember to brake slowly to avoid skidding.
Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination, as you will likely be travelling at a slower
speed than normal. This is especially true of vehicles that get caught behind a snowplow.
Aside from the obvious risk of snow collapsing and burying a child, snow piles near roadways may be
moved, adjusted, or added to by our snow removal crews during or following snow events. It is not
always apparent to snow removal operators that a tunnel system exists in snow piles; the sound from
the vehicles can be dampened by the snow, making it difficult for a kid to be alerted of an approaching
vehicle and tunnels may have entrances not visible from the road.
Due to liability reasons, be reminded that municipal vehicles are not allow to assist in pulling out stuck
vehicles.
16. REVIEW OF POLICY
The DPW will keep on file comments and complaints regarding this policy. This policy will be
reviewed periodically with consideration given to comments received since the last review.
item 7a
Unit Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost1 Maintenance and Protection of TrafficLS 1 $24,853.83 $24,853.832 MobilizationLS 1 $24,853.83 $24,853.833 Clearing and GrubbingLS 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.004 Concrete/Grout for Annular SpaceCY 20 $350.00 $7,000.005 Channeline Fiberglass Piping LF 106 $705.20 $74,751.546 Channeline Fiberglass Special BendsEA 2 $791.73 $1,583.467 Rip Rap for Upper EndwallTON 100 $50.00 $5,000.008 Bypass PumpingLS 1 $40,000.00 $40,000.009 Retaining Wall Cast‐In‐PlaceLF 50 $614.41 $30,720.4910 Precast CatchbasinsEA 3 $1,459.98 $4,379.9511 36" HDPE (Assumed…)LF 250 $225.00 $56,250.0012 Special Gravel BackfillTON 400 $25.00 $10,000.0013 Rock Lining small/med riprapTON 125 $40.00 $5,000.0014 Geotextile Erosion BlanketSY 870 $4.43 $3,852.90Subtotal $298,246.00Total with 20% contingency $357,895.20Total with 20% Design Services $429,474.242023 West King Road Box Culvert Replacement w/ Slip Line
Unit Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost1 Maintenance and Protection of TrafficLS 1 $17,718.25 $17,718.252 MobilizationLS 1 $53,154.76 $53,154.763 Clearing and GrubbingLS 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.004 Excavation/Disposal of Box Culvert and Native fillCY 3675 $16.67 $61,255.435 Placement of Native SoilLF 1837.5 $16.67 $30,627.726 Guiderail ReplacementLF 100 $78.47 $7,847.417 Bypass PumpingLS 1 $40,000.00 $40,000.008 Precast End Sections/Wing WallsEA 2 $10,000.00 $20,000.009 Precast CatchbasinsEA 3 $1,459.98 $4,379.9510 72" Concrete PipeLF 100 $523.16 $52,316.0711 36" HDPELF 250 $225.00 $56,250.0012 Special Gravel BackfillTON 2125.02 $25.00 $53,125.5013 Stone Bedding MaterialTON 225 $25.00 $5,625.0014 Rock Lining small/med riprapTON 125 $40.00 $5,000.0015 Pavement Restoration 3‐Inches Binder TON 73.5 $108.00 $7,938.0016 Pavement Restoration 2‐Inches Top TON 49 $108.00 $5,292.0017 Geotextile Erosion BlanketSY 870 $4.43 $3,852.90Subtotal $434,383.00Total with 20% contingency $521,259.60Total with 20% Design Services $625,511.522023 West King Road Box Culvert Full Replacement