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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2025-02-25 Town of Ithaca Public works Committee February 25,2025, 9:00 a.m. Minutes Present: Rod Howe,Joe Slater, Mike Beach, Dave O'Shea, Kelly Anderson, Justin McNeal, Steve Riddle, Marty Moseley, Joe Talbot, Travis Mills, Mike Smith, CJ Randall, Rich DePaolo, Rob Rosen, Becca Wright, Becky Jordan. Guests: Owen Barden, Civil Engineer-TG Miller;Peter Wright, Lighting Designer-Sladen Feinstein;Mike Kavanagh, Manager-Greystar; Christie Audet,Associate-Greystar;Trevor Jensen,Planning Manager-TCAT; Michael Birkby,VP Development,Operations, & Acquisitions-Conifer Realty; Crystal Ross, Landscape Architect-Witham Planning and Design; David Herrick,P.E.-TG Miller,Michele Palmer,Senior Associate-Whitham; Henry Weinberg, Leed AP-CBT Architects;Griffin Wiegel,Financial Analyst-Conifer Realty;Jacob von Mechow, Sr. Designer-Witham;Andrew, Cornell Real Estate. Approval of Minutes: Approval of January 21,2025 minutes was motioned by Rich DePaolo, seconded by Rob Rosen. Carried. Member Comments/Concerns 2. Consider Modifications to Agenda Member Comments/Concerns a. Consider Modifications to Agenda—None 3. Maplewood II Concept and Location— Mr. Herrick shared that the project is proposing improvements,mostly trail related on Maple Avenue. Working in collaboration with DPW and Engineering to provide pedestrian and lighting amenities, modifying sidewalk along Maplewood I. A small infrastructure change in the sewer main currently existing between Maplewood I&II is to adjust its profile to accommodate extension of new mains within Maplewood II project. Moping to go to the Town Board for consideration of concept and location. We have trail and lighting plans including a proposed crosswalk with rapid, flashing beacons. Also propose replacing the parallel parking at the trailhead of east hill recreation way. Mr. Barden shared layout plans. (see Agenda Packet) Mr. O'Shea stated he and Mr. Slater have been working with Mr. Merrick and Mr. Barden to get this up to town standards for town dedication. An 8' asphalt walk will accommodate and withstand pickup trucks for plowing and salting. At Maplewood I space is constrained for DPW fleet with the retaining wall and utility poles. Upgrading to a 6' walk with work here as 8' will be too close to the road and retaining wall. As far as the lack of streetlights along Maplewood I we are reviewing internally to see what the town can do. Mr. Derrick provided there are 12 freestanding streetlights proposed along Maplewood II, 16' high with LED lights 3000 kelvin in addition to the two rapid flashing beacons at the crossing. Mr. O'Shea pointed out that there is a sewer main proposed to be realigned and a 2nd water connection up toward building F. The town is not taking over any infrastructure. Mr. Derrick explained that they are looking to bring a domestic water connection to building F"from the Maple Avenue line which will have its own meter and backflow prevention. This will help augment the fire flows. Mr. O'Shea stated this is a new development and asked if they've spoken to Bolton Point regarding regulations and town law. Mr. Derrick responded that they have only confirmed the line at Maple Avenue and still need to discuss the project with Bolton Point. Mr. Slater inquired about the one private 4"water line between two parcels. Typically,there's one service line per parcel. If Maplewood II were to sell,would it get the correct fire flow off the 4"line? Mr. Derrick replied no. Cornell owns both parcels and lease them to Grey Star for operating. There would have to be a long-term agreement between the two parcels or an upgrade on the water main for fire flows should the parcels be separated in ownership. Mr. Kavanagh provided they plan to have a private water agreement between the two parcels. Cornell owns both parcels with long-term lease,but we have planned with this forethought in mind. Mr. Moseley commented if fire flow was ever to become inadequate,they're operating permits would be revoked. Mr. DePaolo inquired under what scenario would water be discontinued to a new owner even if the adjacent property gave access to the existing water main? Mr. O'Shea explained that individual service is not required,however, if Maplewood I continues to provide water to Maplewood II under a different owner it may be considered a public water service by the health department which brings a new set of regulations. Our Planning Board included a condition on the plat that we must be notified upon sale of either parcel. Mr. DePaolo asked if the town's existing streetlighting is at 3000 kelvin color temperature and who will own and maintain the new streetlights? Is an 8" substrate on the trail typical spec and is it sufficient for maintenance equipment? Mr. Slater replied that ownership of the new streetlights will be dedicated to the town. Specs have been provided to the developer for fitting smart nodes. Mr. O'Shea advised that although the trail design is sufficient, equipment traffic will only be seasonal snow removal operations.Maplewood I more traditional streetlights. Mr. Merrick addressed a fire protection access concern with a corridor improvement of widening the pavement in front of building A to about 26'and adjusting the curbline to support aerial fire protection apparatus. Mr. Moseley has reviewed and approved building A based on the additional width of roadway satisfying NYYS Fire Code. Mr. O'Shea advised the next step is Town Board consideration of concept and location March 1 oth. 4. Conifer NNC— Mr. Derrick,with the sharing of concept plan, commented that with NNC there are infrastructure type issues including sanitary sewer, stormwater management, street connectivity and access. Not here to offer anything yet but to share some challenges and get input on next steps. Mr. Derrick-Sanitary sewer is downhill from left to right,west to east. The lay of land supports having a main leaving the east side of property down to Oakwood Ln. where there is an existing roadway that adjoins the city tank. It will be a natural extension to oakwood for sewer however the line on oakwood is small in diameter and city owned. Recommend that the connection be extended to Oakwood and down to Hector. The line needs to be upsized which comes with master meter requirement and possibly a joint interceptor agreement modification between town and city. Mr. DePaolo inquired how much sewer line under Oakwood needs to be dug up and to what extent? How much of an inconvenience will this cause for current residents in that area? Mr. Slater replied all the way to Route 79. Short term traffic disruption may be a single lane closure. Mr. Derrick continued that further off sight,there is condition and capacity of jointly owned pipe from Hector/Oakwood intersection to the inlet to gain understanding of. It has been disclosed that Vinegar Mill up to Oakwood Ln is older, smaller diameter pipe. There's a question of capacity. The development design team will look at pipe capacities from Hector/Oakwood to the inlet. If there are any issues with adding a joint interceptor at Oakwood,that would be helpful to understand now.A pump station would not be favorable with its instantaneous discharge of a higher flow rate than gravity flow. Mr. O'Shea stated the importance of everyone being on the same page as far as private/public water/sewer. The Oakwood Ln main will have to be upgraded at the developers' cost. The developer hasn't asked for any utilities to be installed by the town. Mr. Derrick- Water infrastructure exists out there. At the extension of the fire access lane there is a water main there already and another one that runs North& South. In some aspect the street system is laid out to mimic the location of water main. All future main extensions and roads would be dedicated to the town. Fire flows and main sizes all need to be determined. If there is a capacity supply issue in the west hill system, it is unknown, and we would like to know that. Transportation -The Oakwood Ln fire access drive expectation is that the current street reservation could be used as fire apparatus access only. Project would need to have a 2"means of emergency access regardless of whether or not there is a Bundy Rd connection made. The proposed Riley Rd(connection to Bundy Rd)would be the best solution for fast response as it is more direct to the west hill fire station. Looking at how best to solidify the concept for access road. An approach to keeping vehicles out while allowing quick access to the fire department is activated control arm gate. Mr. Moseley added that any type of gate must be approved by the town and in accordance with NYYS fire code. Appendix B has specific provisions for devices. There will need to be calculations run for the remoteness of the fire apparatus access road to confirm the remoteness aspect to see if it's in conformance with fire code as well. There is a requirement that distances have to be separated by a certain percentage based on the area served. If not,will have to go for a NYS variance. Mr. O'Shea stated that fire access roads are not typically something that the town takes over. They are maintenance heavy and have to be ready for fire access at all times. we have to decide whether the town wants ownership of the access road because that will determine design. Added infrastructure that we would have to go through the city to access. Mr. Slater stated there is code with certain ratings for certain vehicles. 1/2 mile Mr. Lowe suggested we need more information regarding construction of proposed road and access before agreeing to owning&tor maintaining. Mr. DePaolo inquired about potential liability issue in the event that fire protection unable to access being attributable to maintenance? Mr. Moseley suggested if the Town were to take ownership of the access road, they'd have to sort out ownership of gated apparatus? Mr. Derrick referred to the 1/2 mile extension of Riley Dr, it's a big investment,who is responsible? It may help traffic and certainly it would improve fire department response. Mr. DePaolo asked where would you get the 2na egress if road not extended?Aren't two accesses required? Mr. Moseley provided that there's a minimum of two access points required per NYS fire code and an additional can be required by the fire official if they see fit. Mr. DePaolo makes less sense to construct 1/2 mile of road to serve one development than to build 1/2 mile that can accommodate future growth. what's the outcome of preliminary conversations with property owners? Mr. Birkby shared that there were conversations with adjacent landowners that were ultimately unsuccessful. Haven't spoken recently. Prior to himself,the person for conifer had similarly unproductive conversations. It would be a huge hurdle with the noncooperation expectation. Mr. Derrick commented that the idea of a new neighborhood brings a possibility of looking at a stormwater benefit district, on that recognizes the makeup of the neighborhood. Unsure how the conventional SOMRA approach would fair in this type of mixed density neighborhood. Concept: taxing entity that would establish a formula for how landowners are charged on what basis and the maintenance responsibilities that would go with the permanent practices. Ex. Underground practices are prevalent in developments. Mr. O'Shea provided that this is typically handled by an DOA or other entity with the town requiring annual inspection. A lot of oversight for engineering with inspections,possible deficiencies. Mr. Lowe asked if we didn't want to go that direction,what other options are there?HOA? 5. Updike Road No Parking— Mr. Slater shared that historically the Town of Ithaca has a shared service agreement with Tompkins County who plows Updyke Road for us. There is resident concern with people parking in the snowplow turn around. Currently the Town has no rights under Chapter 250 Vehicle and traffic Laws to tow or fine a person for parking there. The request is to install no parking and no littering signs there and amend local law to be enforceable with ability to remove/ticket. All consented. 6. Project Updates Mr. Slater reported that DPW has used about$498k this season between approximately 270 ton of salt, $92k in employee wages, and$192k in equipment use. We are now reviewing our construction season tasks. Mr. O'Shea reported that the town hall mezzanine/court clerk office is awaiting construction documents hopefully within budget in order to get this project out to bid. Town hall weatherization project has been on a month hiatus from contractor unforeseen event but otherwise have been great to work with. will be working with Hilary for grant submission. CJ and I evaluating how to move forward with East Shore Drive project stipulations on federal funding and how to pick a contractor. B&L has familiarity with the project, and we've worked with them before so hoping not to have to go with another contractor. Mr. Mills reported a water main break last night on Evergreen Ln off of Dubois Rd. Also at Therm yesterday. After much digging,we did not find the small leak. Last weekend we had a transmission main break we repaired for Bolton Point. Mr. Slater added that unfortunately water breaks can be expected with the thaw. Adjourn 10:27 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,March 18,2025. Submitted by, Becky Jordan