HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 2025-09-16
Town of Ithaca
Public Works Committee
September 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Minutes
Present: Rod Howe, Joe Slater, Judy Drake, Mike Beach, Dave O’Shea, Justin McNeal, Hilary
Swartwood, Marty Moseley, Joe Talbut, Mike Smith, CJ Randall, Rich DePaolo, Rob Rosen,
Becca Wright, Becky Jordan.
Mr. Howe commented that the Public Works Facility open house went great. It was nice to have
Ithaca Fire Department, Tompkins County Sheriff's Department, and Bolton Point there.
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of July 15, 2025 minutes was motioned by Rich DePaolo, seconded by Rod Howe.
Carried.
Member Comments/Concerns
2. Consider Modifications to Agenda Member Comments/Concerns
a. Consider Modifications to Agenda – None
3. Glenside Streetlight Removal Request
Mr. Slater reported that a resident at 204 Glenside Rd approached DPW for removal of a
streetlight stating that the light completely fills their bedroom and living room. The light shines
directly into adjacent houses without illuminating a meaningful stretch of road. The streetlight is
about 25’ off pavement. According to the town’s streetlight policy this is a petition request. The
applicant has met signatures required as part of policy. This is our first streetlight removal
request. No request to dim light which is at full capacity.
Mr. McNeal – According to NYSDOT crash data there are no accidents in the area of the
streetlight so removing will not cause accidents. No pedestrian facilities or crosswalks in area so
removal won’t affect walkability.
Mr. Howe suggested a first step of dimming or shielding.
Mr. DePaolo shared that no pedestrian amenities make having a streetlight even more important,
especially on a corner. It does appear to be far from pavement. Let’s look at mitigations that
could be pursued.
Mr. Slater commented that this streetlight was installed possibly in the early 70’s but that no
reason for installation was found. Will report back to the resident regarding mitigation strategy
approach. We will try dimming first since we have the capability. Shielding would require
participation from NYPA at cost.
4. Yield Signs Forest Home Drive
Mr. Slater offered that for many years the upper Forest Home Bridge has had yield signs. In field
coordination and looking at line striping, we went ahead and added yield signs at the lower
bridge. In observation, the yield signs on the lower bridge have controlled traffic, caused
motorists to slow down, and stop. Would like a recommendation to codify local law (exhibit b,
chapter 250) to add these regulatory signs so they may be enforced.
Mr. Howe consented.
5. Waldorf Sanitary Sewer Pump Station NYSDOT Surplus Property Request
Mr. O’Shea reported that NYSDOT owns the land at our Waldorf pump station where we’re
improving the inlet valley project. The need for a DOT permit adds another layer of oversight,
review, and cost associated with DOT materials. In pursuing the [revocable] use & occupancy
permit DOT brought up the possibility the land could be considered for surplus designation.
Without a quote, estimate cost to be $10-20,000. with DOT subdivision survey meeting their
complex mapping requirements and property acquisition attorney fees. If the town pursues this,
they will own the land in fee and be alleviated of DOT approvals for future improvements and
the requirement to use DOT approved materials. We currently have a maintenance permit to
mow the parcel and maintain our pump station.
Mr. Howe inquired if there was any way state would convey?
Mr. O’Shea replied that the fee isn’t for the land, it’s a high estimate for the complex survey and
attorney fees. Whether the land will need to be offered first to the adjoining landowner,
auctioned, or just be transferred to us is uncertain.
Mr. Howe expressed no issues in pursuing with exception of limiting fees wherever possible.
6. CIP Final
Mr. O’Shea reported that at this point we’ve gotten all numbers we’re going to get before the
budget. Finance has identified accounts. We’ve made updates based on new information received
regarding grants for the Forest Home Improvement study. Town share increased by $25k, grant
decreased by $25k. The only other change since last PWC meeting is the FH bridge assessment
was bumped up a year. Lower bridge esthetic trusses are exhibiting a lot of deterioration and
there are concerns about them falling into the creek. Getting a quote for checking that the trusses
aren’t going anywhere. It is in worse shape than originally thought. We are getting an assessment
on both bridges for the parts we own specifically the trusses and walkways that weren’t assessed
during the structural assessment by the county and identifying grant funding.
Mr. Slater reported that we initially had a figure of $860k for 2026 road asphalt replacement and
rehabilitation with a full rehabilitation of 5” of asphalt. We’ve since realized we only need 2”.
With this thin up of pavement thickness we’ve added a couple more roads and came to the same
figure.
Mr. O’Shea reported that we just received bids from a diverse range of bidders for Babcock
Trail. Bids were in range of 350k-800k. A lot of small contractor interest helped price.
Recommend award-based bid for the upper and lower sections. The most difficult middle section
town forces could do as time allows. The town is providing woodchip material for that section
anyway. Over budget but did secure a little over $200k in grants funds. Local share paid for
design piece. An additional $85k will have to be allocated to do whole project. Being a trail
project away from the city we had 3-4 small contractors that focus on forestry and trails.
Mr. O’Shea clarified that the discussed CIP’s are a budgeting tool for planning ahead. Current
projects are not included as funds have already been allocated for those. No numbers yet from
the city on joint projects. Trying to set up another meeting with them.
Mr. Howe reported that the draft budget will be presented to the town board on September 29th.
7. Project Updates
a. PWF MEP
Punch list walkthrough on Monday. Electrician pulled out. Fire alarm is up and Codes has
performed a walk through. By next meeting should be closed pending punch list.
b. TH Court Clerks/Mezzanine
Mr. Moseley sent back comments on plans. Architect to tune up drawings to reflect comments.
Will go back on the street and hopefully get affordable bids this time and can contract this year.
c. Town Hall Weatherization
Met with TYLin a couple times. Architect reassigned to project grasping all our comments as
well as picking up on pieces missing. CFA submitted for this. On hold for funding until perhaps
December.
First phase mezzanine court project received city approval from their historic district. We didn’t
have to go through Ithaca Landmark Preservation Commission (ILPC).
d. Site Design Manual
We’ve made it through water & sewer details. Revision back any day now from B&L. Really
dug into that chapter to set the tone for others. Contract extension through January. Once sanitary
is worked out, all else should fall into place. Hoping to finish up in December.
e. Enterprise
Meeting took place with Kelly, Ryan Fennel and Joe Slater and at this time we don’t want a 3rd
party involved in our upfits. Doesn’t seem to make sense to start leasing vehicles right now.
f. Coddington Community Center
Mr. Howe exclaimed that the new expansion is really quite nice. Town departments met with
Heather Mount for a little tree work not in easement between park land and pavilion minor
enough for Mr. Talbut to do. They do have to make a decision about one big tree. Will have
arborist take a look. No extra funding in 2026 but maybe in 2027 to help with pavilion
maintenance.
Mr. Slater provided a streetlight update in that NYPA has taken down the wire mesh network
and installed stand-alone nodes. Sending final inspection reports for us to sign off. We owe a
final project payment. We will be able to go after a little bit of rebate.
Ms. Randall, in conversation with the Forest Home Improvement Association, has recommended
an update to the 2007 traffic calming plan. With Mr. DePaolo’s help we secured a grant. The
study is pricey but there are a lot of stakeholders and a swath of utilities. We’re looking for a
consultant with an active planning transportation lense to reenvision circulation in this
neighborhood and a fresh new look at multi-mode mobility two decades later.
Mr. O’Shea received proposal in response to two RFQ’s. Larson Design Group proposal for
interceptor study came in at a large price tag and we have to figure out how the city will be
involved. Another one for lower Stone Quarry Road came in where we thought it would cost
wise. Have to figure out scope.
Mr. Howe stated that the town sent out a RFP for engineering services as it will probably be
some time before we replace our outgoing Director.
Mr. Talbut announced that brush pick up is the week of October 20th and leaf collection will be
the week of November 10th.
Adjourn 9:40 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Submitted by,
Becky Jordan
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
Stormwater, Sanitary Sewer, Potable Water, Roads, Parks, and Trails
114 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
ENGINEERING@TOWN.ITHACA.NY.US
PHONE: 607.273.1656
FAX: 607.272.6076
www.townithacany.gov
TO: Town of Ithaca Public Works Committee
FROM: Justin McNeal – Senior Civil Engineer
Joseph Slater – Director of Public Works
RE: Streetlight Removal Request at 204 Glenside Rd
The Town of Ithaca Public Works Department received a request from Emily Zetkulic to
remove the streetlight at 204 Glenside Rd. In accordance with the Streetlight Policy the
applicant was required to submit a Streetlight Request through the Town’s permitting
portal. As part of the request the applicant was required to submit a petition to the Town
showing support for the removal of the existing streetlight. The Engineering Department
produced a map titled “204 Glenside Rd Street Light Petition Area” (see attached) in
accordance with the Streetlight Policy showing the Affected Area that the applicant must
petition. The second attachment in this report is the petition that was signed by 6 of the
8 properties in the Affected Area.
We used the NYSDOT Clear Crash Data Viewer to verify if there were any vehicle
accidents within the Affected Area. A map of the crashes in the vicinity of Glenside Rd
titled “Glenside Crash Data” has been attached in this report. According to the database
there have been no recorded crashes in the vicinity of the streetlight that would be
removed.
Glenside Rd is a low volume residential street and there are currently no pedestrian
facilities or crosswalks in the Affected Area.
Sincerely,
Justin McNeal Joseph Slater
Senior Civil Engineer Director of Public Works
Town of Ithaca Town of Ithaca
Pr
o
p
D
a
m
a
g
e
Po
s
s
i
b
l
e
I
n
j
u
r
y
Se
r
i
o
u
s
I
n
j
u
r
y
FEE 1937
P13
M11
FEE 1937
P15
M11
FEE 1937
P8
M7
FEE 1937
P18
M13
FEE 1937
P14
M11
FEE 1994
P54
M41
11" X 17" PAPER (ANSI B)
60 FEETSCALE 1 INCH =
TOWN OF ITHACA - TOMPKINS COUNTY
TOWN OF ITHACA PUMP STATION
SURPLUS REQUEST 2025-008
GRID
NORTH
SH 454
PSC 5356
PSC 5356
PSC 5356
PSC 5356
PSC 5356
FLORAL AVENUE EXTENSION - S.H. NO. 9281
ROUTE 13A
FEE 1931
P6
M5
PSC 5356
FEE 1931
P6
M5
PSC 5356
PE 1937
P17
M12
PSC 5356
ITHACA ROAD - S.H. NO. 454
PERMANENT EASEMENT FOR DRAINAGE
136' +/-
115' +/-
116' +/-
98' +/-
61' +/-
15' +/-
14345+/- SQ. FT.
0.33+/- ACRE
PROPOSED SURPLUS
APPROXIMATE HIGHWAY BOUNDARY
APPROXIMATE HIGHWAY BOUNDARY
APPROXIMATE HIGHWAY BOUNDARY
33'
(MIN.)
Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Road Preserve
9/11/2025
Trail and Site Enhancements, Grant
5/15/2024
$70,425.00 Total:$281,700.00 Design:$66,675.00
Contract:$66,675.00 Resolution:2024-46
Change Order:0 End Date:7/31/2025
Total:$66,675.00
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Summary:
S.Harris 9/11/2025
Project Progress Summary
217 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100, Syracuse, New York 13202
Environmental Design & Research, D.P.C. (EDR)
2022-118, 2023-052, 2024-46, 2025-050
Project:
Contractor/Design
Professional:
Account Number(s):
Resolutions:
Bid Date:
Type:
CIP Budget:
Date:
Received seven bids on 9/10/2025.
In the process of reviewing bids to award the project.
Amendment Value:
Amendment Value:
Contract
Authorized Value:
Completed to Date:$63,341.25
Completed to Date:
Completed to Date:
East Shore Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Corridor Design
9/11/2025
Pedestrian and Bike Improvements/TAP Grant
5/19/2025
$286,600.00 Total:$1,146,400.00 Design:$165,000.00
Contract:$165,000.00 Resolution:2025-021
Change Order:0 End Date:12/31/2026
Total:$165,000.00
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Summary:
S.Harris 9/11/2025
Project Progress Summary
Project:
Date:
Type:
Bid Date:
17,669.74$
Contractor/Design
Professional:
Barton & Loguidice, DPC
443 Electronic Parkway, Syracuse NY 13088
Account Number(s):
CIP Budget:
Resolutions:2023-106, 2024-007, 2024-120, 2025-021
Contract
Authorized Value:
Completed to Date:
Preliminary Design, revised PSP sent to DOT, in the process of reviewing the DAD.
We briefly met with ICSD Deputy Superintendent to discuss the detectable warning strips that will need to be
installed as part of the project. They were open to the idea, but wanted to discuss internally.
Amendment Value:
Completed to Date:
Amendment Value:
Completed to Date:
2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvement Project
9/9/2025
Pump station and conveyance route imrpovements
10/25/2024
Total:1,278,685$ Design:$45,496.00
Contract:$42,096.00 Resolution:2024-118
Change Order:0 End Date:1/1/2026
Total:$42,096.00
Contract:$0.00 Resolution:
Change Order:0 End Date:
Total:$0.00
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Summary:
E.Rodgers 9/9/2025
Type:
CIP Budget:
Date:
Subdivision shall go to planning board for approval on 9/16/2025. Permits from USACE and DEC have been
received. Once property acquisition is complete final highway work permits will be submitted to DOT. The materials
bid package is complete and will go out to bid on 9/12/2025. B&L is coordinating with NYSEG for approval of site
chnages.
Amendment Value:
Amendment Value:
Contract
Authorized Value:
Part A
Completed to Date:$31,892.45
Completed to Date:$0.00
Completed to Date:
Project Progress Summary
TB 2024-095;TB 2024-100; TB 2024-101; TB 2024-118
Project:
Contractor/Design
Professional:
Account Number(s):
Resolutions:
RFP Bid Date:
Barton and Loguidice
King Road West Box Culvert Replacement
9/10/2025
Stormwater Structure Rehabilitation
N/A
DB5112.501
Total:$350,000.00 Design:$41,600.00
Contract:$14,600.00 Part A Resolution:2024-034
Change Order:$2,900.00 Available End Date:9/27/2024
Total:$17,500.00
Contract:$41,600.00 Part B Resolution:2024-097
Change Order:$4,500.00 Available End Date:7/1/2025
Total:$46,100.00
Contract:$17,500.00 Part C Resolution:2025-093
Change Order:$0.00 End Date:
Total:$17,500.00
Contract:$509,000.00 Construction Contract Resolution:2025-100
Change Order:$50,000.00 End Date:
Total:$559,000.00
Summary:
J McNeal 8/22/2025
Project Progress Summary
Project:
Date:
Type:
Bid Date:
$14,600.00
Contractor/Design
Professional:
Barton & Loguidice, DPC
443 Electronic Parkway, Syracuse NY 13088
Account Number(s):
CIP Budget:
Resolutions:2024-034, 2024-097, 2025-093, 2025-100
Contract
Authorized Value:
Completed to Date:
Bids were opened on 8/29, the low bid came in at $509k from R. DeVincentis. The resolution to award went before
the board on 9/8/2025 and was approved via TB Reso 2025-100.
The board also approved contracting with B&L for part C of the Design Contract for C&A as part of TB Reso 2025-
093. We are currently working on the contract ammendment.
Amendment Value:
Completed to Date:
Amendment Value:
Completed to Date:$37,550.00
Amendment Value:
Completed to Date:
MEP and Structural Improvements Porject PWF
9/9/2025
Total:$1,141,894.93 Design:$178,022.08
Contract:$116,170.33 Resolution:Multiple
Change Order:$61,851.75 End Date:10/31/2025
Total:$178,022.08
Contract:$947,533.00 Resolution:2024-113
Change Order:$94,753.30 Approved Amount End Date:9/15/2025
Total:$1,042,286.30
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:$0.00
Summary:
E.Rodgers 9/9/2025
Waiting on Mechanical and Electrical Contract to complete controls and fire alarm work. Substanial completion
has been issued to the General Contractor. Once Fire alarm is switched over to new control panel C&S will be on
site to conduct a final walk through.
Amendment Value:
Authorized Value:
Contracts
Authorized Value:
C&S
Completed to Date:158,483.33$
Completed to Date:575,581.10$
Completed to Date:
Multiple Prime
Project Progress Summary
499 Col. Eileen Collins Blvd. Syracuse NY 13212
C&S Engineering
2024-015, 2024-034, 2024-117, 2024-133
Project:
Design Professional:
Account Number(s):
Resolutions:
Bid Date:
Type:
CIP Budget:
Date:
Townline Rd Bridge Replacement Design
9/11/2025
Bridge Replacement/BridgeNY for County
1/1/2024
Total:$2,342,000.00 Design:$323,000.00
Contract:$323,000.00 Resolution:2023-173
Change Order:0 End Date:12/1/2025
Total:$323,000.00 $92,891.82
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Contract:Resolution:
Change Order:End Date:
Total:
Summary:
S.Harris 9/11/2025
Date:
Completed to Date:
Draft Design Approval Document (DDAD) has been submitted to NYSDOT for comment and approval.
Project Progress Summary
443 Electronic Parkway, Syracuse NY 13088
Barton & Loguidice, DPC
2023-173
Project:
Contractor/Design
Professional:
Account Number(s):
Amendment Value:
Resolutions:
Amendment Value:
Contract
Authorized Value:
Completed to Date:
Completed to Date:
Type:
CIP Budget:
Bid Date: