Public Works & Public Safety Commission

Department of Public Works Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday January 31th, 2023 Members Present: K. VanGorder, B. Stark, P. O’Mara, Mary Lou Bordwell Others Present: DPW Superintendent- N. Dovi, Deputy Superintendent- A. Ricottelli, Chief Water Systems Operator Matt Wethje, Alderpersons- Mary Clare Pennello and Pat Lane. Cortland County IDA representative Eric Mulvihill Meeting called to order at 6:32 PM by P. O’Mara Old Business: 1. Approval of minutes from the DPW Board meeting from August 9th, 2022 Motion to accept: First by P. O’Mara Second by M. L. Bordwell All in favor: unanimously accepted New Business: 1. Discussion on proposed revisions to City of parking. Discussion consisted of concerns with new paid parking program for the Downtown area as well as all City owned parking lots. Eric Mulvihill presented information regarding how the new platform will be instituted and perform. Board asked a series of questions that resulted in the need for additional information. Board member K. VanGorder asked if there was a tutorial or video that specifically outlined functionality could be used prior to implementation. Motion to table: First by P. O’Mara Second by B. Stark All in favor: 2. Discussion on lowering the speed limit on Jefferson Road. Mapping of area provided and general reasoning for a signage change suggested by Alderperson T. Michaels. Board members supported the installation of non-regulatory suggested speed limit signage to be fabricated and installed and Departmental observance if the desired result is achieved. First by M. L. Bordwell Second by K. VanGorder All in favor: unanimously approved 3. Discussion on current Water Department Projects A.) LSLRP-Progress reported on non-copper grant funded installations 32 last round and new legislation that dictates these upgrades B.) Water Meter Installations- Progress reported on grant funded installations and solicitation letters that were mailed in specific districts.  C.) Water Quality/ Hardness M. Wethje expounded on what residents can do to mitigate the natural hardness in Cortland’s water supply D.) Facility Upgrades- lengthy discussion regarding concerns with opening up the water department facility to the public and safety items that would be required prior. Environmental Groups view on the topic was also discussed. Discussion ensued that encompassed the pillars on Broadway that are in disrepair, the water tanks at SUNY Cortland that need attention and should be made a priority. E.) water Main Installation Projects- Cleveland and Arthur Avenue slated for water main installation in 2023. 3. Discussion on current DPW projects. A.) Clinton Avenue Gateway Project (Phases III, IV Groton, Phase V Homer Avenue) General progress on these initiatives was outlined as well as visuals, mapping and contract specifications were discussed. B.) Tompkins Street Project- Possible future project and status of preliminary design/study- funding in acquisition stage for utility, streetscape and restoration being explored. C.) Bridge NY Applications- Discussion regarding the 1 funded bridge from 2022 and lack of funds to construct as well as the three other culverts applied for in last round. D.) DRI- Project plans provided as well as renderings. General schedule for kick off discussed as well as notable items such as back in parking configuration and transitioning to a two way thorough fair. E.) Storm Water Mitigation- outlined areas of study and progress made to date by selected firm C&S Engineers. F.) PED Bridge- Basic project overview and progress made by C&S Engineers including funding made available by NYS. G.) Paving Projects- in depth conversation of current street ratings and proposed utility and street rehabilitation commenced. H.) Trash- New collection system roll out and costs associated with the new system. M. L. Bordwell was concerned about the clutter of 10,000 plus new receptacles and was curious if enforcement and legislation would be instituted to mitigate. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM First by P. O’Mara Second by M. L. Bordwell Respectfully submitted by Sup’t. Nic Dovi on