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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-14 - TB TOWN OF ULYSSES REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 14, 1999 PRESENT: Doug Austic Supervisor; Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston and Sue Poelvoorde; Alex Rachun Code Enforcement Officer; James Meeker Highway Superintendent and Marsha Georgia Town Clerk. Absent : Councilman Hillman and Weatherby. Others Present: Catherine Stover, Grace Wolf Free Press Reporter, and Lauren Bishop Ithaca Journal Reporter. CALL TO ORDER Supervisor Austic opened the meeting at 7 : 30 PM and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms Poelvoorde to approve the minutes of the Regular Town Board Meeting of November 9, 1999 after changes and corrections were given to the Clerk. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms Poelvoorde aye Adopted APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Ms Poelvoorde moved seconded by Mrs. Duddleston to approve the previously reviewed voucher numbers 455 — 501 in the amount of $20,249. 18 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms Poelvoorde aye Adopted REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES Tompkins County Representative Peter Penniman reported that on the Economic Develop Project a new bike and hiking brochure is now available (left copies for distribution) . The idea is to encourage tourism by distributing a booklet like this and get people to stay a few days in the area or plan a vacation around the Finger Lakes. There also is a possibility of making Ithaca the gateway to the Finger Lakes wine industry with an information center somewhere downtown. At present there is a study going on. It would be a joint project of the wineries and tourism. Another thing that relates to tourism but really it is a transportation issue in general i p g is the signage around the County, called a ` way finding signage". Directional and informational signs are fairly minimal in the County. They are looking into a system of signs such as consistent color theme to direct people around the County. The three issues that look pretty good for next year are : • New Tower project involving the receivers for communications. The County wants to expand radio coverage to emergency people. There is a proposal for seven new towers around the County. The closest to Ulysses is the corner of Aiken Road. and Podunk Road. The proposed tower would replace the tower that is in the Village of Trumansburg. • Tobacco monies and how it will be used in the future. ft\ Town of Ulysses 2 Regular Town Board Meeting 12/ 14/99 • Jail expansion. Mrs. Stover asked if he had heard anything about Tompkins County redefining the natural areas or critical areas in the Town? Mr. Penniman said that he had not heard of that happening . Mr. Rachun stated that Tompkins County Planning has put together environmentally critical areas. Originally the Town had two sites about ten years ago and very small. Now they blanket half the township, such as the whole Cayuga Lake Watershed.. Ms Poelvoorde stated that the County has not adopted any changes. There would have to be some kind of legislative action for any kind of enforcement . Right now it is a suggestion, the Town would have to adopt the changes. Trumansburg Fire Department — no report. TOWN REPORTS Highway Superintendent James Meeker reported that all the trucks and equipment are winter ready and all have been NYS Inspected. Worked on putting up building pad for the addition to the barn. Hauled stone, overhead doors are in at Cortland and the addition is started . Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun reported that five building permits were issued, one for a single-family house and four for additions. No Zoning Board of Appeals heard this month. The Planning Board did hold a public hearing for Site Plan Review on the application of Veronica Gardens which is a nursery going in on the corner of Perry City Road and Route 96 . Mr. Rachun asked if a fee had been scheduled for the process of Site Plan Review. Mr. Austic stated that he does remember setting the fee . The general consensus of the Board was $75 . Town Clerk Marsha Georgia reported that $ 1 , 610. was collected and $ 505 . 38 was turned over to the Supervisor along with her monthly report. The evening of the Festival of Lights it was discussed with the Supervisor and several Councilpeople about the old map of the Town of Ulysses dated 1853 . It was thought that it should be preserved some way. Mrs. Georgia called Dan Clements and he came by to look at the map. He stated that restoring would probably be around $ 800 so he suggested two alternatives. One would be to try and find a better map and the other would be just to enclose this one inside of plexiglas . Mrs. Georgia stated that Supervisor Foster from the Town of Covert stopped in her office and requested information on the single user water district that was formed for Jim Seafuse. The Town of Covert has a request for a single user district from the American Legion. Copies of the files were given to Mr. Foster. Mrs. Georgia received a call from a town resident in reference to barking dogs and the fines that are imposed for the infraction. Earlier this year Judge Rector had asked the Board to look into raising fines. Local Law can do this. Board Members and Committees Mrs. Duddleston handed out a preliminary count of users from the Recreation Partnership. She pointed out that the totals for Ulysses are 476 with only the Town of Ithaca being higher at 1865 . What they are looking at is more involvement with the smaller municipalities. One of the main complaints is that the recreation is not reaching out and everyone has to come into Ithaca to participate in these programs . So they are going to look into this. 5 Town of Ulysses 3 Regular Town Board Meeting 12/ 14/99 Mr. Austic replied that he has heard from residents that the Town should offer skating. Looking at the numbers for the year not one Ulysses' resident skated or got a skating pass from Cass Park. For the fees ($4500) that the Town pays not many take advantage. Supervisor Report Supervisor Austic reviewed the operating statement he provided to the Board . No guest ions were heard. He reported that he has received a check for $ 12000 from Randy Kuhl. OLD BUSINESS DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE Mr. Austic advised the Board to review the draft ordinance and make sure what is in there. He feels that he could not support it the way it is now. The next meeting to discuss this will be January 27`h, 2000 at 7 : 30 PM. Mr. Austic talked with the County Planner and she will continue helping until the ordinance is finished. NEW BUSINESS DEC Resolution for Water Study Grant Mr. Austic introduced the following resolution moved by Ms Poelvoorde and seconded by Mrs. Duddleston: Whereas, the Town of Ulysses herein called the "Municipality", after thorough consideration of the various aspects of the problem and study of available data, has hereby determined that certain work, as described in the State Contract, herein called the "Project" is desirable, in the public interest and is required in order to study and/or implement the local project or program; and Whereas, under Chapter 55 , Section 1 and 2, of the Laws of 1999 relating to the Local Assistance Budget, the legislature has authorized financial assistance to locations for services and expenses related to local projects, programs and studies by means of a written agreement; and Whereas, the Municipality has examined and duly considered Chapter 55 , Section 1 and 2, of the Laws of 1999 relating to the Local Assistance Budget and deems it to be in the public interest and benefit under this law to enter into a contract therewith: Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by Ulysses Town Board that Doug Austic, Town Supervisor is directed and authorized as the official representative to act in connection with any contracts between the Municipality and the State, and to provide such additional information as may be required. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms Poelvoorde aye Adopted Attorney General / Luster' s Office Mr. Austic reported that just prior to tonight ' s meeting he received a call from Assemblyman Luster in reference to the investigation of the Attorney General' s office into the Jacksonville Mobil situation. His initial and final results of their investigation reached were that they determined Mobil is probably legally off the hook as far as further responsibility in the Jacksonville situation. They are investigating in conjunction with DEC and other agencies that may be involved, the possibility a new spill to determine any liability of the Blue Ox Corp. Mr. Luster will let the Town know when and if anything from the investigation shows up to see if any financial gain to the Town is Town of Ulysses 4 Regular Town Board Meeting 12/ 14/99 available. As far as Mobil Oil' s legal responsibility the Attorney General has determined that they have fulfilled their requirement under the original agreements. Water Study "Income Survey" - Initial Responses Christian Nill has compiled the results of the surveys he has received which are about 30 to 40 percent response . All areas exceed the income of $32000 with the Jacksonville area being the lowest around $38000 . He feels it would be a waste of time to go door to door except maybe Jacksonville area. It is a slim chance to reduce the average income down to $32000 but there could be a chance. Mr. Austic will advise the Jacksonville Community Association that this needs to be handled. They previously volunteered to go house to house if needed . Youth Development Block Grant Mr. Austic introduced the following resolution moved by Mrs. Duddleston, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde : Whereas, the town of Ulysses has been informed of the intent to combine youth funding from New York State for youth services, recreation and delinquency prevention into a DSS block grant system, and Whereas, the Town of Ulysses receives a substantial amount of youth funding from New York State at present, which is incorporated into our program for recreation and youth services, and Whereas, delinquency prevention is not a focus of our programs, but rather a result of our main strategy of recreation, youth service and youth jobs creation and enhancement and, Whereas, the Town Board is concerned that the block grants plan and its decision process may well reduce the funding available for Ulysses to use in its well-organized and established youth program, Be It Resolved , that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses is NOT in favor of block grants funding proposal and would rather that the youth funding by New York State continues under the present system. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms Poelvoorde aye Adopted There is a list of places to mail this resolution. Water - Where To Go From Here Mr. Austic spoke with Christian Nill at length to see if he had any ideas on other types of funding for the water to Jacksonville. He will check on this. Really the Town cannot do anything further without people petitioning the Town to form a water district . Mr. Austic explained that the Town has no claim against Mobil, Blue Ox or anybody because it does not affect the Town of Ulysses land. The Town cannot bring legal action against anyone . NYS DEC has taken over the testing . Hearing From Individuals and for Groups None heard. l Town of Ulysses 5 Regular Town Board Meeting 12/ 14/99 Correspondence Previously discussed. Adjournment Hearing no further business Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms Poelvoorde aye Adopted Meeting was adjourned at 9 : 15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk MLG : mg