HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-25-WTBWORKING TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
March 25, 2014
The meeting was held at the Ulysses Town Hall at 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg, on March 11, 2014.
PRESENT:
Supervisor- Liz Thomas- (in attendance for some portions via Skype audio (*no voting rights as per
town law))
Board members- Rich Goldman, John Hertzler, Nancy Zahler, Dave Kerness
Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Town Attorney- Mariette Geldenhuys
Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright
Environmental Planner- Darby Kiley
OTHERS PRESENT:
Kat Clement, Steve Gordon
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the website and clerk's board.
Ms. Zahler (Deputy Supervisor) called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Discussion: The board would like to approve the agenda with the following edits:
• deletion of the presentation by Alex Rachun
• tabling of the executive session regarding compensation
RESOLUTION 2014-78:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting agenda as amended for
March 25, 2014.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Ms. Thomas
(*ineligible for voting)
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 3/11/14
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RESOLUTION 2014-79:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes for the March 11, 2014
meeting as edited by Ms. Thomas on 3/19/14 and Ms. Zahler on 3/20/14.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Kerness
Ms. Thomas
(*ineligible for voting)
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(no speakers present nor comments submitted at this time)
PRESENTATIONS:
POLICE AGREEMENT W/VILLAGE: Rordan Hart, Village of Trumansburg Trustee
Ms. Zahler prefaced the conversation by stating that the purpose of the presentation was to
promote questions and gauge interest, but not to make a decision. The next step will be to
schedule a joint meeting with the town and village boards to discuss this issue as well as Fire
and EMS services.
Mr. Hart started off by noting that newly -elected trustee Ben Carver will be the official
representative to the town board, attend the meetings regularly, and be able to answer questions
in the future.
Mr. Hart noted that the village police department responds to town emergencies about 1-3
times per week. The village is alerted by 911 dispatch when the sheriff is unavailable. They are
not mandated to respond, but being good public servants, they do anyway. However, due to
jurisdictional rules, they do not have authority to handle all arresting and investigation duties
outside of the Village. They are only able to "babysit" a situation until the sheriff can get there.
This presents safety hazards for the officers and difficulties for the overall logistics of potential
court cases. Other municipalities have set up inter -municipal agreements to manage these
issues, and this is a possibility for the town and village.
Mr. Hart stated that such an agreement would not include the general policing of the town by
the village, but simply the granting of police powers in the town's jurisdiction when they are
responding to calls from Dispatch or the Sheriff's Department as the closest car, to protect the
Village when their officers are operating outside the village limits.
He responded to board member inquiries as to the costs of such an agreement by affirming that
there would be none. The discussion ended with a decision that the town and village attorneys
would work together on a plan to present to the board in mid-April.
OA
OLD BUSINESS:
PROPOSED OPEN DEVELOPMENT AREA (TOWN LAW §280(a)4:
Ms. Geldenhuys and Ms. Kiley gave a briefing on the background of the proposal:
• Anytime the town takes an action, an environmental review is necessary (SEQR or State
Environmental Quality Review). The SEQR must be completed and adopted by the town
board before the resolution to establish the open development area can be passed.
• If a lot does not front on a public street but rather is accessed across someone else's
property, it must be designated as an "open development area" before any other
development can be permitted, or building permits issued.
• Other properties on lake may have the same situation; those properties will now need to be
addressed.
Ms. Kiley distributed the environmental review (SEQR) form, explained the process, and cited
the resources that she used to arrive at her determination that designating the area would not
lead to any significant adverse environmental impacts.
RESOLUTION 2014-80: STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW FOR
ESTABLISHING AN OPEN DEVELOPMENT AREA FOR TAX PARCEL NUMBERS
18.-1-5.1,18.-1-5.2, 18.-1-2,18.-1-3 and 18.4-4
WHEREAS, this action is the establishment of an open development area for Tax Parcel
Numbers 18.-1-2, 18.-1-3, 18.-1-4, 18.-1-5.1, and 18.-1-5.2; and
WHEREAS, this is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ulysses Town Board is acting as
lead agency in an environmental review with respect to this action; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, at a meeting held on March 25, 2014, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate the Short Environmental Assessment Form, Parts 1 and 2 for this action,
prepared by Town staff;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board hereby makes a
negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the
Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental
Quality Review, for the above referenced action as proposed, based on information in the
SEAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the SEAF Part 2, and therefore, a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Kerness
Ms. Thomas
(*ineligible for voting)
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
The Planning Board's resolution urging establishment of an Open Development Area was
distributed and is included in the Appendix.
RESOLUTION 2014-81: ESTABLISHING AN OPEN DEVELOPMENT AREA FOR
TAX PARCEL NUMBERS 18.4-5.1, 18.-1-5.2,18.-1-2, 18.4-3 and 18.4-4
WHEREAS, access from Taughannock Boulevard to Tax Parcel Numbers 18.-1-2, 18.4-3,
18.4-4, 18-1-5.1, and 18-1-5.2 is via a right of way across the lands of adjacent property
owners; and
WHEREAS, three of the parcels (1577, 1575, and 1573 Taughannock Blvd, Tax Parcel
Numbers 18.-1-2, 18.-1-3 and 18.-1-4) have existing residential structures, and two parcels, Tax
Parcel Numbers 18-1-5.1 and 18-1-5.2, are vacant; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Town Law section 280-a(4), on March 11, 2014, the Town Board
referred the proposed establishment of an open development area for Tax Parcel Numbers 18.-
1-5.1, 18.-1-5.2, 18.-1-2, 18.-1-3 and 18.-1-4 to the Planning Board for its advice; and
WHEREAS, as its March 18, 2014 meeting, the Planning Board adopted a resolution
recommending that an open development area for the above referenced parcels be established,
subject to certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Trumansburg Fire Department and EMS stated that the right of way provides
sufficient access for emergencies; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the establishment of said open development
area is an Unlisted action for which the Town of Ulysses Town Board, acting as lead agency in
an environmental review with respect to the establishment of the open development area, has,
on March 25, 2014, made a negative environmental determination of environmental
significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental
Assessment Form Parts 1 and 2, maps, and other materials;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses
hereby establishes an open development area for Tax Parcel Numbers 18.-1-5.1, 18.-1-5.2, 18.-
1-2, 18.-1-3 and 18.-1-4 be established, subject to the following conditions as specified by the
Planning Board and approved by the Town Board:
a. There will be no future subdivision of the parcels unless the Planning Board makes a
determination that the access is sufficient for any future parcels;
b. The right of way granting access to the parcels shall remain in place;
c. The driveway to the parcel will consist of asphalt, another hard surface or gravel and
will be sufficient to support the passage and weight of emergency vehicles with at least
a 20 ft wide entrance on new driveways;
rd
d. Any land disturbance within the open development area and within the Slope Overlay
Area is subject to Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board; and
e. Prior to Site Plan Approval and/or building permit issuance, the Fire Department and
EMS must approve access to the property; and
f. All future deeds and easements for all of the parcels in the open development area shall
contain the following provision: "This conveyance is made and accepted subject to the
open development area conditions approved by the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses
on March 25, 2014."
Moved: Ms. Zahler
Ms. Thomas
Ms. Zahler
Mr. Kerness
Mr. Goldman
Mr. Hertzler
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
OTHER:
Seconded: Mr. Kerness
(*ineligible for voting)
aye
aye
aye
aye
JACKSONVILLE:
Mr. Goldman drew attention to the deteriorating properties in Jacksonville, and his recent
conversation with Mr. Rachun, the Code Enforcement Officer. Apparently the town's powers
are currently very limited with regard to actions that can be taken on such issues.
Ithaca's policy was discussed and whether portions of it may be adopted by Ulysses.
Other ideas included:
• Purchase of the properties at a reduced rate
• Increasing fines
• Obtaining funding for community renewal
• Adopting a local code that is stricter, which has implications for increased enforcement
costs for the Town
Ms. Zahler and Mr. Goldman will attend the Jacksonville Community Association on March
27. Ms. Zahler would like to get a sense of that community's long and short term wishes on the
subject.
FROM MS. WRIGHT:
Newsletter update -
The newsletters were mailed on Monday, March 25 and some have been received.
The process promises to be easier and smoother next time around, and the costs came in less
than anticipated. She will leave some around town- at the library, Gimme! Coffee, laundromats,
etc.
Low income home repair info -
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Grant information for homeowners is available on the website.
FROM MS. ZAHLER:
Estimates for 2 different approaches for remediating the TTHM issue in Water District 3 were
distributed.
NEW BUSINESS:
ACCEPTANCE OF JUSTICE COURT ASSITANCE PROGRAM GRANT
RESOLUTION 2014-82: the Ulysses Town Board congratulates Justice Dresser for his grant
award from the Justice Court Assistance Program in the amount of $4,500 to be used to update
the Court Office facilities as spelled out in the grant proposal; also
RESOLVED that the remaining funds of $2,734.18 from the last JCAP grant may also be used
for this office upgrade using Mainstay Builders as the contractor; and
RESOLVED that the total for the upgrade of the office and equipment shall not to exceed the
overall amount of grant money received totaling $7,234.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Discussion: Mr. Kerness questions why the board is voting on this as the procurement policy
allows the supervisor to make a decision and notify the board.
Ms. Thomas
(*ineligible for voting)
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
nay
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 3-1
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING BOARD:
RESOLUTION 2014-83: the Ulysses Town Board appoints Richard Garner to serve as a full
member of the Planning Board for the remaining five (5) year term of outgoing member Stan
Beames. The term begins immediately and expires on December 31, 2018.
Further RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses thanks Stanley Beames for his many years of
excellent service to the Town.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Ms. Thomas (*ineligible for voting)
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
r,
Mr. Goldman aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
TOWN HALL CLEANING CONTRACT:
This resolution was tabled from the Organizational Meeting held on Jan. 6, 2014.
RESOLUTION 2014-26: Resolved that the Town of Ulysses enter into a cleaning contract
between the Town of Ulysses and Radhika "Vanessa" Zavatski for the purpose of cleaning the
town hall on a weekly basis for a period from April 16 through December 31 st in the amount of
$440 per month;
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Kerness
Ms. Thomas
(*ineligible for voting)
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
TOWN OF ULYSSES FORUM:
The forum will take place on Saturday, April 12.
Mr. Kerness would like to have board members available from 8:30-9am for residents who
would like to come early and chat.
MEET & GREET: April 12, 5-7pm
Ms. Wright is heading up an informal meet and greet on Saturday, April 12, from 5-7pm at
Good to Go.
Ms. Zahler will send out potential dates/times for future meet and greets around town.
Mr. Goldman would like to be involved in the plans of events like this in the future.
AG COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:
The board discussed the latest updates on getting the Ag Committee up and running. A broad
outreach approach is desired; in the past a breakfast was held. Appointment of a chair for this
committee must be done by resolution.
Ms. Thomas has been working with Ms. Kiley, Mr. Wertis (former chair of the committee) and
Mr. Henehan who has expressed interest in helping with the committee on a strategy.
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OTHER:
Mr. Kerness brought up the idea of a "consent agenda" as an effort to help streamline the meetings.
Non -controversial resolutions, those dealing with routine business matters, and topics that the town
board has discussed in advance could be passed with one vote. The group will decide which items will
be included on this agenda, removing any items from the consent agenda that they would like to
discuss further.
RESOLUTION 2014-84:
RESOLVED, the Ulysses Town Board will adopt the practice of using a consent agenda that
includes non -controversial routine decisions with the understanding that any item can be
removed from the consent agenda for discussion at the request of a single member.
FURTHER RESOLVED, all items on the consent agenda will be approved with one vote in
favor of the consent agenda.
Moved: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas
absent
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 3/25/14
Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
ADJOURN:
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:39pm was made by Mr. Goldman and seconded by Mr. Hertzler.
Respectfully submitted
by Carissa Parlato
4/2/14
N.
APPENDIX to Minutes of March 24,2014:
Recommendation from the Ulysses Planning Board on the PROPOSED OPEN
DEVELOPMENT AREA:
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF ULYSSES
RECOMMENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OPEN DEVELOPMENT AREA
FOR TAX PARCEL NUMBERS 18. -I -5.1,18. -l -5.2,18. -I -2,18.-l-3 and 18.4-4
Motion by Mr. Wertis, Seconded by Mr. Beames.
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses Board of Zoning Appeals adopted a resolution on March 5,
2014, referring the following question to the Town Board: Whether an open development area
should be established pursuant to Town Law section 280-a(4) for Town of Ulysses tax parcel
number ("TPN") 18.-1-5.1 and 18.-1-5.2; and
WHEREAS, access from Taughannock Boulevard to TPN 18-1-5.1 and 18-1-5.2 is via a right
of way across the lands of an adjacent property owner; and
WHEREAS, the same right of way and the driveway located therein also provides access from
Taughannock Boulevard to TPN 18.-1-2, 18.-1-3 and 18.-1-4, and it would be in the best
interest of the Town and the owners of these parcels to consider all parcels served by the same
right of way for inclusion in a proposed open development area; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Town Law section 280-a(4), on March 11, 2014, the Town Board
referred the proposed establishment of an open development area for Tax Parcel Numbers 18.-
1-5.1, 18.-1-5.2, 18.-1-2, 18.-1-3 and 18.-1-4 to the Planning Board for its advice; and
WHEREAS, the Trumansburg Fire Department stated that the right of way provides sufficient
access for emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the Tax Parcel Numbers 18.4-5.1 and 18.4-5.2 contain the soil called HsD3
(Hudson silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes), which is one of the soils that is part of the
Slope Overlay Area, a new designation in the Lakeshore zoning; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board has considered maps and other materials regarding this
matter;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Board recommends to the
Ulysses Town Board that an open development area for Tax Parcel Numbers 18.-1-5.1, 18.-1-
5.2, 18.-1-2, 18.-1-3 and 18.-1-4 be established, subject to the following conditions:
a. There will be no future subdivision of the parcels unless the Planning Board
makes a determination that the access is sufficient for any future parcels;
b. The right of way granting access to the parcels shall remain in place;
c. The driveway to the parcel will consist of asphalt, another hard surface or gravel
and will be sufficient to support the passage and weight of emergency vehicles
with at least a 20 fl wide entrance on new driveways;
0J
d. Any land disturbance within the open development area and within the Slope
Overlay Area is subject to Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board; and
e. All future deeds and easements for all of the parcels in the open development
area shall contain the following provision: "This conveyance is made and
accepted subject to the open development area conditions approved by the Town
Board of the Town of Ulysses on [insert date]."
Vote: Ayes — Beames, Hawkes, Rice, Wertis; Nays — Adams, Cutler, Garner
Motion passed.
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