HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg Mtg. Minutes 12/18/2000Minutes of the Regular Meeting
December 18, 2000
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees
Present: Mayor Anderson, Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse, Lynn, Meinhardt, Attorney
Tyler, Treasurer Silber, Police Chief Lansing, Fire Chief Evans, Supt. of Public Works
Cross, Clerk Manning
Absent: Trustee Dunning
Others: Jeff Cox, Fred Gouldin, Don Hartill, Mayor of Lansing, John Majeroni of
Cornell University Real Estate, Paul Sarokwash, David Woodard, Sue Woodard, Richard
Staples, Fair Gouldin, Carol Schmitt, Adelaide Gomer, Douglas Fowler, Kathleen
Damiani, Robin Palmer.
Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM and opened the meeting
to the Privilege of the Floor. Don Hartill submitted the following proposal (previously
outlined in his December 12,2000 letter to Mayor Anderson, distributed to each Trustee
before this meeting): To reduce the Inflow and Infiltration (1/I) in parts of the Town of
Ithaca and Village of Lansing sewer collections system such that the flow into the Village
of Cayuga Heights sewer plant will be reduced by an estimated 64,000 gallons per day or
more, and where one unit is the equivalent of 328 gal/day flow to the sewer plant, with
the requested issuance of a total of 30 new sewer units after the agreed repairs to two now
known sewer lines contributing to the I/I problem. The NYSDEC standard allows
reallocation of 1 gallon of sewer for every 3 gallons of 1/I. Mr. Hartill confirmed that the
repairs could be done during the winter months. The attached Resolution summarizes the
proposal. There was discussion about 2 Trustees who are actively employed by Cornell
University, which would be a key beneficiary of the Proposal being considered. Attorney
Tyler thought that Trustees Kusse and Lynn should abstain. However, it was noted that
the repairs are by the Village of Lansing, which the Village of Lansing has chosen to
share with Cornell B & T Technology Park. Trustee Fleming noted that the I/I problem
has been out there for years and now we have someone whom is willing to fix it. Supt.
Cross would like to witness the leak and verification of the UI repairs. He will verify in
the most expeditious manner possible. Trustee Kusse wanted assurances that the sewer
units shouldn't be issued until the repair is verified. Supt. Cross agreed.
Resolution 5205 — Proposal by the Village of Lansing for I/1 repairs and subsequent
sewer unit allocation.
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt, seconded by Trustee Fleming.
VOTED to accept Resolution 5205
WHEREAS the Village of Lansing, on its own behalf and on behalf of Cornell
University, has requested additional sewer units to be released to service three (3) new
buildings being constructed at the Cornell Business and Technology Park, adjacent to the
county airport, and
WHEREAS by letter of Don Hartill, Mayor of the Village of Lansing, dated
December 12, 2000 to Honorable Ronald Anderson, Mayor of this Village, a proposal has
been outlined to reduce the Inflow and Infiltration ( "I &I ") in parts of the Town of Ithaca
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and Village of Lansing sewer collections systems such that the inflow into the Village of
Cayuga Heights sewer plant will be reduced by an estimated 64,000 gallons per day or
more, and
WHEREAS one unit is the equivalent of three hundred twenty -eight (328) gallons
per day inflow to the sewer plant, and the requested issuance of a total of thirty (30)
sewer units alter the agreed repairs to two now known sewer lines contributing to the "I
and I" problem, will leave the Village of Cayuga Heights in a superior status to what
exists at present, now therefore it is hereby
1) RESOLVED upon repair by either Cornell or The Village of Lansing of the sewer
line in the Health and Human Services area of the Village of Lansing, fourteen
(14) sewer units will be released (nine [9] to Cornell University and five [5] to the
Village of Lansing), and it is further
2) RESOLVED upon repair by either Cornell or the Town of Ithaca of the 1,000 +
foot section of collector pipe along Hanshaw Road between Warren Road and the
Village line, sixteen (16) sewer units will be released (six [6] to Cornell and ten
[10] to the Village of Lansing).
Both Resolutions to be subject to verification by the Village Engineer of the
reduction of 1/I (14,000 GPD for the first Resolution above and 50,000 GPD for
the second Resolution above).
Mayor Anderson, Trustees Fleming, Kira and Meinhardt voted YES.
Trustees Lynn and Kusse abstained.
Trustee Lynn presented a Draft Resolution for authorizing submittal of legislation to the
NYS Legislature that would allow Cornell University to become a member of the
Commission and party to the Agreement of Municipal Cooperation for municipal water
service.
Resolution 5206 allowing submittal of legislation to the New York State Legislature
that would allow Cornell University to become a member of the Commission and
party to the Agreement of Municipal Cooperation
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kira.
VOTED to accept Resolution 5206
WHEREAS, the Commission on behalf of the village of Cayuga Heights and the
other four municipal members of the Commission, desires to formulate an Int ?grated
Water System with the City of Ithaca and Cornell University, and
WHEREAS, the Commission, in conjunction with representatives of the City of
Ithaca and Cornell University, is developing agreements to govern the operations of the
Integrated Water System, and
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WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights and Cornell University desire to have
Cornell University become a member of the Commission and party to the agreement of
Municipal Cooperation, and
WHEREAS, the Commission was formed when the Village of Cayuga Heights
and the other four member municipalities entered into the Agreement of Municipal
Cooperation pursuant to the authority contained in Article 5 -G of the General Municipal
Law of the State of New York, and
WHEREAS, Article 5 -G prohibits a municipality from entering into a joint
venture with a private entity, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University's water system is owned and operated by its
privately endowed college, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University's privately endowed college is a private entity,
and
WHEREAS, New York State General Municipal law must be amended by
legislation to allow the Village of Cayuga Heights and the other four member
municipalities to partner with Cornell University, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board has reviewed a draft of
proposed Iegislation to thereby amend New York State General Municipal Law, NOW
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Village of Cayuga heights Board authorizes the submittal of
legislation, in the spirit of the draft proposed legislation, to the New York State
Legislature to amend New York State General Municipal Law.
Trustees Meinhardt, Kusse, Lynn, Fleming and Kira voted YES.
Attorney Tyler again brought forward the tri-party Agreement between Cornell
University, The Village of Lansing, and The village of Cayuga Heights regarding
Emergency Sewer Connection from the Lake Source Cooling Plant to the Village
WasteWater Treatment Plant. A draft of the agreement had been presented to the Mayor
at the November meeting on November 20. Attorney Tyler explained again that for
emergency reasons and for periodic flushing of the closed loop portion of Lake Source
Cooling system, Cornell had requested and the Village of Lansing had approved in
amended form (originally approved in July of 1999 by them) the agreement proposed.
Attorney Tyler had requested from Cornell and superintendent Cross some specification
of details of the system and how it would operate with the emergency hook up. Trustee
Meinhardt asked why we are looking at this now. Tyler reported that Cornell had
presented the agreement in early November but that it wasn't until last week that the final
details had been received by Attorney Tyler from Supt. Cross. The necessary revisions
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had been approved over the weekend by Randy Marcus, attorney for The Village of
Lansing, and Shirley Egan on behalf of Cornell. Superintendent Cross assured the
trustees that the 500,000 gallon volume proposed to be received by the Village Waste
Water Treatment Plant would be pumped only on prior notice to and approval of the
Plant Operator at the rate of no more than 350 gallons per minute over approximately a
24 -hour period. The Village would not accept the closed loop water (which would come
through the Lansing sewer line from the Lake Source Cooling Plant to the Village Plant)
in times of high "I & I" due to heavy rains, snow melt, etc. Because of the nature of the
gravity feed from the closed loop system, the village was not being asked to accept the
entire volume of the closed loop but only that portion which could flow by gravity to the
LSC facility. The N.Y.S. DEC is requiring Cornell to run the flow from the closed loop
into the sewer plant rather than directly into the lake because of the possible presence of
some metals contamination as a result of the circulation of the water in the closed loop
over extended periods of time.
On motion due by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kira, the Mayor and Trustees
Fleming, Kira and Meinhardt (Trustees Kusse and Lynn abstained due again to their
Cornell connection) present voting in favor, the agreement for easement and emergency
connection to Village of Lansing Sewer for Cornell's Lake Source Cooling project from
its heat exchange facility, was approved and the Mayor was authorized to sign the
agreement.
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At 8:15 Trustee Fleming took over the floor as Mayor Anderson left to continue his
recuperation from shoulder surgery at home. Trustee Fleming wished the Mayor a
speedy recovery and a Happy Holiday.
Trustee Fleming continued with Privilege of the Floor. At this time Fred Gouldin
presented his Deer Committee Report to the Trustees, a copy of which is attached to these
minutes. There was discussion about the Public Meeting scheduled for January 17, 2001
at Dewitt Middle School. Adelaide Gomer asked if the meeting was going to be an open
forum. Mr. Gouldin stated that there would be 1 hour set aside for discussion. There was
also some concern about the outcome of the meeting. What would happen with the
information gathered after the meeting? Trustee Fleming said that the Board will make a
final recommendation after the Public Meeting. Kathleen Damiano expressed concern
about the one - sidedness of previous meetings. Trustee Meinhardt urged all residents to
attend the meeting so both sides would be represented.
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There were corrections to the minutes of the meeting of November 20, 2000. On page 5,
the motion to move into Executive Session was not seconded by Trustee Meinhardt, as
she was not present for that meeting. Trustee Lynn seconded it.
Trustee Lynn asked that as a general rule, the words "Sewer Plant ", whenever used,
would be replaced by "Sewage Treatment Plant ".
Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Lynn
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VOTED to approve the minutes with the changes in wording of the Regular Meeting of
November 20, 2000.
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Lynn, and Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
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There was no report of the Mayor.
The report of the Police Chief, which is on file, was presented and Chief Lansing
reported on the following:
Chief Lansing has been attending 911 system meetings.
The Radar unit has been put away for the winter months. It has proven to be very
effective for the Village.
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The report of the Fire Chief, which is on file, was presented and Chief Evans reported on
the following:
Regarding fire response, several dumpster fires were reported at the Winston
Court apartments. They have been turned over to the Sheriff's department for
investigation. The fires have stopped since the fires were reported in the
newspaper.
It has been discovered that there is an intermittent ladder truck extraction
problem. The cost for repair will be between approximately $4000 and $12,400.
The bids for the new fire engine have been sent out. We received two inquiries
from the newspaper ad. Bids will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Friday,
December 22 and opened at 4:00 p.m. Attorney Tyler and Treasurer Silber
discussed what would happen if we only received one bid.
Fire Chief Evans distributed a copy of the new Bunker contract. He would like to
get it finalized by the time everyone gets back from vacation. Chief Evans asked
the Board to comment on the agreement and drop off their comments to the Clerk
by January 5.
Paul Sarokwash gave his report on the progress of the new fire station, which is
on file. The project is right at $2 million, with approximately $10,000 or more
left in changes. Paul invited the Board to hold the January meeting at the new fire
station. Trustee Fleming agreed with holding the meeting at the fire station.
Fire Chief Evans asked to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues as
to the Fire Department. Supt. Cross stated he also had a personnel issue to
discuss which had arisen in the DPW.
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Supt. of PW Cross presented his report, which is on file, and reported on the following:
Supt. Cross met with TCAT on bus routs signs and stops. Supt. Cross requested
from TCAT a map of every place that TCAT has signs. TCAT needs to comply
with all specs of signage and UFPO. TCAT will get back to Supt. Cross with that
information. At that time, Supt. Cross would like to discuss additional shelters.
Regarding the shelter at Kendal, Kendal has built a platform.
Supt. Cross requested a resolution to approve an emergency purchase for plow
and dump equipment from Roberts Equipment to install on the truck we would
purchase from the original order from Tracey Road Equipment, as Tracey has
informed us that the dump /plow equipment we ordered from them will not be
available until late January, if then. The snowplow must be on line and
operational at once!
Resolution 5207 authorizing the Village to cancel that portion of the truck
order with Tracey Equipment representing the box and plow, leaving the
Village purchasing only the cab and chassis; and immediately contract with
Roberts Equipment to install a box and plow on the cab and chassis.
Motion by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Trustee Meinhardt
VOTED to approve Resolution 5207
WHEREAS the Village of Cayuga Heights requires a replacement truck with
snow plow for its Department of Public Works for the purpose of street
maintenance, utility repair, refuse removal, and;
WHEREAS the Village of Cayuga Heights ordered such a vehicle on a "state
contract" from a contractor approved by the New York State Office of General
Services, and'
WHEREAS it was unforeseen that said contractor would be unable to deliver said
vehicle pursuant to its contract such that it would be available for the 2000 -2001
snow removal season, and;
WJEREAS not having this vehicle represents a condition whereby public property
or the life, health, safety or property of the inhabitants of the Village of Cayuga
Heights would be threatened, and;
WHEREAS, pursuant to New York General Municipal Law Section 103, Sub 4,
this present situation requires immediate action by the board of Trustees of the
Village;
Now, therefore, it is hereby Resolved that the village of Cayuga Heights hereby
cancels that portion of the truck order with Tracey Equipment representing the
box and plow; leaving the Village purchasing only the cab and chassis at a cost of
$54,591 and;
It is further Resolved that the Village of Cayuga Heights immediately contracts
with Roberts Equipment to install a box and plow on the cab and chassis at a cost
of $40,065.
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Lynn, and Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
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On Personnel issues, Mike Newhart is still on light duty status. PERMA says the
situation may not change in the near future. Supt. Cross reports he has sought
legal counsel on this matter.
Laurie Johnston participated in a telephone conference with PERB and the
Teamsters. The State Board has written an agreement between the Teamsters and
the Village. Laurie Johnston signed the contract on our behalf on December 7.
We are waiting for the Teamsters to contact us regarding negotiations.
Treasurer Silber presented his report, which is on file. There was one addition to the
Abstract of Vouchers, which was to Data Com Warehouse in the amount of $923.15.
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt, seconded by Trustee Lynn
VOTED to approve Abstract of Vouchers with addition of Data Corn Warehouse
voucher for $923.15.
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Lynn, and Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
Treasurer Silber distributed a "Memorandum of Understanding" regarding the
Fire Protection Contract between the Village of Cayuga Heights and the town of
Ithaca. A new contract needs to be finalized before the end of the next calendar
quarter.
Attorney Tyler reported that he had already covered his items previously in the meeting.
Clerk Manning had no report.
Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Lynn
VOTED to move into Executive Session at 9:45 PM to discuss personnel matters with
Counsel on the Fire Department and DPW matters.
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Lynn, and Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
Motion by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Trustee Kira
VOTED to move out of Executive Session at 10:40 PM and adjourned the
meeting with a continuation of this meeting on January 5 at 4:00 PM to conclude matters
not completed which cannot wait to the regular January meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on January 15, 2001 at the
new Fire Station.
Norma Manning
Clerk
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