Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Mtg. Minutes 2/25/1975VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS MINUTES of the Annual Residents Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights held February 25, 1975 in the Village Hall. PRESENT: Mayor F. G. Marcham; Trustees David J. Allee, Ronald E. Anderson, Dooley S. Kiefer, Shailer S. Philbrick, Rene F. Randolph; Attorney Roger B. Sovocool; Fire Chief Lowell T. George; Engineer /Zoning Officer John B. Rogers; Police Chief Harlin R. McEwen; Village Justice William Tucker Dean. ABSENT: Trustee Verne A. Fogg; Treasurer Gordon B. Wheeler. OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Jensen of the Ithaca Journal and about 10 residents. By custom, the Chairman and Secretary for the annual meeting appointed from the floor were Mayor Marcham and the Village Clerk. Mayor Marcham welcomed everyone and reported on the progress of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, stating that the representatives on the Com- mission for the Village are Trustee Shailer S. Philbrick and Kenneth Myers, Presiden of the Citizen's Savings Bank and a resident of the Village. Mr. Myers is also the Chairman of the Commission. The Tompkins County Sewer District No. 1 will soon be operating the new, expanded Village Wastewater Treatment facility. After the plant is completed and operating satisfactorily, all monies from the State and Federal governments are received, and the Village accepts the plant from the building contractors, it will be purchased from the Village by Sewer District #1 of the County. To the question what the Village will do with the money received for their equity in the plant, the answer • was that through state law, the money will be used to benefit the Villagers to the fullest extent. Mayor Marcham mentioned the newly formed Village of Lansing which is our neighbor to the North. We are waiting to see what impact it will have on the area. Mayor Marcham informed the Villagers that he is sending out a letter summarizing the Dog Ordinance which has been passed and is now in effect. This letter will also mention other points of interest to Villagers. The amended Treasurer's Report is on file in the Village Office. In the absence of the Treasurer, Mayor Marcham asked Trustee Randolph to comment on the financial condition of the Village and answer any questions which might arise. Trustee Randolph said the Village is in good financial condition and asked for questions. There were no questions. The funds which the Village will receive upon the sale of the Sewer Plant may very well be used to lower the sewer rent charges. Village Justice W. T. Dean suggested that the Village look into the possible pur- chase of the Savage Farm to be used as a Village park. He thought perhaps the economies at Cornell might persuade them to part with that portion oz land at this particular time. Mayor Marcham mentioned that the budget for the coming year is being worked on. We can expect an increase due to salaries, utilities, and other major items and costs • of materials. The budget will be ready some time in March. Engineer Rogers gave his report and it is on file in the Village Office. Among the subjects he mentioned were the good condition of the roads; the use of sand mixed with salt to decrease the cost and help the ecology. The Village has adopted the same holidays for refuse collection as the City of Ithaca in an effort to eliminate the confusion of delays in pickup. 14TMMM of Annum Meeting - February 25, 1975 page 2 The Engineer asked residents to trim the shrubs and bushes which might interfere with the operation of the sidewalk snow plow or be a traffic hazard. The expanded sewer plant is 95' complete, and the Village is the first plant on Cayuga Lake which will have a tertiary treatment. This treatment is expected to begin in May of this year. The.Engineer outlined the extensive and continuing search the Village is taking and has undertaken to locate infiltration into its sewer lines. It is expected that money will be added in the new budget for the painting of the interior of the Village Hall building. "As you can see," he said, "it really needs painting, especially after what the squirrel did this past weekend." The Village Office was completely occupied December 1, 1969; therefore, after five years, the offices need painting. The Village official map has been updated and is in the process of being printed. A group of residents brought into action by ex- Trustee Claire C. Nulle and headed by Mrs. Nina Lambert generated interest in renovation of the Village Parks. Sunset Park was cleared of overgrown brush by a group of Village resident volunteers with assistance of a group of the youths of the Village. Much of the outstanding view of the valley, lake, and west hill was restored. Additional work is to be budgeted and scheduled for the next fiscal year. Zoning Officer John B. Rogers's report is on file in the Village Office. The Village Justice William Tucker Dean gave his report which is on file in the Village Office. In going over his report, he recognized the excellent police force and the cooperation he receives from not only our police force but the State Police, County Sheriff, and the Cornell University Safety Division. He stressed the alcohol problem and its effect on dangerous driving. Police Chief Harlin R. McEwen gave his report and it is on file in the Village Office. He mentioned that the number of complaints handled by his department has increased over last year. There was a larger turnover in personnel then usual. Mayor Marcham told Villagers that we have a good reputation, and that we do not have to seek employees to fill our police officer positions since they seek us. Police Chief McEbren, after being asked, stated that most of the burglaries are house burglaries as opposed to commercial -type burglaries. Fire Chief Lowell T. George gave his report and it is on file in the Village Office. The main topic was to report that all fittings for the fire hydrants and fire truck have been changed from an Ithaca thread to the National Standard Thread which facili- tates better cooperation through Mutual Aide. The Fire Chief also suggested that if anyone was interested in becoming an active fireman, they were most welcome. The Fire Company is urgently looking for more volunteers. • Village Forester David Pimentel gave his report and it is on file in the Village Office. He mentioned that to begin with there were over 30,000 elm trees in the Village; and now that they are being thinned out, the disease should level off. • WNWES of Annunl Meeting - February 25, 1975 page 3 Mayor Marcham remarked that all one needs do is drive around and see the skeletons of elm trees still standing in fields to realize what the Village would look like without out program of cutting diseased elm trees. The Mayor also spoke of the enthusiasm and positive way residents and youth volun- teers worked to restore Sunset Park to the beauty of former years, especially to make it possible to have the beautiful view again. The Nominating Committee reported on their work and said the following people were willing to run as candidates for the position of Trustee of the Village: Ronald E. Anderson Sara R. T. Elkins John L. Munschauer Shailer S. Philbriek David Pimentel Jean R. Robinson There were no nominations from the floor. Motion was made by Justice Dean and seconded by a resident that the nominations be closed. Passed. Mayor Marcham took this opportunity to speak of the many years of the most industri- ous, loyal, and concerned service of Trustee Verne A. (Misty) Fogg. He was especi- ally interested in the welfare of the work force. He was a direct line of communi- cation with the men for the Mayor since, "Misty would always stop and talk to the men and boost their morale in any way possible." There being no other business, the Mayor reminded residents of the coming Registra- tion Day and Election Day. The Meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M. L Rose M. Tierney Village Clerk