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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-04-08 3A TOWN BOARD MEETING APRIL 8 , 1980 Minutes of the Town Board meeting held on the 8th of April Supv Cotterill called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 PM Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance Roll call was by the Town Clerk : Present : Supv Cotterill , Clm Tar , Clm Webb , Clm Jordan Atty Perkins and Z . O . Stewart Absent : Clm Metzger Supv Cotterill appointed Clm Webb to audit the highway bills . Approval of the minutes : Motion was made by Clm Jordan and 2nd by Clm Tarr that the minutes of the Public Hearing held on March 11th and the Town Board Meeting Held on March 11th be approved as submitted . COUNTY BRIEFING Co Rep Watros reported that there still has not been any:' action taken on the Irish Settlement Rd and Ferguson Rd intersection . Supv Cotterill said that at the last county meeting it was left that if anyone had any suggestions to get them to the Co Hwy Commissioner and he would make a study and information available . Supv Cotterill said that he did turn in one suggestion of what the town felt would be less expensive . He is waiting to hear when they are going to schedule a meeting . Supv Cotterill was wondering when the reassessments were being sent out ? Co Rep Watros thought that it would be next week since several towns have received theirs . . Supv Cotterill felt that the houses should be compared to the houses in the area that they are located in and not in some other part of the county or town . Clm Webb said that his big complaint was on the assessed value of land and farm land . Co Rep Watros said that the revaluation has come more in line , it did not go up like it did before . CITIZEN PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Mrs Bente Everhart thanked the Town Board for reappointing her to serve as the towns representative to the EMC for another term . Several committees were active and worked very hard , this resulted in considerable time for the chairman as well . Her term expired in Dec 31 , 1979 , but since the Board of Representatives have not yet appointed new members to the council , the bylaws directed the present officers to remain until new ones had been appointed . At the EMC ' s regular meeting the newly appointed members were sworn in and she agreed to serve as interim chairman until a successor had been found . The additional work load as chairman for her made it difficult for her to attend the regular Town Board meetings and she regretted this . Since the situation no longer exists she will plan to attend our meetings . Mrs Everhart reported on the events of the list of reappointed members to the Council . Also , wanted to get the Town Boards thoughts and receive any instructions from the Board Members as to best function on the EMC to benefit the town . Mrs Everhart reported that the function of the EMC is to inform the public and to advise the Board of Representatives on environmental matters of the county concern . The council can only fulfill this function effectively if working under conditions that make independent and creative thinking possible , even when this differs from the current thinking of the Board of Reps and the Co Planning Dept . It is ' regrettable that the Council has lost five of its most valuable members , 3 due to the failure of the Board to reappoint them , and 2 who were moved by the circumstances to resign . The Council may also have lost 4 additional members who have not as yet been reappointed . The board is not required to explain is action , but an explanation would be appreciated . They hope that the Board of Reps will support critical thinking by the Council in the future ; anything less could only result in the EMC becoming an environmental rubber stamp uncritically endorsing county projects . This would indeed be an unfortunate issue of the state ' s tax money and mislead the public . It would be appreciated for the Board to indicate: that Council recommendations that happen , not to agree with county officials , will not result in further losses to the Council of people who care , and who have chosen this way to give of their time , experience and particular talents to the community . Supv Cotterill said that he would back the towns representatives because he felt that they were very capable people and are looking out for the towns interest . Clm Webb agreed with Supv Cotterill that our representatives for the town are very capable . Mrs Everhart said the council is now working on the gypsy moth spraying , the transporting of nuclear waste and the airport problem birds on the runway . Mr Wolga from Snyder Hill Rd wanted to know if the Town Board had received the report back from Lozier Engineers with regard to the proposed water dist . Atty Perkins said the he received a phone call today from the engineer and a letter would go out in the mail to the town . He said that the bookkeeper would distrubute copies of the report to interested people . 3 V. Supv Cotterill asked the engineers to look at the present system , study the feasibility of using the present line that is there and how far it would furnish water with no further tanks or pumps . If he gives us a report and these are the thing, that are possible we will notify the people that are involved . They can then come to the Town Board and let us know their decision . Mr Wolga wanted to know if the Town Board was going to discuss the matter as a board after receiving a report prior to any response back from the people on Snyder Hill . Supv Cotterill said that he could see no reason for the board to discuss it since it would be the decision for the people involved on Snyder Hill . The Board is willing to hear what they have to say and get their input . Atty Perkins said that the Town Board acts as an agent only . Mr Wolga said that he understood that but , at the last meeting there was a very substantial indication to you that a proposed water district was not favored by the people . Supv Cotterill said that was true and that is why the board has dropped the issue . Mr Wolga said that it sounds now like you are anticipating some activity of a lesser district . If it is 10 or 15 people they were not represented as people wanting . it . Supv Cotterill said all they have to do is come to the board and tell them that they are not interested . The board had received a request from 4 or 5 people to give them information as to what is possible with no pumping station and no tank using the present system as to how far it would serve . Mr Wolga wanted to know why , then did the people who voted no are going to get the same information , they didn ' t ask for it . Supv Cotterill said that the people involved will receive the information then , they will have the chance to tell the board if they are interested . Part of them have asked for it , but I can ' t tell you how many . 2 or 3 people did point out 6 properties from the base of Snyder Hill Court back to the Ithaca Town Line that they had water problems , how severe we didn ' t get into that . They wanted the Town Board to get them information to see if it was at all possible to get water and what it would cost . The engineer has that information , it is just the matter of him giving it to the Board . This is all we have done , and I think it is our duty to give those people a chance to look at the information . Supv Cotterill didn ' t know if Mr Wolga would be in the water district but , if he was he would receive the information . If he didn ' t live in the water district then he wouldn ' t be concerned . Mr Wolga said he was concerned . Supv Cotterill said that as our attorney pointed out at the last meeting , should we make a proposal and set up a proposed district , we must have a public hearing , which is subject to a permissive referendum . This means that the people are going to vote on it . Mr Wolga said that he would have interpreted the events of the last meeting somewhat differently , but that is an individual matter . Supv Cotterill said that the board interpreted the events of the last meeting , that the people did not want any part of a district that required a pumping station or water tank that would include some 40 to 50 parcels . Mr Hunt wanted to know , when you say you are going to notify those people effected , he assumed you meant those people who might be served by any water system . Supv Cotterill said that was correct , by being effected he met by dollar bills . Mr Hunt said that with the topography of Snyder Hill and , because of an increase of water use the people at the bottom would end up with swamp land , and they certainly would be effected . Supv Cotterill said that wasn ' t his determination . Mr Hunt said he should take a look at this . He said he happens to be just beyond any reasonable water district . He does not want water , but if a water district is established he wants to be sure there is sewer also . The area covers the base of most of these lots along the north side of Snyder Hill Rd , and west of Snyder Hill Court where there is a low spot which septic fields will drain . We get increase water use in that arepand we are going to flood the area . We have a basically impermeable clay soil on the hill . The water district is not only going to effect the people that turn on the water tap . Supv Cotterill closed the discussion and siad that if there was a proposal there would be a public heating and ample time for anyone to give any information that they feel is pertinent and until we get to that point he saw no need for further discussion . Mr Hunt wanted to know who would be notified ? ' Supv Cotterill said that the people that would be paying the bill . There would be public notices put in the paper for the public hearing . There will not be any secrets on any hearings or proposals . Atty Perkins said that for a project of this size there is also the requirement before construction can begin for an environmental assessment and environmental impact statement will have to be filed . You will be able to review these and make your comments . Cim Webb said that if this does create a problem you have a right to come back onto the district itself . Supv Cotterill said that if there is an environmental impact study there will be people that are qualified to see what the effects would be and he is willing to give them the opportunity to do so . . Mr Hunt wanted to know if this information was a matter of public record ? Supv Cotterill said that anything that goes through this building is a matter of public record , we are not hiding1or promoting anything . We are trying to do a service to our citizens by providing them with the information they have asked for . ?f Clm Webb said that this group will find that since the area has been cut down it will be a lot harder to receive federal aid . Atty Perkins said that right now there is no grant and aid money available , only 5 per cent loan money . Supv Cotterill wanted to make it clear that the Town Board is not by any means promoting this water district , they are only doing their duty when this was requested by some of the residents . COUNCILMAN PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Clm Tarr reported that the town has 10 days to make any corrections on the census and notification of that correction on the report after the town receives it . The Town Board decided to have Chairman Barbara Caldwell , . Z . O . Stewart and Town Clerk Lloyd to work on the census when the town receives it . Clm Webb wanted Z . O . Stewart to check out McKee ' s in McLean since they are moving dirt . IPClm Jordan said he attened the sewer planning meeting and they have hired their archeologist . ATTORNEY There was discussion on games of chance and tabled until next months meeting . Supv Cotterill wanted to know the status of the purchase offer to LVRR . Atty Perkins said that he has only a verbal committment at this time . TOWN CLERK Reported that there is $ 84 , 618 . 00 left to be paid to the Supv and about $ 230 , 000 . 00 in uncollected taxes . RESOLUTION # 72 APPOINT SUB ELECTION INSPECTORS- DEMOCRAT Clm Webb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption . • RESOLVED , that this Town Board appoint Dorla Parker and Rosalie Yarosh as Democrat election inspectors . 2nd Clm Jordan Carried ZONING OFFICER 4 building permits for the month of March . 1 - one family and 3 additions to homes . ZBOA did not have any hearings . HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RESOLUTION # 73 IMPROVEMENT OF TOWN HIGHWAYS AND PROJECTS GEORGE ROAD PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 8-A HIGHWAY LAW Clm Jordan offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption . RESOLVED , that the plan prepared at the request of this Board for the improvement of town highways and cov ring all projects contemplated by it , pursuant to .Article 8 -A Highway Law , as filed in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Dryden , County of Tompkins on the 8th day of April , 1980 be and the same is hereby adopted ; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that copies of such plan be filed in the appropriate State and County Offices : in accordance with the provisions of Section 220 , Arictile 8-A Highway Law . 2nd Clm Tarr Roll call vote - all voting YES CORRESPONDENCE Received Dryden yearly ambulance report Letter from City of Ithaca regarding youth program survey Letter from the Town of Ithaca with regard to LVRR abadoned property r- o- w and proposed Snyder Hill Water Dist . Letter from Ceracche TV with regard of changing rates for cable TV CABLE TV DISCUSSION • Mr Suhanovsky was present and reported that they had completed their study on Virgil Rd , but they have not completed the study on North Rd yet . They have everything they need for Virgil Rd at this time to begin to order the materials . It is at a point now where we can proceed . Supv Cotterill wanted to know how long this will take , are we talking 3 or 4 months ? Mr Suhanovsky said that the last time he was here he had pointed out that it was taking at least 3 months for an order , but at this point in time he would be hesitant to state a time limit such as 3 months according to the nature of the industry . Mr Suhanovsky brought some information for the board with regard to the waiting time in ordering material , that had been printed in the trade journal . • Atty Perkins wanted to know how that compared to the promise contained in the franchise extension of cable TV? Mr Suhanovksy said that if you looked at item # 1 in the graph the amplifiers are projected at a 26 week deliver . If he ordered an amplifier today it would be at least 26 weeks before he received it . The manufacturer that they use has told them approximately one year if an order was placed today for a large order . jgi/ Supv Cotterill wanted to know why the length of waiting? Mr Suhanovsky said that at this point in time throughout the nation cable industries are growing at such a rapid pace and the economy is in a state where the vendors or manufacturers are not willing to expand their operations as indicated by the industry . Supv Cotterill wanted to know if they keey any supplies on hand ? Mr Suhanovsky said that they keep basically enough on hand for repairs and maintaining what they have . Supv Cotterill wanted to know why they don '. t anticipate on any line extensions each year ? Mr Suhanovsky said that it is a system that they utilize as sort of a military approach where , when you need something you request it for maintenance and emergency purposes . Supv Cotterill said that the Town of Dryden has had a constant request for line extension to Sammons Communication for the last 5 years , so there would be no danger of not ordering anything that the town wouldn ' t need . Atty Perkins said that the graph shows that the 26 week waiting period was the worst 411 time for the last year , and you are telling us now your supplier is 4 times the worst time for the last year in supplying amplifiers , and practices for inventory Mr Suhanovsky said that the black graph was last year and the white is this year . So the black graph showed an average of 14 weeks as the worst case . He was just using that as an example for amplifiers . They have since changed vendors for amplifiers , and practices for inventory , but that is not helping out now . Supv Cotterill said that if that is the case then you should order a 2 year supply because , you are going to have a lot of demands for line extension long before the materials get here . He felt that the Town of Dryden has at least 6 line extensions that are justifiable . He wanted to know what we tell people now when they ask us when are they going to get cable . - Mr Suhanovsky said to call him . Supv Cotterill was not satisfied with that answer . He wanted an answer that he could tell them and be truthful . He felt that we have played games long enough . Mr David Lee from Ceracche TV came to the Town Board 1 year ago and promised these people cable last fall , and you still can ' t give us an answer 1 year later . Ceracche wanted to get the franchise from this town board and they have an obligation to the residents for service . Atty Perkins wanted to know if the amplifiers have been ordered yet and when were they ordered ? Mr Suhanovsky said that they have been ordered , but didn ' t know the date . Supv Cotterill felt that it was Mr Suhanovsky ' s duty to tell the Town Board a date and be truthful about it as to when the residents can expect cable service on Virgil • Rd . Mr Lee was here 1 year ago and said that the cable would be brought from Ithaca in July and August , but promised the people that the minute the cable was installed , within 3 months he would bring them an extension . Now , you say you can ' t give us a date that we can expect cable service . He wanted to know if he could justifiably tell the taxpayers that ? Mr Suhanovsky said no , but would still hesitate to give a date because of the waiting period for equipment . Supv Cotterill said that when you were here in February you would come back to the Town Board with a time schedule and an answer , it has now been 60 days . Mr Suhanovsky said that he has been on vacation for 2 weeks . The only reason he is hesitant is that he has given dates before and they have not been able to meet them . Atty Perkins wanted to know who ' s fault it was , because they have known about this line extension for I year . Ceracche has been on notice for 1 year and that there was a demand for cable service on Virgil Rd and North Rd . It seemed to him that it would put the cable company on notice to investigate to see if there are the required number of subscribers or potential subscribers within 1 mile as your franchise says and if there is to go ahead and institute whatever needed to be done to start the wheels rolling . ®I Mr Suhanovsky said the wheels have started , but again he doesn ' t feel that he can give a definite date . Supv Cotterill felt that the board should have an answer as to 3 , 5 or 6 months and it is not unjustifiable . He felt that the people should have an answer as to when h they will see cable if it is in 6 months or 1 year and if they aren ' t going to see cable , let ' s be truthful . There company isn ' t any good and they aren ' t going to do anything about it . He felt that Mr Suhanovsky has an obligation to this board and give them some indication . The board wouldn ' t hold them to a 2 week or 30 day delay in time , but would be very unhappy if you said 4 months to 6 months and see nothing within 1 year , which has happened . We had a promise that we would have cable up there last fall and nothing has been done by your company . Ceracche has in their files a petition requesting cable service last year . j Mr Suhanovsky said he was not aware that Mr Lee had promised the people cable service 1 year ago . He felt that it is very difficult to give a date for extension when they do not know definitely when they will receive the equipment . Supv Cotterill wanted to know if we would be able to see cable service by the fall ? Mr Suhanovsky said if you look at the chart for an order for trunk cable the waiting time is 36 weeks , and there is no way they could get it done before that . Atty Perkins wanted to know if they did have to order the trunk cable : for any other area in Tompkins County ? Mr Suhanovsky said that he did have one prior committment at this time , and he did have to - order trunk cable . Atty Perkins wanted to know how long they have been waiting? Mr Suhanovsky said a long time . Supv Cotterill wanted to know what would happen if the cable was already there ', could that be amplified ? to give them service ? Mr Suhanovsky said if they had the material they would do it . • Supv Cotterill said well you don ' t need to wait for the cable what else do you need , possibly an amplifire : . Mr Suhanovsky said possibly a few amplifiers . Supv Cotterill wanted to know what portion of the cost is installation and what part is amplifiers and cable ? Mr Suhanovsky said the cable would be the more expensive portion . Supv Cotterill wanted to know that since on Scofield Rd the cable is already up the road why the residents there have been able to get Ceracche to amplify it ? Someone told him there are loops sticking out of the ground on his property , but he is unable to get service . Mr Suhanovsky said that a lot of portions of the system that Sammons had up in the air and in the ground that had never been activated . Some of it that was used as a sub-run in the air and had amplifiers in it , but not the type that could be used . Supv Cotterill said that this was an underground cable . Since Ceracche had their money invested in the cable why wouldn ' t you put amplifiers on it so the people could use it ? Mr Suhanovsky said that you need an engineer to design a system that will work . Supv Cotterill felt that since the cable was already there in the groung and people were begging for tv , the cable is at least over 50 per cent of your cost why those people haven ' t been given service . I feel that you should go over on Scofield Rd on the Dryden Town Line and Lansing line and look into this situation . Mr Suhanovsky said he would check into it . Supv Cotterill said that there is also a complaint about cable tv in Etna . In Etna and Schwan ' s Trailer Park there is cable but for One and a half miles on Etna Rd there is no cable . There must be 20 houses on Etna Rd with cable on both sides , but they tell the people on Etna Rd that it isn ' t feasible . Suvp Cotterill wanted to know if he had contacted Mr Sutton in regard to the cable extension on North Rd . for the termination point . Mr Suhanovsky said that they were going to extend the line up to the next street and he has been on vacation for 2 weeks so he hasn ' t seen Mr Sutton . Supv Cotterill said that it was his understanding that someone from the cable company was going to contact Mr Sutton and determine what was feasible , where the ending point would be , and get the engineering study back as to what could be done there . Mr Suhanovsky said that this hasn ' t been completed yet . In regard to Virgil Rd he will get some estimated for delivery times and get back to the Town Board as soon as he can , but is very hesitant to give a definite time . Supv Cotterill said that we have lost faith with the cable companies because we have had the same problem with Sammons Communication with promises for 4 years and never • got any results , and now we are in the same situation . The Dryden Town Board had no objection for video taping bingo sessions at the fire station . . RESOLUTION # 74 CONTRACT WITH COUNTY FOR SPCA DOG CONTROL Supv Cotterill offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption . RESOLVED , that this Town Board approve the contract with the county for dog services . 2nd CIm Webb Carried RESOLUTION # 75 TRANSFER FUNDS FROM UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE TO SS1 - 8120 . 4 Clm Tarr offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption . RESOLVED , that this Town Board authorize the Supv to transfer $ 570 . 00 from Unappropriated fund balance (surplus ) to SS1 - 8120 . 4 2nd C1m Jordan Roll -. call vote - all voting YES The Town Board approved the purchase of carpet for the Supervisor ' s and Judge Newharts offic RESOLUTION # 76 AUDIT HIGHWAY BILLS Clm Jordan offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption . RESOLVED , that the highway bills be paid as audited . 2nd Clm Webb Roll call vote - all voting YES RESOLUTION # 77 GENERAL FUND BILLS Clm Tarr offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption . RESOLVED , that the general fund bills be paid as audited . 2nd Clm Webb Roll call vote - all voting YES JUSTICE REPORTS Judge Newhart - $ 670 . 00 Jundge Sweetland - $ 2547 . 00 FINANCIAL REPORTS REVENUES EXPENSES General Fund A $ 3652 . 71 $ 13575 . 78 General Fund B 253 . 57 1808 . 36 Federal Revenue Sharing 281 . 69 - 0 Fire Protection District 288 . 74 - 0 - Highway 81431 . 72 57056 . 44 • NEW BUSINESS All the fire companies were present . Supv Cotterill wanted to get started on information that will be needed before the contracts are up and the budget is prepared . Supv Cotterill asked the fire companies to list all their present equipment and include type , age , water carrying capacity , and pumping capacity . List of anticipated equipment changes , replacements or additions , also include dates expected to make acquisitions and costs . Make this prediction for at least 5 years into the future . List of calls answered for the past 12 month period , include types of calls , and breakdown of man hours used or a summary of each call . Break into own area and mutual area and to what company mutual aid call was assisting . Actual expenses broken down by category for the past year , recently completed . Also income for same period and what source of money was . The proposed budget for 1981 by category . Mr Ernest Schaufler wanted to know if the Town Board was going to have another 2 year contract . Supv Cotterill said he would like a 2 year contract but at this time there has been no set time and is open for discussion . Mr Ed Couch from Etna wanted to know if they were covered by workman ' s comp . when they are called out for an emergency fuel call ? Supv Cotterill said that once you are called by the fire co- ordinator to go out on a call you are covered . Clm Webb wondered if the fire companies felt that the Town Board was to conservative wity trying to hold the line on taxes and what would the companies put as a fire tax rate if the assessed value stayed the same . Adjourned : 10 : 00 PM / 1 / ASV ' ,acs-r-r C-.. I : of Susanne Lloyd