HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-21TB 7-21-16
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TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
July 21, 2016
Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Linda Lavine,
Cl Deborah Cipolla-Dennis, Cl Kathrin Servoss
Absent: Cl Daniel Lamb
Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk
Other Town Staff: Mariette Geldenhuys, Town Attorney
Ray Burger, Director of Planning
Jennifer Jones, Recreation Director
Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and board members and the audience
recited the pledge of allegiance.
Supv Leifer said it had been reported in the media that the board had moved the
citizens privilege portion of the meeting to the end of the meeting, but it has been held after
public hearings since he’s been on the board.
There is information about town tax rates for the 2016 year (from Tompkins County
Assessment) for those interested. Dryden comes in #7 of the 9 towns, in the lower third.
Properties in the villages will have an additional village tax. School tax rates are listed on back
of the page. This information may be helpful to people during the budget season.
Cl Servoss reminded everyone that the Dryden Lake Festival at Dryden Lake Park is on
Saturday (10 am to 5 pm). TC3 has two upcoming events that are open to residents. There is
a community cleanup on September 24 to clean up the roadsides on Livermore Road, Lee Road
and Route 392 and perhaps other walkable roads from TC3. They will have an outdoor movie
on August 26. The movie is the Jungle Book. The community is welcome and it is free to the
public.
TOWN CLERK
RESOLUTION #122 (2016) – APPROVE MINUTES
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the meeting minutes of June 9 and
June 16, 2016.
2nd Servoss
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
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PUBLIC HEARING
ZONING LAW AMENDMENT
DENSITY CHANGE
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Ray Burger explained this is a
zoning law amendment that was first introduced in April. It then went to the Planning Board
for review and has come back with no amendment from the Planning Board. This amendment
basically takes the parcels in the rural residential and rural ag districts and, if they have water
and sewer available to them, then there would be an increased density of up to six dwelling
units per acre and a maximum of 30 dwelling units per lot. This is an amendment that
piggybacks on an earlier amendment that clarified a two dwelling unit per acre density in those
two districts. This clarifies that when there is infrastructure present it has an increased
development density.
Tompkins County Planning has provided their §239 review, the town Planning Board
has made its recommendation, and the board received comments from J Skaley and D
Weinstein.
Supv Leifer noted that the County’s letter does not identify any county -wide impacts.
They talk about a different way of doing the same thing by amending the zonin g map and
changing the zones for those parcels. He is confused by the county’s position when they have
been pushing nodal development near where services exist, and they want to increase housing
in the county in areas that can support higher density such as Varna.
Cl Cipolla-Dennis said we want to encourage development in the hamlets and villages
as much as possible and following the town’s and county’s comprehensive plan of trying to
increase density in certain areas to avoid sprawl as well as being aware of sprawl from a
climate change perspective. She thinks there should be some allowance for where services are
available as compared to where they aren’t, but she was thinking it could be something more
along the lines of 4 units per acre or twenty units per lot because that would increase the
incentive for developers to go to the areas where we want more density. She is also confused
by the letter from County Planning and how this might be a county -wide impact.
Supv Leifer noted that our Planning Board recommended that this amendment be
passed, with David Weinstein being the only member against it. The hearing was left open at
7:15 p.m.
Statement received via email from David Weinstein
Dear Town Board members,
I strongly advise you to reject the proposed amendment to increase the allowable density in the Rural
Residential and Rural Agricultural districts serviced by water and sewer to 6 units per acre, with a
maximum of 30 units per lot. I regret that because of a conflict with another meeting I a m not able to
submit these comments in person, but I would appreciate it if you would consider my written comments
instead.
On the surface, it might make sense to encourage densification anywhere in the town that is serviced by
sewer and water. However, the principal area that would be immediately affected by this change without
extending our current service lines would be the strip of corridor along Rt 366 from the Freese Road
intersection to its intersection with Rt 13 near NYSEG. This amendment would encourage strip
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development along this corridor, something that all the planning processes that the town has engaged in
to date have sought to avoid.
This area was intentionally and explicitly not included in the higher density Varna Hamlet zoning districts
and was purposefully kept as a lower density area for the following reasons.
1. The Varna plan’s goal is to focus density in the hamlet proper. Encouraging development along this
strip outside of the hamlet will decrease the likelihood that new developments w ill be placed in the hamlet,
and will thereby work against the objectives outlined in the Varna Hamlet Plan of 2012.
2. The entire collection of sewer districts on the west-central side of Dry den has relatively few hook-ups
of capacity left. The original estimate of available hookups made by T.G. Miller engineers in their 2010
report was 200, which was then revised upwards with little documentation to 400 units several months
ago, and finally revised again in an email to me to 250 to 315 units. The point is t hat although there is
considerable uncertainty, clearly the total available is limited to considerably below 400, many of which
will be consumed by projects already under consideration.
3. There are approximately 90 parcels in this corridor. Under the present zoning, this area could already
support an additional 150 hookups beyond what are currently there (approximately 160 hookups of a total
of 310 hookups), conservatively counting current commercial businesses as 1 hookup. This leaves about
150 hookups available for development within the hamlet.
With the proposed zoning, this corridor could accommodate 850 hookups, or an additional 700 over those
existing. Potentially no hookups would be available for development in the hamlet if this corridor is built
out quicker.
There is no reason to encourage the acceleration of development in this corridor outside the hamlet,
using up vital resources that do not further the stated goals of our comprehensive plan.
The County Planning Department’s analysis is entirely correct that this amendment would run counter to
our comprehensive plan and would encourage sprawl.
Thank you for your time and attention,
David Weinstein
Statement received via email from James Skaley
To: Members of Dryden Town Board and Planning Board
Re: Vote on increasing density for RR/RA zones along Rt 366 in Varna.
It is my understanding that the County Planning Department has written to indicate that they disapprove
of this change and therefore, the Town Board vote would require a super majority t o allow for increased
density in this area. As Mr. Marx has indicated this change could result in rural sprawl counter to the town
comprehensive plan. Furthermore, as has been discussed in previous board meetings, the intent of the
Hamlet Plan is to focus density in the Plan area along with appropriate amentities including commercial.
It has also been pointed out by David Weinstein that changing the density along this whole corridor would
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likely exceed the available sewer hookups for this area and hence be counter to the planned development
in the hamlet proper.
The proposed PUD at 1061 should be considered in the same light-not only does it go counter to the
current zoning that only provides for increased density through a sub-division, but it will likely be subject
to the same criteria that the County has applied in their rejection of the increased density proposal. This is
aside from the fact that the project does not meet the definitions of a PUD and does not allow for
amenities that would provide for community use or contribute in a meaningful way to sustainable
development in the hamlet.
It is time that the Town Board and Planning Board begin to act proactively in assessing what it is that
they do want in terms of development in Varna and then advertise that to prospective developers. As
long as the vision conforms to the Hamlet Plan, I believe residents would be far less inclined to object to
new proposals. As I have pointed out in previous letters, the community has invested considerable
resources in time and effort to indicate their desires—it is past time that the Town move proactively to
address those perpsectives. With pending road improvements on Rt 366 in the next couple years —it is
timely to attract the kind of development and balanced housing approach that conforms to the Hamlet
Plan. This would include proposals for projects that allow for home ownership and permanent residency
and a commercial anchor at the intersection of Freese and Mt Pleasant.
Sincerely, James E. Skaley
PUBLIC HEARING
VERIZON WIRELESS SPECIAL USE PERMIT
IRISH SETTLEMENT AND ROUTE 13 SITE
Supv Leifer announced that Verizon can’t be present and the board won’t be taking
action tonight, but will take comments.
Sarah Osmeloski read the following statement and shared the photos attached.
I’m Sarah Osmeloski. I addressed you last month about my concerns the proposed Verizon cell tower would have on
my property and viewscape. I shared several pictures with you showing the potential impact this tower would have
on my property. I’d like to share a couple more pictures showing the visual impact this tower would have on
everyone who uses Dryden Rd. to access Dryden. These pictures were taken from the side of Rt. 13 where everyone
driving by will get a view of this 170’ tower.
This first picture was taken from the side of Rt. 13 between 2150 and 2171, looking northeast.
With the addition of the tower at this location you will get to see all 170’ of it as there is no concealing vegetation.
This next picture was taken across from Scotties at 2171 Dryden Rd, looking north.
This is the picture with the tower drawn in. If this tower was shorter it maybe be concealed by landscaping, however
the proposed height is a least twice the height of our native trees. In addition, most of the tree s in this area
deciduous, so in the winter months you will get to see even more of this tower.
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If you drive along Dryden Rd. you are going to see this tower and a lot of it. Not just a stick on the horizon like we
are used to but an invasion of our space.
I don’t believe marring the approach to our town or ruining some of its beautiful views is worth the 1.7 miles of cell
service for one phone company, especially when more discreet sites for this tower are available. In my opinion 2150
Dryden Rd. is just a bad location for a cell tower. I’m asking the Board to deny this special permit request.
Joe Osmeloski, 2180 Dryden Road, echoes everything his wife said. He recalled the
contentious times of potential gas drilling and residents concerned with the effect of gas drilling
on their home. He asked that the board consider his situation with this tower and his home.
The only tool available to them in this situation is to come to the board.
He said the board has heard remarks about obstructionism and the need to increase
infrastructure in order to improve the tax base and he agrees to a certain degree, but not at the
expense of this town’s number one resource: it’s natural beauty. People want to live here
because of it’s beauty. He has been at his home for 30 years, and he and his wife have never
before come to the board to speak negatively about anything that has moved into their area.
They’ve had the tree farm, Scottie’s Auto Repair, Back to Basics, a health place, Karina’s Bridal
Boutique and a day care center. They’ve never opposed those things because they felt they fit
with the natural beauty of Willow Glen, with the cemetery and the farms. But 170’ cell tower
500’ from their home doesn’t fit in Willow Glen. It’s right behind the cemetery and will be
noticeable to everyone that comes to Dryden. He asked the board to deny the special use
permit.
The hearing was left open.
CITIZENS PRIVILEGE
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Speed limit change – A petition was received requesting a lower speed limit on Lower
Creek Road between Hanshaw Road and Route 13 signed by 13 of the residents. The speed is
currently 40 mph and they would like it lowered to 25 or 30 mph.
RESOLUTION #123 (2016) – REQUEST LOWER SPEED LIMIT ON LOWER CREEK ROAD
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, the Dryden Town Board has received a petition from residents for a lower
speed limit on a portion of Lower Creek Road in the town, and
WHEREAS, the section of Lower Creek Road that runs between NYS Route 13 and
Hanshaw Road is for the most part a residential area and is without a sidewalk or wide
shoulders, and
WHEREAS, this short stretch of road is used as a short cut for commuters, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is concerned with the safety of its residents as well as the
traveling public, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that This Town Board hereby requests that the speed limit on Lower Creek
Road between Route 13 and Hanshaw Road be lowered to 25 or 30 miles per hour, and
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requests that the New York State Department of Transportation conduct a study of the area to
determine whether such a speed limit is warranted.
2nd Cl Cipolla-Dennis
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Advisory Board updates
Planning Board – The Planning Board visited the TC3 solar site and is gathering
information to put into a recommendation for changes to the renewable energy law specifically
related to solar. They are also holding a hearing next week on the proposed planned unit
development at 1061 Dryden Road. The Tiny Timbers subdivision is also on agenda for sketch
plan review next week (is on website). Applicant proposes 15 single family owner occupied units
at the corner of Freese Road and Route 366.
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
MORATORIUM ON PUBLIC UTILITY INSTALLATIONS
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. and Town Clerk read the public
hearing notice published in The Ithaca Journal.
Public Comment
Joe Wilson said he supports proposed moratorium and read portions of the email sent
to the board regarding this and noted that the proposed West Dryden Pipeline will generate
hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue for Iberdrola.
To the Town Board Members,
I support the proposed moratorium set for public hearing July 21. The reasons stated in the
draft in Sections A, B, and C of the draft moratorium include many of the problems and
issues many residents of the Town have been raising regarding our zoning law for more
than a year. …. Substantially add…. It is the duty of the TB to make use of the moratorium
to adopt standards and ….. to protect residents. Include those portions of the SEQR
handbook 3rd edition and ….. previously shared with all.
Given that NYSEG will be using eminent domain to impose the construction of a 7+ mile,
"unregulated" gas pipe through the private property of about 100 Town residents for the
purposes of raising gas line pressure throughout the County and for the purpose of gaining
20-years of new gas customers, the Town Board's taking the time to address inconsistencies
in the current zoning law is only common sense.
In addition, NYSEG/Iberdrola's proposed methane gas pipe is likely to create or worsen
certain conditions affecting the Town's residents. These include th e following:
The 700,000 cubic feet per hour of gas which can run through the Pipe when burned
will defeat our County-wide goals for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas
emissions.
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This 700,000 cubic feet of gas per hour threatens to worsen the leaks and further
degrade the safety of our 50+ year old county-wide gas infrastructure as
documented by Cornell Professor Emeritus, Tony Ingraffea.
The increased use of gas which the Pipe will cause will add to air pollution, harm
public health, and cause population growth which contradicts our preferred rural life-
style and will substantially add to the burdens on our taxed-payer provided roads
and public infrastructure--all without contributing substantially to our Town's
revenue.
The operation of this Pipe with methane pressurized to 124 pounds per square inch
also threatens the lives and property of all residents within the burn -blast zone of
the Pipe--a zone which so far NYSEG/Iberdrola has been unwilling to disclose. Those
threatened include at least the 100's of residents along West Dryden Road in whose
front lawns the pipe will be installed as well as the fire and EMT personnel who will
have to respond to Pipe-related leaks, fires, or explosions.
Therefore it is the duty of our Town Board to make use of the moratorium to adopt
standards and requirements as suggested in Section D to help protect the health, safety,
community character, and general welfare of us residents.*
*I strongly suggest that these standards and requirements include those portions of Th e
SEQR Handbook, 3rd Edition, and the The Guide to the Assessment of Energy Use and
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in an Environmental Impact Statement which I have previously
shared with you. (Both are published by the Department of Environmental Conservation.)
Supv Leifer said the Tompkins County Planning has reviewed the proposed moratorium
and finds no negative inter-community or county wide impacts. Email comments were received
from Judy Pierpont, Pat Dubin, and Kathy Russell and are set out below.
Joe Osmeloski recommended that Section G of the proposed moratorium include cell
towers.
Supv Leifer said cell towers are largely regulated by the FCC and the town has a
telecommunications law that is separate from the zoning law and those two things ma ke it
different. The FCC’s policy, in general terms, is to get broadband and wireless infrastructure
up as quickly as possible. The most recent action taken by Congress was to shorten the
amount of time municipalities have to review applications once the y are deemed to be
complete. Location is determined by propagation studies. The town doesn’t have a lot of power
in that area. The whole cell network is deemed interstate commerce.
Cl Lavine would like R Burger to comment at the next meeting about location. She
understands that the Town of Caroline had a problem with this.
J Osmeloski said the proposed site of this tower is on 140 acres. There are other places
on that site that they would not oppose. It is being put in the absolute worst spot as far as the
they are concerned.
This is a Type 2 action, so no SEQR is required.
David Bradley said he is in favor of the moratorium and in favor of not having the
pipeline installed. The pipeline is an example of where private industries lust for fo ssil fuel
usage and profits are conflicting with the betterment of the people of the town. It is an example
of taking one for the team. There is nothing in this pipeline that benefits the Town of Dryden.
We are subsidizing Lansing’s development. About 3 months ago peak production occurred and
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it will wind down very fast. The pipeline will get a community addicted to greater methane use.
He asked the board to be smart and try to go for usage and consumption that is compatible
with the 21st century.
Kathy Russell email:
I support the proposed moratorium on the West Dryden Road pipeline. Many residents of the Town have
been alerting the Board to serious problems we have with the pipeline, and I feel the Board needs time to
study current zoning law and to adopt the sort of standards and requirements suggested in the SEQR
Handbook, 3rd Edition, and the Guide to the Assessment of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
in an Environmental Impact Statement from the NYS DEC.
I have many concerns regarding the pipeline such as the following:
· The potential use of eminent domain will jeopardize the property rights of landowners.
· The pipeline will not be regulated though it will increase the flow of methane. We must limit
infrastructure that increases fossil fuel use.
· Allowing 700,000 cubic feet per hour of gas to flow through the pipe is incompatible with Tompkins
County GHG reduction goals.
· Professor Anthony Ingraffea has documented leaks in countywide gas infrastructure. It is
unreasonable and totally unwise to ignore his warnings and fail to act to limit pressure on County
gas infrastructure.
· Methane use and transmission is a danger to public health. I was astounded by this list of pipeline
explosions. Please note—
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pipeline_accidents_in_the_United_States_in_the_21st_century
· Increased use of town roads and emergency services. These must be carefully anticipated and
planned for. There will be no increase of revenue to the town to cover these.
· Increased air pollution.
· Threat to the rural character of our Town
The Town Board is entrusted with protecting the land, water, air and citizenry of Dryden. Therefore,
under the Public Trust Doctrine you need to take all steps necessary to meet this duty of trust. See:
http://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/us/federal-lawsuit/
You have not only a legal duty under this Doctrine but also a moral duty to adopt standards and
requirements regarding the potential impact of a pipeline on West Dryden Road.
Patricia Dubin email:
Thank you for your consideration of “Local Law Providing For A Moratorium on Certain Public Utility
Installations For A Period Of One Hundred Eighty (180) Days”. I hope all Dryden Town Board Members
will strongly support and vote to pass this Moratorium.
Although I do not live in Dryden, I have been carefully following issues related to the West Dryden
pipeline. I believe decisions about this pipeline will present the biggest challenges to Dryden Town
Board Members since the fracking ban. Everyone in Tompkins County and beyond will be affected if the
pipeline is constructed. Cornell Emeritus Professor Tony Ingraffea estimates that the pipeline will be
capable of carrying 700,000 cubic feet per hour of natural gas. According to Professor Ingraffea and
Professor Bob Howarth of Cornell, if NYSEG is allowed to build this natural gas pipeline, it is unlikely the
County will meet its green house gas emission goals of 20% reduction by 2020.
Now is the time to stop this pipeline. Once it is built it will be much more difficult, if not impossible, to shut
it down. The Board has an opportunity to make town and county residents safer and keep all of us
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healthier. The strictest standards and scrutiny must be applied to this project by including analysis of
green house gas emissions and pollution in any future assessment of the impacts of this project. This
can be accomplished by following the guidelines suggested in portions of the SEQR Handbook,
3rd Edition and The Guide to the Assessment of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emission in an
Environmental Impact Statement, both published by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
I appreciate your efforts to carefully consider and plan for the many harmful effects associated with this
pipeline. I hope you will vote in support of the Moratorium Law and do everything you can to protect
Dryden and county residents.
Judy Pierpont email:
I am writing to support you in passing a local law establishing a 180-day moratorium on the granting of
permits for utility infrastructure developments—excluding cell towers. I agree that the Dryden zoning
laws and definitions governing such projects are unclear and need to be revised before such consequential
developments can be considered.
I am also in favor of taking time to deeply consider ways in which the “standards and requirements that
are tailored to specific uses” imposed under other zoning law provisions to avoid or minimize impacts of
those uses might be extended to the impacts of utility infrastructure, namely pipelines. Pipelines carrying
methane have considerable impacts on public health and safety; we are now aware of the effects of
methane leakage/pollution on asthma rates and of the frequency of pipeline explosions in residential
areas. We are also desperate to reduce green-house gas emissions before it is too late to mitigate the
strong effect of unburned methane on climate change. We in Dryden need to hold the line here in order
for us and Tompkins County to meet our GHG emissions targets. For the well-being of all of in the long
term (as well as for the well being of individual property owners whose property is at risk of being
condemned by a private corporation), I ask you to instantiate in our Town’s legal code means to protect
our future health and safety and the livability of our world, near and far. We at the local governmental
level are now the ones responsible for putting in place the laws that will make reducing GHG emissions
possible at the town, county, state, national, and ultimately global levels. It’s our chance, and our moral
imperative.
In particular, to help in achieving these reductions, please consider how the implications of the SEQRA
disclosures on energy use and additional emissions generated by any pipeline project should determine
the decision to approve any permit. The Town will need to fully assess additional GHG emissions of any
pipeline project, getting help with doing appropriate studies if necessary. Once it is clear how much
additional GHG emissions the proposed Dryden-Lansing Reinforcement project will cause in the county,
I think it will be clear that the SEQRA guidelines will require mitigation. We will have to determine
whether a pipeline installer can or cannot meet adequate standards of mitigation, and be prepare d to
declare that the proposed mitigation is not adequate. It should be 0 contribution to GHG emissions if we
are serious about our role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
The public hearing was left open at 7:45 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS
Bolton Point – Commissioners Jack Ruckheim and Linda Woodard were present to
address the board.
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J Ruckheim said the current Bolton Point rate structure is that customers pay for a
minimum of 10,000 gallons per quarter. This covers the fixed costs that Bolton Point has. The
Planning & Public Affairs Committee for the commission thought they could increase the
fairness of the structure and that was one of the objectives when they started talking about
this. The other three were: the ability to create the required revenue, any adopted rate
structure would reward or encourage water conservation efforts, and for the minimum payment
to continue to finance the fixed costs of the operation. They considered a lot of scenarios and
decided to change the 10,000 gallon minimum per quarter to 5,000 gallons per quarter. Bolton
Point’s current rate is $4.40 per 1,000 gallons with a 10,000 minimum ch arge per quarter.
Linda Woodard explained that she got involved when she realized that as a single
person she was using approximately 3,000 gallons per quarter, not 10,000. At first , the
committee was reluctant to change the rate structure because their fixed costs are almost 75%.
They wanted to still recover those costs if the rate changed. L Woodard looked at the water
consumption and revenues for 2014 and 2015 for all five municipalities and developed a
program to simulate what was going on so they could look at a variety of scenarios to see which
ones met the criteria the committee was looking for. After much discussion they decided that
the 5,000 gallon minimum option was probably the best solution.
The rate increase will be about 9%, sort of what it has been from year to year anyway.
Graphs and charts were shown to explain usage, meter size, and percent of readings below the
minimum. The minimum will be significantly lower than it is right now. This will be fairer for
people at the lower ends and their bills will go down. Those using 9,000 gallons or less per
quarter will see a decrease in their bill. Those using more will be paying more than they are
now, the largest increase being about 9.5%. Larger consumers are essentially getting a break
now, and the committee decided this is a good compromise. Revenues will still cover the fixed
costs. The new rate structure will be effective beginning in 2018.
This rate structure does not affect sewage, but they will tackle it in a si milar manner.
Current drought conditions were discussed. Bolton Point does have an emergency plan
that addresses water use in a drought. Cornell and the City of Ithaca are concerned. The city
is trying to accelerate getting their plant on board. Bolton Point is committed to helping them
both, but not at the expense of Bolton Point customers.
J Ruckheim explained the original Agreement of Municipal Cooperation was done in
1974. Since then there have been a number of amendments, supplements and restatements.
This draft attempts to combine all those. The committee working on this met every month for
three years. This is more succinct and better worded. Changes are described in the summary
include: Any surplus will go to a special fund and there is a removal of the restriction on
obtaining water from other sources. The new agreement stipulates work and services to be
provided by each party, and this is simply memorializing current practice. The Town of Ithaca
is the agent municipality for Bolton Point. He reviewed all the points in the summary with the
board.
Rural Youth Services - Shelly Lester, Rural Youth Services Coordinator, was present
with Dave Hall and Nikki Nease, participants Morgan Purcell and Ashley Ward, and Cornell
Student and YOURS volunteer and summer intern, Melliss.
Shelly Lester made the following statement:
Thank you for providing time for us to present this evening. The presentation that will take place tonight
has been put together by youth who have participated in programming for several years and will be
comprised of quizzes. We hope you enjoy the presentation and learn a little bit more about the Dryden
Youth Services and The Dryden OURS Program in the process. Before I introduce you to the presenters I
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would like to take a moment to share some basic information regarding the Dryden Youth Services
Program.
• In 2015 the Dryden Youth Services program served 214 individual youth with 657 total program
enrollments.
• In 2015 the Dryden OURS Program served 51 individual youth who reside in 3 mobile home
parks in Dryden with 270 total program enrollments.
• In 2015 The Dryden Youth Employment Program provided first time work experiences for 20
youth with 34 total program enrollments.
• 2015 combined Youth Enrollments total 961.
• In 2015 Dryden OURS, Dryden Youth Services and The Dryden Youth Employment Program's
workshops provided a total of 14,500 contact hours.
• 2015 Dryden MS enrollment was 395. Dryden Youth Services and Dryden OURS Programs
served 221 middle school youth which is roughly 56 % of the 2015 Dryden Middle School
Population.
• 80 Cornell Student Volunteers participated in 2015; participation includes f und raising, Grant
Writing, Executive board membership, Mentoring
• Many volunteers stay committed to the program throughout their undergrad years and through
graduate studies as well providing a long term volunteer base for the program.
• Our programs strive to build essential life skills through innovative programming that allows for
youth voice and direction. Our programs provide a place for youth to belong and to explore the
world at large through various programing, field trips and comm unity service projects.
• I have copies of the OURS Spring report to share with you, before I introduce the youth and
Program Managers I would like to call your attention to the quote below the MITS Rule section, it
says
"If someone from another country were to asking me to describe my community, I would say: it needs
more work, but it is good and it is helping me."
Please accept my sincere gratitude for the Dryden Town Boards long standing and continued support of
these valuable programs for the youth of the Dryden community!
I am always happy to expand my conversation and describe the important work done by the Dryden
Youth Programs; I can be contacted by emailing sil44(5>cornell.edu or phoning 607 272-2292.
Melliss said she has been a YOURS volunteer for four years and is currently working
with Nikki as a summer intern. She thanked the board for its support for the program. She
was assisted by Morgan and Ashley who ran a game show type quiz for the board and
audience. Morgan then shared a dessert she developed in the Produced in New York program.
She will demonstrate how to make it in a competition at 4H acres next week.
Supv Leifer closed the public hearing on the moratorium at 8:40 p.m.
Cl Cipolla-Dennis said she has received a lot of comments in favor of the moratorium
from people she knows and the board has received emails. People are very supportive and
encourage us to get our house in order to make sure we are prepared for the possi bility of an
application from NYSEG on the West Dryden pipeline. She supports the moratorium and doing
the work we need to do to be prepared.
Cl Lavine said she has gone to lots of meetings about this and it is clear that this
requires a good deal of thought and that we should be prepared to evaluate in great detail the
need for any new infrastructure. The answers she got from the TCAD were not compelling.
The question is what the cost benefit analysis is for putting up with the short term problems
for the long term benefit. It requires a lot of thought.
TB 7-21-16
Page 12 of 19
Supv Leifer said there are things that need to be squared away in the Zoning Law to
harmonize it with the franchise agreements and some other things. There is a mechanism, if
an application did come in, for a waiver to be granted. That is what makes this a workable law
that would withstand a court challenge.
Cl Servoss noted that 180 days is not a lot of time. We need to get right on to the
zoning law changes immediately. Supv Leifer said we also need to find engineers that would
work on any application for a pipeline, so if something comes in we are ready to go.
Resolution #124 (2016) - Adopt Local Law Providing for a Moratorium on Certain Public Utility
Installations for a Period of One Hundred Eighty (180) Days
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas, for the reasons set forth in Section 1 of proposed Local Law 2 of 2016 entitled
Providing for a Moratorium on Certain Public Utility Installations for a Period of One Hundred
Eighty (180) Days, the Dryden Town Board requested the Attorney for the Town to draft a moratorium
local law for Town Board consideration; and
Whereas, at its meeting on June 16, 2016, the Town Board introduced the local law and set a
public hearing for July 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.to receive public comments on it; and
Whereas, the Town Board held a public hearing at the Town Hall, 93 East Main Street, Dryden,
New York on the 21st day of July, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering a proposed local law
Providing for a Moratorium on Certain Public Utility Installations for a Period of One Hundred
Eighty (180) Days; and
Whereas, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the Ithaca Journal; and
Whereas, said public hearing was duly held on said date and time at the Town Hall of the Town
of Dryden and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in
opposition to said proposed local law, or any part thereof; and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and
its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by the Town Board that
adoption of the proposed local law is a Type II action because it constitutes “adoption of a moratorium on
land development or construction” pursuant to 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(30), and thus adoption of the
proposed local law is not subject to review under SEQRA; and
Whereas, the Town Board finds that the proposed moratorium will provide time for research,
discussion and drafting of new public utility zoning requirements, will further the health and welfare of
the community, and is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that Local Law 2 of 2016 entitled Providing for a Moratorium on Certain Public
Utility Installations for a Period of One Hundred Eighty (180) Days is hereby adopted; and it is
further
Resolved, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file said local law with the
Secretary of State as required by law.
2nd Cl Cipolla Dennis
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Page 13 of 19
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
No report.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Jennifer Jones said the Recreation Department would be present at the Dryden Lake
Festival on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a bounce house, information for sign -
ups, T-shirts available and a number of other things.
J Jones reported she conducted interviews for a new hire for a new recreation assistant
and would like the board to appoint Rexford Hollenbeck to the position tonight. Cl Lavine had
some questions about the benefits policy for part -time workers and was asked to consult with
the bookkeeper/HR person. Supv Leifer said the hire was authorized by last month’s
resolution and reviewed the hours allowed.
RESOLUTION #125 (2016) – HIRE RECREATION ASSISTANT
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves hiring Rexford Hollenbeck as
Recreation Assistant.
2nd Cl Servoss
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Abstain
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
There is new applicant, Claudia Haferkamp-Wise, for a vacant seat on the Recreation &
Youth Commission. She currently serves on the Ellis Hollow Community Pool Board and has
had children in the Town Rec programs for the past ten years.
RESOLUTION #126 (2016) – APPOINT DRYC MEMBER – HAFERKAMP-WISE
Cl Servoss offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby appoints Claudia Haferkamp-Wise to the
Recreation and Youth Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2017.
2nd Cl Leifer
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
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Page 14 of 19
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Ray Burger reviewed a few items from his monthly report. On July 28 the Planning
Board will hold a public hearing on the planned unit development project at 1061 Dryden
Road. They will also be reviewing the sketch plan for Tiny Timbers.
There have been a couple of proposals from companies for solar farms at the 2 mega
watt size. Both are near the substation on Route 13, one at the old RPM site near the cemetery
and the other is on the south side of the road by the substation. Both of the solar companies,
Delaware River Solar and Dynamic Energy, have received notice of the town’s intent to pursue
a payment in lieu of taxes. We currently don’t have legislation that enables these types of
projects.
Preliminary results from the Water Source Protection Survey have been posted on the
town’s website.
Cl Cipolla-Dennis said it is important to get our renewable energy law wrapped up and
amended soon. We don’t want to discourage these companies and it needs to be a priority. Cl
Cipolla-Dennis said she will convey that to the Planning Board. They have considered a couple
of resolutions, but then began discussing buffering. She will follow up.
COUNTY BRIEFING
Mike Lane said he had just come from a meeting at TC3. President Carl Haynes
announced his intent to retire August 31, 2017. The Board of Trustees will set up a search
committee to find a replacement. Carl Haynes has been with the college for 48 years and has
been President for 23 of those years.
The airport will reopen on Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new runway.
M Lane said he watched the paver at work. It is controlled by GPS lasers and will level within
1/8 inch.
Travis Hyde has been to the City of Ithaca with a proposal for the old library. The city
landmarks preservation group has run into a little problem and they are having to look at the
shape of the project a bit.
The County is planning to have a housing summit in the fall to talk about the housing
issues in Tompkins County. They are looking for contributions from the private sector, the
city, the County and Cornell University to help fund a coordinator for the event.
The County is concerned about rural emergency services, ambulance in particular, with
loss of the Slaterville ambulance. They will be talking with TCCOG about setting up a group to
look at what might happen to improve rural ambulance service.
NYS Comptroller has said the tax cap inflation rate will be .68%, down from .73% last
year. The county has passed a local law to exceed the tax cap if they need to. Two of the past
years they have exceeded the cap and two years they stayed at or under the cap.
The County is looking for the state’s bid for electric cars. They expect they will be more
expensive, but are quite interested in adding electric cars to their fleet.
The biggest parcel on West Hill has been put in the hands of a realtor.
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Page 15 of 19
Supv Leifer said he received an email about the Bridge New York program for bridge
repair from the state to help local municipalities with infrastructure and we should look into
that with all the bridge work going on. He will forward it M Lane.
The District Attorney has resigned due to health issues. There will be an election in
November for new DA and the person elected will serve a full four year term. The term resets.
It is not just to fill a vacancy.
Supv Leifer asked if the South Hill Rec Way has come up at the legislature. M Lane
said no one has come to them to discuss it. M Lane and Supv Leifer will make time to talk
about it.
M Lane thanked Cl Cipolla-Dennis for taking time to come to the legislature meeting
and reporting on the town.
ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES (cont)
Conservation Board – Bob Beck reported they will not have a July meeting next week.
They will instead have a picnic at Dryden Lake Park.
Rail Trail Task Force – met last night in the Freeville Village Hall. Bob Beck said they
have an active group and have begun meeting with landowners for easements. They have an
easement document and information for landowners. They have had positive response and
there are seven easements ready for signatures. He is pleased with this progress. He has been
retrieving deeds and surveys from the County Clerks office online and that helps in meeting
with landowners. The task force web page on the town website is up and running. The task
force is highly motivated. They will have to have easements in place from Varna as far as
Route 13 in order to submit a grant proposal to DOT in the fall. He thanked the board for its
support of the project.
Ag Committee - is still waiting on the final report from George Franz for zoning
changes.
OLD BUSINESS
Montgomery Park Resolution – Board members have the amended resolution as
discussed last week. The village is also considering a resolution tonight. Cl Lavine asked
about the source of funding the town’s contribution. Supv Leifer replied that the resolution
tonight is to show a commitment. The board will decide on the source of funding later an d he
will recommend use of the Recreation Reserve.
RESOLUTION #127 (2016) – SUPPORT FOR MONTGOMERY PARK REVITALIZATION
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, Montgomery Park, located in the Village of Dryden, is used by all residents of the
Town of Dryden for active and passive recreation;
WHEREAS, the revitalization of Montgomery Park will benefit the entire Town by making
Montgomery Park an attractive place for residents and tourists to visit;
WHEREAS, Montgomery Park has a history of serving as a venue for festivals, Kiwanis
Baseball, Concerts, outdoor movies, and other activities sponsored by private organizations,
the Town of Dryden Recreation Department, and the Village of Dryden;
TB 7-21-16
Page 16 of 19
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden wishes to support the revitalization effort by pledging an
amount not to exceed $60,000, allocated as follows; towards the resurfacing of the basketball
courts the Town of Dryden shall pledge to contribute the lesser of one-half of the cost of
resurfacing or $45,000 in cash, in-kind, or combination thereof; towards the revitalization of
the children’s playground the Town of Dryden shall pledge to contribute up to $15,000 in cash,
in-kind services, or combination thereof;
WHEREAS, in consideration for the Town’s contribution towards the revitalization effort the
Village of Dryden has stated its intent to into an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of
Dryden to allow the Town of Dryden Recreation Department to use Montgomery Park as a
venue for Dryden Recreation Department Programming;
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden wishes to work with the Village of Dryden
for the benefit of all residents;
WHEREAS, demonstrating intermunicipal cooperation is important for securing grant funding
to support the revitalization of Montgomery Park;
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden anticipates drawing $60,000 from the Town
of Dryden Recreation Reserve Fund to fund the Town’s contr ibution towards the revitalization
of Montgomery Park;
RESOLVED, the Town of Dryden wishes to support the revitalization effort by pledging an
amount not to exceed $60,000, allocated as follows; towards the resurfacing of the basketball
courts the Town of Dryden shall pledge to contribute the lesser of one -half of the cost of
resurfacing or $45,000 in cash, in-kind, or combination thereof; towards the revitalization of
the children’s playground the Town of Dryden shall pledge to contribute up to $15,000 in cash,
in-kind services, or combination thereof.
2nd Cl Servoss
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
NEW BUSINESS
Education credits for solar presentation – The Planning Board and ZBA members
would like to receive continuation education credits for attending the solar presentation at the
fire hall a few weeks ago.
RESOLUTION #128 (2016) – ASSIGN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that Dryden Planning Board members and Zoning Board of Appeals
members who attended the two hour Community Solar Education Seminar held on June 30,
2016, at the Dryden Fire Hall will receive 2 continuing education credits.
2nd Cl Cipolla-Dennis
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
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Page 17 of 19
Authorize sale of trucks – The Highway Department is selling two Sterling dump
trucks to the Town of Howard for $40,000 each and the board needs to authorize this. Supv
Leifer explained that the Highway Superintendent will then ask for that money to be reallocated
to the Highway Equipment Reserve fund.
RESOLUTION #129 (2016) – AUTHORIZE SALE OF TWO TRUCKS
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the sale of two 2006 Sterling Dump
Trucks, including plow equipment, VIN #2FZHAZCV76AU73387 and #2FZHAZCV96AU73388
to the Town of Howard, NY for $40,000 each.
2nd Cl Servoss
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Marriage Officer – Supv Leifer was contacted by someone who wants to perform a
marriage in the Town of Dryden on September 10, 2016, and asked for a one -time
authorization.
RESOLUTION #130 (2016) - APPOINT MARRIAGE OFFICER
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, New York Domestic Relations Law 11-c authorizes the town board to
appoint a marriage officer who shall have the authority to solemnize a marriage performed in
accordance with other provisions of law, and
WHEREAS, Kristen Eldridge and Lin Loparco have requested that Aaron Kaufman
preside over their marriage ceremony, and
WHEREAS, Aaron Kaufman is familiar with the requirements of the Domestic Relations
Law as they pertain to the solemnization of marriages and is willing to preside over the
marriage of Kristen and Lin, now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Aaron Kaufman is hereby appointed a marriage officer of the Town of Dryden,
Tompkins County, New York, for the single occasion of the marriage of Kristen Eldridge
and Lin Loparco on September 10, 2016.
2. The authority to solemnize a marriage shall apply only within the Town of Dryden.
3. The marriage officer shall receive no salary or wage for his services but may
accept and keep up to seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for such marriage, paid by or on
behalf of the persons married.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
2nd Cl Cipolla-Dennis
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Page 18 of 19
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
TCAT Resolution – This resolution encourages state representatives and others to
support public transit financially.
RESOLUTION # 131 (2016) – IN SUPPORT OF
TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT, INC.
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT) operates an outstanding
public transportation service that provides people in the Town of Dryden with mobility and
access to employment, community resources, medical care, and recreational opportunities, and
WHEREAS, every day people in the Town of Dryden depend on TCAT to provide a basic
and essential mobility service that is relied upon, particularly by those without access to a car,
and
WHEREAS, to respond to fiscal pressures and a shortage of drivers, TCAT has been
forced to make significant cuts in service, and
WHEREAS, these potentially permanent cuts in service will disproportionately affect
working poor families, immigrants, and students, and
WHEREAS, in the Town of Dryden there is a large number of residents who are
members of young families, senior citizens on fixed incomes, immigrants, students, and people
who work and earn less than a living wage who regularly depend on the services of TCAT, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Town of Dryden encourages municipalities in Tompkins County to
promote and advocate on behalf of TCAT and consider ways to alleviate the burden of meeting
transportation needs of the community, such as creating more Park and Ride hubs, creating
more trails and greenways for walking and bicycling, supporting more rideshare opportunities
in towns, villages, the local mall, shopping centers, parks, and business centers,
RESOLVED, further, That the Town of Dryden supports promoting creative solutions
such as Gadabout and FISH (Friends In Service Helping), and keeping the public transit needs
of our residents high on our municipal agendas,
RESOLVED, further, That the Town of Dryden calls upon Tompkins County’s State
Representatives to encourage all New York State Legislators to recognize and financially
support public transit and its vital role in our battle against poverty and in meeting our
economic development goals,
RESOLVED, further, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities in
Tompkins County, United States Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, United States
Congressman Tom Reed; New York State Assemblywoman Lifton, New York State Senators
Seward, O’Mara, and Nozzolio, New York State Governor Cuomo, and President Obama.
2nd Cl Cipolla-Dennis
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
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Page 19 of 19
Supv Leifer Yes
Budget modifications - Supv Leifer explained there is a budget mod for Highway for an
increase in DA5130.4 and DA2680 to account for an insurance recovery for a truck that was
hit by a deer. The other is take money from the Justice equipment line and move it to the
supervisor contingency line. This comes from a discussion last budget season. Judge Clauson
agreed with this last November and the minutes reflect that.
RESOLUTION #132 (2016) – APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the following budget modifications:
To Acct To Acct
DA2680 Misc. Insurance Recoveries DA5130.4 Machinery Contractual $ 4,389.35
From Acct To Acct
A1110.2 Justice Equipment A1990.4 Contingency $ 1,250.00
2nd Cl Servoss
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Court Audit – Cl Cipolla-Dennis and Cl Servoss met with the Court and did internal
audits of each justice. Cl Cipolla-Dennis said it was a wonderful experience and they learned
about the court and how they keep records. It is very complicated and they do a great jo b.
They found no issues with the audits.
RESOLUTION #133 (2016) – ACCEPT COURT AUDITS
Cl Cipolla-Dennis offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby accepts the internal audits for the Justice
offices and directs that they be sent to the Office of Court Administration.
2nd Supv Leifer
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Cipolla-Dennis Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
There being no further business, on motion made, seconded and unanimous ly carried,
the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bambi L. Avery
Town Clerk
June 2016
Recreation Director Report
Community Grants:
o The community grant award letters and contracts have been mailed out to
community organizations. Some have already been returned!
o The DRYC will be monitoring each program this year by attending funded events
and/or programs.
Summer Programming:
o Summer camp programming is starting in two short
weeks. Kicking off the summer will be our new art camp
which is already full!
o Registrations for all other programs are going well with
more coming in each day. Unfortunately our summer
basketball camp was cancelled due to the loss of a staff
member.
o Summer softball teams are also running with teams at the U17, U14 and U18 levels.
o Our popular co-ed softball league is in full swing with great weather so far. We have a
total of 5 teams this year. We have assigned a contracted coordinator for this
program to help with the short staffing in the office.
o Our two great summer concerts will be starting soon at the Ellis Hollow Community
Center and the Dryden VFW. (July 12th & 13the is the first week)
Fall Programming:
o Fall programming registration is now open for programs such as soccer, football,
cheerleading, cross country, and karate.
Other News:
o GRANT AWARD- $3,750 towards the Jim Schug Fit Trail Project. I submitted an
application a few months ago through the Tompkins County Legacy Grant and we
were awarded half the funds for this project. Kyle and I will have a detailed
presentation for the board in July.
o I have continued to work closely with the Montgomery Park committee to assist with
planning the rehab project on the courts.
o As part of the department’s goal to reach the community on more levels, the Jack
and I have attended Dairy Day and will also be setting up at the Dryden Lake Festival
with prizes, bounce house, and information table for summer and fall programs.
o I also visited Freeville Elementary School this month with the Southworth Library
Director to promote summer programs.
o The department Accident Report form has gone through a much needed update to
include more details about incidents and contact information.
o Staff Development Training: Jack and I attended a recent training with the T.C.
Youth Services Department called “Project-Based Youth Leadership”. I will also be
attending another session this month for “Marketing & Branding Your Program”.
These trainings are free!
1
Memorandum
Date: June 14, 2016
To: Town Board
From: Ray Burger, Planning Director
Subject: Planning Department Update
SUP for 4 Cricket Lane -Repair Shop: The hearing remains open. A revised site plan was submitted that
addresses many of neighbor’s concerns and stipulated to some operational constraints.
SUP for Verizon Tower: Verizon completed their application for a Special Use Permit (SUP) to place a
telecommunications tower near Route 13 and Irish Settlement Road. The public hearing will open on
June 16. Tompkins County Planning Department and Emergency Services and the Town’s engineering
consultants have reviewed the proposal and have found no problems. There is another Verizon tower
proposal in the Town of Groton that is within 500 feet of the Dryden town line. This is being reviewed
by the planning board.
Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 1061 Dryden Road: The Concept Plan was presented at the May
19 meeting. The applicant awaits a board resolution to either refer to planning board, refer to applicant
for changes or reject. The issue of sewer capacity was researched by the Town Engineer who found that
there was a limit of 252-315 more hookups in the Varna Sewer District based on the Town’s agreement
with the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Rental Units at Mineah Road and Route 13: There is a proposal to build 20 single family homes on a 9
acre lot in the Mixed Use Commercial District. Building single family homes is allowed as of right in this
district with a maximum density of 4 dwelling units/acre. However, their initial plans call for more
parking than is allowed by the Town’s zoning so they will be applying to the planning board for approval.
Zoning Law amendment concerning density in RR and RA districts when sewer and water are present:
This amendment was introduced in April but the Planning Board requested more time to review before
the Town Board takes action. Upon review the planning board now refers the original amendment
without change. A public hearing should be scheduled for July.
South Hill Recreation Way: The present trail extends about 2 miles up the Six Mile Creek drainage from
the City of Ithaca. Extending it another 2 miles to Banks Road is now being discussed by the towns of
Ithaca, Dryden, Caroline and Danby through which the trail runs. NYSEG purportedly owns the right-of-
way and is receptive to opening up this rail-trail that is already used informally. Contact with adjacent
landowners has begun. The Town Board could conduct a public hearing to gather information.
Hazardous structure on Morris Road: A collapsed single-family structure is a potential threat to anyone
within the fall zone of the still standing chimney. A Notice of Violation was mailed to the owner and if he
fails to respond to that Notice, the matter shall be turned over to the Court. In the event that the owner
2
is unwilling or unable to remedy the situation the Town may need to raze and dispose of this unsafe
structure.
Variances: The Zoning Board of Appeals met for the first time in a year and granted two area variances
for minor encroachments into front yard setbacks.
Expanding gravel operation: RMS Gravel has applied to the DEC to expand their extraction zone,
increasing the depth by 25 feet. The Town raised concerns over impact to the water table and research
found that there will be no negative impact to the aquifer.
Poets Landing: Phase II of this project in the Village of Dryden is now applying for building permits and is
scheduled to break ground by the end of August.
Planning Department activity for TOWN
Building permits: 18 (includes 4 new single family homes, one commercial building)
-May 2016
Zoning permits: 1
Special Use Permit Reviews: 1
Site Plan Reviews: 0
Fire safety inspections: 7
Building inspections: 91
New businesses: 0
Subdivisions: 0
Violation notices: 1
Complaints: 3 (property maintenance)
Fire calls: 0
Training hours: 0
Planning Department activity for VILLAGE
Building permits: 6
- May 2016
Zoning permits: 5
Special Use Permit reviews: 0
Site Plan Reviews: 0
Variance reviews: 0
Fire safety inspections: 0
Building inspections: 4
New businesses: 0
Subdivisions: 0
Violation notices: 5
Complaints: 5 (property maintenance)
Fire calls: 0