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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-0726..L. May 07, 1997 The Lansing Town Board met in Herbert Beckwith Special Session at the Lansing Paul Butler Town Hall Board Room at 7:00 P.M. Jeffrey Cleveland with Supervisor Kirby Present presiding. Larry Tvaroha Councilman ROLL CALL Jeannine Kirby Supervisor Present Herbert Beckwith Councilman Present Paul Butler Councilman Present Jeffrey Cleveland Councilman Present Larry Tvaroha Councilman Present ® Bonita Boles Town Clerk Absent Debbie Crandall Deputy Town Clerk Present Rich John Town Attorney Present VISITORS: George Totman, Dave Herrick and Thomas Cirafici, The Supervisor called the meeting to order and had the clerk take the Roil Call. DAVE HERRICK - TOWN ENGINEER Sewer Committee The Sewer Committee would like to be on the agenda for the May 21st regular meeting. The committee is still working on going door -to -door and phoning residents to see if they want their neighborhood :studied for inclusion in the service. Preliminary cost figures have been received from Stearns & Wheeler for alternative expansion with the Cayuga Heights Plant. Numbers are higher in getting into that facility and expanding with the treatment methods. The figures will be summarized and will be presented as part of the draft waste water facility plant. Sewer System for Town Park Dave Herrick sent a document to the Tompkins County Health Department clarifying an understanding that a minimal amount of effort would have to put in for planning for a replacement system for the park. Dave also met this morning with John Anderson from the Health Department and talked about flow rates. Mr. Anderson was willing to allow as minimal work as possible. By the end of the week Dave will have a simple plan in place and provide him with this. The Health Department has already issued a permit for the concession stand. Mr. Tvaroha has talked to Mr. Anderson and he has issued the permit for 15 days with the understanding that a replacement system plan would be forthcoming. Water Rates Dave Herrick reviewed figures that had previously been passed out to the Board. The Board will wait until the May 21st meeting to make a decision and have Attorney, Rich John research to see if a Public Hearing is needed. Lakeview Subdivision Rich John has received the proposed deed and survey map but not the abstract. Rich has written to the attorney about questions he has and hopefully will have the papers by the next regular board meeting. Bolton Point's Draft Rich John reviewed the draft letter with the Board. It was the consensus of the Town Board to pass out copies of the letter on Town letterhead at tomorrow's Bolton Point meeting stating their position. 262 May 07, 1997, continued Moody's Report Mrs. Kirby the same. It Reserve are not informed the Board that their was noted in the report that that high. They also need to rating of the Town see more A2 remained Budget and development and dense population in order to improve the rating. with Water District #17 Extension #1 Jeff Cleveland asked Dave Herrick concerning the if work had begun to repair the driveways in this extension. with Dave stated that there are driveways and paving work to be done along with planting of trees. There is work to be done at the PRV station at Milliken Station. Electrical telemetry Schneider work needs to be done between the plant and the Pine Grove pump station. After further discussion the Town Board will Water District #17 Extension #2 Dave Herrick has been trying to reach LRS to have them start their clean -up work on Fiddlers Green. They have until mid June to complete their work. Bean Hill Intersection Rich John has met with the residents concerning the new intersection. Mr. John discussed his meetings with the residents. The Miller's would like to meet with Dave Herrick with questions they have. Rich discussed Mrs. Deschier's suggestion of buying the Schneider property and building a small Town Park. Rich communicated this suggestion with the other residents. After further discussion the Town Board will take it into consideration. This will be further discussed after Dave Herrick meets with the Millers'. 400 Ridge Road Mr. Thomas Cirafici property owner of 400 Ridge Road reviewed with the Board again his letters from the Town of Lansing Planning ­-Board, dated 11/11/87 and John Anderson's letter from-the Tompkins County Department of Health dated 09/14/87: Said letters denied his request for subdividing his property at 400 Ridge Road, tax - parcel #32. -1 -29.2. Mr. Cirafici is asking the Town Board to assure him in writing that over the next two years if Mr. Cirafici decides to split the property or put a second building on the property, as long as it meets all the requirements, that he is not going to run into an obstacle. That what he should of been able to do in 1987 he can't do because somebody said no, when they should not of said no. Over the past few years Mr. Cirafici has sent lots of letters to the Town and lots of alternative solutions and he is still willing to work with the Town on how he can split up the lot. He is only interested in the area that has the house on it and the area he wants to build on. The rest of the land can be split as to whatever best suits the Town. Rich John asked Mr. Cirafici if the Health Department's position had changed. Mr. Cirafici stated that the Health Department's position was that there was nothing wrong and it did not fail any test. Their concern was that if the property had been split, Mr. Cirafici would come back in a couple of months with an attorney, plead hardship and some how force the Town to allow him to build on that property, even though you couldn't build on that property because you couldn't put in a well and a septic system. Mr. Totman asked if they put that in writing or is that what was told to him. Mr. Cirafici stated that this was stated at the Planning Board meeting. He suggested that the Town refer to the tapes as the minutes did not�refiect this. At the meeting he talked over ten minutes and the minutes of the meeting only reflected 7 lines pertaining to his discussion. Rich John stated that he would not be able to build on the 0 is 263 May 07, 1997, continued back lot because of Health Department approval and the fishing easement. Mr. Cirafici stated the part he would be able to build on is the front. Mr. Cirafici showed a map of the area that he would build on. Mr. Cirafici stated that he had been paying taxes for 10 years and they haven't been able to use the excess land. Based on the formula from the Assessment Department they have been paying approximately $1,000.00 a year on property they can't use. Mrs. Kirby asked why he didn't ever grieve the assessment. Mr. Cirafici stated he did but doing it long distance has been a problem. He ® has lived in Las Vegas until a couple of months ago. Mr. Totman stated that the rules have not changed on subdivisions since 1972. They still require an acre of land to subdivide. There are not two acres of useable land to subdivide on the property. Mr. Totman stated that when a municipality in the State of New York grants the Planning Board plat (subdivision) approval the Planning Board is the only one that can give subdivision approval not the Town. Mr. John stated that this was correct. Mr. Cirafici stated that he would like the Town Board to confirm that they have no objection if he went to the Planning Board and they take back the letter they gave him which was in error. Mrs. Kirby asked if the Planning Board has the right to require a sewer permit from the Health Department before they approve a subdivision. Mr. Totman stated that the Planning Board will look up the records and ask what has changed since the last time. Mr. Totman stated that nothing has changed, unless Mr. Cirafici can convince them that they were wrong. Mr. John stated that Mr. Cirafici has a right to go to the Planning Board and re- apply. Mr. John stated that he is not sure that anything significant has changed to change their decision. Mr. Cirafici stated that in the Planning Board's letter their decision was based on Mr. Anderson's input. Mr. Cirafici stated that in Mr. Anderson's letter it stated that there was no law to prevent this. Mr. Beckwith stated that you need an acre of useable land and there was not an acre. Mr. Beckwith stated he was on the Planning Board at that time. Mr. Beckwith stated the Board was not in error because of the way the law was written at that time and still today. Mr. Cirafici concluded with leaving his other letters. He stated he is concerned as far as the Assessor's Office is concerned they can't give us a break on the taxes as he stated he pays an excess of about a $1,000 a year extra on land which the Planning Board refuses to let them use. Mr. Cirafici stated he believes he should be compensated. Mr. Cirafici stated that he came to the Board to be reasonable and if the Board is looking for technicalities to say no then we become unreasonable in the situation. Mr. Cirafici thanked the Board for their time. NOTE: 1996 Assessed Value of Parcel #32. -1 -29.2 Total Assessment - 75,000 (1.66 acres of land assessed for 30,900). Total Town, County, Fire and SWF $ 590001 Lansing School Tax $1312.50 Total $1,902.51 1997 Tentative Assessed Value of the parcel Total Assessment - 70,000 (1.66 acres of land assessed for 13,300). George Totman - Code Enforcement Mr. Totman reviewed County Board actions. Mr. Totman reported that building permits are equal in number of permits but down $9,000. Ottenschott Property Mr. Totman and Attorney Rich John have met with the Assistant DA on the Ottenschott property. It is delayed until mid June on a criminal proceeding instead of a civil proceeding. 264 May 07, 1997, continued O'Rear - Bolton Point Road Water Request Rich John discussed his conversation with John Barney. The Town and has is Mr. O'Rear are not that they don't want in agreement. The position to be held hostage by Audit Mr. O'Rear and Control public deposits approving the water system. therefore, it is After further discussion it was the consensus of the Board to invite all property owners and John Barney to come in at the regular meeting on May 21, 19970 Cayuga Bank RESOLUTION, was duly made by motion of Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mr. Cleveland: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has received a request from the Cayuga Bank to become an authorized depository for public deposits from the Town of Lansing, and WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing wishes to authorize the Cayuga Bank to become an official depository for public deposits from the Town of Lansing, therefore, it is RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing agrees to make the Cayuga Bank an official depository for public deposits of the authorized and directed to execute all necessary documents to accomplish the purpose of this resolution. Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Paul Butler, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor Flood Hazard Mitigation Program by Tompkins County Mrs. Kirby passed out copies of tY Program from Tompkins County Department the 1997 budget, the County appropriated Mitigation Program. After reviewing the will check with Highway Superintendent, further. The deadline for a municipal program is May 30, 1997. to Fl of $25, docu Pete ity ood Hazard Mitigation Planning. As part of 000 for a Flood Hazard ment further the Board Larson and discuss it to participate in the Vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals Board Mrs. Kirby informed the Board there are two vacancies on the Board. Current members are Steve White, Chairman, Wayne Lucas and David Dittman. It was the consensus of the Board to advertise the vacancies. Grievance Day Mrs. Kirby reminded the Board that Grievance Day was May 14, 1997 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room. Flood Damage RESOLUTION, was duly made by motion of Mr. Beckwith, and seconded by Mr. Tvaroha: WHEREAS, the weather events of January 19, 1996 caused extensive damage due to flooding in Tompkins County, resulting in the County being declared a Federal Disaster Area, and WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing experienced severe flood damage due to the overflow of Salmon Creek, and WHEREAS, the New York State Emergency Off i ce. (SEMI) made funds available for flood hazard mitigation in a competitive grants E n 265 May 07, 1997, continued format, and WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing and the Tompkins County Soil & Water Conversation District jointly prepared and submitted a project entitled "Stream Corridor Remediation and Peak Flow Attenuation in Salmon Creek," and WHEREAS, this proposal was selected by SEMI as one of only 40 out of 230 applications submitted to be approved and forwarded to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review, and WHEREAS, FEMA declined funding for this proposal due to a misinterpretation of the goals and purposes of this proposed work, and WHEREAS, the work described in this proposal is but one phase of a multiphase plan to mitigate flood damage in the Salmon Creek Watershed, and Creek. Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Paul Butler, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor Sales Tax Mrs. Kirby reported on the Sales Tax Revenue for the 1st quarter. Town of Lansing - $194,967.12 Village of Lansing - $106,348.65 The outer municipalities is up 11% but the City of Ithaca decreased $250,000.00 compared to last years first quarter. Intersection of Auburn, Decamp and Locke Roads Residents WHEREAS, further phases of the planned work can not be completed until this work is done, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing supports this proposal and urges FEMA to reverse its determination about funding this important flood hazard mitigation work in Salmon Creek. Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Paul Butler, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha, Councilman Vote of Town Board . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor Sales Tax Mrs. Kirby reported on the Sales Tax Revenue for the 1st quarter. Town of Lansing - $194,967.12 Village of Lansing - $106,348.65 The outer municipalities is up 11% but the City of Ithaca decreased $250,000.00 compared to last years first quarter. Intersection of Auburn, Decamp and Locke Roads Residents in North Lansing have asked the Board to look into requesting and Locke The traffic a four Roads. Board did count and way stop at the intersections not agree with the request. Auburn Road being a State Highway, of Auburn, Decamp Reasons stated were Town Hall Committee Rich John reported on the Town Hall Committee, The Board is looking at the possibility of building the proposed new Town Hall in different places. As requested by the Committee Mr. Tallman submitted three proposals: 1. Smaller sized building across the street. ($680,000) 2. Attaching it to the back of the current Town Hall. ($500,000) 3. Building in back of the current Town Hall, not attached. ($550,000). After further discussion the Board will Hall Committee gives them their presentation. The next Town Hall Committee meeting will at 3:30 P.M. Senior Citizen Van wait until the Town be on May 19, 1997 Mr. Bulter reported on the van situation. Mr. Butler informed the Board that nobody is suppose to drive the van with out an E License. An E License requires an eye examination and completion 266 May 07, 1997, continued of a form. The license Butler stated that cost for three years is $53.00. Mr. they were having trouble getting volunteer drivers. Mr. Tvaroha stated that Cornell didn't require a special license The to drive their vans. Board discussed the alternative of using the Gadabout and donating to them. Mr. Butler will look into the E License further and report back to the Board. Accident on 34B Mr. Totman informed the Board that a Town Highway by Jack French was involved in an accident Tuesday mo a.m. Three girls driving to school pulled out at the by Marty Conlon's and were hit by the truck. All were hospital and later released. truck driven rning at 7:30 intersection taken to the On motion meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 9:10 p.m. Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. r L-