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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-20REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING Date: June 20, 2001 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Lansing Town Hall Board Room 1. Call meeting to order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Privilege of the Floor: AGENDA a) Water Committee - District #17 Extension #5 b) Request for Cell Tower c) Bill Stark - Cedar Cove - Private Road d) Gordon & Susan Hollern - Request for Special Permit e) Anyone wishing to address the Board. 4, Highway Superintendent's Report. 5, Engineer's Report, 6, Code Enforcement Officer's Report, 7, Approve Audit. 8. Approve Minutes for February 22nd, March 21 st, April 4th, April 11 th, April 18th and June 1 st. 9. Board Member Reports. 10. Executive Session if needed. 11. Adjournment. P 259 June 20, 2001 The Lansing Town Board met in Regular Session at the Lansing Town Hall Board Room at 7:00 p.m. with Supervisor Farkas presiding. The Supervisor called the meeting to order and had the clerk take the Roll Call. ROLL CALL Stephen Farkas Supervisor Present Herbert Beckwith Councilperson Present Katrina Greenly Councilperson Present Meg Overstrom Councilperson Present Francis Shattuck Councilperson Present Bonita Boles Town Clerk Absent Debbie Crandall Deputy Town Clerk Present Rich John Town Attorney Present VISITORS: Dave Herrick, Pete Larson, George Totman, Dick Platt, John McNamara, Rod Kearl, Jane Sheldon, Don Sheldon, Tom Todd, Allan E. Floro, Dan Konowalow, Marcy Rosenkrantz, Ron Bowman, Robert M. Matyas, Maxine Bowman, Clarence Haycook, Rose Haycook, Doug Houge, Don Ridley, Mary Jones, Thomas Jones, William Stark, Jeanne & Bill Bishop, Connie Mabry, Helen Thorn, George Gage, Bill Warmus, Jan Nagel, Robert Nagel, Neil Stockton, Edward Goehler, Ken Cohen, Don Bordenet, Bob Caryl, Don Jewett, Connie Wilcox, Douglas McEver, Martin Hirschhorn, Ann McNamara, Edna McNamara, Jim Eyster, Donna Scott, Larry Cathles, Dale Baker, Maureen Cowen, Gordon Hollen, Everett Davis, Mary Helen Cathles, Joyce Cima, Ritch Savin- Williams, Joyce Henniger, Robert Roe, Joe Wagner, Ed & Debbie LaVigne, Joe Phillips, Rob Davenport, Carol Halseth, Don Halseth, Betty Matyas, Spencer Ferris, Beverly Abplanalp, Chester Ferguson, Carole & Ralph Lobdell, Rob Lychalk. Rob Cutting, Nicole Neroulias (Ithaca Journal) and several other residents. WATER COMMITTEE - DISTRICT #17 EXTENSION #5 Mr. Farkas stated that this would be a presentation of the petitions to the Board. The Board will then take the petitions, and then make a decision at that point whether the percentages warrant a Public Hearing date. This will be done at the next regular meeting. All the meetings have been held along with all the discussions, pros and cons, unless someone has something new it is not necessary to rehash it. Mr. Farkas then opened the floor to Mr. McNamara, representing the Committee. Mr. McNamara stated that on behalf of the Committee he would like to take this opportunity to thank the Town Board for all of their cooperation and all the Town employees that have helped with their many questions. This project started back in 1996. He stated that he also understands that the previous Boards have had their criteria of a certain percentage. The Committee is appearing here tonight to present our petition and also to consider the different unique situations in this area. He stated he thinks he can talk to the Town Engineer and the Town Attorney and that they understand having been through a lot of these, that this is one of the most unique areas for a water district as far as the lay of the land and what is there and what isn't there. There is also low income and high income people. There are a lot of water problems. There are many people hauling water, no water in wells, low lake levels, surface water underground, pollution from the lake and lite on fire protection because there are no hydrants. The Committee is asking the Town Board not to make a quick decision because of the unofficial rule that was established in the past. Every town and city establish rules as they go along. We would like the Town Board to consider what we are presenting here and one of the main reasons is because of the high cost. Many residents are reluctant to sign for a water district because of the high cost. How are you going to lower any costs if you don't form a water district, then how are you going out to the State and Federal government and get any money. You can't do it unless you form a water district, that is in the law. The law says if you have 50% M June 20, 2001, continued of the assessed value in the area, you are entitled to set up a water district. He could be wrong but he will leave that part up to the Rich John. He would like the Board to consider the rule and also that there may be some changes in the type of pipe that is used today. The new pipe has been used in Springport and Union Springs. It is important to get State and Federal funds. There are a lot of people that want water and the reason why is the high cost, everyone around here is getting State and Federal money and he doesn't know why the Town of Lansing isn't. REQUEST TO ERECT A CELL TOWER IN THE TOWN OF LANSING Alan Floro, Attorney for Crown Atlantic Company addressed the Board in a request for a cell tower. Mr. Floro stated that at this time he does not have an application for a cell tower. Crown Atlantic Company has submitted a proposed lease whereby they would lease .2 of an acre by the Town Highway Department to put up a 190' cellular tower. If they can reach an agreement on the concept that is acceptable to the Town to lease that site then they would submit the application, engineer reports and everything else that is necessary. This would be a free standing tower, no guide wires and not lighted. Mr. Floro stated that conceptually approving the lease does not bind the Town to approve the tower. What it does is give them a site that would be possible for the tower. Mr. Beckwith questioned if .2 of an acre will cover the fall zone for the height of the tower. Mr. Shattuck asked to see a map and how it will affect residential properties. Mrs. Greenly stated that coverage is important but it is also important that we do not end up with too many towers. Mr. Floro passed out copies of the proposed lease. After further discussion the following resolution was hereby adopted. RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has adopted a Town of Lansing Cellular Tower Ordinance as Appendix II to the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance adopted on July 1, 1998, regulating the placement and operation of cellular communication towers in the Town of Lansing; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has received a request from Crown Atlantic Company LLC to determine whether the Town Board would consider the placement of a cellular communication tower in the Town of Lansing on land owned by the Town of Lansing, being the Northeast corner of the Town Highway Department facility, and has submitted a proposed lease for review by the Town. WHEREAS, ultimate approval of any lease proposal for the placement of a cellular tower by the Town of Lansing Town Board would be subject to review by the Town Attorney, as well as submission of an application pursuant to the Town of Lansing Cellular Tower Ordinance and compliance with the requirements of that Ordinance; therefore, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing Town Board hereby determines that it would consider the lease of land to Crown Atlantic Company LLC at the Town Highway Facility for the placement of a cellular communication tower, subject to review of the proposed lease by the Town Attorney, as well as submission of an application pursuant to the Town of Lansing Cellular Tower Ordinance and compliance with the requirements of that Ordinance. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson 261 June 20, 2001, continued Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor BILL STARK - PRIVATE DRIVEWAY Mr. Stark approached the Board requesting their permission to straighten the road out to eliminate some corners. If the Boards permission is not needed then he would like to get a signed document that the Town of Lansing has no objection to the project. Mr. John asked if there was a private road agreement with the Town. Mr. Stark stated yes, but not with the driveway itself. Mr. Totman stated that the Cedar Cove concept was approved by the Town along with the extension that extended down Milliken Station. The Pages, Starks and the Lewis families met together and they would like to straighten this out. Mr. Stark stated that this is an odd situation that it is a driveway that connects to private roads. The new private road plus this new private driveway would provide better access. The main reason for doing this project is to get the driveway farther from his house but it would also provide better access for emergency vehicles. Mr. John stated that the Town Board needs to take action on this. Mr. Stark stated that the request is for a driveway off of Cedar Cove and not Cedar Cove itself. In the deeds there is a clear distinction between the private road and the private driveway. Mr. John asked if the houses that use this shared driveway all have frontage on the private road. Mr. Stark stated that they all jointly own a certain percentage of Cedar Cove, Mr. John stated that he doesn't believe that there is any issue on the Town weighing in on where you put your driveway. State Law has issues about having access or road frontage either onto a public road or a private road that has been approved on a subdivision plat and if that private road is approved and you have access to that so if you have a big argument with your neighbors you could in theory build your own driveway to a public road or private road that is approved by subdivision approval, you are then okay. If you all agree what you do with your driveway, the Town doesn't have to take any action at all. Mr. Stark stated he needed a document for the sake of his lawyers request, saying that you have no objection to doing that. He asked if the Board could authorize the Planning Department to do that. Mr. Totman stated that Mr. Stark could get a copy of the minutes. The following letter was given to Mr. Stark: June 22, 2001 Mr. William Stark Cedar Cove Lansing, New York 14867 RE: Driveway Renovation Dear Mr. Stark: I am writing in regard to your request to the Town Board for an opinion on whether Town Board approval is required for modifications to a shared driveway running on your property. It is my understanding that the driveway connects to Cedar Cove, a private road subject to a Private Road Agreement with the Town of Lansing. Each of the properties using the driveway is in compliance with Section 280 -a of the Town Law which requires a property to have at least fifteen feet of road frontage onto a public road or a private road approved on a subdivision plat. The road frontage does not have to be located in the same space as the driveway. So long as the residents using the shared driveway are in compliance with Section 280 -a they are free to relocate the driveway as they elect. There is no requirement of Town Board approval for a driveway renovation. However, on behalf of the Town Board, I suggest that you ensure the driveway is accessible for emergency access in the event any of the residents require assistance. IM, June 20, 2001, continued Please let me know if you need anything further at this time. Sincerely, Thaler & Thaler Richard T. John, Esq. cc: George Totman Pete Larson GORDON & SUSAN HOLLERN - Request for Special Permit The following partial request letter was given to the Board: Dear Board Members, We are Gordon and Susan Hollern. We live in Summer hill. We have a small, used car lot located at our home. Recently, we purchased the property at 1810 East Shore Drive. As you see from the enclosed map, this is a small wedge shaped lot. Our desire is to clean up this piece of land and display one to three (1 -3) vehicles at this new property. We would like to park the vehicles with a sign inside of each vehicle. The sign information will provide our New York State vehicle dealers license, office location, and phone number. We will not be conducting business at this East Shore Drive location. Our office is located in a separate building in Summer Hill. What we wish to do now is clean up this property. Once cleaned up, we would like to display vehicles towards the back of this lot, away from the main road. We are also interested in purchasing the house adjacent to the lot and repairing that property as well, if, however, we are able to utilize the lot for car display. We ask that you consider this request. We assure you that the lot will be mowed and maintained as we take pride in our home and property in Summer Hill, Mr. Totman also gave pictures of the property to the Board. Mr. Totman stated that what Mr. Hollern was asking for is not a used car lot because in that zone used car lots are not allowed. Mr. Hollern then reviewed is letter request with the Board. Mr. Farkas asked if Mr. Hollern now owned the property and how would it be maintained. He stated he now owns the property and he would maintain it. Mr. Shattuck stated he has seen the usefulness of the clean-ups that have happened with the Junkyard Ordinance. The Junkyard Ordinance states that you can't have more than two unlicensed vehicles on a lot in the Town. If you are asking for three then it doesn't fit within the realm of the Ordinance that covers the Town. If you are going to put two there and maintain the property then it wouldn't be much different then or neighbors putting vehicles out for sale. Mr. Farkas stated that he has a dealer's license and Mr. Shattuck stated that dealer's are not allowed in that area. Mrs. Overstrom stated that this was an awful busy road and has concerns about the road and she was not comfortable with it. Mr. John asked if there would be a sign there. Mr. Hollern stated that the sign would be in the car with information on it. Mrs. Greenly stated that even though there won't be dealership activity there will be a visual affect on the neighborhood. If it looks like a car lot even though they are not selling it will look like a car lot. She stated she would be comfortable with two cars but not more. 263 June 20, 2001, continued Mr. Shattuck stated that this was private property and if he complies with the ordinances of the Town and maintains it he can do what he wants with his property. Mr. Farkas stated that they do not need a motion as long as it meets the codes. Mr. Totman stated that he refers to in cases like this, where it could be questionable, is to issue a Special Permit that he only has two cars and they are parked and the area is kept clean and neat around it. This will protect Mr. Hollern if six months from now they want to complain he has this special permit. Mr. John asked if it was in an area where a special permit could be allowed. Mr. Totman stated it would only be a special permit not to sell cars but just to get on record here that he has come to the Board, he knows what he is doing and he is not allowed more than two cars and that was agreed on. Mr. Shattuck stated that this was just normal procedures. Mr. Totman wants to make sure that we all understand this. Mr. Hollem will apply for a Special Permit, JIM EYSTER - REOUEST FOR' REZONING Jim Eyster, 1 Fiddlers Green, spoke to the Board on behalf of the Fiddlers Green, Pinney Lane and the Sweazey Community. They submitted a written request June 11th to have the zoning designation, of which we were assigned R2 and lakeshore, to be rezoned to RI low density residential designation. When the zoning ordinance of the Town of Lansing was adopted in July of 1998 the Fiddlers Green, Pinney Lane and Sweazey community was designated partially as R2 moderate density residential and partially as lakeshore. The R2 lakeshore designation does not take into account the fact that the Fiddlers Green and Pinney developments were laid out and developed as a very low density residential community. This low density character is the reason we purchased land, built homes and chose to live there. All of the homes in the community are single family residences, 23 lots, ranging in size from 1.8 to 8.7 acres with the average size lot being 4.9 acres with the exception of the Sweazey home lot which is 30 acres. The Sweazey lot is an integral part of our community. With the Sweazey lot added in it is 24 lots, 138 acres, with the average acreage per lot being close to 6 acres. The topography of our neighborhood is moderately to steeply sloped, experiences rapid ground water runoff and is very fragile in nature. In accessing our present zoning designations we compared our community to similar developments. The R2 lakeshore designations assigned to us is not comparable to the similar residential communities of Lake Watch, East Lake and Cayuga Lake Highlands which have significant smaller lot sizes and lakeshore frontages, they have been designated as R1. We have surveyed the other R1 communities in the Town of Lansing. Autumn Ridge has an average approximate lot size of 2 acres. The Bean Hill area and the Barden Home Development lot size is also 2 acres. The Hillcrest Road, Stormy View, Forest Acres, and Whispering Pines have lot sizes of 2 acres. The Head Corners area on Farrell Road also designated RI have lot sizes of an acre. The Asbury area, Armstrong Road, Franklin Drive area have lot sizes or one to two acres. Our communities average lot size is two to three times the lot size of all of the other RI zone developments. We don't consider anyway that we should be moderate density R2 on that basis. We have a very strong desire to maintain our existing community character as low density residential and can only ensure this with the zoning designation of R1. The former request illustrates the maps and the boundaries that we are requesting. Mr. Eyster has met with Mr. Farkas and Mr. Totman they raised the issue of this being considered a spot zoning issue. They have consulted with two attorneys in Ithaca who are well versed in real- estate law. The first stated this was definitely not a spot zoning situation and the second that it is inconceivable that this could be considered spot zoning. Spot zoning is generally considered to be a variance in zoning for a single property. Sometimes two or three properties with a maximum of six acres in size. Our 148 acres is 23 times in total acreage that maximum size for spot zoning. We are here to request that the Board give us no special treatment, but only the treatment 264 June 20, 2001, continued that we should have been given when the zoning was instituted. M Warmus, 20 Fiddlers Green, wanted to go on record, during the time of the zoning in 1998 we were concerned about the oddity of the zoning and we did file a petition date June 24 that should be on file indicating we would like to have the opportunity to have this zoning changed. At that time the Board suggested that they come back at a later time and make the application and that is why we are here today. Ritch Savin - Williams, 4 Fiddlers Green, stated he has been a Lansing resident for little over a decade. He has just moved into the Fiddlers Green community primarily because it was a life dream. It is an incredible beautiful location and it would totally destroyed if it were to become high density. The reason why he lives there was specifically because of some of the low density atmosphere and he is hoping the Board will revert to the zoning request. Mr. Eyster stated that there are 24 lots and 24 signed the petition, they are 100% behind the petition to have the community zoned to RI. They respectfully request that the Board considers the petition and act positively on it. Mr. Farkas stated that this will be presented to the Planning Board, July 9th. The Planning Board will then make recommendation to the Town Board. It will move forward and the Town Board will make a decision on it. Mr. John asked if the deeds in this area have restricted covenants. Mr. Beckwith stated that they did for twenty years and after twenty years the five acre lots could be broken down. TOM TODD - COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE Mr. Farkas stated that he and Mr. Todd attended a meeting today in regards to Triphammer Road renovation. The majority of the money is coming from the Federal Government and it has been dragged on. After the meeting today they are very optimistic. The first phase of the project with be to grind the surface and put a temporary surface on for the winter months. The completion of phase one is October. The second phase will start in the spring which will include widening of the roads, shoulders and redesigning intersections. The final completion will be next year. Tom Todd stated that this project started in 1997. The time schedule on the sheet indicated that the start of the construction is early September 2001. They are going to start with the surface itself. One of the reasons they are putting off doing the shoulders is because there are 88 separate easements necessary to be able to do them. This project is in the vicinity of a 3 million dollar project. The County would have never come up with this money without the Federal Grant that has dragged the project out. The total County project is 8 million dollars which included renovation of the McLean Road to Cortland, 2 million dollars and 3 million dollars for 8 bridge repairs. This was the Counties first experience with getting Federal money to do these kind of projects. Mr. Farkas stated that the initial planning process started in 1993. Mrs. Overstrom asked if it was the entire section of Triphammer Road. Mr. Farkas stated that it would be from the Village line down. PETE LARSON - HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Larson reported that they are working on cleaning up the gravel bank, leveling it off, seeding and mulching which should be completed in August. 265 June 20, 2001, continued Coal paving will start on Monday for Warren Drive, Sun Path, Salmon Creek Road from Red Bridge to Lockerby and Cedar View. This will complete the paving part and stone and oil will start in August. Mr. Larson read a letter from a resident on Reach Run thanking the Town for the lights and street lamp installation. Mr. Larson asked the Board if he should be looking into stripping the parking lot and the ballfield parking lot. Mr. Farkas asked if there has been a study done on if you get more parking with or without lines. Mr. Herrick stated you get more parking with. It was the consensus of the Board to have Mr. Larson look into getting the stripping done on both the parking lot and the ballfield. DAVE HERRICK - TOWN ENGINEER Mr. Herrick reported the following: 1. Water System Planning and Maintenance. a. 2001 Water System Improvement Project (WD #19; WD #12, Ext. #2; WD #2, Ext. #3): Syracuse Constructors has completed installing the 8 -inch main in WD #2, Ext. #3 and is now working on Maple/Franklin Drives in WD #19. Services have also been pre - installed under the roads in WD #12, Ext. #2 and will be connected to the main later. The work is progressing consistent with their schedule. We have asked that all service lines be finalized in WD #2, Ext. #3 so that testing and disinfection can proceed ASAP. The Town can send a "connection" notice to the homeowners in WD #2, Ext #3 just as soon as the main is proven to be potable. b. Water District #17, Extension #7 (Lake Ridge): The feasibility study completed in the spring of 2000 for this proposed extension included an analysis for both 8 -inch and 12 -inch piping, expecting that Cayuga County would have an interest in a future connection to SCLIWC water. In the base alternative residents in the Lake Ride neighborhood would be served with fl- inch mains and pay approximately $738/EDU per year for the 20 year bond. If the charge of $738 is reasonable then Cayuga County should consider contributing enough funds to pay for increasing all pipe diameter to 12 inch and extending the main from Lake Ridge to the County line. The total project cost estimated for this 12 -inch option is $491,000. If Cayuga County contributes $242,000 then the Town would fund the difference of $249,000 and the residents will pay $738/EDU annually. In addition to the cost of the main extension Cayuga County would be asked to participate in costs of expanded pumping and storage facilities elsewhere in the Town's system based on their consumption projections. Mr. Farkas will present the breakdown to the representative from the Cayuga County Water Board letting them know that they need to make a decision now and not later. If this happens they become a customer of the Town of Lansing c. Water District #17 and Permissive Service Area Request (R. Page) The Town has inquired with the SCLIWC (Bolton Point) regarding the use of plastic water main in lieu of traditional ductile iron. A presentation was made to the Bolton Point E &O Committee and there was not opposition to the concept, rather a lack of knowledge about its success in moderate to high pressure applications (similar to what Page will experience). The Town must determine from the Commission that the use of alternative materials will be acceptable before Page or any other proposals come forward seeking to use PVC pipe. A formal written statement is in order. Mr. Herrick passed out and discussed the research to date on the use of PVC water pipe. The first and foremost issue is getting Bolton Point as a Commission to tell the Town of Lansing that yes, you can consider alternate material and having that documented in writing. SEWER - The next meeting is June 26th at 9:30 a.m. in Cortland. 266 June 20, 2001, continued DAN KONOWALOW Mr. Konowalow approached the Board speaking as a veteran of the Korean Police Action on concerning the proper display of the American Flag in front of the Town Hall. He raised the issue before on the inadequate lighting of the flag. Mr. Konowalow stated that if the flag was to be displayed 24 hours a day that it should be lit. He noticed tonight that the flag was still up and not lit. He asked the Board what the latest is on the display of the flag. Mr. Farkas stated that Mr. Larson and his electrician is working on the lighting and will be done in the near future. Mr. Knonowalow respectfully suggested that the flag be taken down at night until the illumination is proper. Mr. Konowalow stated that Mr. Beckwith raised a good point about the fall distance for the proposed cell tower. Two tenths of an acre is not nearly enough for the fall zone. If a 190 foot pole falls it will be well outside the two tenths of an acre. You need something like 4 acres in a square and have the pole in the middle to make sure it will fall on land that they lease. GEORGE TOTMAN Mr. Totman introduced Dick Platt, the new zoning officer. Mr. Platt is from Cortland and has been doing building codes for three years. He has been coming to the Planning Board meetings with him along with using his vacation time to work with him at least one day a week. He will also be attending the ZBA meeting. He officially starts July 2nd. Mr. Totman reported that they were ahead 18 building permits and 1.4 million estimated building cost ahead of last year. They have been working on debris in peoples yards. Mrs. Overstrom stated that Myers Road looked wonderful and Mrs. Greenly stated that many places look wonderful. APPROVE AUDIT RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: RESOLVED, that the bookkeeper is hereby authorized and directed to pay the following bills and make the following budget modifications: Audit Vouchers #464 - #570 Prepay Vouchers #464 & #465 Fund General Fund $ 58,559.84 Highway Fund 1575739.39 Lansing Lighting Districts 1,324.55 (SW) Lansing Water Districts 645575.00 (HA) Town Hall Project 115733.88 Debt Service Fund (HF) Capital Project - Water #19 $1289445.22 (HK) Capital Project - Water #12, 2 253226.87 (HM) Capital Project - Water #2, 3 43,827.30 (HL) Lansing Community Library Center 2,470.41 (HJ) Ottenschott Property 495.14 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS GENERAL FUND A: A1990.400 to A8510.400 Cover Rod Kearl Bill paid in May $4,000.00 A1620.410 to A7110.405 Cover Myers Park Paving Project $30,254.47 A1990.400 to A5132.406 -Gas for Garage $1,432.29 1 June 20, 2001, continued Appropriate Additional Fund Balance to Cover the Following: BUDGET MODIFICATIONS GENERAL FUND B B1990,400 to B8010.400 Cover June Bills BUDGET MODIFICATIONS LANSING WATER DISTRICTS SW8310.403 to SW8310.400 Cover June Bills $344.18 $214.11 Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor APPROVE MINUTES A copy of the minutes of February 22nd, March 21st, April 4th, April 11 th, April 18th and June 1, 2001 having been given to the Board Members beforehand, the Supervisor asked for a motion to make corrections or to accept the same as submitted. RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: RESOLVED, that the minutes of February 22nd, March 21st, April 4th, April l lth, April 18th and June 1, 2001 are hereby approved as submitted. Carried. Carried. Carried. Carried. Carried. Carried, BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Meg Overstrom - The Town Center Committee has not met. They will be meeting with the Planning Board of July 9th. Mrs. Overstrom show them the proposal for the sign to go in front of the municipal buildings. They have applied for a grant for one half of the cost for the sign. The sign won't be ordered until the grant is received. The cost including the electric and landscaping is $7,500.00. Mrs. Overstrom presented and discussed the following with the Board: Purpose: To protect Tompkins County's drinking water supplies and water resources by investigating surface water and groundwater interaction, groundwater movement, and vulnerability of water resources in Tompkins County. Needs /Goals: • Protect public health and drinking water supplies (45,000 TC residents currently rely on groundwater for their drinking water supply) • Understand impact and extent of current and potential groundwater problems (MTBE contamination in Villages of Dryden and Groton, inadequate septic systems treatment in trailer parks along Hanshaw Road, insufficient water quantity in Caroline and Lansing, etc.) • Develop pro- active, cost - savings approach to preventing contamination of drinking water supplies such as Jacksonville and the Village of Groton 267 M roydabi June 20, 2001, continued • Minimize financial impacts of addressing future drinking water quality and quantity issues • Develop strategies for groundwater protection in Tompkins County • Identify aquifers /groundwater resources suitable to support future development Contents: Depending on the detail of study, the effort would: • Build upon existing aquifer location map, developed in conjunction with USGS • Determine individual characteristics of aquifers (recharge /discharge areas, volume, yield, path and velocity of groundwater flow) • Determine aquifer capacity, water availability, ability to support additional uses /users, and potential to become contaminated • Determine water levels and groundwater flow Process: County funding would be leveraged with federal funds to conduct consecutive studies of individual aquifers in the County. Depending on the complexity of the aquifer, approximately $150,000 per aquifer reach is needed: $105,000 from the County and $45,000 from USGS (in the form of 30% match). USGS currently provides a 30% match for conducting aquifer studies. This match cannot be guaranteed. In 1999 this match was 40 %, but dropped to 30% in Federal Fiscal Year 2000. It may be possible to "lock -in" the cost -share amount with a long -term contract with USGS, but their funding and match amount is dependent on the Federal Budget process. Study sequence: Detailed studies would be conducted on an aquifer -by- aquifer basis, starting with the most critical aquifers as recommended by the Tompkins County Water Resources Council. The recommended sequence of aquifer study will be based on factors such as: • Population dependent on aquifer for drinking water supply • Known problems with aquifer's water quality • Vulnerability of aquifer to contamination resulting from spills, leaking underground tanks, population growth, etc. • Size of aquifer /ability to serve as drinking water source • Municipal contribution to study costs Additional input for this priority listing would be solicited from local municipal officials, members of the general public, the Tompkins County EMC, the New York State DEC, and USGS. After further discussion the Board adopted the following resolution: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby support funding for continued aquifer studies. WHEREAS, the public health and the economic and environmental well-being of Tompkins County and its residents are dependent on safe and dependable supplies of drinking water, and WHEREAS, water supplies in Tompkins County originate from, or mix with, underground water sources and aquifers, and WHEREAS, it is possible to analyze these underground water supplies and aquifers to better understand their quality, abundance, yield, and flow characteristics, and WHEREAS, public health will directly benefit from additional studies, and WHEREAS, this increased knowledge will help to guide future development and minimize its environmental impacts in this community and in the County, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing requests that the Tompkins County Board of Representatives, approve funding for the advanced study of all aquifers in Tompkins County. ��.M 269 June 20, 2001, continued Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor Katrina Greenly - Ed Leonard has been doing a great job on the plants, watering them, etc. Next week she will be working on a plan for around the monument. Also, working on a sketch for the State for the annex and library. She attended a work session on applying for grants for Salt Point, lease negotiations can not be finalized until July. She will be meeting with Steve Colt and Pete Larson about details in order to receive a match for up to $25,000.00 Mr. John stated that his office has current sets of the U.S. Code and New York Statutes and asked Mrs. Greenly if the library would be interested in the books. Mrs. Greenly stated they would. The Town will be doing a newsletter in August. Matt Shulman will be working on this. The draft will be due by the end of July. Mr. Farkas will send a memo to all department heads. Bud Shattuck - The Planning Board is done with Schedule 1 and is working on Schedule 2 on redoing the zoning laws. At some point the Planning Board will be presenting this to the Town Board to review. This will then come before the Town and a public hearing will be scheduled. He didn't speak to the Fiddlers Green group tonight as how they go, but thinks the Board would be remise if we individually every time a group came forward decided to look into rezoning something. Especially when we put so much work into looking at that zoning piece for the whole Town. Changing both what some of the designations are for the zoning laws but also deciding where the footprint of each of those areas are going to be. Not that Fiddlers Green wouldn't be appropriate for R1 but to do it everytime someone comes forward it is costly and not time effective. Sewer is going forward. The scoping is going forward. All new proposed sewer areas which includes 95% of that is in the Town of Lansing. Herb Beckwith - He is doing ongoing work with Rick Page on his water district and has been meeting with Dave Herrick. Been meeting and working with Don Potter and the Cayuga Water Commission. He has been working with Dale Oplinger with regards to getting rid of the debris on the South Lansing property. Steve Farkas - Ottenschott Property - Mr. Larson is using highway personnel to clean-up the property. There is some good junk and some poor junk. A company out of Syracuse is going to take the tires of which the multitude is still on rims. Inside the building there are 55 gallon drums which they are looking for someone to take out. There is top soil left which will be used to dress up the property the rest will be used by the Highway Department, Rich John - He has just got notice of a cast hearing, scheduled for the end of July, which is a settlement conference which is mandatory of appeals. The former owner of 17 Ridge Road brought an appeal of prior decision of the judge in the Supreme Court. He will find out if this will be pursued. The office is preparing pW#I* response to the action against Mr. Totman. They are due 220 June 20, 2001, continued by the end of next week. He is also working on the Bean Hill Lane transaction. They have met the contingencies at this point so that looks like it will go forward. Easements have been obtained and signed for Water District #2, Extension #3. Easements are drafted and need to be signed on Water District # 17, Extension #6. Mr. Shattuck has talked to Andy Scriabba concerning the new project, The Field. Mr. Scriabba inquired whether there would be the possibility of the Town donating money to a private not for profit agency in support of that project. How would the legal part of this happen? Mr. John will do more research but stated that there is a way through providing some funding through IDA. If there are some municipal services that could be deemed to be contracted through that type of donation or provided to the community by that sort of donation. The library is a very good example. This also would enable the Town Recreation Department to put on different and expanded programs. Mr. Shattuck stated that this request might come forward at some point. ROB LYCHALK Mr. Lychalk asked the Board what the time frame was for the sale of the former Ottenschott property. Mr. Farkas stated as soon as possible. There is still clean-up being conducted and current litigation pending. EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mrs. Overstrom: RESOLVED, that the Regular Meeting be adjourned to go into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. Carried. RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mr. Beckwith: RESOLVED, that the Executive Session be terminated at 9:30 p.m. and the Regular Meeting be reconvened. Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor. Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. �� Carried.