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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-18REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING Date: July 18, 2001 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Lansing Town Hall Board Room AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order. 2, Roll Call, 3. Privilege of the Floor: A) Debbie Tetter - Farm City Day B) John Reynolds - Drainage - Ludlowville C) Janice Johnson - County Youth Bureau 4, Cell Tower Request. 5, Bid Opening - One Flail Type Brush & Tree Cutter/Mulcher to be mounted on a Gradall XL4100. 6, Highway Superintendent's Report, 7, Code Enforcement Officer's Report, 8. Engineer's Report, 9, Approve Audit, 10, Approve Minutes of May 16th and June 13th & 20th, 2001, 11, Board Member Reports. 12, Executive Session if Needed. 13. Adjournment. 271 July 18, 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. VISITORS: George Totman, Pete Larson, Dave Herrick, Elizabeth Feldman, William Bishop, Joe Phillips, Connie Wilcox, John Reynolds, Tom Jones, Susan Brock, Debbie Teeter, Harold Hatt, Helen Thorn, Jack Avery, Bob Boda, Dan Konowalow, Jim Hranek, Victoria Friele, .Rob Davenport, Candis Bailey, Beverly Abplanalp, Janice Johnson, Don Ridley, Linda Sheldon Petak, Jeff & Bobbi Sweazey, Marcy Rosenkeantz, Linda Westlake, Sarah Thompson, Richard Platt and about 10 other residents. The Supervisor called the meeting to order and had the clerk take the Roll Call, Herbert Beckwith Katrina Greenly Meg Overstrom Bud Shattuck Stephen Farkas Bonita Boles Richard John ROLL CALL Councilperson Present Councilperson Present Councilperson Present Councilperson Present Supervisor Present Town Clerk Present Town Attorney Present COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - FARM CITY DAY: Debbie Teeter gave the Board an overview of what farm city day involves and stated that this year it will be held on Rob and Lori Todd's farm. The event will take place on August 25, 2001 and it is expected that between 800 and 1,000 people will attend. LUDLOWVILLE WATER PROBLEM: John Reynolds of 11 Salmon Creek Road stated that there is a serious water problem regarding a spring on the east side of Salmon Creek Road. The water use to drain into the creek but when the fence was installed in Ludlowville park the Highway Department collapsed one end of the sluice pipe. The home at 13 Salmon Creek Road has a steady stream of water running through the basement year around. Katrina stated that Mr. Reynolds has a septic problem and asked if he would fix it if the water problem was fixed. He stated that he would. Katrina stated that this was also a health issue. Mr. Larson and Mr. Herrick have looked it over and will get together with Mr. Reynolds to come up with a solution. Mr. John asked Mr. Reynolds to bring in a sketch of the area when he comes back. Mr. Reynolds offered his help in the matter. COUNTY YOUTH BUREAU: Janice Johnson and Sarah Thompson gave the Board an update of the programs that are offered during and after school. They thanked the Board for all of their support. Rob Davenport asked the Board what their decision was regarding the proposed water district. Bev Abplanalp read a letter to the Board objecting to the district. She also handed in a petition signed by residents against the proposed district. She was very upset that the Town had been funding a small group of people in favor of the district. She also stated that there had been false advertising in the real estate guide as it stated that property on Algerine Road would soon have municipal water. Mr. Farkas stated that 47 to 48% of the people in the area were in favor of the district. He felt Audit and Control would have a hard time approving said district. Mr. Shattuck stated that he feels infrastructure creates growth and was against it from the beginning. 272 Continued July 18, 2001 Mr. Beckwith stated that the Town did give the committee support in order to investigate any possible way to economically go forward with the district. He also stated that the Town would do this with anyone who has a need. Mr. Farkas stated that the Board will take no action at this time and the following resolution was offered: RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing had considered the establishment of a proposed water district extension along Algerine Road, Ludlow Road and Lansing Station Road, referred to for planning purposes as Water District 17 Extension 5, and WHEREAS, at the meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held on July 18, 2001, the Town Board received the results of a survey of the residents indicating a split in support for the project, and WHEREAS, the Town Attorney advised that the New York State Dept. of Audit and Control would be unlikely to give approval to the establishment of a Water District at the proposed annual costs without a high level of support of the residents, therefore, it is RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing take no further action towards the establishment of proposed Water District 17 Extension 5 at this time. 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. I . (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor CROWN ATLANTIC - CELL TOWER: Robert Burgdorf gave a very lengthy speech regarding cell towers. He stated that the applicant was Crown Atlantic and is looking into placing a tower in the area of the Highway Department. He stated that they would try their best to keep it under 200 feet high. It was stated that the Town Board would require a full fall zone area. After a long conversation it was decided that visual simulations will be done and brought back to the Board at a later time. A bid opening for one Flail Type Brush & Tree Cutter /Mulcher to be mounted on a Gradall XL4100 was called to order and one (1) bid received as follows: John Brown & Sons, Inc. 14 B &B Lane Weare, New Hampshire A. One Bronto Mower, Model 2.5, with necessary coupling arrangement to fit on Gradall XL4100 $ 225500.00 B. Shipping to your facility in Lansing, NY $ 535.00 C. Parts and accessories required for installation on XL4100 1. Auxiliary hydraulic pump kit from Gradall, Part # 8093 -5038 $ 2,202.52 2. Auxiliary circuit hose trough, two hoses, fittings & other parts (Shipping not included) $ 4,104.19 3. Miscellaneous parts to include are one '/2" I.D. hydraulic hose for case drain with fittings, rocker switch to activate mower unit etc. +/- $ 500.00 Mr. Larson will look over the proposal and get back to the Board with his recommendation. $ 29,841.71 273 Continued July 18, 2001 Mr. Larson discussed the following: HORIZON DRIVE SEWER LINE: The sewer line has been installed and completion will be soon. OTTENSCHOTT PROPERTY CLEAN -UP: Mr. Larson stated that it will be very expensive to clean up the property. Mr. Shattuck stated that he would like it completed by November 1 st if possible. Mr. Larson will start next week but will only be able to work on it as they have time. Mr. Larson stated that he will be burning on the property soon. The Supervisor will put an ad in the Journal and also notify the neighbors beforehand. LIBRARY DRIVEWAY: Katrina stated that she had a discussion with the State about getting rid of the old driveway and he had no problem with this. It will be dug out and grass planted (culvert will stay in place). Flowers will be planted around the sign area. The parking in that area will be lost as there is not enough room to put in a berm. RICHARD PLATT - CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Mr. Platt handed out his monthly report stating that they are 15 permits ahead of last year and $ 976,367.00 ahead of last year. RONSVALLE PROPERTY - WARREN ROAD: Mr. Shattuck informed the Board that there is a water problem on the lot where Ronsvalle is building apartments. Mr. Totman felt the Town Attorney should get involved as the problem existed before Mr. Ronsvalle purchased the property. He felt it was Roger Hagin's fault due to a dam that he built. The Board agreed with Mr. Totman and will have Mr. John put this in writing. GRANT MONIES: Mr. Totman informed the Town Board that when they apply for any grant money from the County in the future, someone should be present when the money is passed out. This could make a difference in whether they would get the money or not. DAVE HERRICK - TOWN ENGINEER: a. 2001 Water System Improvement Project (WD #19; WD # 12, Ext. # 25 WD # 2, Ext. # 3): Syracuse Contractors will have all WD # 19 mains installed by July 23, 2001. Pressure testing and disinfection is done on Franklin and Maple Drives and these mains are considered "potable ". The balance of WD # 19 testing won't be performed until the first week in August. He recommended that homeowners wait until the entire district mains are potable before hooking up. b. The Town received a letter from the Kolynich family at 102 Armstrong concerning damage to pine trees. This will be discussed with Syracuse Contractors and Dave will inform the Town how the Contractor plans to resolve 274 Continued July 18, 2001 the damage. C, WD # 2, Ext. # 3 is 95% complete and homeowners have been informed that they can make connections. Construction costs are well within the approved budget. d. WD # 12, Ext. # 2 construction will begin the week of 7/23. e. David Allardice has informed Mr. Herrick that interest rates for long -term financing is now at a very good rate. ALTERNATIVE WATER PIPE MATERIALS: a. The Town has inquired several times with SCLIWC regarding the use of alternative pipe materials in lieu of traditional ductile iron. Another presentation was made to the Bolton Point E & O Committee and there was consensus by the Committee to move forward with the concept of individual municipal authority with respect to selecting pipe materials. At the July 5th Commissioners meeting, the issue was tabled and a request made to " gather additional information ". Mr. Herrick felt the issue needs to be added to the SCLIWC August meeting agenda if the Town is still interested in pursuing it. b. Water District # 17 and Permissive Service area request (R. Page): Rick Page is asking for a meeting with the Town Supervisor, Attorney and Engineer to discuss other district formation approaches. As a back -up plan he will still consider a single connection for his current house construction which won't require formation or other extraordinary processing. SANITARY SEWER PLANNING MEETING: a. Regional Sewer Initiative: The City of Ithaca Superintendent of Public Works issued on 7/17/01, a preliminary analysis of treatment capacity purchase for Lansing. Mr. Herrick showed the Board a copy of the report. AUDIT RESOLUTION: bills: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mrs. Overstrom: RESOLVED, that the bookkeeper is hereby authorized and directed to pay the following VOUCHER NUMBERS: 571 -688 PREPAIDS: 571 -575 l' U111 GENERAL FUND $ 705 153.59 HIGHWAY FUND $ 1849021.44 LANSING LIGHTING DISTRICTS $ 15324.55 LANSING WATER DISTRICTS $ 13,620.79 TOWN HALL PROJECT $ 340.29 OTTENSCHOTT $ 2,569.50 LCLC $ 687'78 SEWER DISTRICT $ 23315.41 WATER DISTRICT NUMBER 19 $ 1885845.80 WATER DISTRICT NO. 12, EXT. NO.2 $ 1,474.78 WATER DISTRICT NO, 2, EST, NO. 3 $ 45701.93 275 Continued July 18, 2001 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 A copy of the minutes of May 16th and June 20th, 2001 having been handed out to the Board Members beforehand, the Supervisor asked for a motion to make corrections or to accept the same as submitted. RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: RESOLVED, that the minutes of May 16th and June 20, 2001 are hereby approved as submitted. Carried. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS: Mrs. Overstrom informed the Board that the Town Center Committee has come up with a street scape concept which went to the Planning Board. Mrs. Greenly stated that the Library opened for business yesterday and about 70 people showed up. This was with no advertising done. The grand opening will take place in mid August. She stated that the handicapped ramp may be too far away. The curb cut may have to be moved or a patch could be put in at a grade up to the curb to allow accessibility. The committee would like to hire Ed Leonard to clean the building and the Board felt he should be paid separately and not go through the Town. Mr. Shattuck informed the Board that zoning changes will be done by the September 23rd meeting and would like to have a joint Planning Board and Town Board meeting. Mr. Shattuck and Mrs. Greenly met with the State Parks Office regarding grant money for UC Point. The project could be done by August of 2002. The State felt this was a very important project and was quite excited about it. Mr. Beckwith is still meeting with Rick Page regarding his water problem. Mr. Farkas stated that an update has been made to the medical and health insurance for retirees. He stated that this is not a 100% pay from the Town. The following resolution was then offered: RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mr. Beckwith: WHEREAS, a recommendation was made to amend the Town Policy and Procedure Manual regarding retirement benefits, specifically Medical Insurance for Retirees, and WHEREAS, a draft of the proposed amendment was presented to the Town Board, and the Town Board having discussed the proposed draft amendment to the Town Policy and Procedure Manual regarding Medical Insurance for Retirees, therefore, it is RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing, upon due consideration, directs that the Town Policy and Procedure Manual be changed to include the changes regarding Medical Insurance for Retirees as per the following Amendment: Medical Insurance for Retirees Coverage - The Town of Lansing will make available medical insurance coverage to an eligible employee who retires from the Town. In addition, the Town will provide this coverage to the elected Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk, if the eligibility requirements are met. 276 Continued July 18, 2001 Coverage is also available for eligible dependents if they were covered under the Town's medical insurance plan at the employee's date of retirement. Coverage of a dependent at the time of divorce or legal separation is in accordance with plan documents and COBRA requirements. Eligibility - To be eligible for coverage, the retiree must be age fifty -five or older, and must have at least ten years of continuous service with the Town. In addition, the employee or elected Official must have applied for and been granted a bona -fide retirement benefit from the New York State Retirement System. In addition the Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this benefit at retirement: 1. The Town Official shall have served for at least ten years. 2. The Town Official shall have been enrolled in the Town of Lansing Health Insurance coverage for a period of at least five consecutive years prior to Retirement. Premium Payment - The Town will pay eighty -five percent of the premium for individual coverage and seventy -eight percent of the premium for family medical insurance coverage for each eligible retiree. The Town's premium contribution will be adjusted by the existing health insurance Sick Leave Credit policy. Changes in premium Contributions - The amount of insurance premium a retiree or retiree's spouse is required to contribute is subject to change by resolution of the Town Board. The Town Board will provide a two -month written notice of such change. Medicare Part B Reimbursement - The Town will reimburse an eligible retiree and the retiree's spouse for the cost of the Medicare Part B premium. Reimbursement will cease for a spouse upon legal separation or divorce. The Town Board may, at its discretion and in accordance with the plan documents, modify or eliminate this reimbursement for any retiree or retiree's spouse. Union Employees - An employee who is a member of a collective bargaining unit is not covered by the Medical Insurance for Retirees provision set for immediately above and should refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement. 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 Mr. Shattuck stated that there have been complaints from the Pinney Lane people. He stated that they felt they were unduly addressed by one of the members of the Planning Board. He gave Board Members copies of the letter. Mr. Shattuck informed the Board that the County would like the Town to have a new Election District. He also stated that the County has notified the clerk's that they intend to take over all of the voting machines. He thought this was a state mandate. This will come before the Board on the 2nd of August. He felt the Town Board should be supportive of what the Town Clerk and other Clerks decide to do. The clerk asked for a resolution to approve an additional election district in the North Lansing Fire Hall. The Board decided to wait until the Regular Meeting in August to act on this. RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Beckwith and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Highway Department, having completed the realignment of Bean Hill Road and related drainage work, all in accordance with the Town plan for the realignment of the Bean Hill and Hillcrest Road intersection; and Continued July 18, 2001 277 WHEREAS, such property is not required for the Town of Lansing operations, and, as such, it constitutes surplus property of the Town, and the property had been put on the market for sale; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has received a Purchase Offer for the parcel of land located at the intersection of Bean Hill Road and Hillcrest Road, also known as 41. -1 -11.1, and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has entered into negotiations with the prospective purchasers of the parcel of property and has determined a fair market price for the property, being the amount of Twenty -three Thousand Dollars ($ 23,000.00) for the purchase of the property, therefore, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing authorizes the sale of the property at 2 Bean Hill Lane, tax map number 41. -1 -11.1, for a sum of Twenty -three Thousand Dollars ($ 23,000.00), and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute such documents as necessary to complete the sale of the property, and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sale is subject to a Request for a Permissive Referendum by the residents of the Town. 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 RON RONSVALLE MATTER: Mr. John stated that the papers were submitted and scheduled for argument on July 6th but Mr. Mulvey was out of Town, therefore there will be no oral argument. It has now been put off until a later date. RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. Beckwith: RESOLVED, that the Regular Meeting be adjourned to go into Executive Session to discuss a matter regarding possible litigation at 10:14 p.m. Carried. RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: RESOLVED, that the Executive Session be terminated and the Regular Meeting be reconvened at 10:20 p.m. Carried. On motion, meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 10:23 p.m. /� f