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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-17365 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING Date: September 17, 2003 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Lansing Town Hall Board Room AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Hearing — 7:05 p.m. — Windmill - Lansing Station Road. 4. Privilege of the Floor. 5. Highway Superintendent's Report. 6. Code Officer's Report. 7. Engineer's Report. 8. Approve Minutes of August 20, 2003. 9, Approve Audit. 10. Board Member's Report. 11. Executive Session if needed. 12. Adjournment. 367 September 17, 2003 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 Katrina Greenly Councilperson Present Doug McEver Councilperson Present Meg Overstrom Councilperson Absent Francis Shattuck Councilperson Present Bonny Boles Town Clerk Present Guy Krogh Town Attorney Present VISITORS: Claes Nyberg, Pat Farkas, John Howell, Rachel Jacobson, Lyle Wadell, Connie Wilcox, Jack French, Dale Oplinger, Dan Konowalow, Marcy Rosenkrantz, Daniel Thiel, Niamh O'Leary, Marty Christopher, George Gesslein, Judy Scott /Bandas, Nan Makela, Edward Valley, Mark Smith, Richard and Monica VanEvery, William Targosh, Dan & Julie Boles, Mary Ann Caliel, Jeff Bowman, Stephen White, Scott Barron, Howard Walrad, John Haring, Sandy & Mike Sweazey, John Farkas, Sybel Bush, Carl & Shary Zifchock, Pat Conlon, Jack French, Dick Platt, Dave Herrick and a few other residents. The Supervisor lead all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC HEARING — SPECIAL PERMIT — TARGOSH: Proof of Notice having been furnished by the Town Clerk, the Public Hearing for a special permit was opened at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Farkas opened the floor to public comments and/or concerns. He asked that everyone keep their comments to two minutes. The comments and concerns were as follows: John Howell: Opposed to the windmill. He handed Mr. Farkas a petition signed by neighborhood residents that were also opposed to a windmill. He felt it would be too tall and too big around in diameter. (120' tall x 23' in diameter) It does not fit in to the rural /agricultural zoned area. There would be direct obstruction of the views from the tower. Houses in that area have their assessments reflected by the views they have. Judy Scott: She showed the Board Members photographs of what she would see from her house and said that the windmill would have an impact on her property values and views. Richard VanEvery: Opposed to it because his assessment says lakeviews, not windmill views. Felt 120' is not a good thing. Shouldn't be there if a special law has to be made for it. Judy Scott: How does it differ from NYSE &Gas? Is it a sub station with transmission lines? Mr. Shattuck stated that windmills in an Agriculture District are allowed by law. Mr. Targosh is asking for a special subsidy through NYSEDA. They require a SEQR. The Planning Board was concerned about the ascetics of it, therefore a Public Hearing was set. Mr. Shattuck explained how the windmill works. Mr. Shattuck felt that alternative energy sources were a good thing for the Board to look at. Richard VanEvery: Felt the Town should get a committee together to explore alternate sources of energy for Lansing. NW01 Continued, September 17, 2003 On motion, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m. Board Members Opinions: Francis Shattuck: Would like to think about it and postpone the vote until the October 1, 2003 meeting. Doug McEver: Concerned about the noise factor and would like to see one in operation before voting. Would also like to postpone the vote until the October Is' meeting. Katrina Greenly: Agreed with Mr. McEver. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Contractor from NYSEDA: Stated that from 300' away, the windmill would sound like a refrigerator running. The total height would be 136' and would look like a radio tower. Would have very little visual impact. It was decided that a public informational meeting would be held next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Monica VanEvery: Is there a list of people that are in agreement to the windmill? LANSING FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE: George Gesslein and Dale Oplinger: Mr. Gesslein stated that the Fire Department presently has eight major vehicles. They will be replacing a 1976 truck with a 2004 one. He handed out a sheet showing their 20 year plan. Approximately every 2 '/2 years, a vote is held to replace a vehicle. A major improvement will be coming up in the Village of Lansing as far as a new fire station. Bunking needs to be improved. Having trouble getting volunteers to show up, especially during the day. After this project is complete, there will be changes made to the main station to modernize it. Mr. Shattuck asked about the land on Oakcrest Road that is owned by the Fire Department. Mr. Gesslein is projecting that the land be sold and the money go into the new station. Mr. Shattuck stated that Lansing is better able to provide for their fire department than a small town and wondered if a time may come where Lansing may have to enlarge the area that they would take care of. Mr. Dale Oplinger stated that there is no need to look outside of the community. Geographical, Mr. Oplinger stated that he did not feel the district would be enlarged but Mr. Gesslein disagreed with him as he feels there needs to be some consolidation in the fire departments. Mr. Oplinger stated that Lansing was called out to 910 calls last year, of which 65% were fire related, 45% were EMS calls and 18 -24 were structural fires. Mrs. Greenly stated that in 2006, a new addition is scheduled for the Central Fire Station at a cost of $ 670,000.00 and asked to have it explained. Mr. Gesslein stated that more bunking is needed and more room is needed for training areas. Training requirements have been greatly increased. Bunking will be reinstated this fall. Mrs. Greenly asked why the Assistance Chief and Chief s vehicles are replaced every four (4) years. Mr. Oplinger stated that they are driven hard and overloaded. He stated that a Chiefs or Assistance Chiefs vehicle with 40,000 miles on it is like having 80 — 120,000 miles on a regular vehicle. Mr. Gesslein stated that the fire tax rate would go up 5% this year but that it did not go up at all last year. The Board thanked Mr. Gesslein, Mr. Oplinger and Mr. White before they left. 369 Continued, September 17, 2003 Nancy Rosencrantz: Reminded the Board that back in August, herself and her husband presented the Board with a letter outlining their concerns just about the kind of controls that would be placed on agricultural property if the change in the L1 demarcation line is approved. She asked the Board to re -read the letter and to give it due consideration. Danny Boles: Wanted to know why the vote on the new fire truck was not publicized more and more informational meetings held. He stated that less than 100 people came to a Town vote and did not feel that is the way it should be. Mr. Farkas stated that he did not disagree with him but felt that more people need to go to the Fire Commissioner's meetings. He stated that the Town has no jurisdiction over the fire district. Mr. Shattuck stated that 3 or 4 years ago, there was a fairly contentious school board election in which 3,500 people showed up to vote. The very next night, a vote on a $700,000.00 fire truck was held and only 102 people voted. Connie Wilcox: The fire commissioner's meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Fire Station. She encouraged all to go. She stated that people need to get all of the information they can. She also noted that 157 voted last night, 52 were against a new truck and 95 in favor. She felt it was a pretty poor showing. Julie Boles: Stated that she was a member of the "contentious" school Board issue and that they really got the word out as school board members. She appreciates all the Fire Department does for the community. She stated that most all of what they do is publicized on the marquee and why not put the issues of voting on the same marquee? HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT: Auction: Mr. French reported that the Town's equipment brought a little over $ 10900.00 at the auction. The Town will also receive 10% of the whole percentage of the municipal part of the auction. Town of Danby — Grade -All: The Town of Danby contacted Mr. French to let him know that the Town Board passed a resolution accepting the purchase of the Town of Lansing's Grade -All for $50,000.00. Tire Sales: The tire collection that was held at the Highway Garage on August 30`h, which was held by Tompkins County Soil & Water brought in almost 3,500 tires. The Town of Lansing will be paid .25 per tire for hauling them to Auburn. This money should almost pay for the fuel. Grade -All Specifications: The specifications were drawn up today. Mr. French will get them to the Town Attorney for his approval and the bid opening should take place on October 15, 2003 at the Regular Board Meeting. Roof Repairs: Mr. Shattuck asked if money was set aside this year to repair the roof on the Highway Garage. Mr. French stated that it was agreed that $25,000.00 from last year would be added to another $ 25,000.00 this year but it was not added in the budget. CODE ENFORCEMENT'S REPORT: Monthly Report: Mr. Platt stated that his department was down in permits from last year by 6 and up in project costs by $ 822,212.10. 370 Continued, September 17, 2003 He also stated that a total of $ 11,170.00 has come in for electrical inspections. Mr. Ferris was budgeted for $ 12,000.00 for his pay for 2003. Ordinance• Waiting for SEQR before it can be completed. LEAPE Workshop: The workshop will be held at the Lansing Town Hall Board Room on October 20`h at 5:30 p.m. and will last about 2 hours. All Town Board and Planning Board members are invited. This is a computer based program that is very helpful. TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT: Storm Water Management Issues: The Whispering Pines sub - division needs a drainage easement that would be under Town control with respect to operation and maintenance. He feels this would resolve a lot of issues in the future. A discussion was held as to where this drainage should be placed. Other alternatives will be explored. SEQR: RESOLUTION At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on 17th day of September, 2003, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Katrina Greenly, Councilperson; Douglas McEver, Councilperson; and Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: Meg Overstrom, Councilperson; and the following Resolution was duly made by motion of Douglas McEver and seconded by Katrina Greenly and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, Katrina Greenly — aye, Douglas McEver - aye, and the following Resolution therefore passed: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board has prepared a draft amendment(s) to the Town Zoning Ordinance after a lengthy process of examination of the needs of the Town, and the areas where regulation and control of growth are required, and the Planning Board having submitted the draft amendments to the Lansing Town Board, and WHEREAS, the Town Board having reviewed the proposed amendments and conducting a review of the needs of the Town for amendment of its land use controls, and WHEREAS, the Town Board, in conjunction with the Planning Board, having held several public comment and information sessions, completed the proposed changes and amendments to the Town Land Use Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Town held a public hearing upon such Zoning Amendments, after due and proper notice and publication, upon August 20, 2003 and received public comment thereupon, and WHEREAS, the Town Board hereby classifies the proposed action of adopting the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance as a Type I SEQR action pursuant to 6 NYCRR § 61.7.4(b)(1); and WHEREAS, there are no other Involved Agencies as defined by the SEQR Act, and the Interested Agencies are determined to be the Town of Lansing Planning Board, The Villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights, the Towns of Ithaca, Dryden, Genoa, Locke, and Groton, the County of Cayuga, the Tompkins County Planning Board, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town Board, the Town Board has hereby 371 Continued, September 17, 2003 RESOLVED, that a public hearing concerning the SEQR Long Form (the "full" EAF) review be set for 7:05 p.m. on October 1, 2003 at the Town Hall at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York 14882; and it is further RESOLVED, that a copy of the proposed amendments and the proposed amended maps be promptly filed by the Town Clerk in the Town Clerk's Offices, and that the same be made available for public review; and it is further RESOLVED that the Town Clerk provide notice and publication of this Resolution as required by law, including notification to all involved and interested agencies; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing be and hereby is designated as the Lead Agency for SEQR review of the proposed action, and copies of the SEQR material will be provided to the Interested Agencies and the public during the review process for the proposed Zoning Amendments. GLOBAL PHOENIX PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on 17th day of September, 2003, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Katrina Greenly, Councilperson; Douglas McEver, Councilperson; and Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: Meg Overstrom, Councilperson; and the following Resolution was duly made by motion of Douglas McEver and seconded by Katrina Greenly and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, Katrina Greenly — aye, Douglas McEver - aye, and the following Resolution therefore passed: WHEREAS, Global Phoenix Computer T &S, Inc. is a business located within the Town of Lansing at Lot 6, Warren Road Business Park ( "Global Phoenix "); and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing received a request from Global Phoenix to build a new building consisting of 4,500 square feet of office space, and 12,000 square feet of warehouse space; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing was by Resolution dated July 2, 2003 designated as the lead agency for conducting an environmental review of the proposed project, and having conducted such environmental review, and after due deliberation having made a negative declaration of environmental impact on July 2, 2003; and WHEREAS, a public hearing is now deemed necessary by the Town Board to allow the public and potentially affected neighbors to voice their opinions and concerns relative to the said project; and WHEREAS, and after review and discussion of the matter, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that a public hearing upon the Global Phoenix project be and hereby is established and scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on October 1, 2003, at the Town Hall of the Town of Lansing, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York; and it is further RESOLVED that the Town Clerk provide notice and publication of this Resolution as required by law. APPROVE MINUTES 372 Continued, September 17, 2003 A copy of the Minutes of August 20, 2003, having been furnished to the Board Members beforehand, the Supervisor asked for a motion to make changes or to accept the same as submitted. RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. McEver and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: RESOLVED, that the minutes of August 20, 2003 are hereby approved as submitted. Carried. AUDIT RESOLUTION: RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Greenly and seconded by Mr. McEver: RESOLVED, that the bookkeeper is hereby authorized and directed to pay the following bills: Audited Vouchers: 850-963 Prepaid Vouchers: 850-853 FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS General Fund Highway Fund Lansing Lighting Lansing Water Districts Cherry Road Sewer 54,982.64 123,373.30 1,256.46 76,942.61 289.57 Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Doug McEver, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor BOARD MEMBER REPORTS: Katrina Greenly: Meeting regarding the traveling softball team: Mrs. Greenly stated that a meeting was held with various members that were disputing what occurred during a summer traveling softball league. Misunderstandings were discussed. How League improvement could happen Was also discussed. Mr. Shattuck stated that said meeting was listed as a Recreational Meeting but that the Town Board felt that there were enough issues, that all Board Members were present, therefore it was constituted as a regular meeting. Doug McEver: Personnel Water Craft Committee. Mr. McEver stated that the Personnel Water Craft documents were finished and would be sent on to the County Board. It was not passed last Wednesday, as only 10 of the 11 required members were present. It is anticipated that at the next meeting on October 20`h, it will pass and be presented to the Planning Board on October 29, 2003. It will then go on to the County Board the first week in November. It is expected to be passed for an effective date of April ls` of 2004 in reference to the nuisance ordinances that the Town of Lansing proposed on August 20, 2003. Mr. McEver asked for the motion to be brought back up for another vote to pass the ordinances that were presented on August 20, 2003. Mrs. Greenly asked that the vote be tabled until the next meeting when Mrs. Overstrom could be present, as she would like her vote on the record. 373 Continued, September 17, 2003 Mr. Shattuck had no problem with tabling it. He felt that moving the times to give the personnel water crafts more time on the water is needed. He stated that the Town needs to do something before the County does. A question and answer period followed: Danny Boles Asked who will enforce the laws. He also asked how will you know where 1,500' is. Felt we should take our chances and wait. Shary Zifchock: The County felt it wasn't their position to get involved in what the Town's are doing. She spoke to Sheriff Meskill and he said he had no intentions of patrolling or enforcing the laws. She asked why pass a law that cannot be enforced? She asked if the same rules would also be for boats. Doug McEver: He stated that the rules would also include boats. Steve Farkas• Stated that if the City passes an ordinance, it will be far worse than the one the Town of Lansing has proposed. Doug McEver: Stated that if the Town doesn't pass it, the County will. He stated that the County IS going to pass it and that they want to ban jet skies on the lake. He said they cannot do that but that they can make the speed limit l Omph at 1,500 feet. Steve Farkas: If we don't take responsibility for our shoreline, the County will. Julie Boles: Asked what time and where the Water Resource Committee is meeting. Mr. McEver stated that they are meeting October 20th at 4:00 p.m. at the County Transit Building. She asked if they were open meetings and Mr. McEver stated that they were not open. Mrs. Boles asked what the "tweaking" is. Mr. McEver stated that he would get her a copy tomorrow and that the original document from August 201h hasn't been touched. Julie stated that she would like to see a committee to set up to discuss this. Would life to invite key stake holders to an open forum to discuss this. She is looking for more accountability rather than more regulation. Jeff Bowman: Where is the split between the Town of Lansing and Trumansburg? Danny Boles: Narrowing the area by the Lansing Park would be a mistake as it is the narrowest part of the lake as it is. He felt this could cause accidents and that it is a safety issue in that area. Doug McEver: The County has talked about making a water craft zone and that they are "intent" on the limitation of jet skies. The Water Craft Committee is a County Committee under the Planning Board. Five people on the County Board are ready to pass the law today, there are 3 from the City of Ithaca, 1 form Cayuga Heights and 1 from Dryden. Any ordinance within a township gets to keep the fine monies, which would cover most of the expenses. Shary Zifchock: Would like to have Sheriff Meskill attend a meeting to get questions answered. 374 Continued, September 17, 2003 Julie Boles: Asked what the Board got out of the Meeting that held a packed house. Mr. McEver stated that the time might be changed from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. as to when a Jet Ski may be on the lake. Mike Sweazey: Why doesn't the Town of Lansing adopt the NYS Rules and Regulations as their ordinance? Sandy Sweazey: What is scheduled to happen at the October I" meeting? Mr. Farkas said the proposal would be brought up to the Board. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS: Francis Shattuck: New Assessment Figures are in: The new assessments are in and the Town of Lansing grew almost 60 million in assessed values. About 22% of the Counties tax dollars come from the Town of Lansing. Commercial Revitalization: The Town of Lansing needs to put a plan in place. STEVE FARKAS. Small Cities Grant: The Town of Lansing has received $400,000.00 from a small cities grant. The process will start soon. Right now, about 18 places are being looked at but there are about 140 homes that need help. Mr. Farkas stated that he appreciated everyone coming to the meeting. Executive Session: RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Greenly and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: RESOLVED, that the Regular Session be adjourned to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter at 9:23 p.m. Carried. RESOLUITON, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. McEver: RESOLVED, that the Executive Session be terminated and the Regular Meeting be reconvened at 9:28 p.m. Carried. On motion, meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 9:29 p.m.