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Home My WebLink About2018-04-11 special meeting April 11, 2018 1 TOWN BOARD SPECIAL MEETING LANSING TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 29 AUBURN RD., LANSING, NY April 11, 2018 The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Supervisor, Edward LaVigne, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk, showed the following to be Present: Andra Benson, Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, Councilperson Doug Dake, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson Edward LaVigne, Supervisor Absent: No one absent Also Present: Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Ted Laux, Michael Long, Town Planning Consultant, Chris Williams, Melanie Malone, Tim Farrell, C. Iacobucci, Julie Boles, Dean Shea, Tom Ellis, Dale Baker, Maureen Cowen, John and Brenda Zavaski, Pat Pryor, Michael Koplinka-Loehr, and a few other attendees. The special meeting was to discuss the Comprehensive Plan. Supervisor, Edward LaVigne, invited the public to speak. A representative from Lansing Central School District read a letter stating the school campus is the town center. They are concerned about: zoning by the school, housing which may impact school enrollment, and growth patterns which might increase crime rate. The district administration would like to be included in all discussions of the Comprehensive Plan. The letter, handed to the Town Clerk at the meeting, is in the Town Clerk’s Office if anyone would like to read it. Dean Shea, Planning Board Member, read comments from several people on the Planning Board stating at the December 13, 2017 Town Board Meeting Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, said she would like time for “public connection” on the Comprehensive Plan; possibly two (2) to three (3) months. Additional comments continued that it is beyond two (2) to three (3) months and it is time to approve the plan. The comments also mentioned that changing the zoning at Bell Station would open the Town up for a reduced tax base and risk of law suit. The written information, handed to the Town Clerk at the meeting, is in the Town Clerk’s Office if anyone would like to read it. Dean Shea, Planning Board Member, also spoke about the potential $500,000 grant which will go away if the Comprehensive Plan is not approved soon. Tom Ellis, Planning Board Chairperson, spoke about: Conversation Advisory Board (CAB) - The reviews are already done, the Town doesn’t need this and it will slow everything down. April 11, 2018 2 Bell Station – The current wording is loose which will allow the Town to move in any direction. Agricultural District – This protects the agricultural land; the farmers, the county and the state want this, do not take this away. Business Zones – Triphammer Road and Route 34 – Some areas of Triphammer Road are zoned residential and they are not fit for residential. Low impact business zone equals no (or minimal) impact on neighbors. Supervisor, Edward LaVigne, asked Town Counsel, Guy Krogh, for the next steps. Town Counsel, Guy Krogh, stated the following: Need environmental impact review, negative declaration, adopt the plan-the holdup is not having a final draft to measure against the 2006 version. The Planning Board’s edited version which was given to the Town Board is not final yet. The Planning Board’s version, which was adjusted slightly is the latest version which went for the 239 review and public hearing. Town Planning Consultant, Mike Long, verified with Scott Doyle, Associate Planner, Tompkins County Planning Department that the 239 review is still okay with just a few minor changes which Mike gave to the Town Board. Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, stated she believes the Town Board is committed to have this completed by May 15, 2018. Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, stated he spoke with Scott Doyle, Associate Planner, Tompkins County Planning Department, and Scott said he will do the 239 review in ten (10) days if the Town tells him what the changes are. Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, stated the following about the Land Use Map – It’s not a zoning map, wants to eliminate the Agricultural District off the map, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway (NYS designation goes around the lake) attracts tourism and is part of our economic development and should be on the Land Use Map. He noted, there is more detail in the descriptions. Councilperson, Andra Benson, stated she agrees with Tom Ellis regarding the low impact business on Triphammer Road and Route 34B. Andra noted the map shows it residential. Town Counsel, Guy Krogh, stated the Comprehensive Plan can be updated when and if the Town chooses. Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, stated he took the public comments and incorporated them in the descriptions. He noted, the comments state how they would like the Town to develop in the future. Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, read his proposed commercial mix use description. April 11, 2018 3 Supervisor, Edward LaVigne, asked about the sense of urgency to approve the changes now. The Plan could be passed now then changes could be made later and the Planning Board can be involved in that discussion. Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, stated the Planning Board could look at the descriptions and the map. Supervisor, Edward LaVigne, stated Bell Station is not for sale and the 2013 Resolution states what the Town will accept. He asked if the current map regarding Bell Station is ok now or does it need to be changed. Councilperson, Andra Benson and Doug Dake like the way Bell Station is on the map now. Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, would like Bell Station on a general future land use map – general wish list. Town Planning Consultant, Mike Long, stated from his past experience working on comprehensive plans, he likes property lines on maps. Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, stated the following regarding Bell Station: NYS looks at what the Town wants, having something visually on the map helps, the public wants it a state forest, recreational is a wish list. Supervisor, Edward LaVigne, stated the tax payers are concerned about taxes. Bell Station - A straw vote was taken regarding leaving Bell Station on the land use map as recommended by the Planning Board. The vote was three (3) yes and two (2) no. Planning Board Chairperson, Tom Ellis, explained Route 34B near Myers Road up to Cargill - the Planning Board has Low Impact Business Zone and it is part of the scenic byway, there will be shared driveways. He stated residential could be there. Mike Long, Town Planning Consultant, stated Route 34B is a NYS road and NYS makes the rules. Tom Ellis, Planning Board Chairperson, noted the Planning Board can deny permits. Mike Long, Town Planning Consultant, stated the Planning Board asked the School in the past, for their input and did not receive much of a response. Supervisor, Edward LaVigne stated people want density, so they can walk. The following questions and concerns were discussed. Where do they want the density? Route 34B between the Town Hall and the Lansing School is a NYS road. What about sidewalks? Who will pay for them? What about a bike / walk path between the Lansing Schools and the Town Hall. A bike / walk path was discussed previously, with Mary June King (LCSD) and NYS, between the school and the Town Hall and there were possibilities. The community has to be behind this in order to have it funded. This would be on resident’s properties and one resident was contacted and they were not interested. Town Planning Consultant, Mike Long, stated there is federal grant money for safe routes to schools. April 11, 2018 4 Trails Committee – Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, is forming a trails committee to work on the Big Picture / Master Plan. Discussion on property near Myers Rd. (only Kohlenburg) and Portland Point Road to Rogues Harbor – maintain some commercial status, maybe use Floating Zone District - not discussing zoning at this meeting. Town Counsel, Guy Krogh, stated one goal of a comprehensive plan is to account for the growth that will occur and to figure out where the growth will be and how to deal with it. Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, suggested stripe Route 34 and 34B a Scenic Byway – leave it general for houses, commercial, etc. The Town Board agreed to add the “green stripe” for the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway to the map – three hundred feet is fine. Conservation Advisory Board / Committee – discussion:  It should be a Conservation Advisory Committee first which will do studies and then make recommendations. “Advisory” gathers information.  A Conservation Advisory Board could be put in place later.  This could open some funding doors.  A resolution would need to be done to set parameters of the committee.  A person from the Planning Board, ZBA, and the Agriculture Committee, etc. should be on the committee. A diverse group of people.  Joe Wetmore and Mike Long will tweak Joe’s description about the Conservation Advisory Committee – the wording for the Comprehensive Plan. The following Comprehensive Plan items were discussed and the changes, as stated here, were agreed upon by the Town Board. On page 59 of the Comprehensive Plan - remove paragraph 2 & 3 and insert: As is the case in many communities, the Town of Lansing has relatively limited facilities to accommodate and encourage increased walking and bicycling, either as a recreational pursuit or as an alternative to the automobile. For most residents there are few opportunities for such activities except along the shoulders of roads. Although several roads and highways in the Town do have wide shoulders in good condition, high traffic and speed limits reduce the safety and usability of these roads for the recreational bicyclist or pedestrian. Therefore the Town should seek to develop a plan for safe routes that will provide transportation connections to key destinations and connectors to residential neighborhoods. The Town of Lansing can exploit its ability under NYS Town Law to in some cases request developers of residential subdivisions to dedicate land for Public Park and open space uses, including land for bicycle and pedestrian paths. To be successful, however, the Town must have a clear vision of where its network of paths will be located, and what activity nodes they will connect to. Integration of bicycle and pedestrian path development and land use also will allow the development of shorter feeder paths from April 11, 2018 5 within new residential neighborhoods to a main path running, for example, from the Town lands near Town Hall to the Village of Lansing. Future bicycle/pedestrian facilities should link a community or neighborhood with another community or neighborhood, or a center of commerce or employment. In designing a network that emphasizes such connections the Town can maximize their utility to residents, as alternative transportation corridors. In order to continue to provide support to the Planning and Town Boards for planning and implementing non-motorized biking and pedestrian routes in Lansing, a task force should be appointed of a cross section of residents with expertise and skills to research, plan, and advise the Planning and Town Boards on ways to incorporate such routes in future development. On page 65 of the Comprehensive Plan - Change wording of goals T4-A and T4-B on page 65 so that it corresponds with the new text added on page 59 T4-A - Actively pursue planning and adoption of master plans for multi-use trails for bikers and pedestrians, connecting schools, and neighborhoods to each other and to goods and services and key destinations. Appoint task forces composed of citizens with expertise and skills to provide research, best practices, and advice to the Planning and Town Boards as they pursue this goal. T4-B - (Consider-remove this word) Incorporate best practices for bicycle and pedestrian oriented design through the provision of wider shoulders for cyclists, appropriate signage, traffic calming devices, and crosswalks or signals for pedestrians to improve safety. Short Break: 7:37pm to 7:47pm Education: The relationship between the Town of Lansing and education providers is vital to the continued evolution of the community. While there are school-boards that run the school- systems, the Town does make decisions that affect the school districts. Added housing brings with it added school aged residents. Increasing the population of school aged children places demands on the school district for both classroom space and teachers. When the Town encourages development, it should keep in mind how this development will affect the school district budget. Further development around the school affects the school. Parcels surround the school should be zoned so as to complement the school. Additionally the town’s athletic programs augment the school district’s programs. The athletic fields are not only an asset for Lansing, but for the neighboring towns as well. Therefore, it is very important that the Town work with the school districts to ensure continued availability of robust academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities. It is also imperative that the Town of Lansing and the School Districts education April 11, 2018 6 providers continue to share information regarding economic development, land use development and demographics. By doing so, the school districts may have more tools necessary to deliver the high quality education that Lansing citizens have come to value and expect. Health: A critical aspect of planning is health. The Town of Lansing Recreation Department encourages physical activity. Continued development of these areas can be aided by determining the environmental barriers and facilitators that affect activity levels; designing, constructing, and maintaining community environments to help ensure safety and accessibility; and developing programs to encourage people to use improved community environments to increase their activity levels. Lansing aspires to create more pedestrian trails, bike paths, and green spaces into our community for many reasons, including promoting a more healthy population. It is vital that the Town take measures to ensure clean drinking water is available for the current residents and for generations to come. Contamination of drinking water may come from many sources; heavy industry, farm runoff, gun ranges, automobile repair, failing septic systems, etc. Heavy Industry: The Town of Lansing should revise zoning code to provide a significant buffer between any industrial zones and housing, farmland and critical environmental areas. Current codes allow for buildings to be as close as 15 feet from a property line. Issues the Town should consider in order to protect the residents from problems that “Heavy Industry” may bring to the Town: The protection of roadways and regulation of traffic impacts The protection of aquifers, wellheads, drinking water The protection of surface air and waters Identification and consideration of scenic areas Preservation of lake views and viewscapes Study and designation of critical environmental areas Protection of agriculture Consider noise pollution On page 38 of the Comprehensive Plan – Replace this paragraph: The results of a past survey conducted by the Research Institute at Cornell, which polled residents of The Town of Lansing (both Town and Village), reflect a strong level of support for the continued maintenance and stewardship of agricultural lands, which benefit both the community and area visitors (See Town Survey results in APPENDIX C). Additionally, survey results reflect that over 95% of respondents are satisfied living in Lansing and cite the rural character of the Town as one of the top reasons for their continued residency. April 11, 2018 7 With: Town government needs to continue to strike a balance between competing interests: expanding residential and commercial development vs. open space. The results of a past survey conducted by the Research Institute at Cornell, which polled residents of the Town of Lansing (both Town and Village), reflect a strong level of support for the continued maintenance and stewardship of agricultural lands, which benefit both the community and area visitors (See Town Survey results in APPENDIX C). Additionally, survey results reflect that over 95% of respondents are satisfied living in Lansing and cite the rural character of the Town as one of the top reasons for their continued residency. The Town of Lansing has a finite amount of development area and as a populous we must seek to protect the most valuable of natural areas, while simultaneously limiting the expansion of the built area of our community to appropriate places. If we continue to replace open space and natural areas with built out areas, we will eventually eliminate the overall rural nature of our community. Page 40. Replace this paragraph: Salmon Creek Valley: The valley’s flat bottom, which is home to high quality soils, provides excellent farmland. Also important are the bottomland riparian (near stream), and the upland forests of the valley, which are designated as a Unique Natural Area (UNA) by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (EMC). The National Audubon Society has designated the contiguous forests of the valley as one of only a few Important Bird Areas in Tompkins County, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust maintains a 33-acre Salmon Creek Bird Sanctuary within this area. Given that the valley's unusual contiguous forest has garnered attention from the National Audubon Society and the EMC, development within these sensitive areas is currently addressed through the building department and the Storm water Management Officer (SMO). With: Salmon Creek Valley: The valley’s flat bottom, which is home to high quality soils, provides excellent farmland. Also important are the bottomland riparian (near stream), and the upland forests of the valley, which are designated as a Unique Natural Area (UNA) by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (EMC). These important undisturbed natural features are threatened by development pressure and the Town of Lansing should discourage development within them, along with any further deforestation of the valley. The National Audubon Society has designated the contiguous forests of the valley as one of only a few Important Bird Areas in Tompkins County, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust maintains a 33-acre Salmon Creek Bird Sanctuary within this area. Given that the valley's unusual contiguous forest has garnered attention from the National Audubon Society and the EMC, the Town should explore the requirement of “Site Plan Approval” for any residential or commercial development within these areas that have a 15% or greater slope, as well as on floodplain areas. Environmental groups, and private intervention agencies, that are interested in preserving these areas in their natural state, such as the Nature Conservancy, should be encouraged to purchase such April 11, 2018 8 parcels or the “development rights”, or establish conservation easements for the purpose of natural conservation. Page 42 Replace this paragraph: Natural Resources: The Town of Lansing is committed to the preservation and growth of diverse natural areas throughout the Town. The Town recognizes that natural areas need to be identified, designated, and conserved with an eye towards richness and variety in native animal and plant life, as well as ecological communities. We must ensure that the legacy of the Town’s natural areas, which was an initial attractant for many of the Town's residents, are also available for future generations to enjoy. With: Natural Resources: The Town of Lansing is committed to the preservation and growth of diverse natural areas throughout the Town. The Town recognizes that natural areas need to be identified, designated, and conserved with an eye towards richness and variety in native animal and plant life, as well as ecological communities. It is imperative that sufficient land be set aside to allow for the range of needs required by the native species that live within that ecosystem. Additionally, there must be well-planned, interconnecting natural corridors to allow for the natural migration of the local flora and fauna. In developing these natural areas, priority should be given to the needs of the plants and animals that inhabit them. We must ensure that the legacy of the Town’s natural areas, which was an initial attractant for many of the Town's residents, are also available for future generations to enjoy. Page 42 Replace this paragraph: Cayuga Lake is the most visible, and important, geological feature within our community. It is clearer with each passing year that this most precious resource soon will be – and in many places already is – the main source of clean, fresh water. Currently, the Town of Lansing, as well as most of Tompkins County has an abundance of clean water. With: The abundance of woods, waterfalls, gorges, open fields and meadows, along with the lakeshore, contribute greatly to the quality of life for the people within the Town and serve as an important habitat for both plants and wildlife. As indicated within the results of a 2013 survey that polled residents of the Town of Lansing, (See APPENDIX C) residents highly value the Town’s natural areas and scenic resources. Natural features are not only valuable as a part of Lansing’s character, but also provide important ecosystem services, including water purification, and as such, contribute significantly to the area’s quality of life. Cayuga Lake is the most visible, and important, geological feature within our community. It is clearer with each passing year that this most precious resource soon will be – and in many places already is – the main source of clean, fresh water. Currently, the Town of Lansing, as well as most of Tompkins County has an abundance of clean water, available for free or at minimal cost. However, as other communities have discovered, this resource can quickly become rare and precious and it is necessary for April 11, 2018 9 governmental bodies to serve as the trustees of this precious commodity with a fiduciary obligation to safeguard natural resources on behalf of the public, safeguarding it for both present and future generations. Our natural heritage is challenged by developmental changes to the landscape that affect the viability of the natural areas, water quality, and the Town’s scenic beauty. It is then necessary that the Town identify and target natural elements for preservation and protection. Land use regulations and development strategies should be written, and in- turn implemented, with the conservation and protection of our natural heritage as a high priority. It is then important for Town officials to remember that decisions affecting natural areas and wildlife are integral to decisions made in regard to other important issues facing our community. Page 42 Replace: Some continuing threats to Cayuga Lake’s good health are: • Sediment from stream and road bank erosion • Phosphorus pollution from animal wastes, poorly maintained septic systems and sewage treatment • Heavy metal concentrations (chromium and lead) • Coliform bacteria from sewage systems and wild and domestic animals • Agricultural chemicals, including phosphate and nitrate fertilizers in the lake and tributaries • Invasive species (Eurasian water milfoil, spiny water fleas, zebra and quagga mussels, and more recently, “hydrilla” or “water thyme”) • Micro-bead pollution from consumer products With: Some continuing threats to Cayuga Lake’s good health are: • Sediment from stream and road bank erosion • Phosphorus pollution from animal wastes, poorly maintained septic systems and sewage treatment • Heavy metal concentrations (chromium and lead) • Coliform bacteria from sewage systems and wild and domestic animals • Agricultural chemicals, including phosphate and nitrate fertilizers in the lake and tributaries • Invasive species (Eurasian water milfoil, spiny water fleas, zebra and quagga mussels, and more recently, “hydrilla” or “water thyme”) • Micro-bead pollution from consumer products • Large-scale commercial water withdrawal • Harmful Algae Blooms Additionally, the Town needs to be cognizant of the manner in which industrial operations can negatively affect the lake. The Town should maintain awareness with regard to threats to the physical integrity of Cargill's salt mine, and its potential impact on the Lake. For example, the Cargill mine can possibly affect lake quality through effects on water salinity, and with the presence of large salt piles near the shoreline, there is the April 11, 2018 10 potential for both, run-off in heavy storms and salt blowing from the piles during instances of high winds and storms. NYS DEC regularly monitors the salt operation to ensure compliance with all existing regulations. Similarly, discharges emanating from the smokestack at the Herot Power Plant, in addition to blow-off and run-off from ash piles may add to the potential for additional contamination of the lake. While both these industries are largely regulated by State and Federal Agencies, it is necessary for the Town to be vigilant in alerting the appropriate regulatory body to potential problems as soon as they develop. We should take a proactive approach to avoid the potential exploitation of our water resources especially Cayuga Lake. Page 42 Replace: Sustainability: Energy and Climate Change Issues involving energy usage and climate change are challenging problems faced by our society. To address these issues action will need to be taken at all levels of society and in all countries. At the local level, Tompkins County has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions an average of 2% per year to reach at least an 80% reduction from the 2008 levels by the year 2050. The Town of Lansing can assist the efforts of Tompkins County and oth ers using thoughtful regulation, careful planning and study of local ordinances. Development should be encouraged and planned in locations where there is sufficient infrastructure in place to maintain the projected populations. With: Sustainability: Energy and Climate Change Energy and climate change are two of the most pressing issues to face all of humanity. This is an issue that we cannot afford to ignore if we are going to meet the challenge of greatly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, to have a hope of stabilizing our climate. The Town of Lansing can continue to make a significant difference with regard to sustainability issues through the way it regulates and shapes development within the town borders. Census Information – Town Planning Consultant, Mike Long, will put additional Tompkins County information in the Comprehensive Plan. Action Plan for Town Board Meeting on April 18, 2018 Town Counsel, Guy Krogh, stated no changes have been made yet that will trigger a 239 review. Move forward without changing the definitions? Read the descriptions and discuss at the April 18, 2018 meeting? April 11, 2018 11 If the descriptions are changed, the map is changed, this will trigger a 239 review. Committee – Councilperson, Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, Planning Board Chairperson, Tom Ellis, Town Planning Consultant, Mike Long to discuss the definitions / changes and get back to the Town Board. Add “wish list” / conceptual map? ADJOURN MEETING Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:47 p.m. Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Deborah K. Munson Town Clerk