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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-18 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
January 18, 2012
A Regular Meeting of the Town Board of Lansing was held at the Town Hall Board
Room, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing,NY on the above date at 6:04 p.m. The meeting was
called to order by the Supervisor, Kathy Miller and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance
to the flag. Roll call by Debbie Crandall, Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Kathy Miller, Supervisor
Andra Benson, Councilperson
Robert Cree, Councilperson
Ruth Hopkins, Councilperson
Edward LaVigne, Councilperson
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Guy Krogh, Town Attorney, Jack French, Highway
Superintendent, Steve Colt, Park Superintendent and Recreation Director, Jeff
Overstrom, Engineering and Planning Coordinator, Suzanne Hinderliter, Dan Veaner,
Steven Smith, Kelly Tracy, Larry Beck, John O'Neill, Connie Wilcox, Roger Hopkins,
George Gesslein, Stephanie Behler, Tom Butler, Martin Aasen, Maureen Cowen, Pat
Pryor, Claes Nyberg, Dale Baker, Bill Hinderliter, Donna Scott, Susan Miller, Mike
Koplinka-Loehr, Thea Scheriff, Marlaine Darfler, Ted Laux and a few other people were
in attendance.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Pat Pryor— County Representative:
Ms. Pryor informed the public and board that at the County Legislature Meeting, the
Broadband Committee gave a half an hour power point presentation. Tomorrow morning
at 9:30 a.m., the Government Operations Committee will be meeting at the Old Jail
Conference Room to further discuss the Broadband Report. This is an open meeting and
Ms. Pryor encouraged people to attend.
Connie Wilcox—83 Algernie Road:
Mrs. Wilcox addressed the Town Board concerning a new bill that was signed on January
3, 2012, effective February 4, 2012, requiring that all State and Local Governments post
material online before the meeting, such as resolutions, etc, etc, or provide copies at the
meeting. This applies to everything to be discussed at an open meeting including
proposed resolutions, laws and policies of government. This greatly expands
transparency of state and local government. Mrs. Wilcox asked the board if this stuff will
be posted on the website the day before or the day of the meeting, or is the board going to
provide copies at the meeting.
Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that the town is going to do both, as not everyone has
internet access or a computer. The board is working on the organization of the process,
it is going to take a little time.
Mrs. Wilcox questioned why there were times placed after some of the visitor's names on
the draft minutes that were online. One visitor signed in at 6:58 pm, after the meeting had
adjourned at 6:53 pm. Town Clerk, Debbie Crandall stated that this has always been a
practice since she has been her. The visitor that came after the meeting was unaware that
the meeting had adjourned and was so noted.
GAS DRILLING COMMITTEE PRESENTATION:
Larry Beck, Chairman of the Gas Drilling Committee gave the following presentation:
1
Report to the Lansing Town Board
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Lansing Gas Drilling Oversight Committee
Contact:
Larry Beck,Chairman
jobeckmaiL @gmail.com
Our purpose today
We are going to ask the Town Board to enact a moratorium on
gas drilling.
•Why are we asking for a moratorium?
•Why a moratorium vs. other options?
•What do we do while the moratorium is in effect?
•Why do we need to act now?
Our specific recommendations.
1/18/2012 2
What do we care about?
• Lansing's rural residential character, small-town atmosphere
• Our fine agricultural lands and our recreational, scenic and
other natural resources
• Our natural environment
• Our lake, streams, aquifers and wells for life-sustaining water
• The safety and health of our residents and visitors
1/18/2012 3
2
We care about Lansing now
• A vibrant community with lots of important natural resources
• Nearly 14,000 acres of prime farmland (35%of the town)
• 110 miles of streams, 17 miles of which are protected trout streams
• 3000 acres of Unique Natural Areas designated by Tompkins County
• Salmon Creek is a major tributary to Cayuga Lake,source of drinking
water
• A 800-acre Important Bird Area (Salmon Creek), designated by
National Audubon Society
• 1300 acres of federally-designated wetlands
• Scenic resources including magnificent views of Cayuga Lake and
innumerable stunning waterfalls
• Historic hamlets
1/18/2012 4
Threats to what we care about
We need to prevent the combination or accumulation of
negative impacts upon the environment and our people:
— Degradation of water and air quality
— Decreased availability of affordable housing, rentals, and
services
— Decreased property values and tax base
— Damage to agricultural lands and soils
— Effects on geologic faults, fissures and the Cargill salt mine
— Damage to and loss of open space, natural areas, and
scenic views
— Decreased recreational opportunities
— Damage to tourism and agriculture industries
1/18/2012 5
Threats to what we care about
We need to avoid heavy traffic that could:
— Cause noise, vibrations, and fumes
— Damage roadways and bridges
— Create hazard or inconvenience to the inhabitants of the
Town
— Pose dangers to pedestrians (especially children), cyclists,
and motorists
— Create congestion that could delay emergency response
times for medical emergencies, fires and accidents
1/18/2012 6
3
The Town needs to ensure that it is financially,
legislatively, and physically prepared to deal
with these threats.
This will take time and effort.
A moratorium will give us the time.
1/18/2012 7
Why a moratorium vs. other options?
• Gives our community some protection while we develop our
permanent response
• Gives us time to plan actions that are most defensible
• Puts planning and assessment processes in place within a
defined time frame for the community
• Prevents others from deciding our future
• An outright ban in the absence of solid planning and
assessment may not be defensible
1/18/2012 8
Actions to be performed during
the moratorium
I. Revise Lansing's Comprehensive Plan
II. Undertake impact assessments
— Roads
— Aquifers
— Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs)
— Emergency and public safety services
Ill. Review, update or develop relevant Town
ordinances
1/18/2012 9
4
Actions during moratorium
I. Revise Comprehensive Plan
• The Comprehensive Plan has not been updated in many years
• Revision needs to take into account potential widespread
industrial development within the Town
• The Plan is the basis for the land use (zoning) ordinance
• Initiate a Comprehensive Plan Review process as soon as
possible (e.g. form a review committee)
1/18/2012 10
Actions during moratorium
II. Undertake Impact Assessments
• Town Road Engineering Study
• Aquifer identification and evaluation
• Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs)
• Emergency services preparedness
1/18/2012 11
Actions during moratorium:Impact Assessment
Town Road Engineering Study
• Road damage may be the biggest immediate financial cost to
the Town
• Engage an independent, professional engineering firm to work in
conjunction with the Town highway department
- Assess structure and current condition of Town roads and
bridges
- Assess potential impact of increased industrial road use
• Important that this be started as soon as possible
- Dependent on availability of the engineering firm
- Assessment may take many months
• Sets the stage for a Town Road Use Agreement
1/18/2012 12
5
Actions during moratorium:Impact Assessment
Aquifer Identification and Evaluation
• Identify aquifers that could be negatively impacted by new
industrial development, and need protection
• Assessment could require a year or more to complete and
may require financial resources
• Assessment help may be available from the US Geological
Survey (USGS) and Tompkins County
1/18/2012 13
Actions during moratorium:Impact Assessment
Potential CEA Identification
• Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs) have additional
protection by the NYS DEC
— No areas in Lansing are currently designated as CEAs
• Identify areas that should be designated as CEAs and could
be negatively impacted by new industrial development.
• Initiate a CEA identification process as soon as possible
1/18/2012 14
Actions during moratorium:Impact Assessment
Emergency Services
• Assess potential impact of HVHF gas drilling, and related
activities, on local emergency services preparedness
• Form a plan for how emergency services personnel will
coordinate and respond to potential problems, such as
— Chemical spills
— Explosions
— Injuries
— Increases in aggressive driving, DUI and other crimes
— Communication among agencies
1/18/2012 15
6
Actions during moratorium
Ill. Update Town Ordinances
• Update land use (zoning) ordinance
• Introduce a Town road use law (Lansing does not
have one)
• Develop a Road Use Agreement for companies
wanting to use Town roads for heavy industrial use
• Modify and develop noise, air and light pollution
ordinances
1/18/2012 16
Why is action needed urgently?
• The dSGEIS comment period is now finished
• Review by DEC of the dSGEIS will likely be completed
within the current year; the issuing of drilling permits will
soon follow
• A moratorium passed after permitting starts may be
more difficult and will be much more expensive to
defend
• Developing our response will require substantial effort
and time
• If we need to contract or hire to support the process of
moratorium development, we may have to wait in line
for help
1/18/2012 17
Recommendations of the Committee
• The Town Board should pass a one-year moratorium* on new
and proposed heavy industrial development and heavy gas
and solution mining, outside existing designated industrial
zones
• This will allow time for the Town to take necessary actions as
described in previous slides
• The committee must continue to educate and listen to the
interests of the community
*Templates of town moratoriums are available from other towns and from David and
Helen Slottje,of the Community Environmental Defense Council(CEDC). In addition,Town
Attorney Guy Krogh has worked with such templates already.Structuring a Lansing
Moratorium should not be difficult.
1/18/2012 18
7
Thank you!
Lansing Gas Drilling Oversight Committee
Contact:
Larry Beck,Chairman
jobeckmaiL @gmail.com
1/18/2012 19
Addendum: More Moratorium details
The Committee recommends that the Town Board begin the process of
developing a local law to enact a moratorium, to last for an initial period of 1
year, to prohibit certain high impact industrial processes and uses of land,
including oil and gas exploration and high volume hydrofracturing
(commonly known, and identified by NYS, as "HVHF"), and the effects of the
same upon the Town of Lansing in terms of land use, growth, health,the
environment, and other impacts, and that during such year,the Town
undertake a review and update of its Comprehensive Plan and its zoning and
allowed uses and zones. During such year,the Committee believes that the
Town should also update its inventory and understanding of important
resources within the Town, including, but not limited to,wetlands, aquifers,
roadways, Cayuga Lake and the lakefront and tributary streams (whether
seasonal, intermittent,or otherwise),waterways, and other vital and natural
resources, all with an eye towards studying impacts from heavy industrial uses
and processes, and with a further eye towards deciding whether to enact
prohibitions or regulations as may be permitted or required by law in order to
protect or enhance land values, public health,the existing character of the
community, and other purposes,including protection of existing residents and
businesses,which too are vital resources within the Town
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The Economics of Shalegas Industrialization
a lecture by economist Deborah Rogers
Friday January 20th, 7-9 pm
First Unitarian Church of Ithaca
306 North Aurora Street, Ithaca, NY
Deborah Rogers, is a financial analyst noted for her research on the
economics of shale gas extraction. Her findings challenge industry
claims of a 100 years of cheap fuel and energy independence for
Americans.
Many central New York citizens have heard about the pros and cons of
gas drilling at the local level. But Ms. Rogers' research adds an
important new dimension that most are not yet aware of. Anyone who is
interested in this issue, regardless of their point of view,will not want to
miss this highly informative and knowledgeable speaker.
8
Supervisor Kathy Miller thanked Chairman Larry Beck and the Gas Drilling Committee
for the work they have done and for the great presentation. The board will be discussing
this at their Work Session Meeting on February 1st at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall Board
Room. The Work Session Meetings are not intended to pass legislation rather to use
them to compile information that pertains to legislation that will be considered at the
Regular Town Board Meetings.
APPOINT LIAISON OFFICER'S FOR 2012:
RESOLUTION 12-42
RESOLVED, that the following appointments made by the Supervisor be accepted:
LIAISON OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 2012
Dan Konowalow---Liaison Officer to TCAT—Tompkins County Transportation
Rotating Attendance---Liaison Officer to the Lansing Fire Department
Rotating Attendance---Liaison Officer to the Highway Department
Rotating Attendance---Liaison Officer to the Lansing Park
Rotating Attendance---Liaison Officer to the Recreation Department
Edward LaVigne---Liaison Officer to LOAP, Senior Citizens and Woodsedge
Robert Cree---Liaison Officer to the Planning Board
Rotating Attendance---Liaison Officer to the Arts Council
Ruth Hopkins---Liaison Officer to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Kathy Miller&Robert Cree---Liaison Officers to Bolton Point
Andra Benson&Stephen Farkas---Liaison Officers to the Office of Children&Family Services
Advisory Board
Kathy Miller---Liaison Officer to the Local Government Leaders Round Table Discussion
Group including Cornell
Edward LaVigne---Liaison Officer to the Lansing Housing Authority
Andra Benson---Liaison Officer to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Management Plans
Intermunicipal Organization
Robert Cree---Liaison Officer to the Cayuga Medical Center
Kathy Miller---Liaison Officer to TCCOG
Ruth Hopkins---Alternate Liaison Officer to TCCOG
Andra Benson---Liaison Officer to Youth Services
Steve Colt---Liaison Representative on the Tompkins County Youth Board
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Supervisor Kathy Miller duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a roll
call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
January 18, 2012.
9
CWD EXTENSION— 187 BUSH LANE
AUTHORIZE MPR AND DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT:
RESOLUTION 12-43
RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY AUTHORIZING MAP, PLAN AND REPORT
FOR AMENDMENT OF BOUNDARY OF CWD RE LEDET BACK LOT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, owners of certain lot(s) within the Town of Lansing (Debra and Alan Ledet,
TP# 44.-1-42, being at 187 Bush Lane), have asked the Town to provide water access to
the Town of Lansing Consolidated Water District("CWD") for properties at said address;
and
WHEREAS, the Town Planning Director has found that such an extension is feasible, in
accord with the existing CWD policy for extension of the CWD to adjacent properties,
and will require an Article 12 or 12-A proceeding to amend the boundaries of the CWD;
and
WHEREAS, upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that, conditioned upon the applicants signing an agreement in a form as
approved by Town Counsel (the "Developer's Agreement") to pay for the costs of such
reports and proceedings, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby directs the
Town Engineer to proceed with the preparation of a Map, Plan and Report ("MPR")
under Town Law Article 12-A for providing a water supply to such property through the
CWD; and it is further
RESOLVED, that up to $1,000.00 is authorized for such MPR, but again, if and only if
the applicants have signed the aforesaid agreement (and made any required escrow
deposits); and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor and Deputy Town Supervisor be and hereby are
authorized to sign such Developer's Agreement by, for, on behalf of, and in the name of
the Town of Lansing; and it is further
RESOLVED AND DECLARED, that the requirements for a permissive referendum do
not apply as there is no expenditure of public funds for the MPR as the applicants are
hereby required to pay all expenses pursuant to the afore-described conditions and the
Developer's Agreement.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Ed LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
January 18, 2012.
RESIGNATION OF NANCY LONCTO, PLANNING BOARD MEMBER:
10
Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that she has removed this item number 8 from the agenda
as Nancy Loncto has withdrawn her letter of resignation.
AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE COOPERATIVE/SHARED
SERVICES AGREEMENT:
Town Clerk, Debbie Crandall stated that she and Deputy Town Clerk, Darlene Marshall
attended a joint meeting with other Town Clerks, and Deputy Town Clerk's along with
County Clerk, Aurora Valenti, Deputy County Clerk, Maureen Reynolds, Gregg Potter,
IT Director and others on December 6, 2011 at the Tompkins County Health Department
to review the County's now paperless record system. There are now no files or storage
files in any County Office. The copies were scanned by Challenge Industries and the last
office to be converted was the Sheriff's Department. The County has offered to help the
other towns to do a Shared Service Grant from the NYS Archives Local Government
Records Management Improvement Fund to try to get the Town of Lansing to follow in
the Counties footsteps.
Along with the help of Deputy County Clerk, Maureen Reynolds (Lansing Resident) and
Tompkins County, the Town of Lansing will have the opportunity to pursue electronic
record keeping. This grant application will be covering the scanning of minutes and
building permits. Mrs. Crandall stated that she is looking forward to trying to get the
Town of Lansing paperless and would like to authorize the Supervisor Kathy Miller to
sign the agreement so she can pursue the grant along with the other towns of Dryden,
Ithaca, Enfield,Newfield and Groton.
Councilperson Robert Cree asked if the records would be county records or town records.
Mrs. Crandall indicated that all the records would remain town records that could be
shared with the county if the town chooses to do so.
RESOLUTION 12-44
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN
THE LGRMIF (LOCAL GRANT RECORD MANAGEMENT INITIAL FORM)
GRANT COOPERATIVE/SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS,the Town Clerk, Debbie S. Crandall as Records Management Officer is
participating with Tompkins County and the Tompkins County Clerk's Office for the
establishment of a shared Electronic Records Management System.
WHEREAS, said funding to be a 2012-2013 Shared Services grant from the NYS
Archives through the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund.
WHEREAS,upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has
RESOLVED,that the Town of Lansing hereby confirms their partnership with
Tompkins County and the Tompkins County Clerk's Office and hereby authorizes the
Chief Administrative Officer, Supervisor Kathy Miller to sign the Cooperative/Shared
Services Agreement.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra Benson, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
11
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
January 18, 2012.
AUTHORIZE PRELIMINARY WETLAND AND WATER INVESTIGATION:
RESOLUTION 12-45
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A PRELIMINARY
WETLAND AND WATER INVESTIGATION ON THE 70 to 80 ACRES,
SOUTHERN PORTION OF TOWN OF LANSING PROPERTY
LOCATED WEST OF ROUTE 34 AND NORTH OF 34B
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, as requested by Andrew Sciarabba of T.G. Miller, Terrestrial
Environmental Specialists, Inc. (TES)will conduct a preliminary wetland/waters
investigation on the 70 to 80 acre southern portion of property for the Town of Lansing
Business and Industrial Park master plan. The portion of property to be reviewed is
located west of Route 34 and north of Route 34B in the Town of Lansing, Tompkins
County,New York and
WHEREAS, the thrust of the assessment is to collect information necessary to make a
preliminary determination as to the existence of jurisdictional wetlands, water resources
or related site encumbrances and
WHEREAS, the following tasks are planned:
Task 1. Review of Background Information—Existing wetlands maps, soil survey map,
stream classification map, floodplain map, aerial photographs, etc. will be collected and
reviewed. TEC maintains a complete set of many of these maps in its office. Additional
information, such as large-scale boundary maps or topographic maps provided by you or
T.G. Miller,will be helpful to us.
Task 2. Preliminary Field Assessment—The entire property will be walked to provide an
assessment of any wetland/water resource areas. All background resource maps
described in Task 1 will be used. Should any wetlands/water resources be found, a
sketch will be made of their approximate locations.
Task 3. Preliminary Assessment Report—Results of the background information review
and field assessment will be summarized in a letter report. All resource maps will be
included with the property outlined. Approximate area of any wetlands or water
resources found on the site will be presented on an aerial photograph or map. Regulatory
implications of the wetlands or related resources will be addressed.
WHEREAS,upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby authorize Terrestrial
Environmental Specialists, Inc. to perform Tasks 1 through 3 in the amount not to exceed
$3,500 and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes Supervisor, Kathy
Miller to sign said agreement.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Ed LaVigne Aye
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Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
January 18, 2012.
HOME RULE:
Supervisor Miller explained the requested support for the pending Home Rule. Counsel
Guy Krogh provided additional detailed information of the Home Rule. After further
discussion, the following resolution was offered for consideration:
RESOLUTION 12-46
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF LANSING
TO APPROVE BECOMING AN AMICUS CURIAE IN ACTIONS
INVOLVING MUNICIPAL HOME RULE PENDING BEFORE
NEW YORK STATE APPELLATE COURTS
JANUARY 18, 2012
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS,the Towns of Middlefield and Dryden have recently revised their zoning
laws to prohibit heavy industrial uses (including natural gas drilling) in their communities
and such laws have been challenged in court by opponents claiming that the Towns do
not have the power to regulate natural gas drilling as a land use; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses has filed an amicus curiae or"friend of the court"
brief in both lawsuits in support of its sister Towns in order to reassert the right of
municipalities throughout New York State to determine what land uses are appropriate
through the municipal home rule powers granted by the New York State Constitution and
the New York Municipal Home Rule Law; and
WHEREAS, THE Town of Ulysses will file another amicus brief when these lawsuits
are appealed to New York appellate courts and has requested that other municipalities in
New York State consider joining the Town of Ulysses' brief as a powerful statement to
the appellate courts, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and
the New York State Legislature about the importance of protecting municipal home rule
in New York State and a municipality's right to decide, for itself,whether natural gas
drilling—or any other land use for that matter—is appropriate for its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that:
1. The Town Board hereby determines that it is in the public interest of the
citizens of the Town of Lansing to support municipal home rule by joining in the Town
of Ulysses' amicus brief to the appellate courts.
2. The Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor, Kathy
Miller to complete or cause to be completed any and all such further documents and
papers in the name and on behalf of the Town of Lansing as the Supervisor deems
necessary or appropriate to carry into effect the foregoing resolution.
3. The Town Clerk, Debbie S. Crandall will send a certified copy of this adopted
resolution to the Town of Ulysses, 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg,NY 14886.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Supervisor, Kathy Miller, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a roll
call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
13
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
January 18, 2012.
PLANNING and ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Jeff Overstrom welcomed the new members of the Town Board. With the slow winter
construction, it gives the department a chance to pick up on administration operations
such as Mobile Home Park and expired Building Permits.
The Transonic project is still moving along. The Woodland Park Subdivision, Farm
Pond Circle and Lansing Commons Subdivisions have been shut down for the winter.
Final Phase of the Lansing Marina Rehabilitation Project:
The last bit of material has been ordered to complete the project around the launch ramp
area. This spring the completion of the project will take place.
Monthly Report:
Mr. Overstrom submitted his monthly activity report for the month of December to all
Board Members and the Town Clerk.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Lansing Marina Project:
There has been a crew working on this project for the last three to four weeks.
Wood Chipping:
There is a crew chipping brush and trees. Several trees fell due to last night's high wind
storm.
Night Crew:
When the two night crew men are not out sanding roads they are painting the
Supervisor's Office.
Sprinkler System:
Mr. French will be getting quotes on installing a sprinkler system at the Highway
Department. In the past two years there have been six Town Highway Departments that
have burnt totally to the ground including the equipment.
Woodland Park—Letter from Developer Cardamone:
Mr. French has received a letter from Developer Steve Cardamone in regards to his
cleaning of the ditches, seeding and road acceptance in March or April. Counsel Guy
Krogh will review the letter and contact Attorney Peter Walsh to finalize the compliance
request.
Miles of Roads within the Town and Length of Service:
Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked how many miles of roads the town is responsible
for.
Mr. French stated the town is responsible for 97 miles of town roads. In addition to
winter plowing the town also covers 39 miles of county roads.
14
Mr. LaVigne asked Mr. French how many years he has worked for the Town of Lansing
Highway Department. Mr. French stated 34 years. Mr. LaVigne said the town is very
fortunate to have you.
PARK and RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Parks & Recreation Department
1/18/12 Town Board Meeting
UPDATE
RECREATION
• Program updates: The Skating Program, Gymnastics, Indoor Soccer, Skiing,
2nd& 3rd grade Basketball and Karate have all recently started. The
participation numbers are very good. So, overall,we have 8 programs in
action now with over 510 participants! This is not counting our Adult Open
Swim, Cardio Step,AM Stretch and Zumba classes...
• New Programs: "Hot Stove"Baseball Camp is set to take place at The Field
on 10 Saturdays for players that are 10U -varsity level. Currently we have
40 players registered. The Adult Spanish class has held 3 classes so far with
13 students. Yesterday, we were approached by a person that would like to
teach German classes... Saturday Morning Swimming Lessons are possible
and were discussed today.
• Programs over the President's Holiday: Adam Heck's Basketball Camp and
Rock Climbing at Cornell.
• Dick's Sporting Goods - have already contacted me about their community
program where they donate baseball and softball equipment to our
department. This will make the 4th consecutive year that this program has
helped us. Our coaches and players also receive discount coupons.
PARKS
• Camping Reservations: January 9th was the first day that we started
accepting Camping reservations. Several people were in their cars waiting
for the Town Hall doors to open, and had been in their cars most of the night.
Campers "took-a-number" and waited in the board room. By 10:00 am we
had collected over $22,000 for camping reservations. As of now,we have
collected $24,150. Our anticipated revenue for camping for the year is $36K.
• Boat slip renewal: Renewal forms for the marina have been mailed to last
year's slip holders. Forms and payments must be returned by February 3rd.
The marina generates over $50K. We also have a very healthy waiting list
with over 100 names on it.
• Summer Concerts: The Myers dates are set,July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9,
16. We are also hoping to do at least 2 to 3 dates in Ludlowville again this
summer. I have a long list of groups that want to play at Myers and
unfortunately,there are several groups that have been great for us that have
recently retired. I will start to book the bands over the next few months.
15
• Marina Project: The final phase has started with wall and dock
replacement. Some of the old docks that were removed have been used to
bridge wet spot on the trailway.
Art Show:
Mr. Colt met with Robin Schuttenberg, Director of the Art Show who informed him that
there will not be a grant received this year. The Art Show is still scheduled for this year
with further details to follow. Mr. LaVigne asked what the amount of last years grant
was. Mr. Colt stated it was around$1,000.00.
Length of Service:
Mr. LaVigne asked how long Mr. Colt has worked here. Mr. Colt replied 24 years. Mr.
LaVigne stated that the town is very fortunate to have him as an employee.
APPROVE MINUTES:
A copy of the minutes of January 11, 2012, having been furnished to the Board Members
beforehand, the Supervisor asked for a motion to make corrections or to accept the same
as submitted.
RESOLUTION 12-47
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins moved that the minutes of January 11, 2012 are hereby
approved as submitted. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion and it was
carried by the following roll call vote:
Councilperson Andra Benson Abstained
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
APPROVE END OF YEAR 2011 AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
RESOLUTION 12-48
Councilperson Andra Benson moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the
following end of year 2011 bills and to make the following budget modifications:
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 013
DATED 12/30/11
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s 1311 — 1354
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s 1311 — 1313
AUDITED TA VOUCHER #'s 119 — 122
PREPAY TA VOUCHER #'s 119 — 119
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND $ 29,990.75
HIGHWAY FUND $ 8,976.63
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LANSING LIGHTING $ 363.72
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS $ 1,869.66
TRUST & AGENCY $ 2,644.74
WARREN RD SEWER-CAPITAL PROJ $ 47.52
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS $ 0.00
DEBT SERVICE $ 0.00
HIGHWAY FUND DA
1/18/12 Meeting for 2011
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DA599 DA5140.400 From Fund Balance to Brush &Weeds Contractual 980.00
HIGHWAY FUND DB
1/18/12 Meeting for 2011
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DB599 DB5110.400 From Fund Balance to Street Maint Cont 1,561.90
LAKEWATCH LIGHTING SL3
1/18/12 Meeting for 2011
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SL3-
SL3-599 5182.400 From Fund Balance to Contractual 220.00
Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll
call vote:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
APPROVE AUDIT:
RESOLUTION 12-49
Councilperson Robert Cree moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the
following bills:
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 001
DATED 1/18/12
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s 1 — 56
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PREPAY VOUCHER #'s 1 —4
AUDITED TA VOUCHER #'s 1 — 2
PREPAY TA VOUCHER #'s
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND $ 184,900.06
HIGHWAY FUND $ 225,341.33
LANSING LIGHTING $ 0.00
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS $ 10,148.99
TRUST & AGENCY $ 3,100.64
WARREN RD SEWER-CAPITAL PROJ $ 29.72
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS $ 4,709.75
DEBT SERVICE $ 0.00
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion and it was carried by the following
roll call vote:
Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS:
Andra Benson:
No report at this time.
Robert Cree:
Mr. Cree thanked Mr. Overstrom for presenting a report update at the Planning Board
meeting. The board appreciated the report and found it to be very helpful. Mr. Cree
encouraged Mr. Overstrom to continue the report at the Planning Board meetings.
Ruth Hopkins:
Mrs. Hopkins thanked everyone for attending tonight's board meeting and encouraged
everyone to come back to attend future meetings.
Edward LaVigne:
Mr. LaVigne stated that as a board they have so much to do in the next four years and he
is looking forward to working with all of the departments within the town. Working on
projects within the last five years Mr. LaVigne has found the town departments to be very
gracious and cooperative and the town is blessed to have such a great group of workers.
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Kathy Miller:
Mrs. Miller reported that the Sewer Committee is working very hard along with the
Economic Committee on the development of the land across the street. The Town's
Website has a list of the open meetings, times and dates. She welcomed the public to
attend these open meetings. Public information meetings will be held when the
committees are ready.
Mrs. Miller stated that there is a lot going on in Lansing and she encouraged the public to
get involved with town projects.
Monthly Report:
The Supervisor submitted former Supervisor, A. Scott Pinney's monthly report
for the month of December 2011 to all Board Members and to the Town Clerk.
LANSING PATHWAYS COMMITTEE:
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins reported the following on behalf of the Lansing Pathways
Committee:
The Pathways Committee met on Monday, Jan 9, 2012. The following main topics were
discussed:
• How to use the Cargill grant. The consensus of the group was to have more
professional signage and a kiosk for display of educational materials pertinent to
the history and environment of the town land. We will be using Lansing groups
and business as much as possible for help with those projects.
• Discussed maintenance—The new signage for snow mobiler's installed by Ray
Sill and the new bridge spanning the wet area in the north east corner. The bridge
was installed by Ray Sill and Roger Hopkins using a discarded dock from Myers
Park. It looks good and will keep both the snow mobiler's and trail users drier.
• Other ongoing maintenance concerns are the very wet areas particularly on the
west side of the trail. If the town plans for the town land property continue to
completion perhaps there will be an opportunity to address a solution to these wet
areas.
• We are continuing to do the work on the power point presentation.
Maureen talked with Sybil Bush about her ideas on a dog park on the town land.
We discussed how the town trail project came about and I referred her to the town
board for further advice. Sybil expected to pursue her ideas further with the TB
and will coordinate those plans with Pathways as they materialize.
Thanks for your support,
Maureen Cowen
Chairperson
Lansing Pathways Committee
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT:
Mr. Krogh stated that he did not have a report. He asked the board to make a list of
questions they would like covered and included when he participates in the presentation
by the Gas and Oil Committee.
ADJOURN MEETING:
RESOLUTION 12-50
Councilperson Edward LaVigne moved to ADJOURN THE JANUARY 18, 2012
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING AT 7:05 PM. Councilperson Ruth Hopkins
seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call vote:
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Councilperson Andra Benson Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Aye
Councilperson Edward LaVigne Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller Aye
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie S. Crandall
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