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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-26 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
February 26, 2014
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing,NY on the above date at 6:00 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 Darlene Marshall, Deputy Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Kathy Miller, Supervisor Robert Cree, Councilperson
Doug Dake, Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, Councilperson
Edward LaVigne, Councilperson
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Sharon Butler Bowman, Deputy Supervisor, Guy Krogh, Town
Attorney, Jack French, Highway Superintendent, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County
Representative, John O'Neill, Village of Lansing, Dan Veaner, Lansing Star, Ted Laux,
Steve Smith, Pat Pryor, Carl Zifchock, Deborah Trumbull, Douglas Milliman, Kristie
Oplinger, Dave and Joyce Heck, Glynis Hart, Lansing Ledger, Bill Chaisson, Ithaca
Times, Claes Nyberg, Susan Miller, C. Iacobucci, Craig Christopher, Gary Tyrrell, Ed
Wagner, Suzanne Hinderliter, and a few other attendees.
MOTION TO OPEN SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW#1 OF 2014 (SIGN LAW)
Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to OPEN THE SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW#1 OF 2014 (SIGN LAW) at 6:05 pm. Councilperson
Robert Cree seconded the motion.
All In Favor- 5 Opposed- 0
One attendee addressed the Town Board regarding the Proposed Local Law #1 of 2014.
Paul Simonet,Park Outdoor—Opposed
Lynn Day Code, Enforcement Officer indicated that he would like to work with the Local
Law for a year and then make revisions if needed. He also indicated that a Special Use
Permit goes to the Planning Board with recommendations to the Town Board.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked if changing the requirement from an Area
Variance to a Special Use Permit for Off-Premises Signs would be a minor change that
could happen tonight.
Attorney Guy Krogh indicated that it would not be a minor change as the entire internal
administrative structure would be changed. It would be changing from a variance and
waiver process to a special permit process. There are different conditions for each
special permit. He is not sure if the Zoning Ordinance currently has any of the conditions
that would guide the process of issuing a special permit. They would probably need to be
in this Local Law. The changes may be very simple but it would be an administrative
change.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne indicated that he would like to look at this again in
September.
Councilperson Robert Cree indicated that Code Enforcement Officer Lynn Day had
requested to work with the Local Law for a year and then make changes if needed.
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated that she would like to see the Comprehensive Plan
finished, which will contain citizens' comments, before this is addressed again.
February 26,2014 1
MOTION TO CLOSE SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW#1 OF 2014 (SIGN LAW)
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to
CLOSE THE SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW#1
OF 2014 (SIGN LAW) at 6:21 pm. Councilperson Doug Dake seconded the motion.
All In Favor- 5 Opposed- 0
CONSIDER RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW#1 OF 2014 (SIGN LAW)
DISCUSSION
Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked if all existing signs were grandfathered.
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated all existing signs were grandfathered.
RESOLUTION 14-52
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NUMBER 1 OF 2014—
THE TOWN OF LANSING SIGN LOCAL LAW
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town had directed its Ordinance Committee to develop, with input from
the Town Board, the Planning Board, and the public, proposed regulations for certain
signs within the Town of Lansing, in part due to the need to replace an ordinance that had
been repealed and to update and modernize the regulatory scheme for signage within the
Town, taking into due account the purposes of zoning and the Town's Comprehensive
Plan; and
WHEREAS, among other things, the said Local Law under consideration proposes to: (i)
regulate but permit the identification of businesses and important local facilities and
buildings, while preserving and enhancing the visual quality of the Town and the safety
of vehicular and pedestrian traffic; (ii) define certain terms, such as types of sign districts,
types of signs, planned sign areas, the scope of review for certain signs, and permit and
variance processes and procedures for sign emplacement; (iii) to provide for categories of
exempt signs that require neither a permit nor review; (iv) to provide general rules of
applicability for all signs; (v) to set forth particular maximum signage limits for
residential, commercial, and agricultural areas within the Town; (vi) to provide for
flexibility through planned sign areas; (vii) to address lawful pre-existing non-
conforming signs and allow their continuance and provide for their discontinuance in
certain circumstances; (viii) to delineate the processes and procedures for issuance of sign
permits, site plan approvals, and the enforcement of such Local Law; (ix) to set forth sign
maintenance requirements; (x) to provide a process for the interpretation and application
of the Local Law, including rights of appeal and the right to seek variances; (xi) and to
specify an immediate effective date for such Local Law; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held upon January 15, 2014, at the Lansing Town Hall,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, and as a result of
public comments received, the Town Board decided to reconsider some of the terms and
procedures of such Local Law; and
WHEREAS, an amended Local Law has been created that has some changes, including
changes to certain sign requirements in certain locations, ensuring that certain large
billboards as now exist acquire grandfathering rights akin to other non-conforming signs,
changing permitted hours of illumination for lighted signs, adding a maximum intensity
measurement for illuminated signs, and making minor adjustments in terms to conform
language to definitions; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, as lead agency for environmental review pursuant to
SEQRA, has determined that such changes are not material and do not cause any increase
in the likelihood of occurrence or the intensity of any potential impacts and, in fact,
February 26,2014 2
reduce overall environmental impacts, such that no supplemental SEQRA review is
mandated or required; and
WHEREAS, the changes, in total, are minor and do not create or foster conditions
whereby any negative county wide inter-municipal impacts would or could occur, such
that no further GML Section 239 review is mandated or required; and
WHEREAS, a further Public Hearing was held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing,New York, on the 26th day of February, 2014, at 6:05 pm, to consider the
adoption of proposed Local Law #1 of 2014, and to hear all persons interested in the
subject thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, and in consideration of all discussions and
matters arising from or in relation to the aforesaid public hearing, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby Resolved, and thus be it so enacted, as follows:
RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 1 of 2014, as amended, be and hereby is approved
and adopted in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form "be it so enacted";
and it is further
RESOLVED, that in accord with §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted
version of this Local Law shall be presented to the Supervisor for approval; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that upon such approval by the Supervisor (of other approval occurring
pursuant to said §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final
adoption of this Local Law, the Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law,
together with the required certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town
Clerk; and (ii) with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal
Home Rule Law §27 (said filing may be made by delivery to the State Records and Law
Bureau, Department of State, 41 State Street, Albany,New York 12231).
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 Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins -Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne -Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
February 26, 2014.
TOWN OF LANSING SIGN LOCAL LAW
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 1 of 2014
The Town Board of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York,
pursuant to a Resolution date February 26, 2014, does hereby adopt and enact
Local Law #1 of 2014, and thus be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing as follows:
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Article I Title.
Article II Purpose.
Article III Definitions.
Article IV Exempt Signs.
Article V Rules of General Applicability for all Signs.
Article VI Rules Applicable to Residential Sign Districts.
February 26,2014 3
Article VII Rules Applicable to Agricultural Sign Districts.
Article VIII Rules Applicable to Commercial Sign Districts.
Article IX Planned Development Areas.
Article X Planned Sign Area.
Article XI Nonconforming Signs.
Article XII Sign Permits.
Article XIII Sign Maintenance Requirements &Procedures.
Article XIV Enforcement Officer Discretion and Consultation.
Article XV Violations and Penalties.
Article XVI Effective Date.
Article I-Title.
Local Law #1 of 2014 shall be known as the "Sign Law" of the Town of Lansing
(hereinafter the, or this, "Local Law").
Article II- Purpose.
The intent and purpose of this Local Law is to establish specifications,
procedures, and rules for Signs in the Town of Lansing, excluding the Village of
Lansing. Compliance with these regulations will permit proper identifications of
businesses and important local facilities and buildings, preserve and enhance the
visual quality of the area, and prevent installations which are particularly
distractive and hazardous to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Article III -Definitions.
Agricultural Sign District - The R-3 and RA land use area classifications as
established and mapped in and by the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance.
Banner - A type of flag, not an emblem of a government or institution, with
graphics that are purely decorative or that identify, advertise, or convey
commercial information.
Billboard or Off-Premises Sign- Any outdoor Sign that directs attention to a
business, commodity, activity, service, or product not conducted, sold, or
offered upon the Premises where such Sign is located.
Commercial Activity - An establishment, activity, or use that provides
goods, merchandise, services, resources, or entertainment to the general
public for gain.
Commercial Sign District - The B-1, B-2, and IR land use area classifications
as established and mapped in and by the Town of Lansing Land Use
Ordinance.
Dark Sky - Refers to the "Dark Sky Standards" for lighting and luminaires,
generally designed to provide for glare-free, downward directed, and
shielded lighting as promotes the "Dark Sky" standards of the International
Dark-Sky Association ("IDA"), Tucson, Arizona, including, for example,
meeting the goals and standards expressed in the "Outdoor Lighting
Ordinance and Community Standards" Information Sheet #172, and the IDA
"Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook."
Exempt Sign - A Sign which may be erected or placed without a Sign Permit
or a Site Plan Review under the provisions of this Local Law.
February 26,2014 4
Freestanding Sign - Any Sign or Sign structure not attached to the exterior of
a building.
Electronic Message Display Sign - A Sign that utilizes computer generated
data or some other electronic means to display messages through the use of
light, including through flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light, or
light that has the appearance of flashing, moving, or Scrolling. Common
examples would be LCD and LED signage.
Enforcement Officer - The Town Code Enforcement Officer, the Town
Building Inspector, and any other person appointed by the Town Board to
represent the Town in particular matters pertaining to this Local Law.
Illuminated Sign - Any Sign illuminated, spotlighted, or lit by electricity,
gas, or other artificial or concentrated light source, including, but not limited
to, reflective, luminescent, or phosphorescent light, whether originating from
outside the body of the Sign or from within or behind it. Illuminated Signs
shall include Electronic Message Display Signs.
Institution - An organization established to serve a social, educational, or
religious purpose. Common examples would be hospitals, schools, or
churches.
Nonconforming Sign - A lawfully existing Sign as of the effective date of
adoption of this Local Law, or any subsequent amendment hereto, that does
not conform to the requirements of this Local Law; but not including Off-
Premises Signs.
Off-Premises Sign - See definition under "Billboard," above.
On-Premises Sign - A Sign related to any activity, business, profession,
service, or commodity provided, sold, or offered upon the Premises where
such Sign is located.
Planning Board -The Planning Board of the Town.
Political Sign - A Sign which:
A. Advertises, supports, or opposes any one or more persons for
public elective offices or a political party;
B. Expresses an opinion upon, or urges a particular vote or action
upon, a social, political, or public issue.
C. Conveys one's views on worship, ethics, philosophy of life, or
similar beliefs.
Planned Sign Area - A geographical unit in which a coordinated design for
visual communication is approved through a Site Plan Review process,
consisting mainly of a sign development plan.
Portable or Mobile Sign - Any Sign or Sign structure not permanently
affixed to the ground or to the exterior of a Building. A common example
includes a Temporary Sign mounted upon a trailer.
Premises - A lot or parcel identified as a tax map parcel by the Tompkins
County Assessment Department that is located in the Town. Where any land
February 26,2014 5
use spans multiple tax parcels, then all such parcels shall here be deemed one
"Premises."
Residential Based Business (including a Home Business or Occupation) -
Any lawful or permitted Business activity customarily conducted entirely
within a dwelling or structure accessory to a dwelling.
Residential Sign District - The R-1, R-2, and L-1 land use area classifications
as established and mapped in and by the Town of Lansing Land Use
Ordinance.
Public Right-of-Way - Shall mean each, every, and all public streets, public
sidewalks, public roads, public alleys, and public highways within the Town
that are Town highways by use, highways by dedication, and/or highways
by prescription or implication, including the paved or finished surfaces
thereof, all governmental signage, all ditches, culverts, drains and drainage
ways, all utility and similar structures and appurtenances, and all land,
improved or otherwise,within the bounds of the highway rights-of-way.
Scrolling - To cause displayed text, graphics, or light to move or appear to
move up, down, or across the screen or the face of the Sign.
Sign - A device for visual communication publicly displayed to identify,
advertise, or convey information. The term "Sign" includes the Sign's frame,
border, base, pole, stand, and any other portion of the structure supporting
the Sign; however, for purposes of Sign Square Footage Calculations only the
Sign and its frame or border shall be counted. "Signs" also include all types
of Signs whenever the Sign is placed in view of the general public including,
but not limited to, Sign boards, Billboards, Banners, painted wall Signs,
hanging Signs, Illuminated Signs, ground and free-standing Signs, and any
announcements, declarations, demonstrational materials, displays,
illustrations, posters, or insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of
any person or Commercial Activity, whether or not related and unrelated to a
Commercial Activity or to a commodity or service sold or offered upon the
Premises where such Sign is located.
Site Plan Review - Refers to site planning standards as contained in the
Town Land Use Ordinance, including, where applicable, review and
approval by the Planning Board.
Sign Development Plan - A collection of drawings and written statements
describing all pertinent details of Signs and related features included in a
Planned Sign Area.
Sign Permit - A permit to erect, install, build, place, emplace, site, or
substantially rebuild or repair any Sign.
Sign Square Footage Calculation - Refers to a method of calculating the
measurements, dimensions, and geometric area of a Sign pursuant to basic
mathematical rules reasonably applied, as follows: (i) if a Sign is irregular in
shape or consists of independent or detached letters or symbols, the area of
said Sign shall be determined by measuring the area within a regular simple
polygon completely enclosing the Sign or enclosing such independent or
detached letters or symbols as they are intended to be installed; (ii) if a Sign
is regular in shape, by measuring the surface area of the Sign, including its
frame(s) and border(s); (iii) all square footage limitations and similar
dimensional rules and regulations herein are to be measured upon and in
relation a single face of the Sign if the Sign has two basic display sides;
February 26,2014 6
and/or (iv) if a Sign has more than 2 display sides or surfaces, then the
Enforcement Officer shall determine and calculate the total dimensions of the
Sign by calculating the sum of all display sides or faces unless, in the
reasonable determination of the Enforcement Officer, one or more display
sides or faces are de minimus and should not be counted in calculating the
Sign Square Footage Calculation (an example would be a standard 2-sided
rectangular sign with printing upon the frame of the Sign).
Temporary Signs - A Sign limited to a period of use not to exceed 30 days, or
such other period of time as allowed by this Local Law (e.g., construction
Signs). Common examples include construction Signs, for sale Signs, portable
Signs, banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, streamers, and fluttering or
revolving devices, usually intended to draw attention to a new Commercial
Activity, a sale, a new product or service release, an activity temporary in
nature, etc.
Town - The Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York, and each and all
of its officers, employees, and agents.
Variance - A departure from the rules, terms, or requirements of this Local
Law when duly authorized by the Zoning Board of Appeals, usually arising
from practical difficulty or unnecessary and undue hardship peculiar to an
individual situation which is not the result of the actions of the applicant. For
this purpose, the definitions and standards of both use variances and area
variances shall apply as set forth in, and construed under, Town Law §§ 267-a
and 267-b.
Wayfaring Signs - A free-standing, off-premise Sign, but not an Illuminated
Sign, that includes a community welcome message or logo and individual
placards displaying directional information for business establishments and
public places to assist travelers in finding local businesses, services, and sites.
Article IV -Exempt Signs.
Except as to Articles V and XII and any enforcement rights or powers as set forth
below, certain Signs are exempt from this Local Law and do not require a Sign
Permit or any Site Plan Review when: (i) they meet the standards below or are
classified by the Enforcement Officer as an Exempt Sign; (ii) such Signs are not
Illuminated Signs; and (iii) such Sign(s) comply with the following listed
conditions, regulations, and restrictions, if and as applicable:
A. Tourist-oriented Signs and directional and informational Signs, which
may not exceed 6 ft2. Common examples include wine trail Signs,
historical Signs, and Cayuga Scenic Trail Signs. The Enforcement
Officer shall reasonably determine whether a Sign constitutes or
qualifies as a tourist-oriented or directional and informational Sign
and, for this purpose, any design, logo, name, or trademark of or
referencing any Commercial Activity shall be an indication that the
Sign is not a tourist-oriented or directional and informational Sign, but
such factor alone shall not be determinative of such question.
B. Construction project Signs, where: (i) such Sign does not exceed 32 ft2
in Commercial Sign Districts or 12 ft2 in any other districts; and (ii)
such Sign is a Temporary Sign or is removed within 30 days of
substantial completion of the project or the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy, whichever shall first occur.
February 26,2014 7
C. Signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the Premises, where (i) the
Sign is an On-Premises Sign; (ii) such Sign does exceed 32 ft2 in
Commercial Sign Districts or 9 ft2 in any other districts; (iii) such Sign
is a Temporary Sign or is removed within 30 days after the sale, lease,
or rental of the Premises.
D. Temporary Signs, including banners, flags, pennants, streamers,
ribbons, and Mobile or Portable Signs are allowed where: (i) such
Signs, in total area, do not exceed 16 ft2; (ii) such Signs are not
emplaced for more than 30 days; and (iii) such Signs shall be and are
removed within seven days from the end of the event, and/or are not
re-emplaced within 30 days of their removal, whether in the same or
any other nearby location.
E. Political Signs are allowed whenever they do not exceed 32 ft2 in all
Sign districts.
F. Signs erected and maintained by any governmental agency pursuant
to and in discharge of any governmental function or any Sign that is
required by any law, ordinance, or governmental regulation;
G. Any flags, emblems, or symbols of a nation or a governmental body or
school;
H. Memorial tablets or historical markers erected by any governmental
agency;
Signs or Temporary Signs erected or emplaced for public safety, when
in the discretion of the Enforcement Officer such Signs are allowed or
are necessary for public safety or regulating pedestrian or vehicular
traffic;
J. Signs or decorations emplaced in celebration of national holidays,
generally recognized days of observance, or significant local, regional,
or national events, provided that they do not constitute a public
nuisance or hazard and do not contain names, trademarks, or logos
relating to any Commercial Activity.
K. Traditional residential accessory Signs. Common examples of such
Signs include Signs promoting a favorite college, university, or team,
Temporary Signs portraying household or neighborhood events, or
Signs displaying a historical location or family crest.
L. Wayfaring Signs, where:
1. Such Wayfaring Signs are owned, installed, and maintained by the
Town or a governmental authority granted a Sign Permit by the Town.
2. The location of Wayfaring Signs shall be determined by the Town
Board and should be located at or near appropriate intersections.
3. The maximum size of Wayfaring Signs shall be determined by the
Town Board upon a case-by-case basis.
4. Each Wayfaring Sign shall incorporate a Town of Lansing logo or
welcoming message, as determined by the Town Board, and each
February 26,2014 8
placard placed on the Wayfaring Sign shall be reasonably identical in
size, style, color, and design.
5. Wayfaring Signs shall be located so as not to impede vehicular sight
distances and shall be designed and constructed to minimize
maintenance.
6. Wayfaring Signs will, to the extent practical, be located in a public
right-of-way or on public property, subject to any necessary approvals
or permits from the applicable government with jurisdiction. If the
Wayfaring Sign is to be located upon private property, appropriate
permission or a license or easement shall be obtained from the
property owner(s).
If any Sign listed or referenced above exceeds any conditions or limitations
stated above, then each such Sign shall require a Sign Permit or Site Plan Review
as elsewhere required by this Local Law.
Article V- Rules of General Applicability for all Signs.
A. All non-exempt Signs shall require a Sign Permit. Where and
whenever required by this Local Law or by any determination or
opinion of the Enforcement Officer, certain Signs may also be subject to
Site Plan Review.
B. All Sign Square Footage Calculations and all numerical, dimensional,
and area references in this Local Law shall apply to each Sign; and all
non-Temporary Signs collectively shall not exceed any numerical,
dimensional, or area references as stated in this Local Law. However,
when Sign Square Footage Calculations are applied to Temporary
Signs, existing lawful Signs and their Sign Square Footage Calculations
shall be excluded. Thus, and by way of example and not limitation, if
Joe's Auto Dealership has a permitted Sign at the maximum Sign
Square Footage Calculation for its Premises and wants to place
Banners to advertise a weekend car sale, such Dealership would be
limited to a maximum amount of Temporary Sign(s) square footage as
based upon the maximum allowable signage for the Premises upon
which the Dealership is located, without regard to, or any reduction
for, the existing and lawful non-Temporary Signs upon such Premises.
C. The following regulations shall apply to all Illuminated Signs:
1. Illuminated Signs shall not be lit or illuminated from one hour after
sunset until sunrise each day; except that business identification
Signs may remain lit or illuminated during normal business hours.
2. The illumination of any Sign shall employ only light emitting a
constant intensity, shall comply to the reasonable extent possible
with Dark Sky requirements, and shall not emit a light exceeding
0.3 foot candles measured at night.
3. No Illuminated Sign shall contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or
moving light, or may otherwise have the appearance of flashing,
moving, or Scrolling, however the overall static image may
periodically change, but no more frequently than every fifteen
seconds.
February 26,2014 9
4. In no event shall an Illuminated Sign be placed, or its light directed,
so that the illumination is: (i) directed upward; (ii) directed at or
upon any Public Right-of-Way in any manner which may be
reasonably expected to cause, create, or contribute to glare or
distracting reflected light; (iii) directed at or upon any adjacent
occupied building or structure in any manner which may be
reasonably expected to cause, create, or contribute to glare or
distracting reflected light. The Enforcement Officer shall reasonably
determine whether any Illuminated Sign causes, creates, or
contributes to glare or any distracting reflected light as such terms
are used in this subsection. In making any such determination the
Enforcement Officer may employ Dark Sky standards.
5. All Illuminated Signs shall be subject to Site Plan Review.
D. Electronic Message Display Signs are allowed only in Commercial Sign
Districts and all such Signs shall be subject to Site Plan Review.
E. Except for Wayfaring Signs issued pursuant to a Sign Permit, no
Billboards or Off-Premises Signs are permitted or allowed in any Sign
district or area of the Town without a use Variance.
F. Except for Wayfaring Signs, or unless otherwise allowed by this Local
Law, or unless a permit therefor has been obtained by any
governmental or public authorities having jurisdiction over such
Public Right-of-Way, no Signs may be located within any Public Right-
of-Way unless approved through a Site Plan Review process or
pursuant to a Variance. Any Sign located within such Public Right-of-
Way shall require permission or permits from any governmental or
public authorities having jurisdiction over such Public Right-of-Way.
G. No freestanding Sign for Residential Based Businesses located within a
Residential Sign District shall exceed 9' in height. No other
freestanding Sign shall exceed 15' in height. Signs located or mounted
upon the exterior of any building or structure shall not extend above
the fascia or be mounted on the roof.
H. No Planned Sign Area may be sited within any Residential Sign
District.
Unless expressly otherwise permitted by this Local Law, a Variance is
granted, or unless within a Planned Sign Area: (i) for all Commercial
Activity Signs and other commercial and business Signs, no more than
2 Signs shall be allowed per each Premises and the area of each such
Sign shall not exceed the maximum allowed area for each such Sign as
based upon its use and location and the requirements of this Local
Law; and (ii) only one Residential Based Business Sign is allowed per
each Premises upon which a residential business (or home occupation)
is located.
J. The failure to timely comply with any conditions stated in any Site
Plan Review approval, any Variance, or upon any Sign Permit shall be
deemed a violation of this Local Law.
Article VI - Rules Applicable to Residential Sign Districts.
A. Commercial Signs shall not exceed 18 ft2.
February 26,2014 10
B. Residential Based Business Signs shall not exceed 9 ft2.
C. Multi-family dwelling, townhouse, mobile home park, housing
development, and like residential Signs shall not exceed 12 ft2 and only
one Sign is allowed per entrance.
D. Institution Signs shall not exceed 40 ft2.
Article VII - Rules Applicable to Agricultural Sign Districts.
A. Commercial Signs shall not exceed 48 ft2.
B. Residential Based Business Signs shall not exceed 24 ft2.
C. Multi-family dwelling, townhouse, mobile home park, housing
development, and like residential Signs shall not exceed 12 ft2 and only
one Sign is allowed per entrance.
D. Institution Signs shall not exceed 40 ft2.
Article VIII - Rules Applicable to Commercial Sign Districts.
A. Commercial Signs shall not exceed 48 ft2.
B. Residential Based Business Signs shall not exceed 24 ft2.
C. Multi-family dwelling, townhouse, mobile home park, housing
development, and like residential Signs shall not exceed 12 ft2.
D. Shopping center or plaza Signs shall not exceed 48 ft2, and individual
store or business Signs within such shopping center or plaza shall not
exceed 16 ft2 for each business (and are in addition to the center's or
plaza's Signage), unless pursuant to an approved Planned Sign Area.
E. Institution Signs shall not exceed 48 ft2.
Article IX- Planned Development Areas.
The Enforcement Officer shall examine the predominant purposes and uses of
any Planned Development Area ("PDA") and shall then, for purposes of this
Local Law, classify the PDA as subject to Residential Sign District rules,
Agricultural Sign District rules, or Commercial Sign District rules.
Article X - Planned Sign Areas.
A. A Planned Sign Area must be classified either as:
1. A Business and Technology Park and Research Park Planned Sign
Area - For the purposes of this section, a "Business and Technology
Park "or "Research Park" is specifically defined as an integral unit
to be used for business, technology, industry, research, or office
purposes, or a combination thereof, which: (i) is under the
ownership and/or developmental control of a single entity; and (ii)
contains a minimum of three detached structures and five acres of
land, unless lesser minimums are approved by the Planning Board.
February 26,2014 11
Contiguous businesses may be added to a Business and Technology
Park and Research and its Park Planned Sign Area; or
2. Shopping Mall Planned Sign Area - For the purpose of this
subsection a "Shopping Mall" is specifically defined as any group
of three or more stores which share a common vehicular entrance
or entranceways, common off-street parking, and that contain a
minimum of three acres. Contiguous businesses may be added to a
Shopping Mall and its Planned Sign Area; or
3. Contiguous Business Planned Sign Area -A "Contiguous Business"
is any business, technology, industry, research, or office facility
which is contiguous to a Shopping Mall, a Business and
Technology Park, a Research Park or to any other business or
facility which is included in an existing Planned Sign Area.
B. Such classification shall be performed by the Enforcement Officer.
C. The purpose of a Planned Sign Area is to introduce a degree of
flexibility in the conventional regulation of signs in such a way as to
encourage improved visibility, readability, coordination of height,
color, shape, lighting, and other Sign design features.
D. All Planned Sign Areas shall submit a Sign Development Plan. A Sign
Development Plan shall meet the following criteria:
1. The Sign Development Plan must be coordinated to cover the entire
area.
2. The Sign Development Plan must result in a more desirable
environment than would be possible through the strict application
of other sections of this Local Law, including aspects of public
safety, coordinated identification and non-distracting
communication to the public concerning the goods and services
offered within the planned sign area.
3. To the extent practical, a Sign Development Plan shall preserve or
enhance any significant scenic, historical, geological, or
architectural features within the proposed Planned Sign Area.
4. A written explanation of the character and purpose of the Planned
Sign Area and an indication of the expected timetable for
development.
5. Sketches necessary to illustrate typical sign designs, lighting,
coloration, and locations.
E. The Enforcement Officer, upon receipt of a completed application and
Sign Development Plan, shall forward such information to the
Planning Board for Site Plan Review.
F. The Planning Board shall approve, reject, or approve with conditions
the Sign Development Plan and the proposed Planned Sign Area
pursuant to the timetables, rules, and requirements set forth for Site
Plan Review.
February 26,2014 12
G. If a conditional approval is issued, the applicant and owner of the
Premises shall comply with such conditions.
H. If any approval is issued, the Sign Development Plan may not be
changed without the review by, and site planning approval from, the
Planning Board, but new Signs may be emplaced and existing Signs
replaced, repaired, or relocated,when:
1. A Sign Permit is issued there for by the Enforcement Officer;
2. The proposed Sign, or changes to any Sign, are designed, installed,
and constructed in accord with the approved Sign Development
Plan; and
3. The proposed Sign, or to-be-relocated or changed Sign, is located
within the Planned Sign Area.
Withdrawal from or the termination of any Planned Sign Area is
permitted as follows:
1. For a Shopping Mall or Plaza, such withdrawal or termination is for
the entire Premises and the whole of the Planned Sign Area, all
Signs and Sign owners agree to come into compliance with this
Local Law before the effective date of such termination or
withdrawal, and such compliance is achieved within 1 year of the
date of such withdrawal or termination. Individual Commercial
Activities and businesses may not individually withdraw or
terminate their participation in, or compliance with, the conditions
or requirements of such Planned Sign Area.
2. For a Business and Technology Park or Research Park, such
withdrawal or termination is for the entire Premises and the whole
of the Planned Sign Area, all Signs and Sign owners agree to come
into compliance with this Local Law before the effective date of
such termination or withdrawal, and such compliance is achieved
within 1 year of the date of such withdrawal or termination.
Individual Commercial Activities and businesses may not
individually withdraw or terminate their participation in, or
compliance with, the conditions or requirements of such Planned
Sign Area.
3. For a contiguous business or Premises to withdraw or terminate
participation in a Planned Sign Area, such withdrawal or
termination is only permitted in relationship to a genuine change of
ownership of the business or Premises, or a genuine change in the
type and nature of any business or operations upon such Premises,
and all Signs and Sign owners agree to come into compliance with
this Local Law before the effective date of such termination or
withdrawal, and such compliance is achieved within 1 year of the
date of such withdrawal or termination.
4. Any of the time requirements for compliance may be waived or
extended by the Enforcement Officer upon good cause shown, but
no compliance deadline may be extended beyond 24 months of the
date of any termination or withdrawal.
Article XI - Nonconforming Signs.
February 26,2014 13
A. Each Sign existing upon the date of adoption of this Local Law that
does not comply with this Local Law shall be deemed a lawful pre-
existing Nonconforming Sign.
B. Any such Nonconforming Sign may continue to exist in its current
location and configuration, and the owner of the Sign, or the Premises
upon which such Sign is situated, may continue to maintain and
regularly repair and perform upkeep upon such Sign.
C. However, and in limitation of the above paragraphs A and B and
subject to Article XIII(C), if any Nonconforming Sign shall be
voluntarily replaced due to age, a lack of care and maintenance,
obsolescence, or due to the choice or election of the Sign owner, and
not as a result of an involuntary event, such as, by way of illustration
only, accidents, storms, or vandalism, then any replacement Sign shall
conform to the requirements of this Local Law.
D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Local Law, existing Off-
Premises Signs over 120 ft2 that do not comply with this Local Law
shall be deemed a lawful pre-existing Nonconforming Signs and shall
be entitled to all benefits of "grandfathering" as provided in and by
this Local Law.
Article XII - Sign Permits.
A. Except as otherwise herein provided, no person or entity may erect or
emplace any non-exempt Sign without first obtaining a Sign Permit
from the Enforcement Officer. Failure to obtain such a Sign Permit will
be deemed a violation of this Local Law.
B. An application for a Sign Permit shall be made to the Enforcement
Officer upon such forms as prescribed and provided by the
Enforcement Officer.
C. A non-refundable application fee for a Sign Permit shall be submitted
with each Sign Permit application delivered to the Town in an amount
as the Town Board may, from time to time, establish by resolution. No
application shall be deemed complete unless all information requested
is provided and the Sign Permit fee paid. The Town Board may also
establish, by resolution, a standardized fee schedule for permits and
other required reviews, inspections, and reports created, performed, or
filed under, in accord with, or in furtherance of this Local Law, which
fee schedule shall (i) be limited to such amounts as are reasonably
estimated as the administrative and other costs and expenses incurred
by the Town in connection with any matter for which a fee is
scheduled, and (ii) be reviewed at least once every year by the
Enforcement Officer or the Town Board to assure that the fees remain
reasonable in light of the Town's actual and generally incurred costs
and expenses.
D. Upon the filing of a completed application for a Sign Permit the
Enforcement Officer shall examine the plans, specifications, and other
data submitted to him, including, if necessary, the building or
Premises upon which any Sign is proposed to be emplaced or located.
The Enforcement Officer shall then take one of the following actions:
February 26,2014 14
1. If the proposed Sign(s) require Site Plan Approval, refer the matter
to the Planning Board. Once the Planning Board issues any Site
Plan Approval, with or without conditions, and once the
application and the proposed Sign(s) are in compliance with the
requirements of this Local Law, then the Enforcement Officer shall
issue the Sign Permit with any Planning Board conditions stated
thereupon. If the Planning Board denies Site Plan Review approval,
then the Enforcement Officer shall deny the application for a Sign
Permit.
2. If the proposed Sign(s) require a Variance, refer the matter to the
Zoning Board of Appeals ("ZBA"). If the ZBA issues any Variance,
with or without conditions, then once the proposed Sign(s) are
otherwise in compliance with the requirements of this Local Law,
the Enforcement Officer shall issue the Sign Permit with any ZBA
conditions stated thereupon. If the ZBA denies the Variance then
the Enforcement Officer shall deny the application for a Sign
Permit;
3. If the proposed Sign(s) require neither a Site Plan Approval nor a
Variance, and the application and proposed Sign(s) are in
compliance with this Local Law, then the Enforcement Officer shall
issue a permit for the proposed Sign.
Article XIII - Sign Maintenance Requirements & Procedures.
A. All Signs, whether exempt, permitted, nonconforming, or otherwise,
shall at all times be kept in good repair and neatly finished or painted
as necessary to maintain its appearance and to ensure the Sign is free
from all hazards, such as, but not limited to, faulty wiring, exposed
sharp edges, falling parts or paint, or loose fastenings.
B. All Signs must at all times be maintained in such condition as to not be
detrimental to public health or safety.
C. If any Sign requires repair or maintenance the Enforcement Officer
may issue an order to remedy the defect or effect such repairs as are
necessary to comply with this Article, and such order shall state a date
by which such maintenance or repairs shall be substantially
completed. If the repairs or maintenance are not completed by the date
stated in the compliance order, then such noncompliance shall be
deemed a violation of this Local Law and, in addition, the Enforcement
Officer may order the removal of the Sign. If any Sign is ordered to be
removed and such Sign was a Nonconforming Sign that received the
benefits of Article XI of this Local Law, all such benefits shall expire
and be deemed forfeited and any future or replacement Sign shall be
required to be in compliance with this Local Law.
Article XIV - Enforcement Officer Discretion and Consultation.
A. Whenever any provision of this Local Law directly or by implication
calls for or requires an opinion, decision, determination, or
classification (all together and hereafter, an "Opinion") by the
Enforcement Officer, such Opinion shall in all cases be reasonably
made, placed in writing, promptly delivered to the applicant or other
person requesting or receiving such Opinion, and immediately filed in
the Town Code Enforcement Office. Any person aggrieved by any
February 26,2014 15
such Opinion may appeal such Opinion to the ZBA per the rules and
requirements of Town Law § 267-a.
B. In reviewing any application, any Sign, any Sign Permit, or in making
any Opinion or determination under this Local Law, or when taking
any other action under or in furtherance of this Local Law, the
Enforcement Officer may seek input and advice from any person or
entity, including but not limited to, the Planning Board, the Town
Board, the Town Supervisor, the Attorney for the Town, any building
inspector, the Town Highway Superintendent, the County Highway
Department, NYSDOT, the NYS Codes Division, and any other local or
State agencies; but in no event may the Enforcement Officer consult
with, communicate with, or obtain advice from the ZBA unless a
variance application is pending and the ZBA has requested an
Opinion.
Article XV -Violations and Penalties.
A violation of this Local Law is hereby declared to be a criminal offense,
punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). For any
violation of this Local Law committed within 5 years of any prior conviction for
any offense under this Local Law, then the fine shall be not less than two
hundred and fifty dollars ($250), nor more than ($500). Each week's continued
violation shall constitute a separate and distinct violation under this Local Law
and may be charged as such. In addition to other penalties, the Town may
institute any appropriate action or proceeding to compel compliance with this
Local Law, or to prevent the unlawful erection, construction, alteration, or use of
any Sign in violation of the requirements of this Local Law.
Article XVI - Effective Date.
This Local Law shall be and become immediately effective upon filing.
TOMPKINS COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE—MIKE SIGLER
Mike Sigler Monthly Report From County
Hi, Thanks again for having me.
I'll start off with the most noticeable change to date. You may have seen the 4x8
billboards that went up this week to save the power plant. I heard from a number of
people that Dunkirk was saved because the people there were vocal about saving it.
Considering the turn out from that one meeting at our Middle School, I think there's
overwhelming support in the town for keeping the power plant open; we should not think
this support doesn't extend throughout the county just because of a vocal few. I felt it
was time to make that majority heard better, so I started this petition. This is one issue it
seems the town can unite behind. Kathy Miller is collecting signatures; I've got people
out and some school board members are collecting signatures. We don't have a lot of
time, but enough. I'd like to present the state with thousands of signatures. Many people
have written and called and those efforts have been noticed. I think it's time to double
down though. Call again, write again, sign the petition, collect signatures, and get your
friends to write and sign and collect signatures. This is apparently a political decision, so
we need as many vocal people as possible on board as that's how political battles are
won.
Tying into that, there's an Energy resolution moving through the Planning committee
which at its heart is a condemnation of the state's and frankly the nation's move to
natural gas. I posted it to my facebook page. I believe, and I think all recent evidence
bears this out, it would dramatically increase electricity prices and would also cause our
CO2 levels to go up, not down. Dovetailing on that, Tompkins County is acting as the
February 26,2014 16
pass through for $80,000 from the Park Foundation for the Solar Tompkins Project, a
county wide education and volume purchasing initiative, and that moved ahead this
month as well. You should hear more about this March 1st as that's when the public
outreach was slated to begin.
In other news, I've been appointed to a couple of boards I requested. I'm on Agriculture
and Farmland protection. They're extremely happy the representative from Lansing is on
the board considering we are the big agricultural community in the county. I also asked
to be on the Forest Management board which meets a couple times a year in Cortland, but
I thought it would be helpful considering the State Forest proposal.
There was a big turnout for the proposed Jail Expansion last week. I was only one of
three who voted for a moratorium on a decision. We are putting together a committee
and I wanted to see that done before we move ahead. This has been an issue for at least a
decade, so I didn't see how waiting to get at least an initial report would hurt, plus I think
there might be other options the legislature has not looked at. With that said, the plan to
expand the jail will move ahead, but there's a lot to be done before the county takes a
final action. I will say, that this debate revealed how far down we've come in political
discourse. I watched as several members were called out on this in a dismissive fashion
from members of the public. Some of these people have worked for decades on
Alternatives to Incarceration and yet they were berated for a vote I know they put a lot of
thought into, and at least to themselves and a good part of their constituencies, they could
justify.
The board out cost for the county is about a quarter of a million dollars a year. The jail
expansion will, I'm told, be in the million dollar range, so you can see, the payback on
the investment would be relatively quick and it would put people being held for alleged
crimes committed in Tompkins County closer to services they need. Still, it was clear, a
good portion of the community is looking for a broader discussion.
Finally, there's been a large drop off in passengers at the Ithaca Airport and it's caused a
lot of concern. The county is hiring a consultant to look at why and see what can be
done. This was successful in the past and we hope it will be again. We obviously want
to retain what we have, but adding airlines and flights would be helpful for the
community.
Thank you,
Mike Sigler
Representative Mike Sigler indicated there is an airport expansion planned.
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated that people will drive an hour to an hour and half to
get a cheaper flight. The bottom line is cost.
Councilperson Robert Cree asked if our airport was the only one to see a drop off in
passengers.
Representative Mike Sigler indicated other airports have also seen a decrease.
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins indicated that she looks for the length of the trip in addition
to the cost.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked about the expansion and if there is room for
bigger runways. Mike Sigler indicated that runways are not on the agenda at this time.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne indicated that he understands the connection with length
of flight and cost. He is wondering if there were longer runways if that would allow
bigger planes to come in and give travelers more options. The bottom line is how much
people are willing to pay to keep services here. Hopefully the consultant will give a
guideline for this.
February 26,2014 17
Representative Mike Sigler indicated the airport can handle jets but to get airlines to
commit, they must be able to fill the seats consistently.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne indicated that Dan Veaner will be putting a link in the
Lansing Star for the petition supporting the repowering of the Cayuga Operating Plant
with natural gas. The petition will be able to be forwarded to others and signed online.
Councilperson Doug Dake asked if this was just a Lansing petition.
Representative Mike Sigler indicated that anyone could sign the petition.
Deputy Supervisor Sharon Bowman stated there are blank copies of the petition in the
back to sign or take to get signatures.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR—PLEASE SIGN IN TO SPEAK—LIMITED TO
20 MINUTES WITH A MAXIMUM OF 3 MINUTES PER SPEAKER
Four attendees addressed the Town Board.
One resident read a statement from another resident that was unable to attend the meeting
in support of a Town Planner.
A member of the Lansing Town Comprehensive Plan Update Committee read a letter
from the committee supporting a full-time Planner.
One resident spoke in support of a Town Planner.
One resident questioned the Town Center and how the Town will make money from it as
it is planned to be mostly residential. The resident stated according to the Agriculture
and Farm Land Protection Plan, the cost of services for farms is 160 for every dollar they
pay versus residential which is $1.56 for every dollar. The resident also questioned how
many people really want a Town Center.
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated there is a meeting scheduled for March 12th for the
Comprehensive Plan Committee to present information which will include the survey
results and questions about the Town Center. The figures for usage per dollar for farms
is 290, commercial is 350 and residential is $1.16 according to the Planning Federation.
Commercial and farm properties use less of the tax money than residential properties.
They are talking about trying to encourage commercial use in the Town.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated that Highway Superintendent Jack French did not have
a report and asked if anyone had questions for him. Jack French stated is has been a long
winter.
No one in attendance had any questions for High Superintendent Jack French.
CONSIDER RESOLTUION AMENDING FEE SCHEDULES TO PROVIDE FOR
A SITE PLAN REVIEW FEE FOR SIGNS
DISCUSSION
There was no discussion.
RESOLUTION 14-53
RESOLUTION AMENDING TOWN OF LANSING FEE SCHEDULES
TO PROVIDE FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW FEE FOR SIGNS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
February 26,2014 18
WHEREAS, the Town has adopted a Sign Law (Local Law Number 1 of 2014) which
provides for site plan review for certain signs; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board and the Town Code Enforcement Officer believe that the
existing site plan review fees would be too high and not reflective of actual costs for the
more limited type of site planning that would be involved in reviewing only those
impacts arising from a sign, as opposed to the development of an entire site; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Fee Schedules of the Town of Lansing (as appear in the January
15, 2014, Minutes) be and hereby are amended to provide for a $50.00 fee for sign site
plan reviews arising under Local Law #1 of 2014, and that when signs are part of an
overall site plan, the normal site plan review fee would apply.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne -Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
February 26, 2014.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION HIRING JENNIFER SANDSTED AS A
FULL-TIME COURT CLERK
DISCUSSION
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated that the Judges and Sharon Bowman had interviewed
in a timely fashion and Jennifer Sandsted will start on March 10, 2014.
RESOLUTION 14-54
RESOLUTION HIRING JENNIFER SANDSTED,
FULL-TIME COURT CLERK
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Justices had previously interviewed for a posted and advertised
full-time position duly created; and
WHEREAS, said position, Court Clerk, in the Court Office was sought to be filled after
rounds of interviews; and
WHEREAS, an acceptable and qualified candidate was located, and is therefore proposed
to be hired to fulfill such job requirements; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that said Jennifer Sandsted be and hereby is approved to be employed as a
Town of Lansing Grade 4 Employee, as a Court Clerk, in the Court Office, with such
employment to commence March 10, 2014 at the rate of$16.36 per hour.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Edward LaVigne, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
February 26,2014 19
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne -Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
February 26, 2014.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION RESCINDING APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL
RICHARDSON AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING BOARD
DISCUSSION
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated she thought Michael Richardson wasn't aware of the
time commitment required for the position.
Councilperson Doug Dake indicated Michael Richardson would have been a good
candidate.
RESOLUTION 14-55
RESOLUTION RESCINDING APPOINTMENT
OF MICHAEL RICHARDSON
AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER
TO THE TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS,the Planning Board had recommended that Michael Richardson and
Deborah Trumbull be appointed as Alternate Members to the Planning Board, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing appointed Michael Richardson and
Deborah Trumbull to the Town of Lansing Planning Board as Alternate Members on
January 15, 2014 by Resolution 14-46; and
WHEREAS, Michael Richardson has declined the appointment as an Alternate Member
of the Planning Board; and
WHEREAS,upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has
RESOLVED, that the appointment of Michael Richardson as an Alternate Member to the
Town of Lansing Planning Board is hereby rescinded.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree -Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
February 26, 2014.
APPROVE AMENDED BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
DISCUSSION
Councilperson Edward LaVigne inquired about the modifications.
February 26,2014 20
Bookkeeper Sharon Bowman indicated that last month's budget modifications were
presented however they needed to be revised. These budget modifications replace the
ones from the January 15, 2014 meeting.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked if there were oversights, do they get pulled out of
the fund balance.
Bookkeeper Sharon Bowman indicated not necessarily, if there are other line items where
funds can be modified from, that happens first. However, there are some budget
modifications from the fund balance.
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins indicated that municipalities in general are unique in that
they modify the budgets to match expenses. There is an initial budget which is the plan
and the final budget which is the same as the expenses.
Supervisor Kathy Miller indicated that the budget is the best guess. Some years the fund
balance will be drawn from more than other years.
Councilperson Robert Cree indicated that for the year end budget modifications the
figures are in order.
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins indicated that the information in the reports show the
variances from the initial budget.
Councilperson Robert Cree indicated that this is why it is important to make budget
modifications. If the budget modifications aren't made it throws the variances off
RESOLUTION 14-56
Councilperson Robert Cree moved to approve the following amended budget
modifications from the January 15, 2014 minutes.
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL A FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A1990.400 A1110.120 FROM CONTINGENCY TO COURT CLERK-PERSONAL 943.52
ADDITIONAL JURY TRIALS
A1990.400 A1110.130 FROM CONTINGENCY TO SR COURT CLERK-PERS SVCS 44.28
UNANTICIPATED SERVICES
A1990.400 A1110.400 FROM CONTINGENCY TO JUSTICE-CONTRACTUAL 857.44
ADDITIONAL JURY TRIALS
A1990.400 A1410.120 FROM CONTINGENCY TO TOWN CLERK-RCVR OF TAXES 136.00
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A1440.408 A1410.130 FROM BUS & IND PARK TO TOWN CLERK-DEPUTY PER SVC 1,789.70
UNANTICIPATED SERVICES
A1990.400 A1410.400 FROM CONTINGENCY TO TOWN CLERK-CONTRACTUAL 187.33
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A1910.400 A1420.400 FROM UNALLOCATED INS TO ATTORNEY-CONTRACT 4,167.44
FROM PLAYGRD/REC FIELDS-PER SVC TO ATTORNEY-
A7140.100 A1420.400 CONTR 926.97
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSE
A1990.400 A1430.100 FROM CONTINGENCY T PERSONNEL-LONGEVITY 90.00
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSE
A7620.400 A1440.401 FROM ADULT REC-CONTRACTUAL TO ENGINEER-SEWER 384.52
February 26,2014 21
P&M
UNANTICIPATED ENGINEERING
A7620.400 A1440.402 FROM ADULT REC-CONTRACTUAL TO STORMWATER P&M 540.00
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
SEE
BELOW SEE BELOW FROM SEE BELOW TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 31399.64
A1010.400 A1440.403 FROM TB-CONTR TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 4,013.53
A1440.400 A1440.403 FROM ENGINEER-CONTRACT TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 5,000.00
A1440.407 A1440.403 FROM ENGINEER-SURV TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 1,000.00
FR CENT PRINT&MAILING-CON TO MISC SEWER
A1670.400 A1440.403 OVERSIGHT 4,000.00
A1990.400 A1440.403 FROM CONTINGENCY TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 7,886.11
A5132.406 A1440.403 FROM GARAGE-GAS TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 3,000.00
A7110.405 A1440.403 FROM PARKS-REPARIS TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 4,000.00
A7620.400 1440.403 FR ADULT REC-CONT TO MISC SEWER OVERSIGHT 2,500.00
A1990.400 A1610.400 FROM CONTINGENCY TO TECHNOLOGY 262.50
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FROM ADMIN ASSIST-PERS SVCS TO BUILDINGS-PERS
A1220.130 A1620.100 SVCS 60.60
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A1440.406 A1620.400 FROM ENGINEER-MISC TO BUILDING CONTRACTUAL 1,278.44
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO COMM CENTER-
A5132.410 A1632.410 CONTRACTUAL 49.57
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A5132.410 A1640.403 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO TB RD STOR-ELECTRIC 67.40
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS CONTINUED
GENERAL A FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A5132.410 A1640.406 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO TB RD STOR-GAS 327.99
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FR TRAF CONTROL-CON TO POLICE-PERSONAL SVCS
A3310.400 A3120.110 COURT 2,041.25
ADDITIONAL JURY TRIALS AND UNANTICIPATED BOARD
MTG
A5132.410 A5010.120 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO SUPER OF HWY-CLERK 144.84
UNANTICIPATED SERVICES
A5132.410 A5132.403 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO GARAGE-ELECTRIC 1,112.23
UNANTICPATED EXPENSES
A5132.410 A5182.403 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO ST LIGHTING-CONTR 308.92
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A5132.410 A7020.120 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO PARKS& REC ADMIN-PERS 46.51
A5132.410 A7310.400 FROM GARAGE-SUP & MAIN TO YOUTH PRGM-CONTR 76.50
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FR PARKS-PERS SVC-HWY LAB TO YTH SVC-PERSONAL
A7110.130 A7320.110 SVCS 2,786.06
February 26,2014 22
FR PLYGRD/REC FIELDS-CON TO OTHER PERFORM ARTS-
A7140.400 A7560.400 CON 261.08
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FR PLYGRD/REC FIELDS-CON TO OTHER PERF ARTS-
A7140.400 A7560.401 ESFOTA 358.51
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FR PLYGRD/REC FIELDS-CON TO ADULT REC-PERSON
A7140.400 A7620.100 SVCS 480.00
A7140.400 A8750.401 FR PLYGRD/REC FIELDS-CON TO AG PROT GRANT-CONTR 672.00
EXPENSES RELATED TO THE FARMLAND PROTECTION
GRANT
PENDING REIMBURSEMENT
FROM REPAIR RESERV FUND TO BLDG REPAIRS FROM
A511 A1630.405R RESER 15,377.97
EXPENSES FOR REPAIRS ON BUILDINGS FOR 2013
FR PKS-PERS SVCS-HWY TO PKS & REC ADMIN-
A7110.130 A7020.404 TELEPHONE 27.99
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A1220.130 A9050.800 ADMIN ASSIST- PERS SVCS TO UNEMPLOYMENT INS 807.21
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
A9060.800 A9010.800 FROM HOSP & MED INS TO STATE RETIREMENT 19,468.67
UNANTICIPATED RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
A7320.100 A7320.410 FROM YTH PERS SVCS TO YOUTH CONTRACTUAL 411.77
A7410.100 A7320.41 FROM LIBRARY PER SVC TO YOUTH CONTRACTUAL 246.90
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL B FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
B9060.800 B3620.120 FROM HOSP&MED INS TO ZONING, CODE,FIRE,ENF OFFIC 4,678.00
UNANTICIPATED SERVICES
B3620.400 B8010.100 FROM SAFETY INSP-CONTR TO ZONING-PERS SVCS CLERK 40.10
UNANTICIPATED SERVICES
FROM HOSP&MED INS TO PLANN BOARD-PERS SVCS
B9060.800 B8020.110 CLERK 4,899.00
UNANTICIPATED SERVICES
B8020.400 B8010.402 FROM PLAN BD-CONTR TO ZONING - LEGAL SVCS 840.00
UNANTICIPATED LEGAL SVCS
B3620.400 B8020.402 FROM SFETY INSP-CONTR TO PLAN BD - LEGAL SVCS 87.50
UNANTICIPATED LEGAL SVCS
B3620.400 B8010.400 FROM SAFETY INSP-CONTR TO ZONING-CONTRACTUAL 32.22
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
B9060.800 B9010.800 FROM HOSP & MED TO NYS RETIREMENT 3,446.31
February 26,2014 23
UNANTICIPATED RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
HIGHWAY DA FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DA599 DA5130.200 FROM FUND BALANCE TO MACHINERY-EQUIP 15,237.00
UNANTICIPATED EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
DA5142.100 DA5130.400 FROM SNOW REM-PER SVC TO MACHINERY-CONTR 87.80
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FROM APPROPRIATED RESERV TO MACH-EQUIP FR RES
DA511 DA5130.200R FUND 62,750.00
APPROVED PURCHASE OF MUNIBODY PACKAGE
DA9060.800 DA9010.800 FROM HOSP & MED INS TO NYS RETIREMENT 8,982.51
DA9040.800 DA9010.800 FROM WORKER COMP INS TO NYS RETIREMENT 2,575.78
DA9050.800 DA9010.800 FROM UNEMPLOY INS TO NYS RETIREMENT 300.13
DA9030.800 DA9010.800 FROM SOCIAL SEC TO NYS RETIREMENT 565.42
DA9089.800 DA9010.800 FROM MEDICARE TO NYS RETIREMENT 138.69
DA5130.100 DA9010.800 FROM MACH-PER SVC TO NYS RETIREMENT 775.73
DA5140.100 DA9010.800 FROM BRUS&WEED-PER SVC TO NYS RETIREMENT 394.44
DA599 DA9010.800 FROM DA FUND BAL TO NYS RETIREMENT 522.57
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
HIGHWAY DB FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DB1990.400 DB5110.400 FROM CONTINGENCY TO ST MAINTENANCE- CONTR 5,851.78
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
DB1990.400 DB9010.800 FROM CONTINGENCY TO NYS RETIREMENT 11,704.93
UNANTICIPATED RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
WARREN RD SEWER SS1- FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SS1- SS1-
8120.100 8130.400 FR SEWER-HWY PER SVCS TO TREAT& DISP-CONTRACT 2,885.40
SS1- SS1-
8120.401 8130.400 FROM SEWER-ENG TO TREAT & DISP-CONTRACT 265.95
SS1- SS1-
9030.800 8130.400 FROM SOCIAL SECURITY TO TREAT& DISP-CONTRACT 183.81
SS1- SS1-
9050.800 8130.400 FROM UNEMPLOY INS TO TREAT & DISP-CONTRACT 10.00
SS1- SS1-
9089.800 8130.400 FROM MEDICARE TO TREAT & DISP-CONTRACT 42.72
SS1-
SS1-599 8130.400 FROM FUND BAL TO TREAT & DISP-CONTRACT 382.78
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
SS1-
SS1-5730 9730.600 FR BAN PROCEEDS TO BAN PRINCIPAL-WARREN RD 374,081.23
MOVING OF THE BAN PROCEEDS
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
CHERRY RD SEWER SS3- FUND
December 31, 2013
February 26,2014 24
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SS3- SS3-
8120.401 8120.400 FROM SANIT SWR- ENG TO SANIT SWR-CONTRACT 1,500.00
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
SS3- SS3-
1990.400 8130.400 FROM CONTINGENCY TO TREAT & DISP-CONTRACT 2,286.79
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
SS3- SS3-
1990.400 8120.400 FROM CONTENGENCY TO SANIT SWR-CONTRACTUAL 308.21
SS3- SS3- FROM SANIT SWR-ENGINEER TO SANIT SWR-
8120.401 8120.400 CONTRACTUAL 459.79
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
WATER SW FUND
December 31, 2013
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SW8310.400 SW8340.400 FR WTR ADM-CONTR TO TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION 46.58
SW1380.400 SW8340.400 FROM BOND COUNCIL TO TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION 152.38
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
SW1990.400 SW8320.400 FR CONTINGENCY TO SOURCE OF SUPPLY-CONTRACT 149,430.30
SW1940.400 SW8320.400 FR PURCH OF LAND TO SOURCE OF SUPPLY-CONTRACT 9,973.74
UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES
FROM TRANS& DISTR-HWY PER TO WATER ADM -
SW8340.100 SW8310.401 ENGINEER 9,957.91
UNANTICIPATED ENGINEERING
SW8340.100 SW8310.402 FROM TRANS & DISTR-HWY PER TO WATER ADMIN-LEGAL 332.50
UNANTICIPATED LEGAL
SW9060.800 SW9010.800 FROM HEALTH INS TO STATE RETIREMENT 957.24
UNANTICIPATED RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Supervisor Kathy Miller seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call
vote:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on
February 26, 2014.
APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLUTION 14-57
Councilperson Robert Cree moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the
following bills and to make the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 015
DATED 2/26/14
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s 1397 - 1398
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s 1397 - 1398
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #'s 000 - 000
February 26,2014 25
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #'s 000 - 000
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 15,252.94
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 0.00
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 0.00
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 0.00
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 0.00
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 0.00
DEBT SERVICE (V) $ 0.00
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 002
DATED 2/26/14
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s 0040 - 0178
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s 0040 - 0066
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #'s 003 - 020
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #'s 003 - 010
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 115,025.35
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 91,932.14
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,426.95
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 177,869.75
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 1,295,904.14
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 6,747.63
DEBT SERVICE (V) $ 0.00
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL A FUND
February 26, 2014
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
FROM TRAFFIC CONTR-PER SVCS TO PARKS-PER
A3310.100 A7110.130 SVCS 521.92
CORRECTION ON ALLOCATION OF EXPENSE
February 26,2014 26
Supervisor Kathy Miller seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call
vote:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on
February 26, 2014.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Doug Dake
Fire Department
He hasn't been able to attended a meeting yet but will go to the next meeting.
Edward LaVigne
Youth Services
He met with Andra Benson and they have hired a new person and are very excited about
her. They are trying to incorporate Youth Services into the fireworks program as a way
to raise money for them.
Library
He has reached out to the Library but has not been able to meet officially with them yet.
Lansing Business Association
He is trying to form a Lansing Business Association. He will be talking to Attorney Guy
Krogh about this.
Ruth Hopkins
Association of Towns Conference
It was worthwhile this year. There was a lot of discussion on Shared Services because of
the proposed tax cap program.
TCCOG
There was a presentation about the Governor's program on start-ups businesses near
universities and colleges. They are looking for empty spaces to be used for the new
start-ups. Tompkins County is joining other counties and going back to the State as the
tax cap program does not seem workable. The State wants counties to save 3% and find
shared services. The counties want the mandates to go back to the state level.
Robert Cree
Bolton Point
They are preparing for an annual audit.
Town Audit
The Town will start preparing for the internal audit within the next month or so.
Town Credit Rating
Moody's, a company that ranks the credit rating for the Town of Lansing and have
notified the Town that they have changed the requirements for audits. They are now
requiring an outside source to conduct the annual audit. However, there is a survey to fill
out that will allow the internal audit to be used for one more year.
Kathy Miller
Health Consortium
February 26,2014 27
The administrative costs for the health plan are about 6.3%. The idea is to keep the
increase of the premiums down. Eventually they would like to have enough money to
fund their own stop loss insurance. The increase of premiums was 8% and may be less
next year. The Consortium returned all the initial buy-ins this year which amounted to
about 1.5 million dollars. She thought the Town's portion was approximately$15,000 to
$18,000.
Association of Towns Conference
The meetings were excellent. She attended a number of Planning and Human Resources
Sessions. It would be nice to rotate who attends the conference in the future.
Monthly Report
The Supervisor submitted her monthly report for the month of January, 2014 to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk.
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT
Federal Budget Requirement
The 2014 Federal Budget has a new requirement for revolving fund loans, Safe Drinking
Water Act, which funds water and sewer districts, now has a buy American requirement
tied into it. The execution is problematic.
Stormwater Training Session
There is a Stormwater Training Session Monday, March 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Planning
Board Meeting.
Bone Plain Project
He is not sure where the Town is in the process but, the Bone Plain project will need to
go to Bond Counsel for the Bond Resolution to have the funding available once the final
numbers are out there. He doesn't want this to delay the project as the building season is
approaching.
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
THE PERFORMANCE OF A PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL AT 7:20 PM.
Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion.
All In Favor- 5 Opposed- 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Robert Cree moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:12 PM.
Councilperson Doug Dake seconded the motion.
All In Favor- 5 Opposed- 0
The Planner/Planning Department Job Description was briefly discussed.
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:17 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene Marshall
February 26,2014 28