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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-10-06 2LO9 October 06, 1993 The Lansing Town Board met in Special Session at the Lansing Town Hall Board Room on October 06 , 1993 at 8 :00 P.M. with Supervisor Kirby presiding . ROLL CALL Jeannine Kirby Supervisor Present Herbert Beckwith Councilman Present Paul Butler Councilman Absent Jeffrey Cleveland Councilman Present Larry Tvaroha Councilman Present Bonita Boles Town Clerk Absent Debbie Crandall Deputy Town Clerk Present Richard John Town Attorney Present VISITORS: David Herrick The Supervisor called the meeting to order and had the Clerk take the Roll Call . Rich John informed the Board that the proposed Ice Rink project in the Village of Lansing has been denied based on the Village funded report from TOMA. Andy Scriabba has indicated he is going to give back all the money he has collected and rescind all the pledges by March 01 , 1994 . David Herrick passed out a map and the following Sewer Service Proposal : SEWER SERVICE PROPOSAL History In 1956 the Village of Cayuga Heights built a Sewer Treatment Plant to serve the Village of Cayuga Heights intercepting sewage formerly flowing to the City of Ithaca Sewer Treatment Facility at First and Franklin. In 1963 treatment processes and capacity were upgraded. An attempt to form County Sewer District No. 1 for the northeast portion of Tompkins County failed. In 1969 plans were drawn for increased secondary and tertiary treatment at the Village Plant and construction was completed in 1975 . In 1977 the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, and Town of Dryden began a regional effort to upgrade the City of Ithaca Sewer Treatment Facility. The new plant was completed in 1987 north of State Route 13 at Third Street with a new outfall 2500 feet into Cayuga Lake at the confluence of flows from Fall Creek and Cayuga Inlet . This plant can treat 12 MGD with fairly easy expandability to 17 . 5 MDG and presently can handle a hydraulic overload without bypassing of at least 26 . 5 MGD. In December 1987 the Village of Cayuga Heights declared a sewer moratorium to all municipalities outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights . The Village of Lansing and Town of Lansing have separately and jointly studied alternatives since 1987 to expand the Village of Cayuga Heights Plant , transmit sewerage to the new Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant ( IAWWTP) , or construct a third treatment facility on Cayuga Lake. Most of these initiatives to date lack a sufficient user base to satisfy the financial requirements of either the SJS including the City or the Village of Cayuga Heights and still be reasonable in magnitude of expense to the potential users and NYS Audit and Control . The Town of Dryden has proposed serving sewer needs in the Warren Road industrial area via Varna to the IAWWTP. This proposal is known as the "Dryden Initiative" . Various discussions have occurred on hookup fees to help fund these costly capital initiatives . A plan needs to be carefully structured to meet legal requirements for establishment of a capital reserve . The inaction and inertia of the last five years has caused the Tompkins County Health Department to grant permits Z510 October 06 , 1993 , continued for private sewer systems that are environmentally marginal , at best , in areas where public water mains exist . Cornell has successfully pursued NYSDEC approval to build a package sewer treatment plant at the Airport Office Park . The State Boys ' School and other major facilities in the Town of Lansing are being built or planned with private package plants . Time is of the essence . These on-site treatment alternatives when more widely and aggressively pursued and implemented will erode the financial base for cooperative regional efforts and joint funding . This base now exits to maintain existing systems and demand while building for the future to meet the same high environmental standards that the IAWWTP has set for the Ithaca area . Dispersed countywide development on individual on-site systems will tax the environment with the potential of ground pollution in glacial soils and long range contamination of public water sources . As private treatment and maintenance become more environmentally complex , the local labor market is being overtaken by outside syndicated interest , with exported income, who provide diminished multipliers to the base local economy . PROPOSED INTERIM SOLUTION Any interim solution should benefit all parties concerned. It should also be capacity limited and physically allow for alternative treatment sites to be accessible if long term agreements cannot be reached. The solution should be considerably less capital intensive up from than alternatives discussed to date . It is proposed that the former connection to the City sewer collection system, from the original area of the Village of Cayuga Heights , down Kline Road be reactivated to handle up to 250 ,000 gallons per day or approximately 1000 residential units if the Village Plant cannot meet NYSDEC permit requirements . Cayuga Heights estimates an available future capacity to be 200 , 000 to 250 ,000 gallons per day before the Kline Road interceptor may have P Y to be reactivated. The capacity of the Kline Road bypass improvement is now adequately sized to serve this potential diverted flow. An opportunity cost covered below would be paid annually (by outside users in proportion to units added after agreement is reached) for the ability to bypass to the IAWWTP . Flow of units diverted to the IAWWTP would be charged 1 . 5 times the IAWWTP rate plus transmission . The difference between 1 . 5 IAWWTP rate (say $256 for a 250 gpd unit ) plus transmission and the base Cayuga Heights rate of $77 . 50 would be covered by district user charges or ad valorem rates by outside user sewer districts . The Village of Cayuga Heights would pay the difference to the IAWWTP owners and pass these charges through on a basis proportionate to the number of new units connected after this agreement to the outside user sewer districts . New units to be handled by the Village of Cayuga Heights Plant would be charged $116 . 25 which is 1 . 5 times the Cayuga Heights base rate of $77 . 50 . This would be funded by the individual outside users directly as it is an identical amount charged other users in the Town of Ithaca, Town of Dryden, Village of Lansing, and Town of Lansing currently . The Village of Cayuga Heights would see increased revenue while having a guaranteed backup to assure meeting overall treatment limit and capacity limits . The IAWWTP benefits in some revenues for opportunity . If diversion is necessary additional revenue would thereby be generated from available resources for use to match future equipment , technological , and capacity needs . Because of the low initial capital expense of the diversion through existing infrastructure, the four outlying municipalities are able to build up a base and a designated capital improvement account to reasonably meet future IAWWTP financial proposals for long term contract or ownership, fund the increased costs of expanding the Cayuga Heights Plant , or pursue approval and construction of a third plant on Cayuga Lake . This sets the stage down the line for a long term solution as the short term agreement is implemented without the alternative large separate capital expense for aLA October 06, 1993 , continued transmission mains that may be unnecessary to eventual long term regional solutions . Under this proposal the flow would be diverted in 10 ,000 gallon per day increments . This can be done through weirs , diverting only on a calculated number of days per month, or other agreed simple engineered physical methods that best suit the parties involved or the operational constraints within the existing Village and IAWWTP systems . COSTS The proposed interim solution offers the Town of Dryden, Ithaca, and Lansing and the Village of Lansing an opportunity to expand their sewer unit base before long-term capital intensive agreements are entered into. It extends the date of treatment capacity and ownership investment at the IAWWTP by new owners to possibly year 2005 . And although there will be limited capital improvement costs to these municipalities for this solution, it is expected that an equitably derived annual opportunity payment will be made to the joint owners of the IAWWTP. It is suggested at this time that the opportunity cost reflect a proportional share of the expenses of financing the original local cost of $5 million for a 10MGD IAWWTP plus the cost of the recently completed Kline Road Bypass improvement . Based on the potential ultimate diversion of 250 , 000 GPD the opportunity cost is developed as follows : A. IAWWTP local cost : Local cost for 10 MGD plant $5 ,000 ,000 Percentage treatment capacity needed ( . 25 MGD/10 MGD) x 100% = 2 . 5% SJS annual debt for local cost approximately $500 , 000 Proportional Share for local cost financing $500 , 000 x 2 . 5% = $12 , 500 B . Kline Road Bypass Improvement : SJS cost for 2 . OMGD improvement $210 , 000 Percentage pipe capacity needed, ( . 25 MDG/2 . OMGD) x 100% = 12 . 5% SJS annual debt (assuming bonded) approximately $20 ,000 Proportional share of Kline Road Bypass Improvement financing = $20 . 000 x 12 . 5% = 2 , 500 Total Annual Opportunity Cost : Items A and B $15 , 000 . The mutually agreed upon opportunity payments are suggested to continue until the outlying municipalities have reached long term agreements as outlined below. Payments would be annual beginning with signing of an agreement . Innovative financing methods will be utilized by the outlying municipalities to fund the opportunity costs as well as the designated capital improvement accounts . For example, new and existing homes and equivalent commercial and multiple units connecting to sewers in the Town of Lansing are now charged $4,000 per unit . Should the remaining municipalities choose to adopt a similar connection fee , it is conceivable that the 1000 units projected to be used over ten-year-plus period will generate a capital pool of roughly $4 , 000 , 000 plus interest . If an individual municipality wishes to fund future treatment capacity in a manner other than through hookup fees , it can do so upon the approval of all parties to this agreement . For example , the Town of Ithaca may develop an understanding with its IAWWTP partnership that would accept units from the Town of Ithaca outside of the IAWWTP service area utilizing the excess capacity the Town already finances under the IAWWTP agreement , in lieu of building a redundant fund for future plant buy-in or improvements . 512 October 06 , 1993 , continued FRAMEWORK FORM LONG TERM TREATMENT A long term agreement for purchase and ownership of capacity and creative financial support of areawide deferred maintenance should be the ultimate goal . It will be a requirement of any short term agreement for sewer service on a contract basis that either a long term contract or a joint ownership agreement begin to be negotiated no later than the point where 100 , 000 gallons per day has been diverted to the IAWWTP under this agreement . A firm agreement should be reached no later than when 150 , 000 gallons per day has been diverted with either the IAWWTP owners of Cayuga Heights or a project completion schedule for a third treatment facility established by resolution of those owners by this benchmark . Any regional solution for sewerage treatment that could benefit all parties concerned to either extend their current capacity and investment well into the 2000s , while others plan in an r P environmentally sound way for needed treatment capacity, should be a part of these discussions . The current owners should benefit by extending the guarantee of state of the art treatment beyond the initial life cycle while providing for the improvement of the Cayuga Lake ecology by working with the other parties to increase the common local economic base . Prepared by the Ithaca Area Engineers Larry Fabbroni - representing Cornell Bill Gray - representing City of Ithaca David Herrick - representing Towns of Lansing, Dryden, Village of Lansing Jack Rogers - representing Village of Cayuga Heights Dan Walker - representing Town of Ithaca It was the consensus of the Town Board to support the concept of the SEWER SERVICE PROPOSAL . David Herrick received a call from Jim Hovanec in regards to hooking up to water at his residence at 2981 N Triphammer Road . Mr . Herrick asked the Board how he should be handling these calls requesting waivers . Mr . Herrick will draft a letter involving the circumstances and what is being proposed as a solution. Mr . Herrick reported that there were no pressure problems in regards to the hydrants being used during the Deanco Fire . The Board discussed the County ' s Planning Development letter regarding Water District No . 17 and No . 17 , Extension 1 regarding the agricultural law. Attorney , Dick Thaler has responded to the County ' s letter . The Board has a request for the Youth Service children to use the Older Adult Bus . It was the consensus of the Board that it is not appropriate at this time , but it will be taken into consideration . RESOLUTION, offered by Mr . Beckwith who moved its adoption, seconded by Mr . Cleveland : RESOLVED, that the organizations and groups using the Community Center (Annex) on evenings and weekends be required to sign out the key to the building . Said keys to be numbered and returned in the drop slot immediately after the meetings . Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor RESOLUTION, offered by Mr . Tvaroha who moved its adoption , seconded by Mr . Cleveland : RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby accept the determination of the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority concerning the Energy Review of 31 1 October 06 , 1993 , continued the New York State Electric & Gas proposed Construction Project . Vote of Town Board . . . (Abstained) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor RESOLUTION, offered by Mr . Beckwith who moved its adoption, seconded by Mr . Tvaroha : RESOLVED, that the Town Board has set the 3rd day of November 1993 at 8 : 00 P .M. as the date for a public hearing to be held at the Town Hall to consider the amendment to Local Ordinance 5 of 1966 as amended, amending the same to provide for changes on tax forgiveness for the elderly . The schedule being as follows : ANNUAL INCOME OF OWNER OR PERCENTAGE ASSESSED VALUATION COMBINED ANNUAL INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAXATION OF OWNERS More than $15 , 400 but less than $16 , 000 45 percent $16 , 000 or more, but less than $16 , 600 40 percent $16 , 600 or more, but less than $17 , 200 35 percent $17 , 200 or more, but less than $17 , 800 30 percent $17 , 800 or more, but less than 11/ $18 , 400 25 percent $18 , 400 or more, but less than $19 , 000 20 percent $19 , 000 or more, but less than $19, 600 15 percent $19 , 600 or more, but less than $20 , 200 10 percent Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor Mrs . Kirby discussed the Kingdom Farm Project . The LA Group has contacted George Totman, Code Enforcement Office and he has mailed them a set of plans showing the ground and building layouts . One September 30 , 1993 the Lansing Central School Board passed a resolution requesting that the Town of Lansing address the problem of the intersection of Route 34B and Ludlowville Road. Specifically, they requested that Ludlowville Road be made one-way only from the middle school driveway to the intersection of Route 34B. Traffic should be allowed to enter but not exit from Ludlowville Road. This would allow access by emergency equipment to the school and Ludlowville Road residences . The school board also requested that the Town of Lansing conduct a study, with school assistance, of traffic flow and patterns and advise the school board as to whether and where a second entrance to school grounds should be made . The school board would welcome any suggestions the Town Highway Department may have to aid in the safety of our students and Town residents . The Town Board discussed the resolution and it was the consensus of the Board to proceed with the request . However , the October 06 , 1993 , continued Board felt the residents in the area , the school employees and the State should be informed as to what the plan is for the concerned roads . The Town Board is willing to co-host an informational meeting with the Lansing School Board. Mrs . Kirby will notify the School Board of the Town Board decision. The Town Board will hold an Information Meeting on October 27 , 1993 at the Lansing Town Hall at 7 : 00 P.M. to address the portion of Ludlowville Road that has been closed . RESOLUTION, offered by Mr . Cleveland who moved its adoption, seconded by Mr . Beckwith. RESOLVED, that the Lansing Town Board does hereby request the New York State Department of Transportation to install a flashing light at the intersection of Route 38 , Route 34B and County Road #107 (Peruville Road) . The Town Board requests a flashing red light on Route 34B and County Road #107 (Peruville Road) and a caution light on Route 38 . Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Herbert Beckwith, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeffrey Cleveland, Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Larry Tvaroha , Councilman Vote of Town Board . . . (Aye) Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor RESOLUTION, offered by Mr . Beckwith who moved its adoption, seconded by Mr . Cleveland: RESOLVED, that the Special Meeting be adjourned to go into Executive Session at 10 : 00 P .M. Carried . RESOLUTION, offered by Mr . Beckwith who moved its adoption, seconded by Mr . Tvaroha : RESOLVED, that the Executive Session be terminated and the Special Meeting be reconvened at 10 : 15 P .M. Meeting adjourned at the Call of the Supervisor at 10 : 17 P .M. Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk . /6-4 •