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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-20 May 20, 2015
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
May 20, 2015
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 Debbie Munson, 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: Town Counsel, Guy Krogh, Highway Superintendent, Jack French,
Parks Superintendent and Recreation Director, Steve Colt, Lansing Star, Dan Veaner,
Village of Lansing, John O’Neill, Connie Wilcox, Dan Adinolfi, Ted Laux, Maura
McCartney, Tompkins County Legislator, Mike Sigler, Katrina Binkewitcz, Stephanie
Behler, Suzanne Hinderliter, Marlaine Darfler, Dave and Joyce Heck, Bill Hinderliter,
Steve Franco, Brian Manning, and a few other attendees.
TOMPKINS COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE – MIKE SIGLER
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE REPORT
Update for May 20, 2015
Hi and thanks for having me again,
Before I get to our meeting highlights, there’s some news from the Hornbrook Road
incident.
Tompkins County will receive assistance from the U.S. Justice Department for a
technical review of the two-and-a-half-day barricading incident. That standoff ended
January 2, after David Cady was found dead inside the house from a self -inflicted
gunshot wound.
The technical assistance, which will be provided to the County at no cost, will include an
after-action technical review and will identify "lessons learned" based on best practice.
The program will also assist in identifying strategies for improving community relations.
The entire exercise is estimated to take six to eight months once a final plan is in place.
In relation to that incident, former Undersheriff Derek Osbourne has written a scathing 9
page letter condemning the Sheriff Ken Lansing for his actions that night and for his
general running of the Sheriff’s department. The Sheriff is an elected official as you
know and while the legislature funds the department, it does not oversee the Sheriff. The
voters do that. It’s unclear yet what the legislature reaction will be to the letter and if any
action will be taken if there is an avenue for action available.
At the May 5th Meeting, Legislature Adopted its 2016 Financial Goal. It directs the
County Administrator Joe Mareane to prepare a recommended operat ing and capital
budget that can be supported with a tax levy increase of 1.3%. The 1.3% levy increase,
which equals approximately $600,000 over the 2015 property tax levy, would meet the
currently estimated State-imposed property tax cap for Tompkins County, 1.3%. It’s
unclear yet, what that will mean for the tax rate, but it is estimated that, based on current
data, the 1.3% levy increase would increase the cost for a median-valued $165,000
county home by approximately $15.00. That should come back to voters as will be under
the cap.
May 20, 2015
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The Legislature approved a new Local Law to establish a sustainable energy loan
program in Tompkins County. The program will provide property assessed clean energy
(PACE) financing for local energy-related improvement projects by implementing the
Energize NY Benefit Financing Program.
The PACE program offers low-cost long-term financing for energy efficiency and
renewable energy projects, supporting up to the entire project cost, for existing properties
owned by a commercial or not-for-profit entity, with repayments collected by the
municipality through a charge on the tax bill. While commercially owned multi-family
residential properties are among the types covered, non-commercial residential properties
are not.
The Legislature, by unanimous vote amended the County’s Capital Program to
incorporate a $575,000 renovation to the first-floor lobby area of the County’s Mental
Health Building and the Legislature approved nine separate bond resolutions, authorizing
up to a little over $7 million in bonding, to finance of a range of projects, all authorized
as part of the County’s Capital Plan.
In what seemed to be the most divisive vote of the night the Legislature, by a split vote of
6-7 turned down a proposed new Local Law that would have allowed the sale of
sparkling devices in restricted periods during the year. I voted against it in large part
because our Lansing Fire Chief came out strongly against it.
The Legislature, without dissent, passed a resolution in honor of former County Board of
Representatives Member Stuart Stein, who passed away in June of last year and was
remembered at a memorial service May 3.
At last night’s meeting, the legislature voted down NY State moving ahead with a single
payer plan for healthcare. It is a bill currently in front of the Assembly. I expect it to
pass at the legislature’s next meeting. I voted against this. My reasons are manifest. The
bill before the county legislature says people will be able to keep their current doctors. I
not only don’t believe that, I don’t think that’s how other countries run their single payer
plans. It’s being touted as “Medicare for All” while I see it as “Medicaid for All.” I see a
new tax on those people between 26 and 65 who will then still have to buy private
healthcare insurance. I don’t foresee teachers, municipal workers as just two examples,
giving up their very good and hard fought for benefits for this system. Lastly, this new
bill says the ACA money will go to support it. It’s unclear if not only that can legally
happen, but if after the Supreme Court rules next month, if those subsidies will be
available to NYS.
The proposals to redevelop the old Library are in the last stage. The three proposals are
posted for review on the County web site at:
http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/planning/community-planning/oldlibrary.
The committee will next meet in early June, with the goal of presenting a
recommendation to the full Legislature by its June 19 meeting.
Lastly, there will be two public hearings coming up you all will be interested in.
“Repowering Alternatives to Utility Transmission Reinforcements” have been scheduled
at the Lansing Middle School July 29th. You can expect many people for and against the
repowering of the Cayuga Power Plant to be there. I’m not sure on the exact time, but
will get that to you as it gets closer.
Thank you,
Mike Sigler
WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY BOARD – DAN ADINOLFI
WATER and SEWER ADVISORY BOARD REPORT
May 20, 2015 – Dan Adinolfi
May 20, 2015
3
The Water and Sewer Advisory Board (AB) met on May 12, 2015.
We had a number of guests at this month’s meeting. First, we spoke with the Coleman’s
from Emmons Rd. They were looking for guidance on connecting their property to the
existing water district on their road. Based on their needs, the state of the district, and the
fact that there are no engineering issues with including their property, the AB
recommends to the Town Board that an Outside User Agreement be created for the
Coleman’s Emmons Rd. property.
Next, a number of residents from Lansing Station Road inquired about adding additional
properties on Lansing Station Rd. to the water system. The AB offered some history as
well as some advice regarding the steps needed and costs of a district extension versus
the creation of individual Outside User Agreements. The residents plan to poll their
neighbors to gauge interest in the creation of a district extension, and the AB made itself
available to answer any questions that may arise throughout that process.
The AB moved on to a discussion of the Bone Plain Rd. water tank project. A wide
majority of the necessary easements have been signed by the affected residents, though
there are still a very small number unsigned or unavailable residents. Considering the
schedule of the project and the need for the project to begin the construction phase very
soon, the AB recommends to the Town Board that they move forward with holding
public hearing to begin the process of acquiring the necessary land rights through the
eminent domain law for the remaining affected properties.
One other item was briefly discussed, which was a new set of standards for Bolton Point's
requirement that the water district should be documented with "as-built" drawings of the
water district's infrastructure. These new requirements may cause some additional costs
for the Town, and Dave Herrick requested that the AB discuss and analyze these new
requirements as a group. We shall do so at our next meeting.
The next meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Board will be on June 9, 2015, at
7:00PM at the Town Hall.
There are two people left to sign the Bone Plain Rd. Water Tank Project. Supervisor
Kathy Miller and Town Counsel Guy Krogh think both people will sign.
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT
Lansing Community Library Updates to the Lansing Town Board
May 20, 2015
Submitted by Susie Gutenberger, Read by Marlaine Darfler
1. The library participated in the East Shore Festival of the Arts, at the beginning of
the month. That was our large program for the month.
2. The Finger Lakes Library System is conducting a search for a new Director. They
hope to have someone hired by July.
3. Our Summer Reading Kick Off/ with Hilby and the semi-annual book sale will be
held Saturday, June 20th.
4. Our tax levy increase was overwhelmingly supported with a vote of 187 yes – 23
no.
5. We will swear in the new trustees at our June Board of Trustees meeting.
6. Here is an overview of our yearly statistics, from our 2014-2015 annual report:
35,000 people visited the library
3,836 Lansing residents have a library card
16,000 visits were made to the library website
61,568 items were checked out by Lansing patrons
26,881 items in our collection
May 20, 2015
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PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – STEVE COLT
Parks & Recreation Department
5/20/15
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
Our LBP and LSP teams are playing and have completed half of their schedule.
Our program concludes on June 13th. This year we are planning to include some
of Jump Around bounce houses at the fields on the last day.
I will be hosting the annual regional Travel baseball meeting on Wednesday May
27th. This meeting allows coaches from around the area that have 10U and 12U
teams, to meet and schedule summer games with other coaches/towns.
We are also taking registrations for BABE RUTH and PREP baseball and will also
be registering for upper level travel softball too. Unfortunately, last night I
found out that we have the ONLY PREP team in the area.
The Art Show took place on May 1st with some added excitement when the fire
alarm went off and fire trucks made an appearance. All went well after the
alarm was shut off and reset.
The Summer Program Booklet has been out now for over a we ek and we have
already collected just under $30K in program fees. Registrations continue to
come in daily.
The Town Hall Ballfields are in great shape. Currently we are putting tile on the
floors in the restroom. This will improve the appearance and be much more
durable and easier to keep clean. Damp concrete floors have never held any
floor paint…
PARKS
Our park grounds are looking really good and get better every day. We have
removed some really large leaning trees in the campground area. Th e stumps
have been cleared and new grass will be planted over those areas.
We continue to take many calls each day for pavilion rentals and camping. The
month of July is basically sold out!
The Health Department inspected the Park on May 5 th and we have passed and
waiting for our hard copy permit. Camping opened for the season on the 8 th and
we will start charging admission over the Memorial Day Holiday.
On May 13th a crew of Cargill employees volunteered to work at Salt Point as
they did last year under the direction of Katrina Binkewicz. They accomplished
a lot along with planting all of the trees and plants donated by the DEC.
On May 12th I met with Lev and Pete Saltonstall to review several locations and
some details with regards to King Ferry Winery attending our Myers Park Concert
Series.
Steve reported that a coach has asked him to have an AED on the property. Supervisor
Kathy Miller said this has been looked into in the past and the machine and training was
going to cost thousands. She said Town Clerk Debbie Crandall brought back some
May 20, 2015
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information from the NYS Town Clerk’s Conference and the Town Board will look into
this. The Fire Department may be able to do the training.
A new park bench has already been built and donated to the Town. This replaces the
Leopold Park Bench which was stolen from Salt Point on April 6, 2015.
PLANNING BOARD PROJECT UPDATE
Planning Board Project Updates to the Lansing Town Board
May 20, 2015
Submitted by Michael Long
Cayuga Farms (102 dwelling Unit - Site Plan Approval) –
o Requested DEC review of package system – follow up approvals needed.
o Public Hearing – January 12, Meeting held open for additional comments.
o Meeting (3/5/15) with DEC Cortland (Dave H. Guy, Mike, Kathy M)
o Letter issued to Tim Buhl –revisions needed site plan, Orenco
system…etc.
o Orenco mtg. held April 23 to review system concepts, overview, etc...
o Tim Buhl -updated site plan submitted 5/6/2015 – sent electronically PB
o TG Miller reviewing SWPPP with changes
o NYS DEC Letter from Fred Gillette - received 5/11/2015 for “Innovative
Systems Design Standards” process to apply.
o SEQR Negative Declaration – DEC approval?
o Site Plan approval required –.
Novalane – Jack Young
o Preliminary Plat subdivision plan with turn around extension of Smugglers
Path.
o SEQR – classified as an “Unlisted Action” and will have resolutions
available.
o Public Hearing opened Feb 9th for the “Flag Lots” – still open.
o Storm Water Plan SWPPP reviewed by TG Miller, revisions currently
underway
o Site meeting to walk future Smugglers Path road extension – 5/7/2015 –
o Preliminary and Final Plat approvals. TBD
West view Partners, Boris Simkin – Major Subdivision – 4 Lots.
o Designated a Major subdivision (4 lots and ROW issues) – phase plan
completed by T.G. Miller with ROW access and future roads included
(drawing dated 12/15/2015).
o Revised Subdivision Plan - submitted to TG Miller Storm Water Plan for 4
lots.
o Revised 239 Review from County – response 50 foot buffer 3/30/2015
o SWPPP plan reviewed by TG Miller, recommended changes, waiting on
revisions.
o Public Hearing date – TBD after storm water plan revisions…
Whispering Pines VI – Subdivision 28 lots - Richard Thaler
o Revised Plans being developed by engineer. (submitted 3/26/2015)
o 239 Review from Tomkins County – letter dated 4/24/2015 with 100 foot
setback from stream bank.
o Storm Water Review – T.G. Miller currently underway – Lot #7 ok with
drainage easement. Balance of site still being reviewed.
o Water District Extension –Town Board Public Hearing held 4/15/2015
with Town Board Approval required
May 20, 2015
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o Lot #7 – Treat as VI - #1A – Flag Lot public hearing 5/11/2015 and
requesting Final Plat / SEQR approval and site plan approval 5/11/2015
meeting.
o Public Hearing – Open May 11, 2015 – SEQR and Subdivision
o SEQR / Preliminary Platt / Final Platt
Advanced Design – Site Plan
o 3,000 sf addition to extend building
o Additional Site Plan information requested
o 239 Review – letter received 4/16/2015
o Planning Board review April 27th Meeting – neighbors notified
o SEQR / Public Hearing /Site Plan Approval– May 11th meeting.
o Basic SWPPP required for 3,000 SF addition and Full SWPPP required for
further site / building development part of site plan approval conditions.
Forest Circle Drive – Major subdivision of 17 lots.
o Tompkins Co. 239 review has been completed.
o Storm water plan revisions requested T.G. Miller.
o Will require a variance as 1 lot is less than 150 foot of road frontage.
o Required Public Hearing – establish date….
Tompkins Trust Company – Drive up kiosk unit – 700 sf asphalt expansion
o Application submitted
o 239 Review request submitted 4/20/2015
o Notices sent to property owners 5/4/2015 for June 8th meeting
o SEQR / Site Plan approval tentative June 8th meeting
AES Solar Farm 2.9mw– proposed by FLS Energy
o Submitted site plan application- / NYSERDA application
o Requested additional information
o 239 Review TBD
o SEQR /Site Plan approvals TBD
Lansing Redemption Center – 3100 N. Triphammer Road (Red Barn) – Site Plan
Approval
o 239 Review requested 5/6/2015
o Tentative approval June 8, 2015
Comprehensive Plan – Wed. May 13th at 7:00 PM
o Topic - discuss potential future zoning changes ”
Ag Plan – Follow up meeting – finalize report meeting – TBD? First week in
June
Supervisor Kathy Miller thanked Michael for this great report.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Two Town of Lansing residents addressed the Town Board with concerns on the
Fracking Ban. Both residents asked the Town Board to schedule the Public Hearing on
the Fracking Ban soon.
One resident stated that the town should protect the Lansing citizens, environment,
plants, animals, streams, groundwater and the lake which Lansing uses for drinking
water. The resident reported that Senator Mike Nozzolio said that fracking is a different
issue and does not affect the repowering of AES. The resident stated that we should not
depend on the NYS moratorium.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PUBLIC HEARING FOR REVIEW OF
ANNUAL STORM WATER REPORT
May 20, 2015
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RESOLUTION 15-61
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PUBLIC HEARING
FOR REVIEW OF ANNUAL STORM WATER REPORT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town’s Annual Storm Water Report is prepared and due for the required
annual review pursuant to Local and State Laws and related regulations; and
WHEREAS, a copy thereof is or will be timely filed in the Office of the Town Clerk for
public review; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 17th day of June, 2015,
at 6:05 o’clock P.M., to consider the Annual Storm Water Report, and to hear all persons
interested in the subject thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or
permitted by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this notice of Public Hearing
to be published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, in accord with law.
SEQRA: Type II
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Supervisor Kathy Miller, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, 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
May 20, 2015.
RESOLUTION APPROVING HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT UPDATES AND
AMENDMENTS TO § 800 OF THE TOWN OF LANSING EMPLOYEE
HANDBOOK
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins stated a date on page Section 800-5 needs to be changed.
She stated the effective date of January 1, 2016, for newly elected officials, should be
amended to January 1, 2015. Amended date duly motioned by Councilperson Ruth
Hopkins, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree.
RESOLUTION 15-62
RESOLUTION APPROVING HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT UPDATES
AND AMENDMENTS TO § 800
OF THE TOWN OF LANSING EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, with the Town being a member of the intermunicipal healthcare consortium
and other changes having occurred in benefit requirements, as well as other desired
changes to certain rights, duties, elections and benefits of employees and other qualified
officials of the Town, the Personnel Committee and Town Board have been updating the
Employee Handbook, and certain changes therein are in need of prompt approval due to
the need of eligible employees to make elections by certain required dates; and
May 20, 2015
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WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed these changes at several times, including at
its last two meetings, and the Town Board has made final proposed recommendations,
which recommendations have been incorporated into the Employee Handbook and are
now ready to be formally approved and adopted; and
WHEREAS, said action is a Type II SEQRA action for which no environmental review is
required, and upon due consideration thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the revised and amended § 800 et seq. of the Employee Handbook, as
presented in its final form to this meeting, be and hereby is approved, and the Town
Personnel Committee and Personnel Officer shall update the Employee Handbook
accordingly and ensure that the updated language hereby approved is promptly
distributed to all Town employees and public officials.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, 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 May
20, 2015.
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW #5 OF
2015 A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED
IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C
RESOLUTION 15-63
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING
FOR LOCAL LAW #5 OF 2015
A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY
LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to adopt a
budget for the fiscal year 2016; and
WHEREAS, said proposed Local Law proposes: (1) to override the limit on the amount
of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Lansing, County of Tompkins
pursuant to General Municipal Law § 3-C (2) pursuant to Town Law Article 12-C,
governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016 and ending
December 31, 2016 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit”
as defined by General Municipal Law § 3-C; and
WHEREAS, this proposed Local Law if adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General
Municipal Law § 3-C which expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the tax levy
limit by the adoption of a Local Law approved by a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of
the Town Board; and
WHEREAS, and upon deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 17th day of June 2015 at
6:07 o’clock P.M., to consider public input and comments upon such proposed Local
May 20, 2015
9
Law, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof, and to take such action
thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, in accord with law.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, 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 May
20, 2015.
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUBMISSION OF A
SINGLE, COUNTYWIDE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY PLAN,
ESTABLISHING TOMPKINS COUNTY AS LEAD ENTITY IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins suggested the towns should write the Governor and tell him
that we’ve already been doing this with the Health Consortium. All towns have to be on
board and Supervisor Kathy Miller believes they are. Councilperson Ruth Hopkins stated
that TCCOG needs to find more ways to save money. Tompkins County Clerk Maureen
Reynolds has saved the county a lot of money.
RESOLUTION 15-64
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUBMISSION
OF A SINGLE, COUNTYWIDE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY PLAN,
ESTABLISHING TOMPKINS COUNTY AS LEAD ENTITY IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the State of New York enacted legislation creating a Property Tax Freeze
Credit as a part of the 2015 Budget; and
WHEREAS, the new law encouraged local governments to generate long-term property
tax relief by sharing services, consolidating or merging, and implementing operational
efficiencies; and
WHEREAS, the law provides a “freeze credit” to qualified homeowners that is equal to
the increase in propert y taxes levied by a taxing jurisdiction that limits any increase in its
tax levy to a property tax cap set by State law and develops and implements a
Government Efficiency Plan (“Plan”) determined to be compliant by the New York State
Division of Budget; and
WHEREAS, to be determined compliant by the State, a Government Efficiency Plan
must document actions that have been, or will be, taken that will result in a sustained
three-year savings, beginning in 2017, that are equivalent to at least 1% of the comb ined
2014 property tax levies of all signatories to the Plan; and
WHEREAS, in year one of the program, homeowners received a Freeze Credit if their
local government stayed within the property tax cap; and
May 20, 2015
10
WHEREAS, in year two of the program, homeowners will receive the Freeze Credit for
taxes from any taxing jurisdiction that stays within the property tax cap and that also puts
forward a compliant Government Efficiency Plan; and
WHEREAS, while allowing local governments to submit individual Plans, the St ate has
encouraged local governments to submit a single, countywide plan that achieves a
savings of at least 1% of the combined property tax levies of all of the participants; and
WHEREAS, the State will recognize only savings associated with actions impl emented
after January 1, 2012; and
WHEREAS, prior to 2012, local governments in Tompkins County pioneered shared
services, mergers, and consolidations including the centralization of the property tax
assessment function, a fully consolidated public safety dispatch and interoperable
communication system, a consolidated public transit system, a two-county community
college and, most recently, an inter-municipal health benefits consortium that continue to
generate multiple millions of dollars in annual savings for taxpayers within Tompkins
County; and
WHEREAS, in response to the State’s directive, the Tompkins County Council of
Governments (TCCOG) formed a shared services committee that continues to explore a
variety of prospective shared services, but recognizes that time and careful thought is
required to ensure that any shared service initiative will result in lower costs and higher
quality; and
WHEREAS, it is now estimated that savings well in excess of 1% of the $88.4 million
levied by all local governments within Tompkins County in 2014, including the County
itself, will be achieved and sustained during the period 2017-2019 by a combination of
savings associated with a dependent eligibility certification process undertaken by every
municipal member of the Health Benefits Consortium and changes made by Tompkins
County to the cost structure of its health benefit plan; and
WHEREAS, additional efficiencies may be identified by participating municipalities that
may also be included in a countywide plan; and
WHEREAS, in a resolution enacted April 23, 2015, the Tompkins County Council of
Governments found that a consolidated countywide Plan that documents savings in
excess of 1% of the combined 2014 property tax levies of all local governments within
the County is the most efficient and effective way to respond to the State’s directive and
has therefore endorsed the development and presentation of a single countywide
Government Efficiency Plan that includes all local government within Tompkins County;
and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing endorses the designation of Tompkins County as
lead entity in the development and submission of the Government Efficiency Plan and
agrees to be a signatory to that Plan.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Edward LaVigne, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, 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 May
20, 2015.
RESOLUTION APPOINTING SANDRA DENNIS CONLON TO THE TOWN OF
LANSING PLANNING BOARD AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER
May 20, 2015
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Councilperson Ruth Hopkins thanked everyone that applied. She stated it’s great that
people show interest in town government.
RESOLUTION 15–65
RESOLUTION APPOINTING SANDRA DENNIS CONLON
TO THE TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD
AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Lansing Town
Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board currently has a vacancy for an
Alternate member due to Deborah Trumbull being appointed as a Regular Planning
Board member on March 9, 2015; and
WHEREAS, after advertising said Alternate Planning Board member vacancy and
reviewing applications, the Town of Lansing Planning Board at their April 27, 2015
Planning Board meeting, has recommended that Sandra Dennis Conlon be appointed to
fulfill the unexpired term of Deborah Trumbull as an Alternate member; and
WHEREAS, the appointment requires Sandra Dennis Conlon to complete the mandatory
NYS training requirements; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has duly hereby
RESOLVED, that Sandra Dennis Conlon be appointed as an Alternate member of the
Town of Lansing Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Deborah Trumbull
effective May 20, 2015 – December 31, 2015.
The question of the adoption of such proposed resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Edward LaVigne, 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 May
20, 2015.
RESOLUTION APPROVING COLEMAN OUTSIDE USER AGREEMENT FOR
CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT
RESOLUTION 15-66
RESOLUTION APPROVING COLEMAN OUTSIDE
USER AGREEMENT FOR CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Advisory Board (“WSAB”), in accord with its duties
and functions as assigned by the Town Board, has considered certain outside user
requests for the Consolidated Water District (“CWD”), and the WSAB has issued a
recommendation to approve an outside user request for the lands of Coleman (88
Emmons Road), subject to approval by Town Counsel of the final form of agreement,
including that the applicant be required to support future extensions as well as pay a rate
that will equalize payments to make them comparable to CWD “inside users” to cover
capital costs; and
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WHEREAS, the Town’s CWD Local Law only allows outside users to receive water
from the CWD or any of its extensions when approved by the Town Board and an
adequate contract for services is executed that complies with law in several material
respects; and
WHEREAS, said action is a Type II SEQRA action for which no environmental review is
required, and upon due consideration thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that an outside user agreement (the “Agreement”) for Coleman be and
hereby is approved, and that permission is given to tap into CWD water mains once the
Agreement is in a form approved by Town Counsel and fully executed by all parties; but
subject to the continuing requirements of such Agreements that the installation be at the
expense of the applicant, that the applicant approve any future boundary change or
district extensions covering their lands, and that the applicant is responsible to obtain and
pay for all easements, approvals, and permits necessary therefor; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor or Deputy Town Supervisor be and each is
severally authorized to execute such Coleman Agreement by, for, on behalf of, and in the
name of the Town of Lansing.
The question of 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 May
20, 2015.
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW OF LOCAL LAW #6 of 2015 IMPLEMENTING FURTHER
AMENDMENTS TO LAND USE ORDINANCE TO EFFECT OIL AND
GAS/HVHF DRILLING BAN
Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked Supervisor Kathy Miller to table this motion until
the NYS PSC gives us information regarding re-powering AES. Councilperson Edward
LaVigne is concerned with the timing of this. He stated that AES is the Town of
Lansing’s number one taxpayer. He requested that the town wait a few months until the
PSC gives us an answer on re-powering AES.
Supervisor Kathy Miller said she did not know why it was taking so long for the Town of
Lansing to receive a response from the PSC; Dunkirk was done very quickly. She stated
maybe it’s taking longer because there is a local group here that is negative; NYSEG
does not support this. Supervisor Kathy Miller informed the Town Board that Senator
Nozzolio and Representative Reed both have said the re-powering of AES and
Hydrofracking are different issues. She also stated that the gas / distribution line is
another separate issue. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that she believes NYSEG is in
favor of the gas / distribution line. Supervisor Kathy Miller informed the Town Board
that The Drilling Committee asked for this and that’s why she’s bringing it to this
meeting.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh reported that Governor Cuomo announced banning certain
types of Hydrofracking in NYS. He informed the Town Board that a law is a legislative
act; this cannot be done by the DEC or the Governor. He further stated that there are a
number of laws pending to do this, but none have been passed. He reported there is no
NYS ban and he doesn’t believe a ban will be created.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated NYS wants to finish the draft environmental impact
statement process which was opened to study the process on a state wide basis. He also
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stated that since this process is state wide there’s no chance for anyone to go forward
with any drilling, as long as it is open. He reported that there is pressure now to close the
environmental impact statement process because the health commissioner thinks there
maybe potential health risks. He informed the Town Board that there’s no way to
measure health issues on a state wide basis, so certain types of Hydrofracking (on a state
wide basis) couldn’t be approved. He apprised the Town Board that once the
environmental statement process is closed, people will be able to apply for a permit to do
an environmental review on a site specific basis. He stated that probably when they close
the environmental statement process, there will not be a state wide ban. He informed the
Town Board that conventional drilling can be done now.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated that he is concerned with the timing. He stated
the number one taxpayer in this County is AES. Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated
that he doesn’t want the PSC to be swayed by what the town does now and would like to
wait a few months until the PSC gives us an answer.
Several Town Board Members discussed moratoriums and bans. Town Counsel Guy
Krogh informed the Town Board that they are both prohibitions, but not sure they will
help.
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins stated that she doesn’t understand the relationship between
the PSC and Hydrofracking Ban. She stated that Senator Nozzolio and Representative
Reed both stated the PSC decision has nothing to do with the Hydrofracking Ban. She
also stated that Senator Nozzolio and Representative Reed stated the PSC decision is
economic; there will be an impact on the Town of Lansing, but it’s economic and not
about Hydrofracking. She informed the Town Board that The Town of Lansing residents
asked for protection and would like the Hydrofracking Ban, to protect against possible
associated activities such as waste disposal that could occur.
Councilperson Robert Cree stated he would hate to have Senator Nozzolio be wrong on
this. He stated it would be a shame to have this influence the PSC decision.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated that most of the people on the PSC are from the energy
sector and they might be influenced by this. He stated that Councilperson Edward
LaVigne’s concern has come up in several places, not just in Lansing. Town Counsel
Guy Krogh informed the Town Board that there are good arguments for both sides and
for the timing.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne made a motion to postpone this discussion until July and
then possibly have the public hearing in August or September.
Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that she would like the PSC to make their decision soon.
She asked Councilperson Edward LaVigne if he wanted to postpone Councilperson Ruth
Hopkins motion. Councilperson Ruth Hopkins stated that there is already a motion from
Councilperson Edward LaVigne.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh informed the Town Board that technically they have a motion
by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins to schedule a public hearing which was seconded by
Kathy Miller, so that motion either needs to be withdrawn or amended. Supervisor Kathy
Miller withdrew the motion that was made by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins.
Supervisor Kathy Miller confirmed with Councilperson Edward LaVigne his motion to
postpone this discussion until July and then possibly have the public hearing in August or
September. Councilperson Robert Cree duly seconded Edward LaVigne’s motion.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated that technically it was Councilperson Ruth Hopkins
motion, so she will have to consent to withdrawing it. He also stated if that happens, then
there is a motion made by Councilperson Edward LaVigne to reconsider this matter at the
July meeting, which has been seconded. He also stated if you withdraw Councilperson
Ruth Hopkins motion, then you can vote on Councilperson Edward LaVigne’s motion.
He continued stating, if you don’t withdraw Councilperson Ruth Hopkins motion, then
you vote on that motion and then vote on Councilperson Edward LaVigne’s motion.
May 20, 2015
14
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins withdrew her motion. No roll call taken.
RESOLUTION 15- MOTION WITHDRAWN BY COUNCILPERSON RUTH
HOPKINS, NO ROLL CALL TAKEN
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW OF LOCAL LAW #6 of 2015 IMPLEMENTING FURTHER
AMENDMENTS TO LAND USE ORDINANCE TO EFFECT OIL AND
GAS/HVHF DRILLING BAN
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, the Town is considering a ban of certain oil and gas activities in the Town,
including drilling using high volume hydrofracking methodologies, and such prohibition
seeks to ban related support industries and the ability of any person or entity to dump or
emplace byproducts of HVHF processes, such as flowback or brine waters, on lands
within the Town of Lansing; and
WHEREAS, the full amended text of these proposed changes is on file at the Town
Clerk’s Office, and as these Land Use Ordinance amendment considers changes that are
material in terms of changing allowed uses within existing zones, the same is classified as
a Type I Action under SEQRA, and the same will also require referral to and review by
the Tompkins County Planning Department under GML § 239-l, et seq., as well as
compliance with the special publication requirements of Town Law § 265 once and if
such local law is adopted; and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that
1. This action is classified as a Type I Action pursuant to SEQRA;
2. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing proposes to be the Lead Agency
for coordinated environmental review, subject to consent or any requests
regarding such coordinated review by any Involved or Interested Agency, as
applicable;
3. The Involved Agencies are: the Town of Lansing Planning Board; The
Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals; the Village of Lansing; the Town
of Groton; the Town of Locke; the Town of Genoa; the Town of Dryden; the
County of Tompkins; the County of Cayuga; the NYS Regional Director of
Parks in the Finger Lakes Region; NYSDEC; NYS Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation; the NYS Department of Agriculture; the
Tompkins County Planning Department; the Clerk of the Tompkins County
Legislature; and
4. The Interested Agencies are determined to be: the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers; the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization; the
Tompkins County Highway Division; NYSDOT; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk issue a Notice of Intent to each and all of the Involved
Agencies and Interested Agencies, including therewith a copy of the proposed local law
and the FEAF; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk provide with such Notice of Intent a request to County
Planning for a review under the General Municipal Law § 239-l, et seq.; and it is further
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 15th day of July, 2015,
at 6:05 pm, to consider the adoption of proposed Local Law #6 of 2015, entitled “
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AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY
AND EXPRESSLY PROHIBIT CERTAIN NATURAL GAS DRILLING AND
SUPPORT LAND USES AND ACTIVITIES,” and to thereat hear all persons interested
in the subject hereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law;
and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree Councilperson Doug Dake
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins Councilperson Edward LaVigne
Supervisor Kathy Miller
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was withdrawn by Councilperson Ruth Hopkins,
no roll call was taken, and was not adopted on May 20, 2015.
RESOLUTION POSTPONING THE CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULING
PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF LOCAL LAW #6 of
2015 IMPLEMENTING FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO LAND USE
ORDINANCE TO EFFECT OIL AND GAS/HVHF DRILLING BAN
RESOLUTION 15-67
RESOLUTION POSTPONING THE CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULING
PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF LOCAL LAW #6 of
2015 IMPLEMENTING FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO LAND USE
ORDINANCE TO EFFECT OIL AND GAS/HVHF DRILLING BAN
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, After a lengthy discussion on setting a public hearing and not adopting the
proposed resolution, Councilperson Edward LaVigne recommended to postpone
consideration of the scheduling of a public hearing and environmental review of Local
Law #6 of 2015 until the July 15, 2015 Regular Town Board Meeting, and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, to postpone consideration of the scheduling of a public hearing and
environmental review of Local Law #6 of 2015 implementing further amendments to
land use ordinance to effect oil and Gas/HVHF drilling ban until the July 15, 2015
Regular Town Board Meeting.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Edward LaVigne, 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 - Nay Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller – Nay
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on May
20, 2015.
May 20, 2015
16
BAILEY PLACE INSURANCE – STEVE FRANCO
Stephen Franco, President of Bailey Place Insurance, presented and reviewed with the
Town Board the Town Insurance. Mr. Franco stated that Bailey Place Insurance has
insured the Town of Lansing since 1995. Mr. Franco reported that they go out to the
market every three years to get the best rates and the town is currently with NYMER. He
stated that generally, there is no increase in the renewals.
Mr. Franco told the Town Board that NYMER has a lot of free services that they can take
advantage of. He stated there are regional seminars and webinars that are available to
attend.
Mr. Franco stated that Cyber Insurance is available, but the town does not have that
coverage. He suggested the Town Board talk with the Town IT Department to find out
how secure the town is. Councilperson Robert Cree asked if they would come back and
discuss Cyber Insurance with our Tech Committee. Mr. Franco said they would come
back with additional information regarding Cyber Insurance. Supervisor Kathy Miller
said the Town Board would contact them about Cyber Insurance. Councilperson Ruth
Hopkins said the Town Board should talk with TCCOG about Cyber Insurance.
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins asked Mr. Franco if they would review our emergency plan.
Mr. Franco said they would review our emergency plan.
The Town Board thanked Mr. Franco for the review and presentation and for coming to
tonight’s meeting.
FINDINGS UNDER EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW §§ 204 AND 206(E)
AND RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN COUNSEL TO COMMENCE
FORMAL PROCEEDINGS TO VEST TITLE IN TOWN AND CONSOLIDATED
WATER DISTRICT TO LANDS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT
KNOWN AS THE BONE PLAIN WATER TANK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated there are only two very small easements that are
needed. He stated one is in the highway right of way of a county highway and the other
one is a fifteen-twenty foot wide easement which is in the setback area. He stated it’s
likely that these easements will be signed before the Town spends any more money. He
informed the Town Board that the bond resolution still needs to be done and officially put
out for bid.
RESOLUTION 15-68
FINDINGS UNDER EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW §§ 204 AND 206(E)
AND RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN COUNSEL TO COMMENCE
FORMAL PROCEEDINGS TO VEST TITLE IN TOWN AND CONSOLIDATED
WATER DISTRICT TO LANDS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT
KNOWN AS THE BONE PLAIN WATER TANK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, the Town formally approved the construction of the Town of Lansing
Consolidated Water District (“CWD”) improvement project commonly known as the
Bone Plain Water Tank Project (the “Project”), which Project was previously described
in a Town Law § 202-b Public Interest Order as a Project benefitting a large area of the
central part of the Town, which for over a decade has had issues with water pressure and
supply, to the point where the Tompkins County Health Department has demanded
system upgrades to the CWD system to benefit the CWD generally and to improve water
pressure and capacity in areas near and along Bean Hill Lane, Forest Acres Drive,
Hillcrest Road, Grandview Drive, Placid Terrace, Pheasant Way, Whispering Pines
Drive, Arrowood Lane, Village Circle, Warren Road, Springbrook Circle, and Farrell
Road, and further public interests and benefits were found in an increased water supply
for peak demand needs, and better firefighting capacities; and
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WHEREAS, the Project consists of: (i) generally, the creation of a new pump station near
the existing Village Circle Tank and the construction of a transmission main extension to
a new Bone Plain Road Water Tank; and (ii) specifically, 8,300’ of 12” pipe, with valves
and hydrants, running to Bone Plain Road, 1,440’ of 12” main for a low pressure
transmission main to allow switching over the existing parallel 10” distribution main to
the new higher pressure zone, 620’ of 12” main to connect mains on Village Circle and
Springbrook Circle, the acquisition of 1.5 acres of land along the south side of Bone Plain
Road, just past the Town Line, being part of Town of Dryden TPN 30.-1-1-12, the
installation of temporary systems, mains, lines, and pneumatic pumps and storage to keep
the CWD functional during construction, connections to the Warren Road mains, a piping
loop along Hillcrest Road, new piping to the Bean Hill water tank, and 1,700’ of 8”
mains along Village Circle; and
WHEREAS, in accord with Article 12 of Town Law a public hearing was duly held and
the project specifically approved as being, among other things, within the public interest
as such term is used in Article 12 of Town Law and Article 2 of the Eminent Domain
Procedure Law (“EDPL”), and as part of a Final Order approving the Project as being
within the public interest, the Town Board, as lead agency, conducted a detailed
environmental review of the Project as a Type I Action and duly issued a negative
declaration, and this further action is within the scope of the already reviewed and issued
project approval and environmental determination; and
WHEREAS, as the project location or parameters have not changed, but only an EDPL
process is needed to vest rights in easements in the Town and the CWD, the Town Board
has determined that no new or supplemental review is required under SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, since such final order of approval and such negative declaration of
environmental impacts in January, 2014, the Town has prepared project specifications,
examined and finalized routing, purchased the land for the water tank, obtained approvals
from neighboring municipalities, and obtained all but two remaining easements for water
lines; and
WHEREAS, the Town has (more than) twice notified (or tried to notify) such landowners
of the request for an easement, sent and discussed draft easements and, despite such
efforts and in some cases making substantial requested changes to such easements, the
said needed easements have not been returned such that the Town does not possess the
rights it needs to proceed with the Project to benefit thousands of residents in terms of
needed water pressure, water system capacity, and enhanced firefighting capacity, such
that the Town has no alternative but to now proceed under the EDPL; and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration thereupon and the Findings Statement
accompanying this Resolution, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Town Board, as the condemning authority, as defined under and
construed by the EDPL, hereby finds and declares as follows:
1. The Town previously declared and now again declares this Project as being within
the public interest, and that the taking of easements as mapped in relation to the Project
are necessary for the implementation of the Project, are in the public interest, and are
minimally drawn to only serve the public interest served by this Project.
2. Pursuant to EDPL §§ 204(B) and 206(A), and as part of the Article 12 water
district improvement process, including § 202-b therein, the Town has already made
declarations and findings consistent with the public interest requirements of the EDPL,
including defining: (i) the public use, benefit or purpose to be served by this public
project; (ii) the approximate and exact locations for the proposed public project and the
reasons selected for such locations; (iii) the general effect of the proposed project on the
environment and the residents; and (iv) other factors relevant to this Project and water
district expansion, including costs, local and regional impacts, typical property fiscal
impacts and hook-up costs, and literally dozens of other findings.
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3. The Town, pursuant to EDPL § 301 and generally, has successfully obtained
easements for all but two properties, as follows:
i. Owner #1: Richard A. Blood and Judith A. Blood, of 177 Scofield Road,
Freeville, NY 13068. A permanent easement is sought on Owner #1’s lands.
Due to being only one of two properties between the proposed water tank and the
Town of Lansing to the east, and given topography, roadway layouts, and
alternate routing locations surveyed and considered, there was no other way to get
to Scofield Road other than to cross this parcel, and the point of crossing is as
minimal as is possible relative to land and other impacts and within the roadway
rights-of-way and zoning setbacks at all locations.
The easement sought is a permanent easement, approximately 20’ wide and
approximately 90’ long (a portion of which is within a highway right -of-way),
and comprises approximately 0.04 acres. Copies of the proposed easement
description and a map depicting the location of the easement are annexed to the
Findings Statement signed by the Town Supervisor as Exhibit A.
Although the Town has made numerous and repeated attempts to reach an
agreement with Owner #1 for this easement, including special visits to the
property by the project engineers and the Town Supervisor, and discussions over
the terms of the easement with the Town Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor, no
easement has been granted and Owner #1 remains unwilling to grant the Town an
easement for the water line.
The Town has examined the possibility of re-engineering the design in that area to
avoid the necessity for an easement over the property of Owner #1, but the
alignment of the water lines on neighboring properties is such that there is no
accommodation which can be made, and the easement is required for the project
to proceed.
ii. Owner #2: Joanne McMillen, 132 Farrell Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. A permanent
easement is sought on Owner #2’s lands.
Due to being only one of four properties between the proposed water tank main
along Farrell Road and the crossover to an interconnection with the Village Circle
Water Tank, and given topography and roadway layouts and alternate routing
locations surveyed and considered, there was no other way to get from the Project
water tank to the Village Circle tank other than to cross this parcel, and the point
of crossing is as minimal as is possible and wholly located within the roadway
rights-of-way.
The easement sought is a permanent easement, approximately 10’ wide and
approximately 200’ long, and comprises approximately 0.05 acres. Copies of the
proposed easement description and a map depicting the location of the easement
are annexed to the Findings Statement signed by the Town Supervisor as Exhibit
B.
Although the Town has made numerous and repeated attempts to reach an
agreement with Owner #2 for this easement, including special visits to the
property and many attempts to locate the owner, including discussions with her
children and other relatives, no easement has been granted and Owner #2 is
presumed to be unwilling to grant the Town an easement for the water line.
The Town has examined the possibility of re-engineering the design in that area to
avoid the necessity for an easement over the property of Owner #2, but the
alignment of the lines on neighboring properties is such that there is no
accommodation which can be made, and the easement is required for the project
to proceed.
4. The following findings are made with respect to the Project:
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i. The Project will result in a public use, a public benefit, and will serve a public
purpose by providing municipal water service to the various residential and
commercial properties situate within the CWD, including by increasing the water
capacity of the system, reducing system costs by more efficiently managing inter-
tank flows to have water available for peak demand periods, providing increased
water pressures and capacities for firefighting purposes, and by increasing water
pressures for a large part of the CWD that, due to usage changes, increasing
density, and topography has had low water pressure problems documented for
over a decade.
ii. By adding capacity and increasing water pressure, and by updating the CWD
systems generally relative to water pumping and management, the facilities of the
CWD will meet metrics and standards acceptable to and required by the Health
Department, as well as augment the health and safety of the residents for many
future years.
iii. The project’s general effect on the environment has already been determined as
part of a review pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The
Town determined that the project would not have a significant adverse impact on
the environment. Any effects on residents of the locality of the Project will be
positive, due to the ability to provide a secure and clean water source, in some
cases replacing wells that have water quality and aquifer refill and recharge
issues.
iv. The Town Board hereby determines that the Project, and these eminent domain
proceedings, are necessary and appropriate for the establishment of the facilities
of the CWD and this Project.
v. The Project is located in an area proximate to the location within the CWD where
a high pressure zone was needed, and the precise location for a ground tank was
limited only to certain areas of sufficient elevation to create the needed pressures.
As well, location was limited by access, routing, and property availability
limitations. While a raised tower was considered, location and cost
considerations, as well as substantially more maintenance, risk, and
environmental impacts, prevented such option from being a viable option. Thus,
the new ground tank is located on elevated lands owned by the Town on Bone
Plain Road, and the water mains then connect westerly to Scofield Road, then
southerly down Scofield Road crossing Asbury Road, then travel southerly along
private property along a portion of Scofield Road long ago abandoned until
reaching to Farrell Road, then the water mains westerly along Farrell Road to the
Village Circle area to interconnect with the Village Circle water tank, and then to
continue westerly to Warren Road and northerly up Warren Road to connect to an
existing CWD main, along and together with remote bridging to extend the
pressure zone to other areas of the CWD.
vi. In furtherance of the requirements of the EDPL, and as a required prerequisite to
obtaining lawful rights of entry to cause the preparation of appraisals, and as
prerequisites to Article 4 vesting procedures to be commenced against such
property owners in the Tompkins County Supreme Court, the Town makes the
following findings in respect to each of such Owners: (i) one easement is 20’ wide
and only approximately 90’ long and is partly within highway rights-of-way and
partly adjacent thereto, but also within the setback and bulk dimensional areas,
such the land cannot be built upon or substantially improved by the Owner #1; (ii)
another such easement is 10’ x 200’, but actually located wholly within the
highway right of way, but as it is a highway by use an easement is still needed
even though there is no authority for such Owner #2 to use or improve the
easement area; (iii) the Town has no plans for the future improvement or the
erection of surface improvements upon any such lands; (iv) the only improvement
will be 8”-12” inch water mains buried underground, plus related required
appurtenances, upon lands that cannot be otherwise improved or built upon and
for which even the Town, as the condemning authority, has no plans to improve
May 20, 2015
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(such as above ground pump stations, sidewalks, ditches, etc.); (v) all surface
disturbances are temporary only, and in one case well away and barely visible
from the home situate upon such land; (vi) the land is being used for a
governmental and not any private or commercial purposes; (vii) the amount of
land taken in each instance is minor, each being approximately a twentieth of an
acre; (viii) no structures or buildings are required to be removed by such Project;
and (ix) the use, enjoyment, and utility of the lands of the owners thereof will not
be impaired by an underground water line, which line will also substantially
benefit such properties by allowing them in the near future to obtain a public
water supply and to be protected by firefighting capacity (thus also reducing the
insurance risk rating for the home and substantially enhancing the life safety and
property protection of and for such owners).
vii. Accordingly, and pursuant to the authority provided by law to the condemning
authority, the Town of Lansing hereby declares under EDPL § 206(E) that these
takings, and each of them individually, are de minimus takings as such term is
defined and construed under law.
5. The Town Clerk is hereby ordered to: (i) publish a synopsis of these findings in
accord with EDPL § 204, including by publishing the synopsis in at least 2 successive
issues of the Town’s official newspaper, and such publication notice shall also state that
copies of this determination and these findings will be forwarded to any person
requesting a copy without cost; and (ii) deliver a copy of these findings and
determinations, together with this Resolution, to the above landowners identified more
particularly above as Owner #1 and Owner #2.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Councilperson Edward LaVigne, 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 May
20, 2015.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A $83,000 BOND
ANTICIPATION RENEWAL NOTE #01-15
Supervisor Kathy Miller informed the Town Board that this comes along every year and
pertains to our water district debt renewal. She stated that we look for the lowest interest
rate.
RESOLUTION 15-69
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A $83,000
BOND ANTICIPATION RENEWAL NOTE #01-15
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town duly authorized expenditures to cover the cost of acquiring,
constructing and equipping the improvements to be included in Extension No. 2 to the Town
of Lansing Consolidated Water District (the “District”), consisting principally of the
construction of a water distribution system covering a portion of Drake Road in the Town
and the installation of water lines and meters, including valves, curb stops, original
furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances and incidental improvements
to provide municipal water services to the affected areas within said District, engineering
and other preliminary costs, legal expenses and other costs incidental to the financing
thereof (the “Project”), all of which Project expenses were authorized by a Final Order
forming the District and funded by a Bond Resolution dated May 21, 2008, and which
obligation(s) were satisfied, in accord therewith, by Bond Anticipation Note (“BAN”) #01-
May 20, 2015
21
09 (in the amount of $145,000.00), as renewed by a Bond Anticipation Renewal Note
(“BARN”) #02-10 (in the amount of $137,400.00), by a BARN #01-11 (in the amount of
$133,500.00) dated June 17, 2011; by a BARN #01-12 (in the amount of $94,483.75) dated
June 15, 2012; by a BARN #01-13 (in the amount of $90,000.00), dated June 14, 2013; and
by a BARN #10-14 (in the amount of $87,000.00), which BARN #01-14 is hereby being
partially paid and the balance thereof renewed; and
WHEREAS, BARN #01-14 is approaching its maturity date and such financing must be
renewed or the debt thereof paid, and in compliance with the Local Finance Law, th e
Town Board has decided to partially pay-down the debt pursuant to Local Finance Law §
23.00 by making a principal and interest payment thereupon (in the amount of $4,000.00,
plus interest) and issuing a BARN for the balance thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Town has contacted several lending institutions to find the lowest rates,
and has determined that the Chemung Canal Trust Company, Elmira, New York, has the
best rates and terms for proposed BARN #01-15, to be issued in the amount of $83,000
for one year at a 1.85% interest rate (non-callable); and
WHEREAS, this action is classified as a Type II Action under SEQRA and, as such, no
environmental review is necessary or required; and
WHEREAS, after a review of the foregoing and due deliberation and consideration
thereof, and in compliance with Local Finance Law § 38.10, and other requirements of
law, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that
Section 1. BARN #01-15 hereby authorized is for the payment of indebtedness
relating to the purchase and acquisition of goods to construct the Project for the District.
Section 2. The said BARN hereby authorized was authorized pursuant to a Bond
Resolution dated May 21, 2008, which Bond Resolution was duly issued under the Local
Finance Law, with such Project having been subject to permissive referendum as required
by law.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the cost of indebtedness relating to the
objects and purposes of this Resolution is $87,000.00 (plus interest); said amount i s
hereby appropriated and the plan for the financing thereof shall consist of the payment of
$4,000.00 in principal, plus interest, and the issuance of up to $83,000.00 as a principal
amount of serial bonds (including, without limitation, statutory installment bonds)
pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 4. The Town of Lansing hereby authorizes the expenditure of up to
$87,000.00, plus interest thereupon, for the payment of the obligations relating to the
Project, which amount shall be paid in part by the issuance of BARN #01-15, together
with a principal payment to be made in relation thereto in the amount of $4,000.00 (to be
applied to the payment of BARN #01-14, together with accrued interest).
Section 5. No other BANs or BARNs are issued and outstanding for the payment of
the indebtedness relating to the Project (except BARN 01-14, which is being paid in full
as herein duly authorized).
Section 6. The BARN authorized by this Resolution is a renewal of BARN #01 -14,
issued June 13, 2014.
Section 7. The BARN authorized by this Resolution shall be dated June 12, 2015,
and shall mature and be and become due and payable upon June 11, 2016.
Section 8. The BARN hereby authorized is for an assessable improvement of or
within the Town, namely, the Town of Lansing Consolidated Water District Extension
Number 2.
May 20, 2015
22
Section 9. The temporary use of available funds of the Town, not immediately
required for the purpose or purposes for which the same were borrowed, raised or
otherwise created is hereby authorized pursuant to § 165.10 of the Local Finance Law for
the purposes described in this Resolution. The Town shall reimburse such expenditures
with the proceeds of the BARN authorized by this Resolution. This Resolution shall
constitute a declaration of official intent as required by United States Treasury Regulation
§ 1.150-2. Other than as specified in this Resolution, no money is, or is reasonably
expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with
respect to the permanent funding of the objects or purposes described herein.
Section 10. The full faith and credit of said Town of Lansing, Tompkins County,
New York, is hereby irrevocably pledged to the payment of the principal of and i nterest
on said Bonds and the BARN hereby authorized, as the same may hereafter respectively
become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient
to pay the principal of and interest due and payable in such year. Such appropriation shall
be made from the several lots and parcels of land in the Town of Lansing in the manner
provided by law for taxation or general taxation thereupon. In the event the collection of
such assessments shall be less than the amount required to pay the principal and interest
of such obligations as they shall become due, the Town Board shall direct that surplus
moneys not otherwise appropriated be applied, or the Town shall take such other action
as is permitted or required by law to assure the timely payment of such obligations.
Section 11. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize
the issuance of BANs and renewals thereof (in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the
serial bonds) was and is hereby again delegated to the Town Supervisor, as Chief Fiscal
Officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such
manner as may be prescribed by said Supervisor, consistent with the provisions of the
Local Finance Law and the Bond Resolution aforesaid.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Edward LaVigne, 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 May
20, 2015.
APPROVE AUDIT
RESOLUTION 15-70
Councilperson Edward LaVigne moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay
the following bills.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 005
DATED _05/20/2015__
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 355-470
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 355-368
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 32 - 41
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 32 - 36
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
May 20, 2015
23
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 95,065.95
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 32,286.72
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,360.13
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 177,341.89
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 38,463.41
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 452.56
DEBT SERVICE (V) $ 0.00
Councilperson Robert Cree 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 May
20, 2015.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Robert Cree stated that the Personnel Meeting was cancelled this morning. He had
nothing to report.
Doug Dake stated that Michael Long has a nice report of what the Planning Board has
been looking at the past month. They’ve been working hard and there is a lot of potential
work. CO’s and permits are moving along nicely.
He reported that the Emergency Committee Meeting was last night and the following
people attended: Bill Miller, Lynn Day, Katrina Binkewitcz, Lee Shurtleff, Scott Purcell
and Dan Ferguson. He stated there is a lot of work to be done to come up with an
Emergency Preparedness Plan. He informed the Town Board that some things will need
to come to the Board.
Doug stated that they also need to look at the NIMS issue and he would like to discuss
this before the next meeting.
He reported that he had a great meeting with Jack French, Cricket Purcell, Dave Herrick
and Don Harner concerning the Autumn Ridge Storm Water Issue. He informed the
Town Board that they’re looking at different options and trying to get some easements.
Ruth Hopkins stated that there is new interest for the Health Consortium. She stated that
the work TCCOG is doing is great.
She reported that Scofield Rd has been partially successful with Time Warner Cable.
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins reported that Supervisor Kathy Miller, Tompkins County
Legislature Mike Sigler, and she were busy for three hours with Tax Assessment
concerns on May 18, 2015.
She stated that Michael Long’s report from the Planning office is great.
Edward LaVigne stated that the library report has been read and is available on the table
in the back of the room.
Kathy Miller stated that the Ag Committee, Planning Board, and Town Board Members
will be meeting on June 1, 2015 at 7:00 pm. to work on the Ag Plan. She reported that
May 20, 2015
24
Michael Long has spoken with Monika Roth and he has some good ideas. She informed
the Town Board that there are some disagreements with the farmers.
She stated that the Consortium has been working on the MCA’s (agreements with the
towns) and they are almost done. She stated that once the new changes come through,
they will need to be signed. She also stated that their administrative overhead is very
small.
Monthly Report
The Supervisor submitted her monthly report for the months of March 2015 and April
2015, to all Board Members and to the Town Clerk.
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT
Guy Krogh
Bone Plain Water Project
Town Counsel Guy Krogh informed the Town Board that the project will be going out to
bid soon. Funding needs to be in place as a bond is required. He will contact the Harris
Beach Office in Rochester with the initial information.
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A
CONTRACTURAL MATTER WHERE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE WOULD
IMPAIR TERMS OR PRICE FOR THE TOWN AT 7:56 PM.
Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Doug Dake moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:23 PM.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
ADJOURN MEETING
Councilperson Doug Dake moved to adjourn the Meeting at 9:24 p.m. Councilperson
Edward LaVigne seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
Minutes taken by the Deputy Town Clerk and executed by the Town Clerk and Deputy
Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie S. Crandall, RMC
Debbie Munson