HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1977-12-13 TOTST OF ITHACA
REEGULAR BOARD PTMETING
December 13 , 1977 - 5 ° 15 -p . m .
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , 'P. omp
kips County , New York , held at the Tovm of Ithaca Offices a.t 126 East
Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , on the 13th day of Decer!ber , 1 .077 ,
at 5 , 15 pemo , there were
PRESENT ; .•falter Jo Schwan , Supervisor
Andrew tr% McElwee , Councilman
Noel Desch , Councilman ( Supervisor -elect )
Victor Del Rosso , Councilman
Robert Me Powers , Councilman
Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman
Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
ALSO PRESENT � James Vo Buyoucos , mown Attorney
Lawrence Pe Fabbroni , Torun Engineer/Building
Inspector
Gust Lo Freeman , Jr . , Councilman-Elect
Beverly Livesay , County Representative
Liese Bronfenbrenner , Town of Ithaca Planni �i:*
Board. , Chairwoman
Arthur La Berkey , 128 Christopher Circle
Evan Monkemeyer , Developer
Tli. 11iam Tompkins , Director , Plant Engineering ,
Borg- Tarner (Morse Chain Coo )
Kevin He Rorke , American Television & Coraiunica.
tions Corporation ( Ceracche TV )
Representatives of the Nedia
hilip Lerman , Ithaca Journal
Paul Harvey , 11HCU
Dan Cummiings , tin!f O
7PPORT OF COUNTY REPRES=TAmI�7E
Mrs . Livesay reported that CETA funds are now available for
Cl--Jo clog wardens . She noted that expanded coverage in the way of dog
control can now be furnished for about $ 10 , 000 over and above the
C;�:-JTA contribution . This would provide more than 9 to 5 coverage
a �r7ould cover extra gasoline , wear and tear on vehicles , dog food ,
a-nd work at the shelter . It would provide virtually 24 hours a day
7 d ®r%ys a week coverage . It ittrould not always be complete coverage
but !.-'!so Livesay said it would be much wetter than vae have now ,
The Supervisor ac4ked ;ors o Livesay to look into who would
oa. cic up the tab " wit �; regard to the une* lo�mant insurance for tT?,e�
(SETA employees e She said she would do so
' I so Livesay referred to new legislation novr b�,-. 31
119
._mil Lv the State which will raxVov ide , if it is adopted , rosy
noted there are all kinds of problems under exx -istxng Sta': e I -awo
The proposed State legislation we-jld appear to a. 1 :1_ 0=. -t 7.1 :=.I. icipa. . t .4es
t0 Set their C?v.^n1 license fe \ prc is 7b' y through th :D County ) , ' °t' ?e
certain limitations mal. imIMS or MinilrUnis e She sat d this l (-T a. S1 (R1 .1
tion has Gassed the AsSembly lossi:. caoss - _ on and, t vr'as s-;m �_ 1 i s. r1
mittee in the Senate whan C'gI S1 5!.�: s ' t`
be re ° s brq .itted for tb :iS ycaro She ino% ed i: X:at tllo ne-
has eliminated a nur.'�o .' o r;,. c. f. roversiul ^:nitj: e_rz* A "'l:i g Other i ,1f11Yi(Y
it would pardllit but riot r-.ia aci. atc� tato�., rtcj of dogs , for exarv.plc. o
Town Board lA3inutes - 2 p December 13 , 1977
Mrs . Livesay asked for a commitment from the Tours Board to
allow the County to retain the surplus dog monies which are usually
returned to the Town . This money and other surplus money from the
other Towns left with the County could be used by the County to con °
tract with the SPCA for more complete dog control coverage . SIaper �
visor Schwan said that before the Town could make such a commitment
it would be necessary to know how much in overall total the surplus
money amounted to and hoigy much additional dog control it Tkyould give
the Town . He observed that if this money were pulled out of the Toum
budget , it would represent a loss of revenue which would have to be
raised in taxes . This is a general fund budget iten. -TIrs . Livesay ,
upon question from Councilwoman Valentino , said that to date no other
town has made such a commitment , but she said the Town of Ithaca is
the first one she has approached . The Supervisor recommended that
the dog surplus monies for the last three or four vears be investi@
gated and a report made at the January 9 , 1978 meeting of the Doarc' .
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO JOIN T11
COUNTY TRA"1SPORTa?3TION CO?,ujISSITk1
Supervisor Schwan reported that there is a request from the
County that the Tom Board pass a resolution of intent to join the
County Transportation Commission . After discussion , the Board acted
as follows ,
Motion by Councilman Deschd seconder? by Councilwoman Valentino
RESOLVED , that Gust L . Freeman , Jr . shall act as the gown of Ithaca ° s
representative on the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Commis --
sion , with Councilman McLlwee to act in his place as an alternate ,
with the further understanding that ToUm Engineer Lawrence Po Fabbroni
shall act as the staff representative of the Town of Ithaca .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Powers , TIcElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Aye . Nays ® none . )
AGRF,E.Mri*1T WITH CITY OF ITHACA
The Board reviewed a proposed agreement between the Town of
Ithaca and the City of Ithaca relative to certain interchange of water
services . After discussion and rAnor revisions to the *proposed agree •°
ment , the Board acted as follows ;
Hotion by Councilman Desch9 seconded by Supervisor Schwan -
REjj!3'?_LV7D , that the contract between the City of Ithaca and the Town,
of Ithaca , as amended , relative to certain interchange of water ser
vices r is hereby approved. and the Town Board .recommends that it be
el e�,Uted on behalf of the Town of Ithaca .
( Dr.. l Rosso , Raffen5p<arger ,, Powers , ?-1cElwee , Desch , Valentino and
chTlan voting Aye . lays none )
G BOARD
Notion by Supervisor SchTptan ° seconded by Councilwoman Valeni tno
RESOLVED that Liese Bronfenbrenner is hereby appointed as
of the To�:lm of Ithaca Planninq Board for 1972.
( Del Rosso , Ra. ffenspear'; er , PcT--Jers , �-1cN 1Tree , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Ave . ::Ta.�� s G ::one )
Town Board Minutes 3 December 13 , 1977
REQUEST OF HORSE CTIAI?1T COalPANY TO
CONSTRUCT A BACK UP LP qps SYSTETI
Fir . Fabbroni explained that Morse Chain Conpany is consider
ing construction of an emergency LP gas system as z backup for their
natural gas supply which now exists . This is something not specifical �
ly covered in the Zoning Ordinance and should , therefore , be reviewed
by the Planning Board and the ToiAm Board . Mr . T'illiarn Tompkins , repre •°
senting Morse Chain Company proposes six storage tanks that would sup °=
ply the plant if natural gas is not available for any reason . r 'r .
Fabbroni furnished the Board with prepared material summarizing the
problem and a schematic which shows how the system Mould connect to
the plant . He illustrated with blueprint . ulri . Tompkins was asked
what would happen in the event of a leak or sabotage . Mr . Tompkins
said there are safety release Valdes on the tanks ; the equipment has
a fail - safe device and there is an automatic ' shut° down feature . TIr_ s .
Bronfenbrenner observed that the planning Board has reviein7ed this and
has approved it , it is an auxiliary fuel system to be used only if
natural gas is not available . 141r . Tompkins noted that they rave re °
viewed this matter with the City of Ithaca Fire Department and the
City of Ithaca Fire Chief ( Weaver ) found no problem with it . The
proposal is also in accord with Natiohal Fire Piot4 ection Codes and
Requirements . A question by CouncilWonLan ftaffensperger elicited the
information that the tanks are 700 feet fron houses in the areas that
there are no visual problems anti no serious safety problems .
After the discussion , tie Board acted as folloTus
I-lotion by Supervisor Schwan :° seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
RESOLVED , that this Board hereby grants the request of ;Morse Chain:
Company to construct an emergency liquid propane emergency gas system
to back-up its existing natural gas system , to be used only if nat- .ur •-
al gas , for any reason , is not available .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Powers , McElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Aye . Nays - none )
DISCUSSION OF HIGHWAY PROBLEMS
There was discussion of various trouble spots around the
Town in the way of highway maintenance °- - potholes , snow removal ,
salting and cinder spreading - - in Eastern Heights , Snyder Hill Road. ,
Forest Home , Pine Tree Road . Councilman Bel Rosso recommended prejpar -
ation of a mapping of the whole area �Aihich the Town Highway Department
maintains . Councilman Desch suggested that snow fences and other
me, aris (metal screening ) might be helpful in alleviating severe snotira
conditions . Mr . Parkin was not convinced these means Tuould be use .a
rul . Councilman Desch said it was a program that could not be acc .om.-.
plished in a year or in five years , but should be looked at for the
long term . Hr . Parkin ` s responses indicated that many of the pro b r,,
lams result from a Jack of manpower and certain equipment . The
S . 'aervisor agreed that much of the problem is a natter of manpower
=rd equipmento that it might be necessary to increase the Tlic7hway
Twpartment budget .
BOL T'0'`T POI 7 DEPICIT
iar . Berkey referred to statement of Councilman Powers made.
at a prior meeting that he recommended that the Town Boar:' i'fl `? $: ruc..t
the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal 67ater_ Commi. ssi.on to present
documentation of the direct causes of the deficit and to indicate
what actions are being taken to preclu(le future deficits . ? 1r .
Berkey asked Courciinan Powers if he intenced to nape a resolution
to effect this . Councilman Powers said he had not yet decide.l to
make such a resolution , that he would discuss the natter the the Board
and others before making a decision in the matter .
• 1
TovM Board Minutes p 4 December 13 , 1977
A 4ENDMENT TO TV FRANICHISE
The Supervisor noted that the Town now has in hantl th. e Dro �
posed amendment to the present TV franchise and that a public nearing
on the matter might be set . Councilman Desch recommen:'.ed that the
proposed amendment be reviewed by a representative of the Toren on the
County Cable Commission' and that the Town ' s representative , Council •°=
woman Valentino , review it ivAth the -Town Attorney ., and then recommend
a course of action . C`.ourzcilwoman Valentino said the Cable Commission
has set up a . specific cormittee ' to review a matter line this . The
committee would review it and. make a report to the full Cable CoM"n
sion and the Cable Commission will report to the Tot;<m Board' , ` Ile
said a public hearing for the February meeting , could be scheduled .
She said the Cable Cos mission . has started research on the amender'
. franchise and will male a report at the January meeting of the Town
Board . Mr . Rorke observed that the language proposed in the artend �0.
ment brings the franchise into accordance with New York State Tele •A°
vision Franchise Standards .
PUBLIC R.EA.RING S -CAR GAk?.�GE
" Springwood " T'. merits FYr . PROPOSAL
Proof of posting and publication : of notice of public hearing
in this matter having been presented by the Town Clerk , Supervisor
Schwan opened the hearing .
Pip . Evan %�onkemeyer illustrated the proposal with blueprint .
Fe noted there is an area for expansion or ultimately there will be
carports where the car space : are now . Mrs . Bronfenbrenner said no
one appeared in opposition to this proposal at the Planning Board
hearing and that the Planning :Board is recommending to the Town Board
that the project be approved .
No other persons wishing to be heard , the Supervisor closed
the public hearing , and the Board acted as follows
Motion by Councilman McElwees seconded by Supervisor Schwan ,
P.ESOLVED , that this Town Board hereby approves the proposed a ®car
garage at 123 East King Road ( " SpringFrood " ) , Tax Parcel 5 431, 2 = 8 ,
zoned Multiple Residence District and owned by Evan F.Tonkemeyer .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Powers , ITcElwee , Desch , Valentino and
0( ; hwan voting Aye . Nays m none )
R ,917EST OF STAN? CZ7%JoWNSKI FOR
rFIMBTIRSFP.T. ..TTT. OF, ALLEGED DAB 3ACES
The supervisor referred to a letter elated December S , 1977
f}-om :Stan Czamanski in which he notes that the fire hydrant belonging
to an:? maintained by the Town of Ithaca. and located on his property
l0 ? Regency Lane has been leaking for some time . He said the water_
I . . s
been seeping undetected for some time and has ruined his lawn arcl
one old tree . He said the Landscape Service had to drain it and put
in a new lawn , but the tree could not be replaced at the tkcrie o ,"fir .
Czamanski asked if the bills for the repairs could be forwarded to
the Town . The Supervisor recommended that a letter be cr7ri` ten to
71r . Czamanski advising hint that the ToTrm . will assess the damage he
seems to have incurred and be a.n touch with him at a later cola ..
BI.LL11JG OF IACOVi LLI Bli!O 'ITIF.R " COITRACTI;NG COo , I1.1C. 0
SETTER LINE ACROSS ROZ3 %.t? � Kf':s`sDP. LL AVENUE
lacovelli Dro ;.leas Contracting Co . , In. . have surrtitted to
the Town of It '� .aca a bill in the amount of $ 1 , 355 . 16 with respect to
a sewer line across road ( .IeZendall Avenue ,, Latnlrence_ lacovelli ) ^ OV� r =
ing hac khoe , rental of cor:pressor , tolo loads o -` crushed stone , tr, ;zn. :: ®
0 te pipe , and 48 hours of labor .
� v
Town Board Minutes December 13 , 1977
r4r . Fabbroni said there is question �rixith respect to the
items of fill and labor , for the rest the billed orice appears
reasonable . Supervisor Schwan recommended that Iacovelli indicate
the number of feet of transite . The To`tm Engineer was directed to
look into this matter and make a specific recommendation to the
Board .
REQUEST FOR SET1ER LINE EXTENSION
Supervisor Schwan referred to a letter from Richard I . Mulvey ,
Attorneys dated December 6 , 1977 , on behalf of his client , Ed Tubbs ,
who is requesting that the Town extend the sewer line on Coddington
Road to serve Tax Farces 6 - 42 � 1 � 9 . 44 owned by Mr . Tubbs . The Board
recommended that the Town Engineer lay out the situation and make
a recommendation to the Board at the December 34th meeting .
PUBLIC HEARING - CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE OF HIGHT^AY DEVECTr+
Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hearing
having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor openerl the
hearing .
Supervisor Schwan read the proposed local lacy , and indicated
it is added protection to a municipality in the event of accident
due to sidewalk or highway defects . Ho civil action can be main °
tained against the Town or Town Superintendent of 1Tighways for dam
ages or injuries to person or property unless notice of a dangerous
condition is given to the Town Clerk or To�*n Superintendent of Highm
ways . The Supervisor asked for comment from the public .
Mr . Berkey said he did not think the proposed law is fair ,
that it is the responsibility of the Town to take care of all potholes
whether or not tjyritten notice is given . Councilman TCElwee pointed
out that the Town must be aware of a dangerous condition before it
can correct . The Supervisor agreed that that Town should be aware
of dangerous situations within the limited amount of manpower . The
roads cannot continually be traversed looking for problems . The
Supervisor pointed out that the impetus to adopt this local law came
from officials in Albany , from the Association of Towns and also the
Department of Audit and Control . It has been recommended that towns
enact this legislation .
No other persons wishing to be heard , Supervisor Schwan
closed the hearings and the Board acted as followsm
Motion by Supervisor Schwan ; seconded by Councilman r4cElwee ,
LOCAL LAT11l NO . 3 1977
A local lava of the Town of Ithaca enacted pursuant to the
powers granted to the Tom by Article Two of the r3unicipal Nome Rule
Law of the State of New York , providing for written notification of
defects and obstructions on tovm highi!-rays and sidewalks in the Toiiwn
of Ithaca .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE TOTS 11 BOARD OF THE TOVrj T OF ITHACA . AS
i• OLLOWS
Section 1 . No civil action shall be maintained against anys
tocm or town superintendent of highways for damages or injuries to
person or property sustained by reason of any highway , bridge or cut.
vert being defective , out of repair , unsafe , dangerous or obstructed
unless written notice of such defective , unsafe , dangerous or ob �
structed condition of such highway , bridge or culvert was actually
given to the Toiom Clerk or Town Superintendent of Highways , and
there was a failure or neglect Tr7i4hin a reasonable time after the
giving of such notice to repair or remove the defect , danger_ or ob ®
struction complained of ° but no such action shall be MaintaineJ for
Town Board Minutes - 6 December 13 , 1977
damages or injuries to person or property sustained solely in con-
sequence of the existence of snow or ice upon any hi c lyeay r bridge
or culvert , unless written notice thereof , specifying the particular
place , was actually given to the Town Clerk or Tosam SuperinLendent
of highways and there was a failure or neglect to cause such snow or
ice to be removed , or to make the place otherwise reasonably safe
within a reasonable time after the receipt of such notice °
Section 2 . The Town Superintendent of Highways shall trans °
mit in writing to the Town Clerk within 5 days after -the receipt
thereof all written notices received by him pursuant to this local
law and Subdivision 2 of Section 65 - a of the Town Lawn The Town Cler:=
shall cause all written notices received by him or her pursuant to
this local law Subdivision 2 of Section 65 - a of the Town Law , to be
presented to the Town Board within 5 days of the receipt thereof or
at the next succeeding Town Board meeting whichever shall be sooner .
Section 3 . This local law shall supersede in its application
to the Town of Ithaca Subdivisions 1 and 3 of Section 65 ° a of the
Town Law .
Section 4 . This local lava shall take effect immediately upon
its fill dhg in the office of the Secretary of State in accordance with
the provisions of Section 21 of the Municipal ' Home Rule Law of the
State of New York .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Powersr McElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Aye . stays - none )
T . V . MfUtR E10GINEERS Nlri SURVLYO S 173I :JLI'371
PENNSYLVANIA AND K.ENDUL AVENUES
Billing in the amount of $ 2 , 050 . 00 from T . G . 'Hiller Engineers
& Surveyors for surveying and mapping of Pennsylvania and I;endall
Avenues was discussed by the Board . Payment was deferred on this
billing temporarily .
REFUND OF WATER CHARGE
A letter dated December 12 , 1977 from Ray Thomas , Commission
Clerk ( Bolton Point ) , indicated that Mr . Lawrence Darrah , 1319 han -
shaw ':Road , paid for a special reading billinq and late charge , which
sane charge was paid by the previous owner . Therefore , a refund in
the amount of $ 60 . 03 is due to 11r . Darrah .
:: lotion by Supervisor Schwan , seconded by Councilman Desch ,
RESOLVED , that a refund in the amount of $ 60 . 03 shall be made to 11r .
Lawrence Darrah , 1319 Fianshaw Roam , as the result of having paid fsor
a special reading bill and late charge , which same charge was paid
by the previous owner .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Powers , PaicElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Scho7an voting Aye . Nays - none )
REQUEST FOR REIn7BUiRSEMEFdT FOR
^ PAIRS TO SEWER AT 131 SALEM DRIVE
Supervisor SehTeian react a letter from Mrs . James Co Cady ,
dated December 6 , 1977 requesting reimbursement for repairs to
sewer at 131 Salem .Drive in the amount of $ 311 . 74 ( unplugging selwofe
line ) . ITrs . Cady felt she should be reimbursed because the fault
was in the Town ` s sewer line .
After discussion. the Board acted as follows °
Town Board Minutes 7 December 13 , 1977
Motion by Supervisor Schwan ° seconded by Councilman Desch ,
RESOLVED , that !ors . James C . Cady , 131 Salem Drive .. be reimbursed in
the amount of . $ 311 . 74 for monies expended by her in removing sewer
blockage ; such reimbursement to be paid out of sewer surplus funds .
( Del Rosso . Raffensperger , Powers , PIcElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Aye . Trays none )
Since it appeared that Mrs . Cady had a long standing sewer
problem which the Town was not aware of from the beginning , Councilman
McElwee felt there should be some way the Town could have notification
of problems such as this one . He felt this situation could arise
again , There was some discussion of having plumbers who are involved
advise the Town in cases like this . Supervisor Schwan said a letter
could be written to the plumbers , but he was not convinced that they
would understand or take any action . No firm policy was established
at this time .
BID DATE O1.`1 FIVE- �ARBA SEWER PROJECT
The Supervisor referred . to a letter from Lozier Engineers ,
Inc . dated Nove' miber 23 , 1977 . t6 the United States Environmental Pro
tection Agency advising them . that the advertisement for bids on the
Town of Ithaca five area sewer project will be published on December
1 , 1977 and that bids will be received and opened at 2 ° 00 p . m . on
January 13 , 1978 in the Town Ball . The ad will appear in the Ithaca
Journal , the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle , the Syracuse Herald
Journal and the Binghamton Press .
Mr . Pabhtoni reported that specifications have to date been
picked up by four interested bidders . F1e did not know at this time
how many might have been Picked up at Lozier Engineers , Inc . office
in Rochester or sent out from there .
LOZ IER ENGINEERS BILLING FOR
STEP I AWD STEP II WORF{ FIVE -AREA
SANITARY SEWER EXTERNSIONS
The Supervisor referred to a billing from Lozier Engineers ,.
Inc . in the amount of $ 36 , 901 . 04 for professional engineering ser�
vices for completion of Step I and Step II work in conjunction with
the construction of Sanitary Sewer Extensions to the Tot-in of Ithaca
Sanitary Sewer System , per agreement dated march 14 , 19779 Step I
i,7crk was $ 34 , 000 and Step II work was $ 93 , 000 , less amounts previously
t.aid of $ 95 , 095096 , leaving a balance of $ 36 , 901 . 04 . It was agreed'.
to defer payment of this billing until EPA money is received .
PUBLIC EELRIING - REQUEST OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY
7,10 TXP BOLTON POINT T-'AIN R7JUST14nj TT OF BE11E?' IT
FORMULA
Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hearing
having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the
hearing .
Supervisor Schwan explained that the purpose of this hearing
is to consider the request of Cornell . University to be connected to
the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal T�later System ( Bolton Point )
transmission main to provide water for sprinkler system for storage
library building being constructed by Cornell university and to amen:
the Town of Ithaca water and sewer formula to make this possible . .
The proposed change in the mown of Ithaca water and sewer
benefit formula is as follows
t7here se�aarate sprinkler service connections are made
to the Town water system , the benefit charge will be as £ol °
lowsoo
Town Board Minutes - 8 - December 13 , 1077
One unit for every 10 sprinkler heads installer! ,
plus one unit each for each Siamese connection
and each standpipe outlet .
In the event such requests are made for connec -
tion to the transmission systerci within the Toy-lm
of Ithaca , consideration will be given by the
Town to such request only after formal approval
by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicinal Wlater
Commission .
The foregoing charge is waived where domestic
service is . provided to the same building .
Councilman klcElwee reported that he had cone some research
on this matter and recommended as an alternative method of reckoning
the benefit charge , main sire . Councilman 11cr wee furnished figures
in dollars used in Erie , Onondaga T.1ater Supply , American TVlater Scr �
; vice in Pittsburgh , and the Town of CortlanFdville , for various trans
mission main sizes , 4 " lhch , 6 - lnch , 8 - inch , 10 - lnch , and 12 � inch .
(A tabulation is appended to these minutes ) . This led to a long d is -
cussioh as between using transmission main size and number of sprink �
ler heads as the basis for the benefit charge .
Hre. Berkey did not think the basis should be the number of
sprinkler heads , but an assessment based on front footage as in other
units in the Toipin . Ills position was that everyone should be assessed
for sprinkler heads or nobody rather than make an exception . Super
visor Schiryan said there is no specific location being assessed at
this time on the basis of sprinkler heads , but they are being asses ��
sed benefit based on frontage on a Town-owned main . lie explainer ,
however , that this main does not belong to the Town and it does not
fall in the same category and that is the reason, for amending the
benefit for this particular use .
Councilman T?cElwee suggested that should the sprinkler head
method of assessing benefit be revised , this particular Cornell Uni -
versity location should come under the uniform method adopted ( wha.t -
ever it is ) . The Board was in agreement on this .
No other persons wishing to be heard , the Supervisor closed
the hearing , and the Board acted as f_ ollows .n
Motion by Councilman Desch ; seconded by Supervisor Schwan ,
St?_LEO , that this Board hereby
y grants permission to Cornell Uni -
ve= city to connect to the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Wate:x
Ovstem ( Bolton Point ) transmission main in order to furnish water
an eiergency sprinkler system for the new library storage build
-g which it is now constructing , and further RESOLVES that the Town
=' f T_ tnaca water and sewer benefit formula is amended as follows
C!There separate sprinkler service connections are made to
the ToTiyn water system , the benefit charge ir,7ill be as follows ;
One unit for every 10 sprinkler heads installed ,
Plus one unit each for each Siamese connection and
each standpipe outlet .
In the event such requests are made for connection
to the transmission system within the TOrfyn of Ithaca ,
consideration will be given by the To�-m to such re "�
guest only after formal approval by the Southern
Cayuga Lake Intermunicinal Water Commission ,
The foregoing charge, is walved where slomestic
service is Pruvi red to the same building ,
Town Board Minutes m 9 - December 13 , 1977
it being further understood that should this formula lie, re °
vised in the future A this building o�6med by Cornell University
will be charged for water benefit in conformity_ with the formula
in use for the rest of the Town of Ithaca .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperqer , Powers , t -1cElwee , Desch , Valentino anJ
Schwan voting Aye . Nays . none )
PUBLIC HEARING - WATEL'. AND SE` IER
ASSESSMENT REFUNDS IN CERTAIN CASES
Proof of posting and publication of notice of public nearing
having been presented by the Tocsin Clerk , the Supervisor opened the
hearing . He then read the proposed law , to be known as o. `° RrM°IDS .
SEt*7ER AND WATER BENEFIT ASSESSMENTS IN CEIATAIN CASTS C
After the reading , Councilman .AcElwee asked what would
happen if the occupants did work in lieu of rent payments ( referring
to the no rental income provision of the law ) . Supervisor Schwan
pointed out the difficulty of writing a law which does not have a loop -
hole if people wish to use it . Howes ver ; he recommended adoption of
this law at this time . He noted that the ?utter has been before the
Board for over a year . The consensus of the Board appeared to be
that this law ought to be adopted , at least on a trial basis . Should
it generate too much administrative effort or an inordinate number
of requests , the Board could consider rescinding it .
There was brief discussion of whether retroactive refunds
could be made to persons who have heretofore applied for a refund
based on the apartment being occupied by a family member . It was
agreed that refunds should not be retroactive , but should only be
available after the adoption of the law .
No other persons wishing to be heard , the Board acted as fo1
lowso
Motion by Councilwoman Raffenspergerl seconded by Councilman Powers ,
RESOLVED ,
This law shall be known as * " REFUNDS . SE 1ECR AND WAITER BENEFIT
.ASSESS11ENTS IN CERTAIN CAST' S . "
Section 1 . Findings and Purpose . A method of raising funds
for the payment of Town eater and sewer improvements includes the
levying of sewer and water benefit assessments according to the num-
ber of dwelling units in a structure . An apartment in a one - family
hone is deemed to be a separate dwelling unit . Hocry ever , there are a
D .imber of dwelling structures in the Town in which the main portion
of the dwelling and an apartment or other separate dwelling unit
therein are occupied by members of the same family . It is the in �
to:� tion of this law to make an equitable adjustment in the assessment
of such benefit charges where such dwelling unit is occupied by mezm �
�e s of the same family as herein defined .
Section 2e UThen ( i ) a structure which is used exclusively
for residential purposes as a one or tsrto �-- family dwelling contains an
apartment or other separate dwelling unit which is deeme=d a separate
unit for the purposes of levying special benefit assessments for Town
water and sewer improvements5 and ( ii ) such apartment or separate
unit is occupied by one or more persons related to the occupants of
the main part of the dwelling structure as parent , brother , sister ,
child , grandchild , uncle , aunt , cousin of the first degree or the
spouse of such persons , and ( iii ) no rent income or other Palmlent is
received from the occupants of the apartment or separate dwelling
unit for the use thereof , and ( iv ) the dwelling structure is owned
/6
Town Board minutes 10 December 13 , 1977
by one or more of the occupants of the main part or such structure ,
then any such special benefit assessment levied for such apartment
or other special assessment as a separate unit shall be refunded in
accordance with the following provisions ;
A . At any time after he has paid the 'down and County tax
bill issued in January of each year , but ;-prior to March 1 of such
year , the owner of such dwelling may apply for refund of the amount
of the special benefit assessment levied because of a separate unit
or apartment in such dwelling .
B . Such application , duly executed and sworn to by the owner
shall contain a statement that , as of January 1 of that year and as
of the date of such application , the dwelling and dwelling unit were
and are occupied aS hereinabove stated and shall contain such other
statements as are deemed necessary by the Town to determine ^ ligibi11"
ty of the applicant for such refund .
C . The Town Clerk shall deliver such application to the
Town Supervisor ( or other person designated for such purpose ) to -
gether with any report he may wish to make , for submission to the
Town Board ,
Do If the ''own Board shall approve such application , it
shall direct the Town Clerk to refund the amount , *,with no interest ,
equivalent to the special benefit assessment attributed to such apart -
ment or separate unit . No such refund shall be deliverers to the
owner unless he signs a receipt which may include a statement that
there has been no change in status of the use of , or the income d. e °
rived from , the apartment or separate dwelling unit , which would make
him ineligible to receive the refund .
E . Any application for such refund by an eligible owner must
be made annually and any such eligibility must be established annual-
ly .
' . If , after such refund is received , ( i ) such apartment is
occupied by someone other than a person related to the owner as des -
cribed in Section 2 ( ii ) , above , or ( ii ) rent income or other payment
is received by the owner from the occupant of the apartment for the
use thereof , such owner is required , within 30 days thereafter , to
notify the Town Clerk , in writing , of the change in status of the
apartment and shall promptly pay to the Town Clerk the special benem
fit assessment previously refunded to him .
G . If the owner fails to pay to the Town , oTithin 30 days
after written notice by the ToTv7n Clerk , the amount of the refund he
previously received , such amount ; together with a penalty of ten per -
:vent ( 10 % ) of the amount due , and interest at eight and a half ( 8 - 1 / 2 %
percent per annum shall be added , as a separate item to the Town tax
bill of such owner levied thereafter ( the Jaruary Tocryn and County
Tax bill ) , and collected as part of such tax bill .
L.H . Any person who makes a false statement under any prow
visions of this law or fails to notify the Town of any change as re -
quired by this subdivision , shall be subject to criminal prosecution
for perjury pursuant to the provisions of the penal Lana of the State
of NeTa York , and shall be guilty o :f a violation .
I . Any person , duly authorized by the Town , upon identifica�4
tion of himself and a ,declaration of his purpose , shall 11ave the
right , on five days ' notice , to examine the owner an& his records ,
and to enter upon and inspect the premises , and to inquire into the
use and rental status of the apartment . The refusal of the owner
or his duly authoriezed representative , or of any occupant , to permit
any inspection or eXaraination in accordance with the above , shall be
deemed to be a violation .
17
Town Board klinutes A 11 December 13 , 1977
J . Each application shall be kept in a separate file , to�
gether with a record of the disposition of such request .
K . The penalty for each violation of this law shall be a
fine in an amount not to exceed $ 50 . 00 .
L . This law shall take effect immediately .
( Del Rosso , Raffensper_ ger , Powers , McElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Aye . Plays none )
REQUEST FOR RESOLUTION FOR
RAIL- HIGHWAY G3ATJE CROSSI11G PROGILkNI
Supervisor Schwan read letter dated November 21 , 1977 from
the Department of Transportation requesting that the ToiAm of Ithaca
adopt a resolution agreeing to permit the Department of Transporta-
tion to construct a Federal Aid Rail ° Highway Crossing Program Pro �iect
on the highways , streets , and roads of the Town of Ithaca . mhe DOS'
furnished a sample resolution for the Town ' s use . Since the Board
was unfamiliar with this project , it was agreed that the matter s}.►ou: la.
be put on the agenda for December 30 , to give the Board and the SuperO
visor an opportunity to study the matter further .
REPORTS OF TOTZ71 OFFICIALS
Town Engineer
Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Town is about ready to sub-
mit application to FDAA for the flood money the Town spent . The
paper work has been completed by Mr . Ocello .
Per . Fabbroni reported he had prepared the specification for
the salt storage building and has given this to Councilman McElwee
and Councilman Desch . He said he is prepared to put this out to bid
as soon as he has a consensus from the Board in this matter . He
hoped the decision on this would be made on December 30th or January
9th , 1978 .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that Barbara Restaino , Planner , is
attempting to work with the School District , Mr . Banner and Mr . But °
ler and himself with a view toward the drafting of a maintenance
agreement for the DeWitt Jr . High School Recreation Site . It is
hoped that the Board will be able to review that draft and come to
i conclusion on both the funding and maintenance aspects by PRay 1 .
he said they would shoot for February 1 and hope to complete it by
Tray 1 so that an application can be submitted to the Bureau of Out
door Recreation .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that Mrs . Restaino is reviewing the
requirements for enacting legislation ( SEQR) for permit Projects im
the Town . The SEQR Act has been amended several times ancd the new
guidelines will not be available until February or rlarch . At the
moment it is a confusing state of affairs . ! then the new guidelines
are available , Mrs . Restaino will make a report to the Board .
P1r . Fabbroni reported thwt.- the Town has submitted projects
to the County under the State Safer- Off Syste).n , one for filling in
the ditch on Snyder Frill Road ( $ 1A . 700 of which 700 will be reimburs �
ed by the State ) ; and the other a guard rail project on Sand Bank
Road ( $ 18 , 000 of which 70 % will be reimbijrsed by the State ) . The
l �
Town Board minutes -- 12 9 December 13 , 1977
remaining 30 % will be paid by the Town : however , this will be for
the most part in kind - - highway department labor and materials . The
County has approved the projects which are now being reviewed by the
State . Mr . Fabbroni said there should not be too much tire involved
from a paper work standpoint .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that he had issued permits for one
1 - family dwelling , 5 additions in November of 1977 for a total of
$ 68 , 817 as compared to three accessory buildings in November of 1976
for a total of $ 19 , 200 . He said that temporarily there will be an
increase in permits for accessory buildings as a result of Mr . Don -
nell ' s surveillance programo therefore , next month will be atypical .
Highway Superintendent
Mr . Parkin reported on thy. number of days of cindering and
plowingD reported that the Highway Department has been salting , anc!
has been repairing guard railse has staked all signs in the Town
cleaning ditches whenever possible ° cut brush , patched roads ( when
not snowing ) r dick rhinor repairs to shoulders of roadwayso shaped up
the end of Pennsylvania Avenue to correct water problem there ; braced
the heaters in the Town highway facility , installed a culverts and
put up signs , as in the school crossing in the Northeast ( as request °
ed by Mr . Berkey )
Mir . Parkin reported that the radios have not come in yet but
they have been shippeds they expect to receive them this week or next .
'Planning Board Chairwoman
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner reported that on December 12 the Planning
Board appointed two people to the Park Committee , James Baker and
Pat Mackesey . They are postponing nominating Town representatives
to the County Planning Board until January .
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner reported that the Planning Board had
listened to the request of Mro _ William Tompkins of horse Chain Comt
pany for an emergency bark -up liquid propane system to be used only
if natural gas is not available .
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner reported that at the Planning Board
meeting of DecemberQ
,,1977 they had a public hearing to consider
proposed rezoning from Business " C " to Business " D " , Tax Parcel No .
6 ° 62 , 201 . 121 a East Hill Plaza , for relocation of a nhoto - kiosk and
development of a self - service gas island . This proposal was presen -
ted by Mr . Steuart Nnowlton of Groff Associates . She said public
in - put was generally r..ectative , citing increase in traffic and no need
for either facility . She said the development was rejected by way
Of' two negative votes , two positive votes and t4•ro abstentions . She
' this vote is no ` binding . I . appears there is another proposal
:; .n v iw for rile same location w i
which should be heard before a decsi_or,
,. Mack
de t fr �
" rs . Bronfenbrenner reported that )Hr . Evan. Monke_TMteyer made
a proposal for rezoning of 30 acres of land presently zoned R- 9 , R- 30 ;
and Business z' C ` , to a new Business " F " Commercial District , `fax
Parcel ?o , 6 - 43 - R - 3 . 2 , on Danbv and ring Roards . The new proposed
Business " F " zone would. encompass commercial and residential mli
She reported that .4r_ . Flonhemeyer also requested consideratio;
of rezoning approximately 31 acres from T., 0 to R° 15 as part of a
clus3tr-� rdevelopment proposal , TaX Parcel No . 6 . 4. 2 - 1 - 13 . 2 ,> Danby Road
adjacent to Ithaca College land .
iq
Town Board Minutes - 13 - December 13 , 1977
Pars . Bronfenbrenner noted the Planning Board on Decezber 'W / Z.,
1977 held public hearings on both these Monkemeyer proposals . She
noted that the Planning Board had approved the specific commercial
uses proposed? by Mr . Monheineyer in the mixed commercial and resitden-
tial zone as proposed .
Councilman Desch recommended that the Town 2ttorney and the
newly constituted Codes and Ordinances Committee review the substance
of the 114onkemeyer proposals and report to the Board at the January
9th meeting as to the appropriateness of setting a public hearing
for the February meeting . A rezoning might be accomplished at thQ
March meeting if all is in order . Site plan approval by both the
Planning Board and the Town Board might move final approval , if given ;
into April . There would still be sufficient time to get started into
the construction season . It was agreed the Codes and Ordinances
Committee would report on the Monkemeyer proposals at the meeting on
January 9 , 19780
Town Supervisor
Supervisor Schwan recdmmended that with respect to the 5 - area
sewer project the Tara should ( 1 ) sell bonds with all due haste , and
( 2 ) sell 20 - year bonds ( not 30 - year bonds ) .
TOTilRJI OF ITHACA Tj.NR.RAj'. S
FZotion by Councilman Powers , seconded by Supervisor Schwan ,
RESOLVTED , that the Town of Ithaca warrants dated December 13 , 1977
in the following amounts be apprbved �
General Fund . o . . . . . $ 22 , 565 . 06
Highway Fund . . . . . . . . : . 22 , 777923
11ater and Sewer Fund . . . . . 144 , 373 . 54
( 'gel Rosso , Ra .ffensperger , Powers , Mcrlwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting Aye . ?Nays -- none )
BOLTON POIi?T WARRMTS
Motion by Supervisor Schwan ; seconded by Councilman Desch ,
RESOLVED , that Bolton Point Warrants dated December 13 , 1977 , upon
recomriend3ation of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Tlater
Cora•1aisslon that they are in order for payment , and upon review by
the ToTf,r. Board of the Town of Ithaca , are hereby approved in the
amount of $ 16 , 943 , 16 in the Operating Account and in the amount of:
6e .14 ; 043 . 68 in the Construction Account .
( Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Powers , McElwee , Desch , Valentino and
Schwan voting stye . Nays - none )
ADD^%`?')UST `f" O BID DOCM-1ENTS ON :) -AREA SET;rjR PROTECT
Town Attorney Buyoucos reported he had prepared an addenduytz
to the contract for the construction of the five - area server project
in the To,/-7n of Ithaca , which addendum he forwarded to Lozler Engi -
neers , Inc . for their review . He said cozier Engineers . Inc . would
review it and consult iwith the EPA on it . The Board discussed this
develor>ment at some length , and. at last it was recommended that the
Town Engineer and Councilman McElwee review the adc? endlum , discuss
it with the TnT:vn Attorne r , and report back to the Board'=, at the most
appropriate time .
� v
Town Board A3inutes _ 14 December 13 , 1977
FEDERAL MT I ° RECESSION 41TI DS
Supervisor Sch�7an reported that Federal Anti � '�ocession f,ands
are available to the Town . He sail it was his preliminary recomnendaa,
tion that the Town should obligate at least three o _f. the Federal Anti
Recession funds checks which the Town has received to salaries and
fringe benefits for the calendar year 1977 ° He said , however , he
would study the matter further and rake a report at the neXt meeting
of the Board
ADJOURNI4E T
The meeting was duly adjourned at 9o40 p . m. sine die .
Edward L e Bergen
Town Clerk
Onondaga American Water Town of
Main Size Erie Wate Supply Service - Pittsburgh Cortland -
ville
4 " $ 216 130 189 - -
6 " 396 262 426 360
8 " 648 435 759 480
10 " 900 650 1186 - -
12 " 1200 - - 1708 - -