HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1978-06-12 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
June 12 , 1978 - 5 : 15 p . m .
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins
County , New York , held at the Town of Ithaca Offices at 126 East
Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , on the 12th day of June , 1978 , at
5 * 15 p . m . , there were
PRESENT . Noel Desch , Supervisor
Andrew W . McElwee , Councilman
Victor Del Rosso , Councilman
Robert N . Powers , Councilman
Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman
Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
Gust L . Freeman , Councilman
ALSO
PRESENT . James V . Buyoucos , Town Attorney
Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Town Engineer/Building Inspector
Robert Bonnell , Assistant to Town Engineer
Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent
L' iese Bronfenbrenner , Planning Board Chairwoman
Barbara Z . Restaino , Town Planner
Beverly Livesay , County Representative
Kevin Rorke , American Television & Communications
Corporation
C . Susan Clarke , Director , County Office for
the Aging , 225 S . Fulton Street
Dorothy Spencer , Director , Tompkins County Senior
Citizens Council , 416 Klinewoods Road
John Vasse , Realtor
Nick Copanas , CCO Equipment Co . , Inc . , Syracuse ,
New York
Robert S . Boothroyd , Jr . , ( Boothroyd Insurance )
Dr . and Mrs . Frederick Beck , 906 Danby Road
Philip P . Allan , 251 Culver Road
John B . Babcock , 600 Cayuga Heights Road
Nancy K . Babcock , 600 Cayuga Heights Road
Jeanne L . Babcock , 600 Cayuga Heights Road
Arthur L . Berkey , 128 Christopher Circle
Richard Berggren , 119 Williams Glen Road
Genevieve Bossack , Ellis Hollow Apartments
Richard Bowlsby , 115 Vera Circle
Arthur Bratton , 11 Stonehaven Drive
Esther Bratton , 11 Stonehaven Drive
Winona Brooks , 1028 Ellis Hollow Apartments ( 127D )
Barbara B . Butler , 109 Coy Glen Road
Reginald M . Butler , 109 Coy Glen Road
D . E . Cullin , 134 Pine Tree Road
H . M . DeGraff , 122 West Haven Road
Essma J *. Davis , 117 Coy Glen Road
Stan Greene , 720 Elm Street
Dawn Greene , 720 Elm Street
Evelyn Green , 204 Glenside Road
Gerald Green , 204 Glenside Road
Rose K . Goldsen , 770 Elm Street Extension
Richard Griffen , 146 Seven Mile Drive
Barbara Hiaasen , 100 Fairview Square
Louise Hertz , 250 Culver Road
Peter Hess , 766 Elm Street Extension
John Hilton , 132 W . Haven Road
Gerald Hubble , 350 Bostwick Road
Dr . Arthur Kraut , 635 Elm Street Extension
Noemi Kraut , 635 Elm Street ' Extension
Eldon Kenworthy , 772 Elm Street Extension
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Town Board Minutes - 2 June 12 , 1978
William Lower , 433 Floral Avenue
Chester C . Morgan , 108 Valley View Road
Selma Mahool , 102 West Haven Road
Patricia L . Page , 772 Elm Street Extension
Stephen Pete , 860 Elm Street
Wanda Pete , 860 Elm Street
Stan Podufalski , 613 West Buffalo Street
Carol Ridall , 172 Seven Mile Drive
Samuel Tripodi , 567 Elm Street
Harriett E . Tucker , 116 Valley View Road
Adolph Turco , 200 Glenside Road
Betty Turco , 200 Glenside Road
Norma Stevenson , 115 West Haven Road
Helen Wallis , 772 Elm Street Extension
Lois Watson , 710 Stewart Avenue
Sarah Wessels , 770 Elm Street Extension
George Wolga , 324 Snyder Hill Road
Manning E . Woolley , 133 Glenside Road
Marian S . Woolley , 133 Glenside Road
Representatives of the Media :
Kathy Kaplan , WHCU
Bob Lynch , WTKO
Philip Lerman , Ithaca Journal
REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Town Supervisor
Board meetings held at locations outside the Town Hall .
There is no indication to date that such meetings are better
attended than meetings at the Town Offices .
BAN Borrowing . The Town of Ithaca has borrowed $ 500 , 000
on Bond Anticipation Notes for the five- area sewer project , a one
year note at an interest rate of 5 . 90 . Of this amount , $ 450 , 000
has been deposited in 60 - day Certificates of Deposit at 6 . 7 % inter -
est , so that the Town is in an advantageous position on interest
spread for short- term borrowing .
Town Newsletter . The second quarterly Town Newsletter
has gone out , and responses have been received with regard to
vacancies on the County Youth Bureau , County Economic Advisory
Committee , and Town Parks Committee .
Town Engineer/Building Inspector
Building violations . Mr . Fabbroni reported there are a
number of these under study .
Five - area Sewer Project . Mr . Fabbroni reported that con -
tracts for the sewer project were signed on May 24 , 1978 ; that a
pre - construction meeting was held on June 1 , which was well attended
by representatives of utility companites , fire companies , public
agencies , environmental organizations . The contractor has begun
construction in the field . The project will be completed by Thanks -
giving in the estimation of the contractor , with the exception of
clean- up work . The construction will start in the Coddington Road
and Elm Street areas and then move on to Glenside and Slaterville
Road , and finish in Forest Home . The contractor expects to be in
Forest Home sometime in August ( 1978 ) .
/ oaf
Town Board Minutes - 3 - June 12 , 1978
Christopher Circle Tank . Mr . Fabbroni reported that bids
will be received on the painting of the Christopher Circle Tank on
Thursday , June 15 , 1978 .
Judd Falls Water Line . May be completed by meeting time
next month .
Salt Storage Shed . Bids will be received in July with
tentative completion by September .
Eastern Heights Drainage . Work is being done on Eastern
Heights drainage problem ( which had been put off for some time ) .
Snyder Hill Storm Sewer and Sandbank Road Guardrail . Have
not yet received word from the Federal government . These projects
have been approved at the State level . Approval from the Federal
government is expected at any time .
Upgrading of City of Ithaca Sewer Plant . Stearns & Wheler ,
consultants for the City of Ithaca on this project have asked the
Town of Ithaca to develop information on population in certain areas ,
areas of potential growth . The Town is concerned that the forecast
of growth is reasonable so that sufficient capacity is constructed
so that unnecessary spare capacity is not constructed .
Northview Road West Park . Another project the Town will
be working on this summer .
Zoning Ordinance . The Planning staff is working with the
Codes and Ordinances Committee on this project . The Town has also
hired summer help to aid Barbara Restaino in this work .
Route 96 . The Route 96 Committee met with Mayor Conley .
There is a meeting tonight ( June 12 ) with the County and they ( the
County ) expect to have a recommendation for Common Council on three
or four alternatives that the State should pursue within the month .
( Supervisor Desch read letter dated June 12 , 1978 from
Councilwoman Raffensperger to Mr . Frank R . Liguori ,
Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , indicating
the Town ' s disappointment in finding that the June County
Planning Board meeting has been re - scheduled to coincide
with the regular monthly meeting of the Town of Ithaca
Board , which makes it impossible for the Town of Ithaca
to be represented . Therefore , Councilwoman Raffensperger
conveyed by this letter the Town of Ithaca ' s basic posi -
tion on the draft resolution to be considered by the
County Planning Board , that is , the Town ' s basic agreement
with those sections of the resolution headed 1 , 2 , and 3 ,
with particular emphasis given to the desirability of a
grade separated railroad crossing ; and dissent from section
4 ; " Route 96 alignments utilizing corridors north of Seneca
Street )
Highway Superintendent
Maintenance . Routine maintenance for the preceding month .
Answering Service . Mr . Parkin reported that he had looked
into the matter of answering service equipment . He had looked at
several styles . With one it is necessary to turn the equipment on
when leaving the highway facility ( $ 150 ) . There is another type
which will answer the telephone after a certain number or rings
( $ 500 ) . Mr . Parkin recommended the second type of equipment . He
said this equipment could be supplemented with remote retrieval , but
at added expense . It was agreed that Mr . Fabbroni and Mr . Parkin _ .
should work out the details , but that definitely highway department
personnel cannot be expected to be sitting around waiting for tele -
phone calls . Therefore , answering service equipment is a necessity
so that the Townspeople may have a response to their calls .
� a s '
Town Board Minutes - 4 - June 12 , 1978
Planning Board Chairwoman
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner reported the following actions of the
Town Planning Board on May 16th and June 6th .
( 1 ) Approved in two subdivision hearings the division
of 2 . 47 acre parcel , part of Tax Parcel 6 - 66 - 3 - 3 at 127 Warren
Road into two lots . Presented by Larry Fabbroni . No changes in
access and drainage are envisioned .
( 2 ) Gave final subdivision approval in two hearings to
lots 4 , 5 , 6 and 10 and preliminary approval to lots 7 , 8 , and 9
in Tax Parcel 6 - 37 - 1 - 20 . 2 , 20 . 5 , 20 . 6 , 20 . 7 , 20 . 9 , and 20 . 10 at
1132 Danby Road . Exact park land to be determined . The developer ' s
( Anthony L . Leonardo ) father set aside three acres of undeveloped
land for park use . Could give up to 10 acres .
( 3 ) Recommended to the Town Board approval of a site
plan presented by the Tompkins County Professional Building
Corporation to extend the Professional Building at 1301 Trumans -
burg Road , Tax Parcel 6 - 24 - 3 - 4 . The abandoned Brooks building is
to be enlarged 14 ft . along both outside walls to accommodate en -
larged office space . Four parking spaces will be lost ( more re -
quired by pharmacy than medical facility ) .
( 4 ) Approved a modification to final subdivision plan
for DeForest Park Subdivision on DuBois Road , Rumsey Ithaca Corp .
Tax Parcel 6 - 22 - 2 - 2 . 2 . The request was for a re - alignment of lot
lines and the elimination of the proposed access to the medical
offices , Chandler Road . The medical offices will not be constructed
and the area will remain residential . Approval was conditional on
original conditions .
( 5 ) Recommended to the Town Board site plan approval of
additional building space on Therm , Inc . lands , Tax Parcel 6 - 54 - 2 - 1 .
This will be a cement block and steel 80 ft . by 80 ft . addition , an
approved use .
( 6 ) Was unable to act on a request by John MacLean to re -
zone from Agricultural to Multi - family a portion of Tax Parcel
6 - 24 - 1 - 41 . 2 on Hayts Road and also to review the site plan for
a ten unit apartment building on 5 . 4 acres of this site . One member
of the Planning Board excused himself because of a conflict of
interest and the Board no longer had a quorum . The Board did hold
a discussion with the many neighbors , who had appeared for the pub -
lic hearing . This was , of course , off the record . Feelings about
the proposed project were generally negative because of existing
sewer and water and drainage problems in the area .
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner reported that they do not know at
this time if a new member has to be appointed to the Planning Board .
Mr . Mackesey will retain property on Coddington Road and reside in
the Village of Cayuga Heights . He has asked Mr . Buyoucos for a ruling
on his status .
Town Attorney
Mr . Buyoucos requested that this meeting when concluded
be adjourned to another date for the discussion of certain matters .
Mr . Buyoucos raised again the question of site plan approval
- - whether it should rest solely with the Planning Board or with the
Town Board . Supervisor Desch pointed to the excellent record of the
Planning Board in handling such matters and questioned whether the
Town Board , apart from exceptional cases , should become involved in
final site plan approval . He said the Town Board ' s chief role should
be in the area of re - zoning .
Town Board Minutes - 5 - June 12 , 1978
FOUR- WHEEL LOADER
Supervisor Desch , at the request of Mr . Nick Copanas ,
Sales Representative for CCO Equipment , Inc . , one of the three
bidders on the four-wheel loader for the Highway Department , read
CCO ' s letter dated June 12 , 1978 . In the letter Mr . Copanas states ,
" After extensive research by our legal and accounting staff , it has
been determined that the Town of Ithaca can save a considerabel amount
of interest by obtaining municipal bonds at the current rate of 5 - 1 / 4 % .
The cost of municipal bonds would be $ 8 , 768 . 00 , which added to our
bid purchase price of $ 20 , 600 . 00 , would equal a total cost of $ 29 , 368 . 00
which computes to $ 429 . 47 per month . This results in a savings of
$ 6 , 446 . 00 to the taxpayers of the Town of Ithaca . " The final para -
graph of the letter reads , " In summary , we feel that it is to the best
interest to the people and the taxpayers of the . Town of Ithaca to
award the bid to C . C . O . Equipment , Inc . on the purchase option .
Trusting this meets with your approval . . . it
Supervisor Desch thanked Mr . Copanas for submitting the
letter . He said , however , that the Town Board will not take action
on this matter at this meeting . He stated that CCO and Syracuse
Supply would both be notified when a meeting will be held at which
a decision in this matter will be made .
REPORTS OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES
Mrs . Livesay reported that at the next meeting of the
County Board of Representatives they will conduct a public hearing
on the SEQRA ( State Environmental Quality Review Act ) . The hearing
will begin at 9 : 00 A . M . on June 26 , 1978 . Public in -put will be
received for about an hour , the Board will be limited then to a
half - hour , and then the hearing will be postponed to a later time .
Mrs . Livesay reported that the Social Services Committee
is in the midst of trying to up - grade the staff of the Human Rights
Commission . She said the number of cases is increasing .
Mrs . Livesay reported that the members of the Board of
Representatives had a tour of the Hospital . She said if members
of the Town Board are interested in such a tour , they should con -
tact Mr . Elmer Phillips who is the " Tour Director " .
The Budget and Administration Committee has reported out
the proposed new charter and code . Town Board members could receive
a copy of this document from Mr . John Murphy , Tompkins County Budget
Officer . She said in due course there will be a public hearing on
this matter , in all probability . It is unclear at this time what
the legal requirements are . Mrs . Livesay felt it would require a
public hearing at the very least and possibly •a referendum , either
permissive or mandatory .
Mrs . Livesay inquired whether there had been any noticeable
improvement in enforcement since the County has had an additional
sheriff . There did not appear to be any clear cut response to this
question .
Mrs . Livesay reported that the Legislative Committee will
be looking into the matter of the Six Mile Creek on Wednesday , June
14 , 1978 . Supervisor Desch noted this matter is on the agenda of
the present Town Board meeting .
/ 07
Town Board Minutes - 6 - June 12 , 1978
APPOINTMENTS
Supervisor Desch reported that the resolution originally
adopted with regard to the employment of Barbara Z . Restaino and
Michael Ocello was not complete in terms of compliance with Civil
Service requirements . The Board , therefore , acted as _follows .
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers ,
WHEREAS , the Town Board received sixteen applications for
the part - time positions of Planner and Engineer ' s Assistant , and
WHEREAS , the Town Engineer reviewed the six top candidates
with the Town Board , and
WHEREAS , three candidates were interviewed by the Town Board ,
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED :
That Barbara Zimmerman Restaino be hired as a part - time
Planner and that Michael Ocello be hired as a part - time Assistant
to the Town Engineer at the hourly rate of $ 5 . 50 per hour each ; such
appointments to be in effect hereafter and having been in effect
since December 1 , 1977 , by agreement of this body but without a
formal resolution about same on November 10 , 1977 .
( Desch , Powers , Raffensperger , Valentino , Del Rosso , McElwee , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
It appearing there is no legal impediment to Mr . Mackesey
continuing as a member of the Town Planning Board , Supervisor Desch
noted that the Town Board is pleased that Mr . Mackesey will continue
to serve .
Supervisor Desch pointed out that the Town Board has not
yet adopted a formal resolution regarding the employment of Sally
Alario as Account Clerk/Typist . Therefore the Board acted as fol -
lows :
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca received several applications
for the position of Account Clerk/Typist , which position was developed
in concert with the County Personnel Department , and
WHEREAS , the Town Board by previous resolution dated May 8 ,
1978 established a salary of $ 7 , 250 . 00 for this position ,
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED :
That Sally Alario be appointed to the position of Account
Clerk/Typist effective retroactively to June 5 , 1978 .
(Desch , Freeman , Powers , Raffensperger , Valentino , McElwee , and
Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none )
DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLIC ELECTION INSPECTORS
The Town Clerk presented for review by members of the Town
Board lists of Democrat and Republican Election Inspectors furnished
by the respective political parties . Appointment of such election
inspectors , under the recodified New York State Election Law , shall
be made by boards of elections . The Tompkins County Board of Elec -
tions , however , recommends that such lists should be confirmed by
Town Boards .
Town Board Minutes - 7 - June 12 , 1978
Motion by Councilman McElwee ; seconded by Councilman Powers ,
RESOLVED , that the lists of Democrat and Republican Election In -
spectors for the period July 1 , 1978 through June 30 , 1979 , fur -
nished and recommended by the respective party chairmen , and approved
by the Tompkins County Board of Elections , are hereby confirmed and
accepted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca .
( McElwee , Powers , Desch , Valentino , Raffensperger , Freeman , and
Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none )
( The lists are appended to these minutes . )
SIX MILE CREEK STUDY PROPOSAL
Supervisor Desch recalled that two years ago a localized
storm in the Six Mile Creek watershed did a tremendous amount of
property damage through the Caroline area . He said most of the
erosion is now situate in the middle of the City main reservoir .
There is a proposal now to control further erosion and prevent
further property damage .
Motion by Councilman McElwee ; seconded by Councilman Freeman ,
WHEREAS , the Tompkins County Environmental Management
Council has proposed a study of Six Mile Creek that would focus
on the problems experienced in Caroline , Slaterville , and Brookton -
dale , and
WHEREAS , the study that is proposed has the potential of
benefitting the Town of Ithaca by reducing the danger of overflow
of the Burns Road siltation pond with the resultant reduced flood -
ing of Burns Road , and
WHEREAS , the Town is not being asked to participate in
funding the proposed study , although there is a potential bene -
fit to the Town in the possible reduction of flooding of Burns
Road and possible reduction of silt in the water supply furnished
by the City to West Hill ,
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED °
That the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca endorses the
proposal for a study of Six Mile Creek with funding to be requested
from the U . S . D . A . South Central Resource Conservation and Develop -
ment Project , and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED .
That copies of this resolution be sent to the City of Ithaca ,
Dryden Town Board , the Caroline Town Board , and the Tompkins County
Environmental Management Council .
( Desch , McElwee , Powers , Del Rosso , Valentino , Raffensperger , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
ACCEPTANCE OF PHEASANT LANE AND DOVE DRIVE
Supervisor Desch noted that this is related to the Hilker
development uphill from Snyder Hill Road . Mr . Fabbroni reported
that this represents 1100 feet of road , that a performance bond
was received and subsequently released , but that the Town never
formally accepted the roads by resolution ; that he has examined
the deed and certain corrections have been made . He noted that
it is important to accept these roads formally at this meeting or
they will not be on the list of approved roads for State Aid re -
imbursement for next year . Mr . Fabbroni recommended that these
roads be accepted subject to approval of the deed by the Town Attorney .
Town Board Minutes 8 - June 12 , 1978
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers ,
RESOLVED , that Dove Drive and Pheasant Lane have by resolution
of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca on June 12 , 1978 been
accepted as Town roads , and that a change in road mileage has
been effected as follows :
a
Dove Drive - 910 ' _ . 17 miles
Pheasant Lane - 580 ' _ . 11 miles
and that this resolution with respect to the accepted Town roads
has been made for the purpose of establishing the fact that these
roads are eligible to receive State Aid funds .
(McElwee , Desch , Raffensperger , Powers , Valentino , Del Rosso , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
NORTHEAST TRANSIT COMMISSION REPORT
Councilman Freeman reported that the Commission has been
meeting since February , that three routing plans have been developed
using the City of Ithaca Transit System vehicle . Plan III is the
recommended one for a trial run and could be expanded . A copy of
the three plans is attached to these minutes . The Town of Ithaca
share for 1978 would be approximately $ 2 , 500 and for the full year
of 1979 it could be as much as $ 7 , 500 . This would be set up by a
contract between all the participants .
Discussion indicated that the Board might be ready for a
public information meeting on this matter in July . Mr . Fabbroni
thought the costs and other details could be refined by that time .
Councilman Del Rosso asked whether the system would ever become
self - sustaining or reach the " break even " point . The general feel -
ing on the Board was that this was not likely , certainly not in the
first few years .
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Freeman ,
RESOLVED , that this Town Board will conduct a public hearing on
July 10 , 1978 at 7 : 00 p . m . to consider a plan to provide a bus
service from the downtown Ithaca area to Cayuga Heights , Cornell
University , Northeast Ithaca , Village of Lansing , and the shopping
centers and apartment complexes in the area , and return .
( Freeman , Desch , McElwee , Raffensperger , Powers , Valentino , and
Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none )
Councilman Del Rosso stated that there should be , prior
to the public hearing , a report to the Town Board members with
pertinent numbers included , that is , the number of residents who
would be served in relation to the total population of the Town of
Ithaca and what is involved in terms of dollars . If the taxpayers
will be paying for the service , they should know what they are faced
with .
Supervisor Desch said that a story will be published in
the Ithaca Journal prior to the July hearing .
SUMMARY OF NORTHEAST TRANSIT COMMISSION
REPORT ON PROPOSED BUS ROUTE FROM DOWNTOWN
TO ' THE NORTHEAST AND RETURN
The Northeast Transit Commission , after five months , has
settled on an hourly route . This route will . serve shoppers as
well as workers using the route : Downtown Ithaca , Cayuga Heights ,
Cornell University , Northeast._=Ithaca , Village of Lansing the
shopping centers and apartment complexes .
The three plans use the City Transit System as the means
to get funding , accounting or bookkeeping services , as well as
management .
PLAN I
11 hours on week- days
8 hours on Saturday
Local cost estimated at $ 431000 . 00
PLAN II
8 hours on week-days
8 hours on Saturday
Local cost estimated at $ . 34 , 000 . 00
PLAN III
5 hours week -- days ( rush hours 7 - 10 A . M . and 4 - 6 P . M .
8 hours on Saturday
Local cost estimated at $ 221000 . 00
The Commission feels that Plan III would be the best
trial run and could be - expanded if needed . '
It appears that the Town share for 1978 would be approxi -
mately - $ 2 , 500 . 00 and for the full year of 1979 , it could be as much
as $ 7 , 500 . 00 .
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Town Board Minutes - 9 - June 12 , 1978
PUBLIC HEARING - 6 : 30 p . m .
Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hearing
to consider rezoning of lands on the northeast corner of Danby . and
Coddington Roads from R- 9 to Business " A " and to consider site plan
approval for an insurance office on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No .
40 - 4 - 2 , 829 Danby Road , owned by John and Alberta Vasse , was pre -
sented by the Town Clerk .
Supervisor Desch reported that the Planning Board has
recommended the rezoning of seven parcels in question from R- 9 to
Business " A " . He noted also that a variance has been required from
the Zoning Board of Appeal= s because of the size of the parcel . The
size falls below the normal size in a Business " A " zone . Supervisor
Desch read' from the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals in this
matter . He also read letter of Jonathan C . Meigs of the City of
Ithaca Planning & Development Board . The letter indicates that the
City of Ithaca has no significant reservations about the proposed
action , but requested that the Town Board take the potential traffic
problems into consideration , and that the Town make provisions to
control access and parking for permitted uses . A - copy .of .Mr . Meigs
letter is attached to these minutes .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that Dr . Beck has commented on this
matter and has voiced certain concerns about what he sees as some
negative aspects . On the other hand , he has said some favorable
things so that his in -put has been mixed . Supervisor Desch reported
that no negative responses from adjacent property owners has been
received in writing .
Mr . Fabbroni cautioned that it should be remembered that
the posted and published public hearing has to do with two separate
f items - - rezoning and site plan approval . The re - zoning has been
considered but site plan has not been considered until tonight .
There was consideration of the site plan at this point ,
having to to with the insurance office , and Mr . Vasse commented
on that . It appeared there were sufficient inponderables with
regard to the site plan for the insurance office , that this matter
was left for consideration at a later date .
After some further discussion of the rezoning , the Board .
acted as follows .
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
RESOLVED , that Town of Ithaca Tax Parcels 6 - 40 - 4 - 1 , - 2 , - 3 , - 4 ,
- 5 , - 6 , and - 7 at the intersection of Coddington Road and Danby
Road be rezoned from R- 9 to Business " A " use , subject to receipt
of and approval by the Town Board of a site plan which restricts
vehicular egress and ingress to Coddington Road only and further
provision for the termination of existing driveways to Danby Road .
( Desch , Freeman , McElwee , Del Rosso , Powers , Raffensperger , and
Valentino voting Aye . Nays - none )
REQUEST FOR REFUND - BARNS
Supervisor Desch reported that a request had been received
from George R . Barns for a refund on water bill for one of the
rental properties owned by him , 1040 East Shore Drive . It appeared
there was a leak in the meter . Mr . Ray Thomas , Bolton Point Clerk ,
by letter dated May 16 , 1978 stated that the circumstances presented
in Mr . Barns ' letter are correct and that his claim for a refund is
legitimate . He recommended a refund in the amount of $ 25 . 63 for
water plus $ 1 . 28 surcharge for a total refund of $ 26 . 91 .
Town- Board Minutes - 10 - June 12 , 1978
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers ,
RESOLVED , that refund in the amount of $ 25 . 63 for water and $ 1 . 28
for surcharge , or a total refund of $ 26 . 91 , be made to George R . Barns
for property location , ' 1040 East Shore Drive ( the amount of the dif -
ference between the April 1978 billing and the normal billing ) , based
on overbilling due to a leaking water meter .
( Del Rosso , McElwee , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , Desch , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
Supervisor Desch had commented during the discussion that
it was his judgment that the leak was caused by the changing of
the meter , but he noted also that the location of the incoming line
made it extremely difficult to install the meter , and that there were
extenuating circumstances on both sides . He felt , however , that in
the final analysis a . refund was justified .
PUBLIC HEARING - 7 : 00 p . m .
Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hearing
to consider site plan approval for additions to the former Brooks
Pharmacy portion of the Professional Building to be used for offices
by the Tompkins County Professional Building Corporation , having been
presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the hearing .
Mr . Fabbroni explained the proposal which involves site
plan approval for two additions to the former Brooks Pharmacy portion
of the Professional Building , to be used for offices by the Tompkins
County Professional Building Corporation ( Tax Parcel 6 - 24 - 3 - 4 , 1301
Trumansburg Road ) . A 14 foot addition on the southeast side of the
southwest corner is contemplated and a 16 foot addition is contemplated
on the south side of the west corner on what was formerly Brooks Phar -
macy and which is now proposed to be medical offices ( since Brooks
Pharmacy has closed ) .
Supervisor Desch stated that this proposal has been reviewed
by the Planning Board and they have recommended to the Town Board
its approval . The Planning Board attached no conditions to the
recommendation for approval . It complies with set back requirements
and lot line requirements . Supervisor Desch said that it has also
been established that the proposal will not interfere with the future
alignment of Route 96 .
No other persons wishing to be heard for or against the
proposal , the Supervisor closed the hearing , and the Board acted
as follows :
Motion by Councilman McElwee , seconded by Councilman Freeman ,
RESOLVED , that this Town Board hereby approves site plan , as presented ,
for two additions to the former Brooks Pharmacy portion of the Pro -
fessional Building , one approximately 14 ft . by 48 ft . and one approxi -
mately 16 ft . by 52 ft , to be used for offices by the Tompkins County
Professional Building Corporation , Tax Parcel 6 - 24 - 3 - 4 , 1301 Trumans -
burg Road .
( Desch , McElwee , Raffensperger , Powers , Valentino , Freeman , and
Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none )
Town Board Minutes - 11 - June 12 , 1978
OFFICE FOR THE AGING PROPOSAL
ON BEHALF OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY
SENIOR CITIZENS ' COUNCIL , INC .
Ms . C . Susan Clarke , Director , County Office for the Aging ,
made apresentation on behalf of the Tompkins County Senior Citizens '
Council , Inc . , a private non - profit corporation . Ms . Clarke asked
that the' Town of Ithaca authorize the establishment , operation and
maintenance of a recreation project for the elderly ( including social
and recreational activities , education activities , community service
projects , counseling , and other related services and activities ) .
This program would be implemented by the Tompkins County Senior Citi -
zens ' Council , Inc . Under this program the Town would give the Council
$ 4 , 000 . 00 and would be reimbursed by the State to the extent of half
of that amount . ( The Town would bill the State for $ 2 , 000 . 00 . ) The
period of the program and the contract term with the Council would be
July 1 , 1978 through June 30 , 1979 , Ms . Clarke furnished the Board
with material covering statistics on the population in the Town of
Ithaca 60 years of age or older ( those who would be served by this
program ) in relation to the total population of the Town . She des -
cribed the work of the Council and its background .
Ms . Clarke made two specific requests : ( 1 ) that the Town
adopt a resolution that would establish a recreation program for
the elderly in the Town of Ithaca and allow the Senior Citizens
Council to operate the program , and ( 2 ) to sign the municipal appli -
cation forms for the State Office for the Aging which would make the
Town eligible for reimbursement for 50a of the money expended on the
program . She also requested that the Town of Ithaca sign a contract
with the Senior Citizens Council which would formalize both the
municipal application and program operation .
Supervisor Desch noted there are certain budgetary problems
involved since the Town is at mid -year and prior to budget time . He
recommended tabling this item at this time until the Town Attorney
has had an opportunity to examine the contract and until the Board
members have had an opportunity to review the requests . This meeting ,
he said , would be adjourned for a week and this item will be on the
agenda of June 19 , 19780
Ms . Clarke upon request furnished a breakdown of the budget
and agreed to furnish written material on how the money will be ex -
pended . Councilman Del Rosso also requested a list of the officers
of the Council and Ms . Clarke agreed this also would be furnished .
Upon question by Town Attorney Buyoucos it was indicated
that this is a one year program only and that the Town of Ithaca
would have no permanent obligations .
Ms . Clarke , in passing , reported that residents of the
Town of Ithaca , particularly the residents of the Ellis Hollow
apartments that the construction going on in the area of the elderly
housing complex has resulted in trucks being parked on the walkway
making it difficult or impossible for them to get back and forth to
the grocery store . Mr . Fabbroni said the Town would look into this
matter with the builder ( developer ) Ivar Jonson .
PETITION FOR SEWER SERVICE
Harold Jones , Campbell Avenue , presented a petition from
Campbell Avenue residents , requesting sewer service in their area .
Supervisor Desch read the petition . Mr . Jones noted that his system
is the newest in the area and that it is 16 years old . He described
his system . Mr . Bratton , who owns property across the street , said
that his system is four years older than Jones ' s system and they are
having trouble with it .
/ ! 3
Town Board Minutes 12 June 12 , 1978
Supervisor Desch said that even under the best circumstances
there is no way that a sewer line can be provided any sooner than
next spring , and possibly even that is unrealistic . He said the
Town would , however , find a solution in the shortest possible time .
What can be done will , to a certain extent , depend on what happens
in the larger five - area project now under construction , whether there
will be a large number of change orders or not , and how much surplus
benefit money may eventually be available .
TELEVISION CABLE FRANCHISE
Mr . Kevin Rorke N( ATC ) reported that he , Mrs . Valentino , and
Mr . Buyoucos had had a long meeting concerning the franchise . There
were a number of areas which the Town felt should be looked into .
There were no substantive disagreements , Mr . Rorke said . He stated
he had not yet received a copy of the Town ' s recommendations , if
there are any , at this point . He said he advised Mrs . Valentino
that working out the franchise in final detail may take considerable
time . Her therefore , requested that a hearing be scheduled , at the
Board ' s convenience , to consider , separately , the rate schedule .
After some discussion , the Board acted as follows :
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that this Town Board will conduct public hearings on
July 10 , 1978 , at the Town of Ithaca Offices at 126 East Seneca
Street , Ithaca , New York .
( 1 ) At 7 : 30 p . m . to consider , separately , the adoption
of a schedule of rates to provide for the establishment of a
higher level of television service ( including converter rental for
customers using Home Box Office and the provision of certain addi -
tional channels ) . The rate schedule will become a part of the amended
franchise .
(. 2 ) At 8 : 00 p . m . to consider the amendment of the Tele -
vision Cable Franchise previously granted to Ceracche Television
Corporation and now operated by American Television and Communica-
tions Corporation .
( Desch , Freeman , Raffensperger , Del Rosso , Powers , Valentino , and
McElwee voting Aye . Nays - none )
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
Mrs . Arthur Kraut , 135 Elm Street Extension , appeared
before the Board to present petitions in the Coy Glen matter .
Before presenting the petitions , she called attention to page
3 in the Coy Glen grant ' application , noting that it states that
. . " Members of the Coy Glen neighborhood have offered their
support and there is a great deal of interest from the community
in this project ` . Mrs . Kraut stated that this is not true .
Mrs . Kraut then presented to the Board a packet of materials ,
including petitions , copies of letters which have been sent to members
of the Town Board and to the local press , and copies of pertinent news
articles . An attached letter dated June 3 , 1978 states that by way
of these materials they wish to express their opposition to the plans ,
for Coy Glen as developed by the Town Board , its Parks Committee , and
the support staff . The letter continues , as follows : " We are of the
opinion that the Coy Glen area can be preserved as is without govern-
ment intervention and control . Under current State mandate the mined
areas must be restored by the present owners . Upstream from these
mined areas , the privately owned land stands a much better chance of
remaining as it is and has been , if left alone . To pinpoint this
fragile area for "
g public use insures its destruction .
li7
Town Board Minutes - 13 - June 12 , 1978
The letter continues : " The private owners deplore the fail -
ure of the Town Board to inform them of the projected plans for the
Coy Glen area , and to solicit their cooperation . This has created
an atmosphere of distrust in the motives and modus operandi of the
Town Board which we would like to change . "
Mrs . Kraut stated that the packet contains a total of 429
signatures . Of these 429 signatures , 260 are from the Coy Glen
neighborhood . There are 24 from Christopher Circle , 45 from Eastern
Heights , and 42 miscellaneous ( including 18 from South Hill ) . Mrs .
Kraut noted that these signatures have been acquired from Townspeople
who are home owners . A copy of the letter of June 3 , 1978 attached to
these minutes shows the breakdown of signatures by various streets ,
roads , etc .
After the presentation of the packet by Mrs . Kraut , other
persons were heard , as follows :
Dawn Green , 720 Elm Street
Objected . to money being spent on this project ; said the
park was not needed ; there are six to eight parks in the area already .
She cited the traffic problems the park would create . She said the
area can be preserved as is under private ownership .
Philip P . Allan , 251 Culver Road
Said that under private ownership the situation is not con-
ducive to preserving the scenic and natural features of the Glen ,
that there is no assurance that present or future ownership will have
the same viewpoint as to preservation in the future .
Norma Stevenson , 115 West Haven Road
Said that opening the Glen to the public would lead to a
four - lane highway in the area . Opposes putting the Glen in the
public domain , it is not necessary as there are other parks - -
Buttermilk , Treman , etc .
Mrs . H . M . DeGraff , 122 West Haven Road
Mrs . DeGraff read her letter addressed to Councilman Gust
Freeman . She objected to the land values indicated in the BOR
application as compared with the 1978 appraised value of her land .
She questioned how this would affect the condemnation award ( if the
matter goes to condemnation ) or if the property were sold .
John B . Babcock , 600 Cayuga Heights Road
Inquired about what expense the Town had already gone to ,
to date , on the Coy Glen project . ( Mrs . Restaino replied it was
about $ 8 , 0001 including staff time . ) Mr . Babcock suggested the
figure might be higher if all staff time were taken into considera -
tion . Mr . Babcock brought out the point that even if the grant is
obtained , the Town will be involved in in expenditure of $ 71 , 645 .
Supervisor Desch agreed this was so . Mr . Babcock seconded Mrs . De -
Graff ' s point about the land values . He noted there is no indication
to date of a budgetary assessment by the Town of the costs of construc -
tion of ballfields , tennis courts , rest rooms , etc . He asked if the
Town had any idea of these costs at this time . ( Supervisor Desch
said those costs would be assessed at the time that the second phase
of the project - - construction - - was applied for with BOR . He said
in the long term this is a question of whether the project is worth
the investment of Town dollars and how many dollars are justified to
be spent in the preservation of Coy Glen . )
1 15`
Town Board Minutes - 14 June 12 , 1978
Sarah Wessels , 770 Elm Street Extension
Concerned with economics and littering .
Stephen Pete , 860 Elm Street
Concerned over parking .
Mr . Pete read from various public records to make certain
points , including , among other points indications in 1972 that the
landowners should be contacted . Mr . Pete stated that the landowners
were not contacted until March of 1978 ( a lapse of six years ) . He
noted that the Town Park Committee had given the matter top priority
in 1976 , but that the landowners were not contacted until 1978 . Mr .
Pete read Letter to the Editor ( Ithaca Journal ) written recently by
his son .
( At this point Supervisor Desch read letter of Longhouse
Cooperative supporting the Town ' s approach to the Coy Glen preserva -
tion . This letter is signed by 13 residents of the Longhouse Coopera -
t ive . )
Voice ( unidentified ) , Culver Road .
Stated that both sides have a lot in common - - Town and
landowners , and others . Concerned about further destruction of
the Glen . She said there is no difference of opinion about pre -
serving the Glen , but there is a difference of opinion about how
to do it . She emphasized , however , the common objective .
Peter Hess , 766 Elm Street Extension
Mr . Hess said he had not made up his mind which side to
support . He said he is a new resident of the area . He wondered
why voices have not been raised before this in opposition to the
gravel mining operation . Why is it only the park that arouses
people ' s ire ? Is there any way the property owners can come up
with a way to insure for future generations that the Glen will be
preserved rather than leave it to chance ?
Wanda Pete , 860 Elm Street
" People say the Glen has not changed in all these years ,
and now you want to change it . Why are you so concerned about it ?
The only problem is the mining operation . "
( Supervisor Desch noted there is no guarantee the mining operation
will not continue . )
Representative of Longhouse Cooperative , 766 - 772 Elm St . Ext .
Sympathizes with landowners , but feels they are dodging
the crucial issue of the gravel mining operation , and the enormous
scars it has made on the land . He noted that the gravel pit opera-
tors are not legally required to restore anything done prior to
1975 . He felt that relatively few people will walk the paths in
the Coy Glen if they are constructed . Admitted that some damage
could be sustained by opening the area to the public , but that
damage had to be weighed against the real , concrete existing damage
attributed to the gravel operation . Said he felt the Town of Ithaca
had tried to deal with that problem .
Richard Griffen , 146 Seven Mile Drive
Felt municipalities and other governmental agencies should
be discouraged from acquiring private property .
ll �
Town Board Minutes - 15 - June 12 , 1978
Dr . Arthur Kraut , 635 Elm Street Extension
Disturbed at the tenor of the meeting . Wanted to hear the
viewpoint of the other Town Board members .
Mr . Kraut made the following points :
( 1 ) Trails on top of Glen . Can ' t see bottom of Glen from
trails on top . This will lead to all kinds of " sub - trails " going
down into the Glen . The flora and fauna , then , will not be pre -
served . The concept of trails at the top of the Glen is not a good
solution .
( 2 ) There is something positive to be said for those Town
Board members who feel an obligation to maintain the unique area .
But there is a " Catch 22 " , since future Town Boards may not feel
the same obligation in terms of limiting growth in the area of the
Glen .
( 3 ) The Glen is unique only in the flora and fauna and
there is no guarantee that it can be maintained by this Town Board
or future Town Boards .
Henry Lower , 433 Floral Avenue
Concerned over the cost of the project .
Patricia L . Page , 772 Elm Street Extension
Does not feel the development of a park will preserve
this particular Glen . Feels there are enough parks and glens in
the area . Wants to leave natural areas as they are without all
the " extras " which go with a park . Would like to see some other
options explored .
Arthur L . Berkey , 128 Christopher Circle
Speaking as a taxpayer and landowner , made following points :
( 1 ) Hoped the documented " inaccuracies " in the BOR applica-
tion will be corrected .
( 2 ) Deplored the lack of contact with the area residents
involved .
( 3 ) When costs are computed allowance should be made for
loss of tax revenues from lands which will no longer be private
lands .
( 4 ) The land acquisition costs noted in the BOR applica -
tion are unrealistic given the present assessments .
( 5 ) Disagreed that land acquisition should be an item
separate from construction and maintenance . The " whole package "
should be discussed - - not only the amount of money in the reserve
fund but all costs related to the kinds of things to be done with
the park . Should not talk about land acquisition costs without
getting cost estimates on maintenance and construction .
( 6 ) There is a substantial question whether or not the
uses set out in the BOR application will , in fact , preserve the
Glen . Until it can be clearly established that such is the case ,
it cannot be said that the interests of the whole Town take pre -
cedence over the interests of the landowners . Personally opposed
to acquisition of private land for park areas .
1 / 7
Town Board Minutes - 16 - June 12 , 1978
( 7 ) If the main problem is the gravel pit , that is the
problem that should be addressed and solved . The Town of Ithaca
has an option of passing ordinances more restrictive than State
mandates for the use and reclamation of this area . If that is
the case , that alternative should be explored .
Voice - Culver Road ( unidentified )
The land is being commercially exploited . Even if the
land is not mined , there is no restriction on logging it . Under
private ownership and non- resident private ownership there is no
protection .
At this point Dr . Kraut requested " back and forth " responses
from the Board to his questions and the questions of the people .
Supervisor Desch noted that this is not a public hearing and that
the people had been given an opportunity to speak to members of the
Town Board . Dr . Kraut was generally disturbed over the conduct of
the meeting and felt his questions were not being responded to .
Supervisor Desch said . the meeting was being conducted in the usual
manner of transacting business .
Dr . Kraut announced at this point that his land would only
be taken by condemnation , that there would be no compromise , that
he wanted his statement to be on the record as a public statement .
Supervisor Desch said the Town of Ithaca would not take the posi -
tion that it is not open to compromise .
Supervisor Desch asked if anyone would like to comment on
the justification of allocating Town tax dollars to the Coy Glen
project as against other Town priorities . Councilman McElwee said
that the people had expressed themselves recently that parks and
recreation are an important part of community living in Ithaca .
He noted that in conversation with Dr . Kraut he had suggested that
Dr . Kraut might put a covenant in his deed that his land would re -
main forever as park land and that Dr . Kraut was not inclined to do
that .
Mrs . Pete said it was unfair to ask the landowners to compro -
mise .
Supervisor Desch said the project requires a joint effort ;
that there is something lost if the Town puts itself in the position
of dictating what will happen in the Glen , that there is the responsi -
bility of the property owners also to join forces and find a way to
assure preservation . He recommended that the landowners individually
call or write to Board members and also to sit down together to deter -
mine whether there is any common ground . Supervisor Desch said , " I
will not say that the Town Board will not compromise , we will compro -
mise , it is important to find a solution to preservation of the Glen . "
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that the Town is circumscribed
in what it can do by the receipt of Federal funds ; that the Town is
limited to that extent , that the Federal grant will entail certain
controls on what the Town may do in the future . She said the Federal
government never grants funds without making the recipient subject to
certain requirements . Beyond that , she said , there is at least as
much guarantee of preservation from the Town Board as from landowners .
Supervisor Desch noted that the Town Board has a good record
for enforcing its local laws and ordinances . He said he shared the
landowners concern over setting up a structure to insure maintenance
of the Glen ( either by local law or ordinance ) . The Town , however ,
cannot assure that the County or State or Federal government may not
Town Board Minutes - 17 - June 12 , 1978
change their requirements . It is a concern because if the Town does
not act in a responsible way , how long is it going to be before the
State shows an interest in something similar to what is being pro -
posed by the Town ?
Stan Green , 720 Elm Street
Said he grew up around Coy Glen . It was their number one
playground , that it has not changed since then and that he is crowd -
ing 50 . It has not changed for the reason that nobody has been there .
He said if the Town can ' t control the gravel bank operation , they
won ' t be able to do any better with the gorge . He said the gorge is
immaculate , with the exception of the sand bank .
( Supervisor Desch pointed out that the Town ' s control of
the gravel mining operation is subject to the Courts ; and that
Court cases take so long that the level of destruction may go beyond
reason before action can . be taken against the gravel operation . )
SAPSUCKER WOODS4STANDPIPE -
ALLOCATION OF ANTI - RECESSION FUNDS
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
WHEREAS , the Town Supervisor has reported in the attached
document entitled - " Water System Repairs and Improvements " that the
inspection of the interior of the Christopher Circle tank has revealed
a serious rate of deterioration , and
WHEREAS , the Sapsucker Woods Standpipe was constructed at
the same time and has received no interior maintenance and is sus -
pected to be in similar condition to the Christopher Circle Tank ,
and
WHEREAS , the Town has available $ 18 , 700 of Federal anti -
recession funds which can be used for such repairs , provided the
prevailing wage rate requirements of the Davis /Bacon Act are met ,
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED :
That the remaining balance of Federal anti - recession money
in the amount of $ 18 , 700 be allocated to finance a portion of the
estimated cost of $ 28 , 000 to paint the interior and exterior of the
Sapsucker Woods Standpipe . Such allocation is in compliance with
the intended use of Federal anti - recession funds and permits the
accomplishment of other critical major repairs such as the painting
of Christopher Circle Standpipe , Cliff Street Pump Station repairs ,
the Fall Creek 10 - inch water line crossing , and the Glenside water
loop without raising the $ 23 /unit water benefit rate .
( Desch , McElwee , Raffensperger , Powers , Del Rosso , Valentino and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
AUTHORIZATION TO SUPERVISOR TO RETAIN
LOZIER ENGINEERS , INC . PREPARE BID
DOCUMENTS FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
WHEREAS , the Town Supervisor has reported in the attached
document entitled " Water System Repairs and Improvements " that the
inspection of the interior of the Christopher Circle tank has revealed
a serious rate of deterioration , and
/ 19
Town Board Minutes - 18 - June 12 , 1978
WHEREAS , the Sapsucker Woods Standpipe was constructed at
the same time and has received no interior maintenance and is sus -
pected to be in similar condition to the Christopher Circle Tank ,
and
WHEREAS , the Cliff Street Pump Station was inspected on
January 19 , 1977 and March 16 , 1977 by Lozier Engineers and reported
by them in March 1977 to be in need of extensive repair as outlined
in the Supervisor ' s report referenced above , and
WHEREAS , the water pressure in the Glenside area of the
Town is inadequate due to the size of the water main in the area ,
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED :
That the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to
retain the firm of Lozier Engineers , Inc . to design and prepare
bid documents for the repairs and improvements described above at
a cost not to exceed $ 5 , 000 . 00 , said costs to be funded from the
water benefit fund .
( Desch , McElwee , Raffensperger , Valentino , Del Rosso , Powers , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING - TO CONSIDER BORROWING
FOR WATER SYSTEM REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
RESOLVED , that this Board will conduct a public hearing on July 10 ,
1978 at 6 : 30 p . m . to consider borrowing $ 120 , 000 . 00 to finance that
portion of the repairs and improvements to the Town of Ithaca water
system not covered by the allocation of Federal anti - recession funds ,
said repairs and improvements being specifically the painting of the
Christopher Circle Tank , the painting of the Sapsucker Woods Stand -
pipe , repairs to the Cliff Street Pump Station , construction of the
Glenside water loop , and the Fall Creek 10 - inch water line crossing .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Del Rosso , Powers , Valentino , Freeman , and
McElwee voting Aye . Nays - none )
TRAFFIC CONTROL COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilman McElwee reported on the difficulty he has been
having in getting published in the Ithaca Journal a listing of the
fines that are collected in the Town dealing with speeding . This
matter will be followed up with the Ithaca Journal .
In connection with traffic matters , Supervisor Desch read
letter of Howard Stevenson , Jr . , Tompkins County Commissioner of
Public Works , dated June 9 , 1978 , to the Department of Transporta -
tion , Traffic Engineering and Safety Division , in which he states
that he cannot support the Town of Ithaca request for a 35 m . p . h
area speed limit throughout the Town . In the letter he recommends
instead that a 35 m . p . h . area speed limit be established in the Town
of Ithaca for all that area east of the City of Ithaca , and the Village
of Cayuga Heights , north of New York State route # 79 . It was agreed
that Councilman McElwee ' s Traffic Committee would look into this
matter and make a recommendation to the Board .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
There was some discussion with regard to ramp parking reim-
bursement to employees by the Town . Councilman Freeman felt that
this practice should not continue ; that it should be considered a
part of the employees ' expenses of working for the Town . Councilman
Powers concurred to the extent that if it is part of working conditions
Town Board Minutes - 19 - June 12 , 1978
the employees should be reimbursed in some other way to cover it .
He objected to this item appearing in the monthly warrants . This
led to a brief discussion of possible alternative methods and no
definite solution was arrived at at this time . Councilwoman Raffens -
perger recalled it was her impression that when the parking lot next
to the Town Hall was remodeled there would be parking spaces avail -
able to the Town alongside the building . Mr . Fabbroni noted that
Security Mutual Insurance Company , former occupants of the building
now owned by the Town , had parking spaces alongside the building ,
but when Citizens Savings Bank did their re - building the spaces were
no longer available , so that there are now none available for the
Town .
Supervisor Desch said this matter will be pursued with both
the City of Ithaca and the Citizens Savings Bank .
Motion by Councilman Powers , seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
RESOLVED , that the Warrants dated June 12 , 1978 , after review by
the Town Board , are hereby approved in the following amounts .
General Fund - Townwide $ 13 , 978 . 66
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . 1 , 875 . 68
Highway Fund 16 , 711 . 00
Water and Sewer Fund 176 , 777 . 57
Lighting Districts 188 . 30
Parks Capital Reserve Fund . . . . . . . . . . 41750 . 00
( Desch , McElwee , Raffensperger , Powers , Valentino , Del Rosso , voting
Aye . Freeman - Nay )
Councilman Freeman ' s nay vote was based upon his disapproval
of warrants having to do with reimbursement for ramp parking .
RELEASE OF PORTION OF RETAINAGE
TO CHRISANNTHA CORPORATION
Mr . Fabbroni reported that a portion of the work that _ _ remained
to be performed by Chrisanntha Corporation on the Town Highway Main-
tenance Facility has now been performed . Therefore , a portion of
the retainage in the amount of $ 2 , 000 should now be released to them ,
leaving a balance of $ 800 still retained for work which has not yet
been completed .
Motion by Councilman McElwee ; seconded by Councilman Powers ,
RESOLVED , that in view of the fact that Chrisanntha Corporation
has now completed a portion of the work that still remains to be
done on the Town Highway Maintenance Facility , this Town Board
hereby authorizes the release of a portion of the retainage in
the amount of $ 2 , 000 . 00 to Chrisanntha Corporation , leaving a re -
tained balance of $ 800 . 00 for work still to be completed .
( Desch , Powers , Raffensperger , Valentino , McElwee , Del Rosso , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee ,
RESOLVED , that this Town Board , after review , and upon the recom-
mendation of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal ' Water Commission
that they are in order for payment , hereby approves the Bolton Point
warrants dated June 12 , 1978 in the amount of $ 43 , 277 . 05 in the
Operating Account .
( Desch , McElwee , Powers , Del Rosso , Raffensperger , Valentino , and
Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none )
ral
Town Board Minutes - 20 - June 12 , 1978
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The members of the Board duly retired into Executive Ses -
sion .
After the Executive Session , the Board duly reconvened in
regular session for the conduct of any remaining business .
ADJOURNMENT
It appearing there was no further business to conduct at
this time , the meeting was duly adjourned to June 19 , 1978 at 5 : 15
p . m . for further consideration of the request for support for
recreational programs for the elderly , as proposed by the Office
for the Aging , and to be implemented by the Tompkins County Senior
Citizens Council , with matching funds from the State .
E w d L . Bergen
Town Clerk