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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1978-08-07 TOWN OF ITHACA REGULAR BOARD MEETING August 7 , 1978 - 7 : 30 p . m . At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , held at the Forest Home Chapel , Forest Home , Ithaca , New York , on the 7th day of August , 1978 , at 7 : 30 p . m . , there were PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor Victor Del Rosso , Councilman Robert N . Powers , Councilman Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman Gust L . Freeman , Jr . , Councilman ALSO PRESENT . Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Town Engineer/Building Inspector Liese Bronfenbrenner , Planning Board Chairwoman John Dougherty (City of Ithaca - Public Works ) Robert L . Boothroyd , Jr . ( Robert S . Boothroyd Agency - Insurance ) Kevin Rorke , Ceracche ( ATC ) Beverly Livesay , County Representative Edward Mazza , Attorney Mr . and Mrs . Sam Kramer , 128 Salem Drive Sam Peter ( TV and Appliances ) Richard Arnold , 132 Judd Falls Road Judith Aronson , 220 Forest Home Drive Robert Aronson , 220 Forest Home Drive George Bayer , 216 Forest Home Drive Helen Bayer , 216 Forest Home Drive Patricia J . Bennett , 311 Sheffield Road Russell R . Bennett , 311 Sheffield Road Carol Beeler , 120 Warren Road Arthur Bloom , 118 Judd Falls Road Isadore Blumen , 122 Warren Road Rita A . Boothroyd , 807 N . Cayuga Street Bruce Brittain , 135 Warren Road Douglas Brittain , 135 Warren Road Harriet Be Brittain , 135 Warren Road W . L . Brittain , 135 Warren Road Gracie Bush , 136 Forest Home Drive Carol Cole , 105 Vera Circle Rexford Cole , 105 Vera Circle Dave Cutting , 10 The Byway Mary Davenport , 118 Vera Circle Edward J . Gobrecht , Jr . , 101 Halcyon Hill John and Martha Hertel , 130 Crest Lane Burnham Kelly , 200 Forest Home Drive D . P . Loucks , 116 Crest Lane Marjorie G . Loucks , 116 Crest Lane Paul R . Mclsaac , 107 Forest Home Drive Jean McElwee , 123 Judd Falls Road Judith Moore , 137 Judd Falls Road Ann Be Pendleton , 326 Forest Home Drive R . F . Pendleton , 326 Forest Home Drive Charles Pettis , 332 Forest Home Drive Carl Root , 340 Forest Home Drive Frank Shipe , 236 Forest Home Drive Margery M . Shipe , 236 Forest Home Drive Joel Silbey , 105 Judd Falls Road Mr . and Mrs . R . W . Shaw , 105 Halcyon Hill Carl L . Sundell , 310 Forest Home Drive Helen E . Sundell , 310 Forest Home Drive John Swan , 103 Crest Lane Mary Swan , 103 Crest Lane I ci 3 Town Board Minutes - 2 August 7 , 1978 Nancy Trautmann , 235 Forest Home Drive Betty Trinkl , 111 Vera Circle Joseph Trinkl , 111 Vera Circle Amy Whetzel , 206 Forest Home Drive Tom and Jan Wolski , 233 Forest Home Drive Media : Mary Cummings , WVBR News Joel Meltzer , WTKO News Dave Polonis , Post Standard Ian Zahler , WHCU ABSENT : Andrew W . McElwee , Councilman REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS Town Supervisor Supervisor Desch . " This meeting at the Forest Home Chapel is the 8th regular meeting of the Town Board this year and the 4th to be held outside the Town Hall . " So far one cannot conclude that meetings outside the Town Hall have been better attended . Attendance , in my view , is more related to specific agenda items than meeting location . The Town Hall location in downtown Ithaca seems to be as convenient as any place in the Town . In 1979 I will recommend that all regular meet - ings be held in the Town Hall except when an agenda item suggests that public participation will exceed our seating capacity . Further work needs to be done in the Town Hall on acoustics and public address systems . " The Town Board should be giving further thought to meeting times . My personal preference is a 7 : 30 p . m . start with a three - hour limit to all meetings . This will mean some adjournments to finish the schedule although this should not happen too often . As a guide - line we should try to avoid the scheduling of more than two public hearings at each meeting . Again , this will not always be possible . With the Planning Board once again performing final site plan approval , the efficiency of Town Board operations will improve further . A decision on meeting times will not be required until our annual meet - ing on December 31 . Drainage Studies " We are behind schedule on some of our drainage studies , but the construction work expected is not so extensive that completion before wet weather is still probable . " In the Northeast we hope to be able to construct the swale at the lower end of Northeast School playground . This will help con - siderably to relieav, e run - off across property owners on the east side of Brandywine . " At East King Road and Danby Road we expect to have the field survey work completed by the middle of September . " Spencer Road Drainage . We have received a complaint4lett4r from Donald Lucente of Empire Building Supply . The run- off pattern is being studied in concert with the State and Ithaca College . So far as we can determine , the Town has no specific responsibility for any increase in run - off which may have occurred , but we are pursuing the matter in the public interest . The Town Engineer has further informa - tion . Town Board Minutes - 3 - August 7 , 1978 " We hope to have a preliminary plan for the Pennsylvania Avenue drainage and road project for the September meeting scheduled at the NCR Cafeteria . Bolton Point Operation " The Commission has received payment of approximately $ 26 , 000 for the emergency water provided when the City Intake went out in January . The Commission , in turn , has made the initial payment for meters of $ 24 , 000 and $ 17 , 000 for plumbing inspection services . " The Town and Cornell are working out the details of a test of the Commission ' s ability to serve and Cornell ' s to receive water service . Costs for the test are unknown but will be shared by both parties . " A public hearing will soon be held by the Commission to present the proposed rules and regulations for connection to and operation of the water systems . Individual member municipalities will also have public hearings . " We expect to complete operations this year with a reason- able surplus , due primarily to increase in the efficiency of produc - tion and keeping the lid on expenses . In 1979 , the expenses may be budgeted slightly higher to catch up on deferred cost . " I would like the Town Board to appoint a personnel committee to develop the salary guidelines and recommendations for the Town employees for the coming year . Within the guidelines the Supervisor and the other department heads will then recommend to the .full Board the individual recommendations at the October meeting . " I , therefore , move the following resolution . RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby appoints a Personnel Committee to recommend to the full Board at its September meeting salary guidelines , and any fringe benefit charges , for the Town employees exclusive of Bolton Point employees , the Personnel Committee which will serve only as a short - term committee until the 1979 budget is approved to be Victor Del Rosso , Chairman , Shirley Raffensperger , and Robert N . Powers . ( The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and all Board members present voted Aye . The motion , therefore , was duly adopted . ) Intersection Lights " We hope to have New York State Electric & Gas Corporation ' s proposal for intersection lights at the September meeting . Debt Exclusion Resolution " By application to the Department of Audit and Control , the Town may exclude from its debt ceiling the sewer project borrowing . The Town has been authorized in the past to exclude all other sewer debt and the occasion no doubt will arise again if the City and Town work out an arrangement to finance the $ 16 million upgrading project . Copies of the application have been distributed to Town Board members and I will seek approval later at this meeting . Local Law Abstract " Town Law permits towns by local law to publish only an abstract of zoning ordinance changes . The Town Attorney is in the process of writing such a local law . Such publication would require the full document to be available in the Town Hall . This will save Town Board Minutes - 4 - August 7 , 1978 the Town a considerable expense when we set the public hearing for the primary zoning ordinance revisions . " I , therefore , move that a public hearing be .called for the September 11 , 1978 meeting to consider the adoption of a local law which will permit the publication of an abstract of zoning ordi - nance changes rather than publication of the full document . " This motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman . All Board members present voted Aye and the motion was , therefore , duly adopted . This public hearing was scheduled for 8 : 30 p . m . on September 11 , 1978 at the National Cash Register Company Cafeteria . Supervisor Desch read a letter from Mr . Maurice Dusky , manager of the Ellis Hollow Road apartments . Mr . Dusky complained of the use of the walkway by the construction people employed by Ivar Jonson . Their trucks are crossing the walkway creating a hazardous condition for the elderly people who. use the walkway to get to the shopping plaza . Supervisor Desch recommended that posts be erected , but did not feel that the Town could erect a speed limit sign on what is not a public right - of -way ( which Mr . Dusky also re - quested . ) Mr . Fabbroni reported that he had already been to the job site and had told all the workmen on the site that the walkway is not to be used for any purpose by motor vehicles . He said he would again take up the matter with Ivar Jonson , the developer . Supervisor Desch continued his report : Zoning Enforcement " Considerable progress is being made in resolving zoning violations . Increasing costs in living expenses will put more pres - sure on changing living styles . Demands for more frequent surveill - ance of multiple family units . New codes such as electrical and fire require more administration . " All of this cannot be done by one employee . At this budget evaluation time we need to consider what level of enforcement the Townspeople want to support . It may be desirable to include in the budget additional support on this item . " Bicycle Paths " We expect to implement the bicycle path in early September and the Town Attorney is preparing a brief local law to make it pos - sible to assure proper use of the paths . " PRESERVATION OF COY GLEN Supervisor Desch reported that the Town is continuing its investigation of the most reasonable way of preserving Coy Glen . The BOR application will be updated . The Supervisor read letter intended to be sent to Mr . Robert F . Gonet , Park and Recreation Field Representative of the Finger Lakes State Park and Recreation Commission . He asked for comment on the letter before it is mailed . Mr . Fabbroni felt that such a letter should not be sent during a grant review process . He felt that the enclosures intended to be forwarded with the letter represent a response to a certain amount of misinformation with respect ' to the project . He felt that the project is understood on the local level but that the information in the letter at the next higher level of review might not be under - stood and might hurt the Town ' s chances of receiving grant funds . JT6 Town Board Minutes - 5 - August 7 , 1978 Councilwoman Raffensperger felt that the Town had an obli - gation to forward the letter and the enclosed material whether it should hurt or help . She recommended sending the letter . Council - man Del Rosso agreed that the full documentation should be mailed so that everything is on the record : After some further discussion , it was agreed that the letter should be sent . INSURANCE REVIEW ( Robert S . Boothroyd , Jr . ) Mr . Robert S . Boothroyd , Jr . of the Robert L . Boothroyd Agency ( Insurance ) , appeared before the Board to review the Town ' s insurance coverage . Mr . Boothroyd reviewed each of the Town ' s insurance policies indicating the type of coverage and approximate cost . During the course of his review he recommended that the Town make changes in its deductible provisions on collision insurance and comprehensive insurance . For collision he recommended a deductible of $ 500 and on comprehensive insurance he recommended a deductible of $ 100 . Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the Robert L . Boothroyd Agency ( Insurance ) is hereby instructed to change the deductible provisions in the Town ' s collision and comprehensive insurance to provide a deductible of $ 500 . 00 for collision insurance and a deductible of $ 100 . 00 for comprehensive insurance . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , Freeman , Powers , Del Rosso , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) BUS SERVICE TO ITHACA COLLEGE AND THE HOSPITAL Mr . Roothroyd , who is also a City of Ithaca Councilman , digressed at this point to recommend that the Town of Ithaca support the proposed extension of bus service to Ithaca College and the Tompkins County Hospital . He noted that the Finance Committee of the City of Ithaca had approved the project ( this afternoon - August 7 ) . SALES TAX RESOLUTION Supervisor Desch noted that should the Town of Ithaca generate more sales tax revenues than the County has budgeted , the Town would like to recover the excess . In the past the Town has left its sales tax revenues with the County for application to the reduction of its County tax rate . The Board considered the resolution proposed by the Supervisor and acted as follows : Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca hereby requests the County Budget Officer , in the event that the Town of Ithaca ' s estimated share of the sales tax for 1979 exceeds the Town of Ithaca ' s County tax levy , to return to the Town of Ithaca that portion in excess of the County tax levy ; further , that the Town of Ithaca requests that the informa- tion relating to the foregoing be available no later than the Thursday after Election Day , 1978 , at which time the Town budget for 1979 is normally approved ; that in the event the County budget is not approved in time to meet the November 20 deadline set by Town Law for the final Town budget , the foregoing still applies , and the excess will be re - turned to the Town of Ithaca to be placed in a Certificate of Deposit to be used for the following year to reduce the part - Town tax rate . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , Freeman , Del Rosso , Powers , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) f/ l 1V7 Town Board Minutes - 6 - August 7 , 1978 Town Engineer ' s Report Mr . Fabbroni reported that the sewer project is complete except for the laterals on Coddington Road and complete with the exception of pump stations and clean - up on the Slaterville Road . There still remains to be completed two or three hundred feet in Glenside . A crew started - in Forest Home a week ago and that crew will proceed down Forest Home Drive across the second bridge and south to the end of the project . The second crew , when they finish in Glenside and the other places , will come to Forest Home and probably work somewhere off the road . At no time will both bridges be closed in Forest Home . When one bridge is closed the other will be open . It is hoped there won ' t be a lag between completion of the sewers and the installation of the pump station . The total project is expected to be completed in early October or November . The painting of the Christopher Circle Tank will start this week and the job will take approximately six weeks . The painting of this tank is the first of many in the Town which will be painted within the next five or six years . Eastern Heights drainage work which was started two years ago after a severe flood in the middle of the summer has finally been completed . Work could not be done last year because of wet weather and high water . Bids will be received on the salt barn construction this _ month and the Town will review prices in September . Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Safer Off - System for the improvement of the width of Snyder Hill Road and the installation of guardrails on Sand Bank Road is going forward with the State . Approval for this program has been received . Design drawings are being submitted to the State . It is possible also that the storm sewer project will be under way this fall or perhaps in the spring . Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Town has been working on transit to the Northeast area of the Town , to the Village of Cayuga Heights , to Lansing , to Cornell University and the apartment complexes in the area with the City of Ithaca and the County . At the last meeting the Town committed itself to an alternative which would allot $ 5 , 500 toward this joint service of transit . ( There was general agreement on the Board that this project required further study . ) PUBLIC HEARING - 8 : 30 p . m . - ELECTRICAL CODE Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hear- ing having been presented , the Supervisor opened the hearing . Supervisor Desch noted that the Town has under consideration the adoption of an Electrical Code which would provide for inspection in accordance with the National Electrical Code of all installations in the Town . , He asked Mr . Fabbroni to read the proposed local law , and he did so . TOWN OF ITHACA Local Law No . of the year 1978 A local law instituting an ' Electrical Code for the regulation of the installation and alteration of wiring for electric light , heat or power and signal systems operating on fifty ( 50 ) volts or more , in or on all real property within the Town of Ithaca . Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows . Section I - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE . Since there is danger to life and property inherent in the use of electrical energy , this local law is enacted to regulate the installation , alteration of wiring for electric light , heat or power and signal systems operating on fifty ( 50 ) volts or more , in or on all real property within the Town of Ithaca . The provisions of this local law shall be referred to as The Electrical Code of the Town of Ithaca . Section II - NATIONAL CODE ADOPTED . All electrical installations heretofore mentioned shall be made in conformity with the requirements of the National Electrical Code except where the provisions of this local law or any other local law , ordinance or building Code of the Town of Ithaca shall differently prescribe , in which event compliance with the provisions of such local law , Ordinance or Building Code shall be recognized as proper compliance with this local law . The requirements of the National Electrical Code shall be those known as National Fire Association Pamphlet # 70 , as approved and adopted by the American Standards Association . Section III - ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR . The Chief Inspector , and each of the duly appointed Inspectors of The New York Board of Fire Underwriters are s - t - hereby authorized and deputized as agents of the Town of Ithaca to make inspections and reinspections , at reasonable times and places upon reasonable notice , of all electrical installation heretofore and hereafter described , and to approve or dis - approve the same . In no event , however , will the cost or expense of such inspections and reinspections be a charge against the Town of Ithaca . Section IV - DUTIES OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS . It shall be the duty of the Inspector to report in writing to the Chief Building Inspector , whose duty it shall be to enforce all the provisions of this local law , all violations of or deviations from or omissions of the electrical provisions of the National Electrical Code , and of all local laws , Ordinances , and the Building Code as referred to in this local law insofar as any of the same apply to electrical wiring . The Inspector shall make inspections and reinspections of electrical installations in and on properties in the Town of Ithaca upon the written request of an authorized official of the Town of Ithaca or as herein provided . The Inspector is authorized to make inspections and reinspections of electrical wiring installations , devices , appliances , and equipment , in and on properties within the Town of Ithaca where he deems it necessary for the protection of life and property at reasonable times , upon reasonable notice to the property owner or residents . In the event of an emergency it is the duty of the Inspector to make electrical inspections upon the oral request of an official or officer of the Town of Ithaca . It shall be the duty of the Inspector to furnish written reports to the proper officials of the Town of Ithaca and owners and /or leasees of property where defective electrical installations and equipment are found upon inspection . He shall authorize the issuing of a certificate of compliance when electrical installations and equipment are in conformity with this local law . He shall direct that a copy of the certificate Ai of compliance be sent to the Town of Ithaca to the attention of the Building Inspector . Section V - VIOLATIONS OF THE LOCAL LAW . It shall be a violation of this local law for any person , firm or corporation to install or cause to be installed , or to alter electrical wiring for light , heat or power in or on properties in the Town of Ithaca until an application for inspection has been filed with The New York Board of Fire Underwriters . It shall be a violation of this local law for a person , firm or corporation to connect or cause to be connected electrical wiring , in or on properties for light , heat or power , to any source of electrical energy supply , prior to the issuance of a temporary certificate , or a certificate of compliance , by The New York Board of Fire Underwriters . Section VI - PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS . Any person , firm or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this local law or any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto shall be guilty of a " violation " within the meaning of the Penal Law of the State of New York , and upon conviction thereof may be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars , and each day on which such violation continu3. s shall constitute a separate offense . Section VII - LOCAL LAW NOT APPLICABLE IN CERTAIN CASES . The provisions of this local law shall not apply to the electrical installations in mines , ships , railway cars , automotive equipment , or the installations or equipment em- ployed by a railway , electrical or communication utility in the exercise of its function as a utility , and located out doors or in buildings used exclusively for that purpose . This local shall not apply to any work involved in the manufacture assembly , test or repair of electrical machinery , apparatus , materials and equipment by a person , firm or corporation engaged in electrical manufacturing as their principal business . It shall not apply to any building which is owned or leased in its entirety by the Government of the United States or the State of New York . Section VIII - NO WAIVER OR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY . This local law shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning , operating , controlling or installing any electrical wiring , devices , appliances , or equipment for loss of life or damage to person or property caused by any defect therein , nor shall the Town of Ithaca or The New York Board of Fire Underwriters be deemed to have assumed any such liability by reason of any inspection made pursuant to this local law . Section IX - SEPARABILITY CLAUSE . If any part or provision of this local law or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction , such judgment shall be confined in � its operation to the part or provision or application directly involved in the controversy in which such Judgment shall have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this local law or the application thereof to other persons or circumstances and the I Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby declares that it would i have passed this local law or the remainder thereof had such . invalid application or invalid provision been apparent . Section X - REPEALING PROVISIONS . i All local laws and parts of local laws or Ordinances inconsistent with this local law are hereby repealed . 1 Section XI - EFFECTIVE DATE * This local law shall take effect immediately upon compliance with the filing requirements of Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New Yorko i I i I I i i t i i Town Board Minutes - 7 - August 7 , 1978 Supervisor Desch noted that it is the intent to provide a method for making sure that installations - - particularly com- mercial and multiple housing - - are made in accordance with the National Electrical Code , and this is the least costly way to do it . Mr . Fabbroni noted that the inspector is the one employed by the New York State Board of Fire Underwriters . By adopting this local law the inspector is in position to make his reports available to the Town and he can legally be asked to make an in - spection . Now neither of these is possible . Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that an individual home - owner would not be able to make changes in his own home without having an inspection . This led to a discussion of the cost of the inspection , and possible differentiation between how multiple family or apartments are handled and individual homes are handled . After some further discussion , it was the sense of the Board that the proposed local law ( copy of which is attached to the master copy of these minutes ) should be " tightened up " in the area of discussion and tabled until this has been accomplished . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the proposed local law should be re - studied in the light of the areas of discussion and tabled until this has been accomplished , and reconsidered at a later date . ( Freeman , Del Rosso , Valentino , Raffensperger , Powers , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) ONE -WAY TRAFFIC PLAN FOR FOREST HOME Mr . Fabbroni , with maps and charts , demonstrated a possible one way traffic plan for Forest Home . He illustrated the flow of traffic under the proposal , indicating its advantages and some dis - advantages . Some of those present were concerned that a one -way traffic plan would lead to additional speed through the area and they did not want that . Some felt that what they wanted was not a traffic circulation plan in Forest Home , but they were seeking a method of diverting traffic from the Forest Home area . Mr . Silbey said , " I think one of the major concerns of most of us is not the expeditious movement of traffic through Forest Home , but rather everything should be done to deter traffic from Forest Home . One of the major deterences we have now is a two -way system and one --way :. bridges . " Mr . Silbey complained that the plan is premature because the Town Board appointed a traffic committee - - Councilman Freeman , Councilman McElwee , Robert Spalding and himself , that this group met frequently during the winter and has not yet come up with any recommendations . He felt the one -way proposal contravenes what the Board recommended . He said he was curious as to why the matter comes up at this time before the Traffic Committee has discussed or dealt with it . Supervisor Desch said the impetus for the proposal at this time came from him . He said he wanted to know how the people felt about it . He said there was no intention to take . action in this matter tonight . The input received at this meeting should be help - ful to the committee . Questions from those present and comments by them indicated considerable interest in a by -pass for the whole area . Supervisor Desch asked the general question if those present favored the idea of the by-pass . There appeared to be much sentiment for this in order to divert traffic from the area . One resident facetiously remarked : I would favor a large four - lane overpass . " There were some suggestions such as painting double yellow lines and putting in speed bumps . Councilman Freeman said the Traffic Committee had looked into those things . Councilman Freeman Town Board Minutes - 8 - August 7 , 1978 said their Traffic Committee had completed its survey . One of the things they have done is assign parking lots according to residence . This will eliminate some traffic in front of the Forest Home residences . This arrangement will begin in September . Mr . Silbey said : " I think the Town Board has the clear impression that the Forest Home community is obsessed with traffic . . Most of what has been proposed - - stop signs , yellow lines , speed bumps , one -way traffic , Cornell University closing off any road - - are merely " band - aids " on the essential situation . The Forest Home Improvement Association has innumerable times passed resolutions for consideration of a by -pass road . I realize there are difficulties - - maybe insurmountable . . . Nevertheless , we should never lose sight of the fact that what we have here is a funneling of incredible amounts of traffic into the area . A traffic count was done on May 15th on Judd Falls Road . In a 24 - hour period 8 , 200 cars were counted . There is no solution to the traffic problem in Forest Home without a serious reconsideration of the way traffic flows in and around this end of the Town of Ithaca . The Board should keep that thought in mind . " Mrs . Livesay made the point that too many people are still travelling in their cars . She recommended support for bus transporta- tion proposals to reduce traffic . One resident said : " We want less traffic . We don ' t want one -way lanes . " Mr . Fabbroni said he wanted to make a clarification that when the press asks him how a one -way system would work and he responds to that question , it should not be interpreted that he is recommending a one -way system ; he is merely making a theoretical presentation , not a proposal . Supervisor Desch supported Mr . Fabbroni in that when Mr . Fabbroni presents the results of a study - - in this case , a one-way traffic presentation - - it is simply that , a study , not a policy or proposal . Any misinterpretation along that line can- not be attributed to this Town Board . BUS SERVICE TO ITHACA COLLEGE AND TOMPKINS COUNTY HOSPITAL Supervisor Desch said this proposal is to restore service between downtown Ithaca and the Hospital area and Ithaca College . He described the route of the bus run . He said that the basic pro - posal is for the Town of Ithaca , the City of Ithaca , and Tompkins County to participate in subsidizing the bus run to the extent of about $ 15 , 000 a year ( the Town ' s share to be about $ 5 , 000 ) . It would be a one year trial run . After some discussion - - Motion by Councilwoman Valentino ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffens - perger , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca shall support the proposed bus run to Ithaca College and Tompkins County Hospital , such bus .-run to begin no earlier than September 1 , 1978 or January 1 , 1979 , the Town of Ithaca ' s support to be contingent upon participation in the proposal by the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County . ( Desch , Valentino and Raffensperger voting Aye . Freeman , Del Rosso , and Powers voting Nay . ) The motion , therefore , failed . 1 50 Town Board Minutes - 9 - August 7 , 1978 Councilman Powers , explaining his vote , stated that this is a matter of spending taxpayers ' money . for bus transportation over a year ' s time ; that he did not feel he had enough information . It is not clear who will ride the bus . He felt that if 90 % of the riders , for example , are City of Ithaca residents , then the City of Ithaca should pay 900 of the cost of subsidizing the system . If the riders are divided evenly between Town and City , he said he would be in favor of the proposal . However , without knowing more about who the riders will be he could not vote in favor of the proposal at this time . Councilwoman Raffensperger wondered how one would ever know who rides the bus without a trial run . Councilman Del Rosso also said he did not believe enough information was now avail - able to justify the expenditure of the proposed Town of Ithaca share of approximately $ 5 , 000 . It was agreed that the Transit Committee would make a report to the Town Board within six weeks , at which time the matter will again be considered . PERSONS TO BE HEARD Supervisor Desch reported that a petition had been received from residents of the Drew Park Development and the surrounding area , requesting the assistance of the Town Board in securing cable tele - vision for the area . The petition noted that the residents of this area have for the past five years attempted to get this service , but without success . The petition also notes that Mr . Kevin Rorke , General Manager of Ceracche Television ( ATC ) advised them recently that there are no immediate plans to provide service in this area . The petition also states that many in the area were promised service when their homes were built , and , in fact , paid Ceracche Television to wire their homes to receive the service . Mr . Rorke said ATC would be happy to work with the residents of this area under the format which has been set out in the franchise and transfer consent with respect to extension of cable into area of the Town not presently served . He said their surveys indicate there are less than 20 homes per mile in this area , and , therefore , ATC has no immediate plans to extend service . He said , however , that ATC would work with the Town Board and the residents and make a re - port after a complete professional survey as to the number of poten - tial customers . He said they would need about four to six weeks to make such a report . There was a question as to where the measurement is made from to determine the number of homes per mile . Mr . Rorke said the mileage is measured from the end of their cable . He said , further , there are certain time frames which they must respond to . Mr . Trinkl asked whether there is any area in the Town which is serviced which does not meet the 20 homes per mile regulation . Mr . Rorke said he did not know the answer to that question but that he - could research it . Mr . Trinkl suggested that the Town has subsidized cer - tain other activities in the Town . Supervisor Desch asked Mr . Trinkl if he were saying that the Town should subsidize a cable system . Mr . Trinkl said the users should . It was noted in the discussion that a good deal depends on where the measurement is made from and that if the line must go underground the cost is several times that of the overhead lines . One of the residents said , " There are at least 80 homes and I know we are not four miles . " 151 Town Board Minutes 10 - August 7 , 1978 SAM PETER ( TV and APPLIANCES ) - SIGN MATTER Supervisor Desch noted that Mr . Peter is present because there has been a long - standing discussion about his request for a variance on two signs on his establishment on Danby Road and East King Road . Mr . Peter stated he felt there was no reason not to be granted a permit because the signs are neatly arranged and well installed . One big sign is located alone , the other two signs are on a pole . He said he did not feel they created a problem . Mr . Fabbroni agreed that Mr . Peter had described accurately what is there . Councilman Powers inquired how the signs differ from the requirements of the ordinance . Mr . Fabbroni said the ordinance calls for one free standing sign . He said , however , that the signs in place are in good maintenance and the square footage meets the requirements . If he were required to put all three signs on one stanchion he would have to tear one sign down . Mrs . Bronfenbrenner noted that when the application for a variance was denied the Planning Board was proceeding in accordance with the Sign Ordinance ,, and that the Planning Board , therefore , was opposed to it . There have been no objections from the public . Motion by Councilman Del Rosso seconded by Supervisor Desch , RESOLVED , that Sam Peter ' s ( TV and Appliances ) request for a variance from the Sign Ordinance with respect to two signs on his establishment on Danby Road and East King Road , to permit these signs to remain as is , is hereby granted . ( Raffensperger , Freeman , Powers , Del Rosso , and Desch voting Aye . Valentino voting Nay ) The motion was thereupon duly adopted . SAM AND ANNE KRAMER - REQUEST TO DEED PROPERTY FROM THE' TOWN Mr . Edward Mazza , Attorney , appeared before the Board on behalf of Sam Kramer and Anne Kramer , , 128 Salem Drive , to request that the Town of Ithaca deed to the Kramers a piece of property adjacent to their property which they are presently maintaining and would like to own . Mr . Kramer stated that the road adjacent was not laid out properly and that people drive into their driveway thinking it is a continuation of the road ; that they have lost a lot of mailboxes . Mr . Kramer stated that the road has " shifted " . In short , the Kramers are requesting that the Town Board review the situation in front of their house with respect to the road " drifting " with the idea that if they find the road has " drifted " the Town would deed the property in front of the Kramer property to the Kramers . It was agreed that Mr . Fabbroni would look into the physical situation and report to the Town Board as early as possible . LAWRENCE AND TRINNA IACOVELLI REQUEST FOR RE - ZONING Mr . Edward Mazza appeared before - the Board on behalf of Lawrence and Trinna Iacovelli whose appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a permit to allow four dwelling units rather than two at 167 Kendall Avenue , Parcel No . 6 - 54 - 4 - 25 , was denied on the grounds that no practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship were shown . It was agreed that the Board would await a report from the Zoning Board of Appeals for their guidance in this matter . Mr . Mazza would like the Town Board to consider a zoning change which would permit Mr . Iacovelli to build four dwelling units as originally appealed for and denied . I 5� a Town Board Minutes - 11 - August 7 , 1978 ROUTE 96 Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Mayor ' s ( City of Ithaca ) Committee on which he serves has recommended four alternatives with respect to Route 96 to the Common Council . Two additional alternatives have been added and six alternatives are being for- warded to the State for further study . TI 59 CALCULATOR Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Town has now purchased the TI 59 Calculator . This was done after consultation with Council - man Del Rosso , who recommended the TI 59 . Mr . Fabbroni agreed that the calculator recommended by Councilman Del Rosso was far superior to the caluclator they had originally planned to purchase and also less expensive . REFUNDS OF WATER BILLINGS Mr . Ray Thomas , Commission Clerk ( Bolton Point ) by letter recommended two refunds of water billings as follows : ( 1 ) a refund to Rocco P . Lucente , 103 Salem Drive , in the amount of $ 19 . 53 , ( customer having paid the same charge twice ) , and ( 2 ) a refund to Nickolos Tassone , property at 122 Burleigh Drive , ( again represent - ing a double payment ) , $ 19 . 53 . = The ' .Board acted as - follows : Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that refunds of water billings be made as follows : ( 1 ) $ 19 : 53 - to Rocco P . Lucente , 103 Salem Drive , and ( 2 ) $ 19 . 53 to Nickolos Tassone , property at 122 Burleigh Drive ; both of these refunds representing duplicate payments . ( Desch , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , Del Rosso and Freeman voting Aye . Nays - none . ) REPORT OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE Mrs . Livesay reported that she had attended the CETA Advisory Committee meeting where they were reviewing projects on public employment , Title VI . She said this is different than the CETA the Town has used before . It appeared from this meeting that there were no projects they felt they could approve , but more are coming in . There is no money available until October 1 and the CETA people are not sure there will be any . She did not recommend that the Town submit an application for an assistant planner or for anything applied for under the other CETA program . WATER SURCHARGE - SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that this Town Board will conduct a public hearing on September 11 , 1978 at 9 : 00 p . m . to consider an increase in the water surcharge from 5 % to 100 . ( Freeman , Del Rosso , Valentino , Powers , Desch , and Raffensperger voting Aye . Nays - none ) APPOINTMENT TO COUNTY YOUTH BUREAU BOARD Councilwoman Valentino recommended that Mr . David Jennings , Sheffield Road , be appointed as the Town of Ithaca representative on the County Youth Bureau Board . / 53 Town Board Minutes - 12 - August 7 , 1978 Motion by Councilwoman Valentino ; seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that David Jennings , Sheffield Road , is hereby appointed as the Town of Ithaca representative on the County Youth Bureau Board . (Freeman , Desch , Valentino , Raffensperger , Powers , and Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays none ) PURCHASE OF BULLDOZER Supervisor Desch said he has asked Highway Superintendent Parkin to look into the matter of the purchase of a bulldozer . This is tied into some drainage improvements contemplated in the Northeast . Specifications will be prepared on this piece of equipment for the September meeting . Mr . Fabbroni stated that he has looked into this matter and feels the Town needs this piece of equipment for drainage work , road maintenance , and other Town needs . A 450 Delta , John Deere type bulldozer is contemplated . Mr . Fabbroni said that without such a piece of equipment which the Town would purchase rather than rent there would be no flexibility in operation . DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PARK POLICY Councilwoman Raffensperger suggested that this item be held for the September meeting . She said she would appreciate comments on it before that time . CODES AND ORDINANCES REPORT Councilman Powers reported that the Codes and Ordinances Committee is following a new procedure , that is to have the planning staff review a section or group of sections and prepare it in reason - able form before the Committee sees it . As of the last meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Committee , July 31 , they had essentially completed the sections on mobile home zone , agricultural use zone , and flood hazard districts . They have been reviewed twice and some minor corrections have been made . Councilman Powers said he hoped that after their next meeting they would be able to turn the material over to the Town Attorney , the Town Board , and the County Planning Office . The planning staff has prepared for the Committee ' s considera - tion the new version of industrial use zones as well as a new section of the ordinance which is in compliance with New York State Environ - mental Protection District which will cover , among other things , unique natural areas , if any . The Committee has agreed to have two meetings per month after the Labor Day holidays . REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIRWOMAN Mrs . Bronfenbrenner reported that the Planning Board has not met but will do so the day after Labor Day . At that time they will discuss the Monkemeyer ( developer ) problem . She asked what the Board intended to do with respect to Eva Hoffmann ' s serving _ on the Planning Board . Mrs . Hoffmann has now returned to this country . Supervisor Desch said that Carolyn Grigorov will continue to serve and Mrs . Hoffmann will be able to serve on the Planning Board again when there is a vacancy . TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS Motion by Councilman Del Rosso ; seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that Town of Ithaca warrants dated August 7 , 1978 in the following amounts are hereby approved : lam Town Board Minutes - 13 - August 7 , 1978 General Fund - Town -wide $ 34 , 079 . 56 General Fund - Outside Village . . 2 , 647 . 43 Highway Fund 15 , 783 . 50 Water and Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 , 474953 Lighting District Funds . . . . . . . . . 186 . 78 Capital Projects - 5 - area Sewer 245 , 893 . 40 e" ( Valentino , Del Rosso , Freeman , Raffensperger , Powers , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) BOLTON POINT WARRANTS Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Del Rosso , RESOLVED , that this Town Board , upon recommendation of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission that they are in order for payment , and after review , hereby approves the Bolton Point war- rants , t ' dateed August 7 , 1978 in the amount of $ 40 , 958 . 89 in the Operat - ing Account . ( Freeman , Del Rosso , Powers , Valentino , Raffensperger , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) RAMP PARKING Supervisor Desch read memorandum of his to the Town Board advising them that beginning January 1 , 1979 , the Town of Ithaca would no longer pay for ramp parking for its employees . Mr . Fab - broni suggested that this matter should go before the Personnel Committee for further study . Motion by Councilman Del Rosso ; seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the matter of ramp parking for Town of Ithaca employees will be taken under advisement by the Personnel Committee . ( Valentino , Freeman , Raffensperger , Powers , Del Rosso , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) ADJOURNME N`.^ The meeting was duly adjourned at 11 : 00 p . m . .. . A6 /at 'e� Edward L . Bergen Town Clerk