Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1978-09-11 Town Board Minutes - 5 - September 11 , 1978 JUSTICES ATTENDANCE AT MAGISTRATES CONFERENCE Motion by Councilman Freeman , seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that Justices Blye and Wallenbeck are hereby authorized to attend annual Magistrates Conference at Stevenville Country Club , Liberty , New York , September 17 through September 20 , 1978 , at Town expense . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , Freeman , Powers , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) ATTENDANCE AT HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTS CONFERENCE Motion by Freeman ; seconded by McElwee , RESOLVED , that Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent , is hereby authorized to attend Highway Superintendents Conference to be held September 26 through September 28 , 1978 , at Town expense . ( Freeman , Powers , McElwee , Valentino , Raffensperger , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) IMPROVEMENTS TO PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE Mr . Fabbroni illustrated with topographic map proposed improvements to Pennsylvania Avenue . After discussion it was agreed that the area would be staked out , but that the residents would be advised what was planned so they would understand that this is only a first step toward the improvement of Pennsylvania Avenue . APPOINTMENT OF DOG ENUMERATOR Motion by Councilman Powers ; seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that the Junior Chamber of Commerce is hereby appointed as the dog enumerator for the Town of Ithaca for the year 1979 . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , McElwee , Powers , Freeman , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) PUBLIC HEARING - 8 : 30 p . m . ABSTRACT OF ZONING LAWS OR ORDINANCES Proof of posting and publication of notice o .... - public hearing in this matter having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the hearing . Supervisor Desch read the proposed law . He said the basic purpose of the proposed local law is to reduce the cost of adver - tising . He said he did not think it particularly useful to have an entire ordinance in the newspaper . The Supervisor opened the item for discussion . Town Attorney Buyoucos noted that the Town already has adopted two local laws , one in 1965 and one in 1970 , which allow the Town to publish summaries of ordinances or local laws . How- ever , municipalities were circularized by an agency in Albany suggesting that they adopt a local law with respect to publishing summaries or local laws or ordinances rather than the full text . Therefore , he suggested that the Town of Ithaca might wish to con - sider this matter again . He suggested , however , that it might be well to check any proposed new local law against the two laws al - ready on the Town ' s books , and defer action at this time . -. , The / o Town Board Minutes - 6 - September 11 , 1978 Supervisor said that a public hearing had been set and that the Board ought not do that unless there is an intention to adopt the law . Mr . Buyoucos said it is not necessary for a municipality to adopt a " law at the first sitting , that it could be deferred . Supervisor Desch noted that the public had not yet been heard from . Councilman Powers suggested that the matter be deferred until the Town Attorney has prepared a local law which he is comfortable with which does not appear to be the case at this time . Mr . Buyoucos said he did not think it would be necessary to re - publish notice of a hear - ing if the matter were deferred at this time . Mr . Arthur L . Berkey , 128 Christopher Circle , said that he was against the adoption of such a local law , based on the need for public information . He felt the advertising money is money well spent in the interest of informing the public . Mrs . Livesay said her only concern was availability of the material for the people who want it . She said she would rather see the money spent for a readable copy ( rather than the small print in the newspaper ) for people who want to read it . Mr . Berkey felt that certain materials should be available to people who want to pay the postage to have it mailed to them . He noted that it was inconvenient for people who work to stop in at the Town Hall for materials which might be read if they were available through the mail . Supervisor Desch said that he did not feel that the Town Hall is so inaccessable that people who are in - terested cannot find the time to stop in to pick up materials . Although there did not appear to be any strong objection by the Board to mailing material to persons willing to pay the postage , no specific policy was laid down at this time . Councilwoman Raffensperger , with respect to the proposed local law , suggested that action be postponed . Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the proposed local law with respect to publishing only the title of ordinances , a brief description of the provisions thereof , and a statement that the full text thereof is on file for inspection in the office of the Town Clerk ( rather than the full text ) be deferred at this time for consideration again at the Town Board meeting of October 10 , 1978 , after the Town Attorney has reported to the Board . ( McElwee , Freeman , Desch , Raffensperger , Valentino , and Powers voting Aye . Nays - none ) Town Attorney Buyoucos noted that that Town , based upon local laws adopted in 1965 and 1970 , is already on good legal grounds to publish summaries of most laws and/or ordinances . He said , however , considerable care should be exercised with respect to some resolutions relating to financing . REPORT ON BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW Mr . Freeman reported that the Board of Assessment Review met on June 5 from 1 : 00 p . m . to 8 : 00 p . m . and at that time they reviewed 13 cases . He said there are 25 , 770 parcels in the County . There are 4 , 167 Town of Ithaca parcels . Thirteen Town parcels were reviewed with respect to the Town of Ithaca on June 5th . The County Review Board covered 65 cases . The total of 78 cases reviewed is only 1 . 87 % of the total parcels . Town Engineer ' s Report Mr . Fabbroni reported that construction on the sewer mains will continue the rest of this month and the remainder of next month . X61 Town Board Minutes - 7 - September 11 , 1978 Hopefully , before the weather turns , Stever Brothers hope to have all the sewer pipe in the ground and only the pump stations will remain to contend with . The streets will be completely restored . Christopher Circle Tank . Mr . Fabbroni reported that the painting of the exterior is complete . The sandblasting on the interior is complete . There is considerable work to be done filling the pitted areas on the inside of the tank . Mr . Fabbroni recommended that the Board authorize the expenditure of an additional $ 2 , 400 to the base bid of $ 17 , 300 for epoxy coating an area 32 feet high , four rings each 8 feet high , to be paid to Broome Industrial Paint - ing Co . , Inc . Wallace & Tiernan will install cathodic protection under a separate agreement for $ 4 , 990 . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the epoxy coating area be extended to cover 32 feet high ( four rings each 8 feet high ) , and , further , that the quotation of Broome Industrial Painting Co . , Inc . be accepted for this additional work which will add $ 2 , 400 to the contract price , and , further , that the quotation of Wallace & Tiernan of $ 4 , 990 for cathodic protection also be accepted . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , McElwee , Powers , Freeman , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) PUBLIC HEARING - 9 : 00 P . M . AMENDMENT TO LOCAL LAW - SURCHARGE INCREASE Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hearing in this matter having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the hearing . Supervisor Desch noted that this matter has been discus - sed on two other occasions . The proposed increase in the surcharge from 5 % to loo is basically to provide funds for the pending main - tenance plan , a program to paint the reservoirs in the Town . The increase would generate about $ 28 , 000 of additional revenue per year to permit the restoration of one tank per year . Supervisor Desch said such a program is necessary in order to avoid the kind of problem which has developed in the Christopher Circle Tank . The Sapsucker Woods Tank is probably in the same condition . The Super - visor distributed material with respect to a five - year program of major system repairs . He said Appendix " A " of this material shows the schedule of major system repairs . ( This material is attached to and made a part of these minutes . ) The Supervisor then opened the item for public discussion . Mr . Berkey stated that what is happening is what he thought would happen . He said that about a year ago he expressed concern about the delay with respect to painting the Christopher Circle Tank , and he said he was assured that the delay would not cause a problem . Mr . Berkey then asked several questions with respect to the budget for the five - year program of major system repairs , particularly with regard to preventive maintenance . Supervisor Desch explained that preventive maintenance is primarily lubrica - tion of the pumps , checking bearings , assuring that vibration levels are kept within limits . It also involves other repairs to the pump stations , mowing grass , snow removal to keep access to the pump stations . The $ 5 , 000 indicated is based on experience levels . Town Board Minutes - 8 - September 11 , 1978 Mr . Berkey asked if $ 7 , 500 has actually been spent for water leaks and what the balance in the account is , considering that the surcharge has been in effect since 1970 . Supervisor Desch said there will be about $ 2 , 000 each year of surplus in the account . At the present time , however , he said there is less than $ 1 , 000 in the account . Reverting to Mr . Berkey ' s remarks about the deterioration of the Christopher Circle Tank , the Supervisor recalled that the Town Board initially put the project out to bid in 1974 . Bids were received and the Town was ready to let a contract . The City of Ithaca , however , stated they would not be responsible for providing water to the customers served through that tank if it were taken out of ser - vice . It was not until the Bolton Point water system was completed that it was possible to by- pass the tank while it was out of service for repainting . Supervisor Desch said he felt sure some deteriora - tion has taken place in the last year . But the greatest part of the deterioration has been over the course of approximately 20 years . He conceded that it might be argued that previous Town Boards had not provided sufficient cathodic protection . He said , however , the situation as it now exists must be faced . It can only get worse . There being no other persons to come before the Board to be heard , the Supervisor closed the hearing , and the Board acted as follows : Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Powers , A LOCAL LAW PROVIDIIG FOR THE AMENDMENT OF LOCAL LAW NO . 2 , 1976 , ENTITLED " A LOCAL LAW PROVIDING FOR THE INSTITUTION , ADMINISTRATION , REGULATION , AND COLLECTION OF WATER RATES AND OTHER CHARGES RELATING TO WATER SERVICE " BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , as follows : Section 1 . Section 3 of Local Law No . 2 , 1976 , is amended by adding thereto the following provision . The Town Board may , from time to time , either by adopting a local law or ordinance , or by adopting a resolution , after a public hearing duly called for that purpose , amend , modify or add to such water rates , rents or charges ( herein also " revenues " ) or adopt such other regulatory measures which may be required to administer the collection of such revenues . If adopted by resolu - tion , the Town Clerk shall ( a ) file a certified copy of any such resolution in the book of Local Laws maintained by the Town Clerk , and ( b ) shall refer briefly to the substance of this law and the date of its adoption on Local Law No . 2 , 1976 , as filed in said book . Section 2 . The surcharge previously established , as set forth in Section 3 , of the Water Rate Schedule ( Schedule " A " of Local Law No . 2 , 1976 ) is hereby increased to 120 , of which 100 is for the repair and maintenance of the water lines and 20 is for the repair and maintenance of the sewer lines . Section 3 . This local law shall take effect immediately . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , Freeman , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) 163 Town Board Minutes - 9 - September 11 , 1978 SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING Supervisor Desch stated that according to revenue sharing legislation , the Town is required to have a public hearing no less than seven days prior to October 5 ( this being the date the Town Clerk presents the tentative Town budget to the Town Board ) . This will be the first of two revenue sharing hearings . September 28th is the last date that a public hearing can be held . Supervisor Desch suggested that the public hearing on the use of revenue shar - ing funds be held on September 25 . Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the Proposed Use public hearing for Federal revenue sharing funds be held at 7 : 00 p . m . on September 25 , 1978 at the Town Hall at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , N . Y . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , McElwee , Powers , Freeman and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) The Board then reviewed the possible uses of revenue sharing funds for the Entitlement Period # 10 ( $ 95 , 282 ) . Some of the suggested uses are as follows : Bolton Point Construction Deficit ( $ 46 , 000 ) Bolton Point Benefit Levy ( $ 23 , 000 ) Neighborhood Parks ( $ 12 , 000 ) Two ( 2 ) Voting Machines ( $ 4 ; 200 ) Town Hall Access to Handicapped ( $ 5 , 000 ) Town Hall Major Repairs ( $ 5 , 000 ) TENTATIVE BUDGET Supervisor Desch suggested that the tentative budget be presented on October 5 , 1978 at 7 : 30 p . m . and that it be a public hearing . Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger , RESOLVED , that this Town Board will conduct a public hearing on October 5 , 1978 at 7 : 30 p . m . at the Town of Ithaca Offices at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , to review the tentative Town of Ithaca budget . ( Freeman , McElwee , Valentino , Powers , Raffensperger , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) BOLTON POINT BUDGET - PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will conduct a public hearing on October 5 , 1978 at 8 : 30 p . m . at the Town of Ithaca Offices at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , to review the Bolton Point budget for 1979 . ( Freeman , Powers , Valentino , McElwee , RAffensperger , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) BICYCLE PATHS Scheduling of a public hearing on bicycle paths was deferred . Town Board Minutes - 10 - September 11 , 1978 Town Engineer ( continuing his report ) Mr . Fabbroni referred to the purchase of a bulldozer and the alternative of renting one . He stated that in 1974 the Town of Ithaca spent $ 4 , 000 ( when equipment of this type was needed ) ; in 1975 , $ 5 , 200 , in 1976 , $ 9 , 300 , and in 1978 , $ 1 , 000 . He pro - jected that the Town would need a bulldozer in connection with work on parks , drainage ditches , ponds , etc . and that in the course of the next six years this would cost about $ 32 , 500 , or a little over $ 5 , 500 a year . The cost of the bulldozer and the trailer would be about $ 40 , 000 . The machine would have a useful life of a minimum of 10 years ( with normal maintenance ) . Based on these conservative numbers , Mr . Fabbroni said the Town would benefit economically by purchasing a machine rather than renting one . Mr . Fabbroni noted , further , that the ownership of such a machine would give the Town flexibility to perform other opera - tions . Renting a machine is a problem when there is rainy weather ( the machine must be paid for even when it cannot be used ) . Sched - ules are upset ; there is great pressure to re - arrange things . With the machine the Town ' s response in emergency situations is greatly enhanced . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Town should do more drainage control work , more clean - up of road shoulders and ditches . The Town is only performing maintenance work at 85 % efficiency . The ownership of a machine would also give the Town flexibility in trade - off situations with other municipalities . Supervisor Desch inquired where the machine would be funded . Mr . Fabbroni noted that there is $ 22 , 000 in the highway budget for equipment . The remainder of the cost could come out of the park fund because the machine would be used in constructing and maintaining park areas . He did not think it would be necessary to use revenue sharing funds . Supervisor Desch suggested to Mr . Fabbroni that he insert this item in the budget as a department request , a supplemental request . He said the Town could not act without a source of funds . Drainage situation in the Brandywine Road area . The staff has prepared a topographic map of the area east of Brandy- wine adjacent to the Northeast School . The drainage off the school site is right into some of the adjacent properties with no provision to divert that drainage to roadside ditch without sheeting across properties . The Engineering Department will draw up an easement for consideration by school officials . Included will be a map of the proposed drainage swale . PERSONS TO BE HEARD Mr . Arthur L . Berkey , 128 Christopher Circle , inquired what the Town Board ' s policy is with regard to condemnation of private property . Supervisor Desch said the Town ' s policy is to try to avoid it and that the Town had been successful in doing so . He said the Town has gone to considerable length on every public project to avoid condemnation . Mr . Buyoucos , Town Attorney , noted that with respect to the Bolton Point project ( in which there were many easements required ) there was only one condemnation , and that involved other considerations than the mere installation of a main . Supervisor Desch noted that in the five - area sewer project there is only one condemnation proceeding pending . Mr . Buyoucos stated that in all the years since 1958 , those are the only two condemna - tion proceedings . IS Town Board Minutes - 11 - September 11 , 1978 Supervisor Desch said it was his view that each proposal had to stand on its own feet in relation to the benefit to the community . Mr . Berkey said , " We have heard in the meeting regarding Coy Glen there are people who publicly said the only way ' you will get my property ' ( Babcock and Kraut ) was by condemnation . If you are unable to resolve that , is it an option that the Board is clearly holding open to condemn ? " Supervisor Desch said , " Yes . " REPORT OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE Mrs Livesay noted that people who are clearly within Agricultural District No . 6 , in order to take advantage of the exemption , must apply for it every year . She stated that there shoe..ild be an on- going educational program in this regard . The eligibility is not automatic , it must be applied for . She suggested that the Town should publicize this , perhaps in the Town newsletter . With regard to ambulance service , Mrs . Livesay urged that the Town have representatives present when a decision in this matter is being considered . No decision can be made , she said , without knowing what the total problem is . Mr . Berkey inquired if the Town would continue to get commercial ambulance service . Mrs . Livesay said she thought the commercial ambulance company would like to cooperate in service but they cannot continue without a subsidy . It was agreed that Councilman Freeman will represent the Town of Ithaca at the meeting on September 21 , 1978 regarding the ambulance service . Mrs . Livesay noted that the Six Mile Creek matter is still " hanging fire . " There have been responses from a lot of people , but the matter has not yet been resolved . Mrs . Livesay referred to changes in the County charter and noted that copies of the charter and the changes may be had at the office of the County Board of Representatives from the Clerk , Phyllis Howell . COMMENDATION Mr . Berkey commended the Board for holding public hearings at 7 : 30 p . m . and on the Newsletter . FINANCIAL PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that the Financial Plan for the Implementation of Parks and Open Space Plan ( copy of which is attached to these minutes ) reflects two primary goals of the Town Board and the Parks and Open Space Plan : ( 1 ) acquisition of open space and of neighborhood play space , and ( 2 ) initial grading and development of playing fields in neighborhood parks . In addition , i for Town Board Meeting. I FIN ,NCIkL PLAN , IMPLEMENTATION OF PARKS 'AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 9111/78 X125 ,000 - Capital Reserve Fund (minus expenditures to date , plus income ) $2502000 - 10 years a approx . x:25 ,000 per year (25% , Revenue Sharing Funds ) "375 ,, OOO - Ten Year Total To be divided into three funds : Acquisition , Capital Improvements , Maintenance A125 ,000 -t225 ,000 925 ,000 PURPOSE FUNDING i I , Acquisition Coy Glen Local : ° 125 ,000 Forest Home Matching Grants South Hill Subdivisions West Hill Donations Dick Brook II . Capital Imcprovements A . . Projects Approved East Ithaca Ei.keway Local : $35 ,000 Northview Road ?Jest Other : Matching Grants i DeWitt Recreation School District B. Stage I Northeast Local : $90 , 000 East Ithaca Other : Matching Grants Forest Home Community Support South Hill West Hill Co Stage II East Ithaca Local : °5100 ,000 Northeast Other : Matching Grants South Hill Community Support Forest Home West Hill - Coy Glen III . Maintenance Average/10 years Local : $25 ,000 Other : Community Support i 2 - Parks Years 1 - 5 Years 6 - 10 I 0125 , 000 $100 , 000 A 25 ,000 II "2252000 1125 , 000 A1003000 III 9 25 ,000 $ 103000 S 15 ,000 STAGE I -A- - B- LOCAL BUDGET LOCAL FUNDING ONLY MATCHING GRANT rtheast X55 ,000 First Phase , Completion , st Ithaca Existing Designs Existing Designs Forest Home 835 ,000 Grading , Basketball , Sand . South Hill Ball Fields , Picnic areas btc . ?west Hill Play Area added to -A- STAGE I DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTS PAST REQUESTS OF RESIDENTS STAGE II LOCAL BUDGET LOCAL FUNDING ONLY MATCHING GRANT Northeast Basketball , Sand Tennis 1 East Ithaca area , Paths , Pavillion Forest Home Picnic areas , 2 -3 of -A- South Hill ° 100 , 000 LaTm Games , added to A West Hill Nature Walks , � Coy Glen Playground T L STAGE II DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE . DETEPJ%II?\TED BY REQUESTS OF RESIDENTS BOTH IN THE ' TER OF TIMID AND TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT , Park Committee 9/9/77 - 2/16/78 - 3/20/78 6/1/78 _ 9/11/78 i I Town Board Minutes - 12 - September 11 , 1978 it allows for future development in neighborhood parks at the re - quest of residents . The plan is flexible enough to allow for changes in development patterns in the Town , changes in needs of neighborhoods for specific recreational facilities , and changes in funding sources . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that as far as the budget for next year is concerned , the primary thing is whether the Town Board is prepared to allocate 25 % of revenue sharing funds for the park reserve fund . Mr . Berkey asked why the $ 125 , 000 in Stage I was set out as a block rather than broken out into a specific amount for each area - - Coy Glen , Forest Home , South Hill , West Hill , and Lick Brook . Councilwoman Raffensperger said that to do that would have been arbi - trary and for the most part guesswork . She said in some cases sub - division donations would be involved and there is the question of costs which are difficult to determine in advance . The attempt , therefore , was to make an intelligent estimate for the package as a whole . Mr . Berkey said he felt the $ 100 , 000 in Stage II ( Capital Improvements ) could be broken down . He said that the $ 100 , 000 did not reflect the needs of any one particular location - - that the entire $ 100 , 000 might be spent on one location . Mr . Fabbroni said that that would hardly happen . He said the effort would be balanced in such a way that all six sites would benefit and in such a way that the expenditure would not be in excess of $ 100 , 000 . Mr . Berkey asked where on the report the costs for the development of Coy Glen are indicated . Councilwoman Raffensperger said the report does not specifically state the development costs of any one area . Supervisor Desch said the next step is to consider the budget process , the level of support the Board wishes to afford . He said the Park Committee should be commended for the extensive work done to this point . He said it is his view that the Town has a commitment to develop the identified areas . It is a question of what level of spending should be done and in what specific areas . Part of the answer to that , he said , would depend on the availability of land and the availability of local funding . He said it would be appropriate to look into the feasibility of allocating $ 25 , 000 of revenue sharing and that that should be done on September 25 . INTERSECTION LIGHTING Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca hereby accepts the proposal of New York State Electric & Gas Corporation for the installation of intersection lights in accordance with letter from G . J . Messmer , Commercial Representative , Ithaca Area , New York State Electric & Gas Corporation , dated August 31 , 1978 ( copy of which is attached to these minutes ) . ( Freeman , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , Desch , and McElwee voting Aye . Nays - none ) BUS SERVICE TO THE NORTHEAST AREA , ITHACA COLLEGE AND TOMPKINS COUNTY HOSPITAL Mr . Fabbroni distributed maps indicating bus routes to these areas . After some discussion , Councilman Freeman recommended that the Town Board commit itself to subsidize a bus run to the Northeast area in the amount of $ 4 , 000 . 67 Town Board Minutes - 13 - September 11 , 1978 Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca agrees , in principle , that it will subsidize a bus run to the Northeast in the amount of $ 4 , 000 for the first year of operation on a year to year renewal basis , from September 1 in each year until the close of the school term in June ( the run not to include Saturdays or Sundays ) . ( Freeman , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) Councilman Freeman , with respect to a proposed bus run to the Tompkins County Hospital , recommended that no action be taken by this Board until it is known what the County intends to do . It was agreed that no action will be taken until after the Transit Commission meets on September 20 and the County meets on September 21 , COMMITTEE REPORTS Traffic Committee The Committee ' s final report will be ready for the Town ' s next meeting - - September 25 , 19780 Codes and Ordinances Councilman Powers reported that the Codes and Ordinances Committee have completed work on and have approved an agricultural zone , a mobile home residence zone , an institutional use zone , a conservation area , and a special flood hazard area , submitted to the Board for approval or disapproval . The Codes and Ordinances Committee would like to have this material returned with recommended changes from the Town Board , the Town Planning Board , and the County Planning Board , as well as the Town Attorney . What has been pre - sented thus far is about one - third of the whole . Councilman Powers suggested a special meeting or meetings to get the revisions worked outs Councilman Powers noted that Mark Jozwicki ( who is no longer with the Town ) and Barbara Restaino have done an outstand - ing job on the zoning ordinance . This work is now being done primarily by Barbara Restaino with the guidance of the Codes and Ordinances Committee . Supervisor Desch recommended , first , that the Town Board mark up the material and get it back to the Codes and Ordinances Committee . The minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Town Board , the Planning Board , and the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 2 , 1978 indicate the order in which the work should be done , as follows : ( 1 ) Agricultural Zone District , ( 2 ) Mobile Home Park District , ( 3 ) Institutional Use District , ( 4 ) Special Flood Hazard District , ( 5 ) Industrial Districts , ( 6 ) Business Districts , and ( 7 ) Residen- tial Districts . There was some discussion of whether to preface the new Zoning Ordinance with a statement of intent . No firm decision was made on this matter at this time . It was agreed that an agenda item for the meeting of the Town Board on September 25 , 1978 would be " Zoning Ordinance Revisions . " 16V Town Board Minutes - 14 - September 11 , 1978 WATER BILL REFUND Motion by Councilman McElwee , seconded by Supervisor Desch , RESOLVED , that this Town Board hereby approves payment in the amount of $ 31 . 92 to Douglas Lathwell , 130 Northview Road , Ithaca , New York , representing a refund due on an original billing of $ 64 . 39 ( corrected to $ 32 . 47 ) , resulting in a refund due amount of $ 31 . 92 . ( Freeman , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES SCHEDULE OF CRITICAL DECISION POINTS Supervisor Desch referred to his memorandum of July 11 , 1978 to members of the joint City/Town Sewer Committee . He said this paper is put before the Board at this time in the hope of getting a commitment from the City of Ithaca in this matter . Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger , RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves the adoption of critical decision points as shown on Supervisor Desch ' s memorandum to members of the Joint City/Town Sewer Committee dated July 11 , 1978 ( copy of which is attached to these minutes ) . ( Freeman , McElwee , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , and Desch Voting Aye . Nays - none ) SIGN APPLICATIONS Mr . Fabbroni reported that he would recommend that the Town Board approve three sign applications : ( 1 ) Aquarium and Pet Supplies , ( 2 ) Nautilus , and ( 3 ) Roy ' s Cafeteria , all on East Hill Plaza . He stated that all three are in compliance with the Sign Ordinance and have been approved by the Planning Board Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the sign applications , as presented , for ( 1 ) Aquarium and Pet Supplies , ( 2 )" ' Nautilus , and ( 3 ) Roy ' s Cafeteria ( all on East Hill Plaza ) are hereby approved . ( Freeman , Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) REQUEST OF ROBERT ANDREE , JR . ( TEXACO ) FOR TWO ADDITIONAL FREE - STANDING SIGNS Mr . Fabbroni reported that Robert Andree , Jr . has requested approval for two additional free - standing Texaco signs on the corner of Judd Falls Road and Ellis Hollow Road . These would be located far enough back from the corner so as not to conflict with sight lines up Ellis Hollow Road at the stop sign . The signs would be set in a planter with wood chips at the base . Mr . Andree has requested two additional free - standing signs rather than a configu - ration adding to the sign already there . This is a request for a variance from the Sign Ordinance . The signs would advertise the variable costs of the Texaco products . This would make a total of three signs . � bq Town Board Minutes - 15 - September 11 , 1978 Mr . Andree illustrated what they . have requested at each entrance . Councilwoman Raffensperger said she was opposed to an approval for three signs . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that a variance be granted to Robert Andree , Jr . for two additional free - standing signs on the corner of Judd Falls Road and Ellis Hollow road to advertise the variable costs of the Texaco products . ( Freeman , McElwee , Powers and Desch voting Aye . Raffensperger and Valentino voting Nay ) The motion was adopted . NEW DOG CONTROL LEGISLATION This matter was deferred to the October meeting . SHELDON ROAD TANK RESOLUTION Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Powers , WHEREAS , the new Bolton Point water system serves the Sheldon Road Tank without the need for the pre - existing pump station , and WHEREAS , it has been determined by the City of Ithaca Fire Chief , the Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Chief , and the Bolton Point Chief of Plant Operations , that the pump station is not needed for emergency purposes , NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED : That the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation be directed to disconnect the electric service to the Sheldon Road pump station , it being understood that if the Village of Cayuga Heights wishes to use the pump house , the Village will install electric for lighting ( security ) and space heating . Approval of this resolution is contingent upon the adop - tion of a parallel resolution by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , Freeman , McElwee , Powers , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS Motion by Councilman Powers ; seconded by Supervisor Desch , RESOLVED , that Town of Ithaca warrants dated September 11 , 1978 in the following amounts are hereby approved : General Fund $ 12 , 355963 General Fund ( Outside Village ) . 21491 . 65 Highway Fund 34 , 695959 Water and Sewer Fund 73 , 439 . 71 Lighting Districts 188 . 34 Capital Projects , Five -Area Sewer 14 , 135 . 89 ( Freeman , Powers , Raffensperger , Valentino , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) Town Board Minutes - 16 - September 11 , 1978 BOLTON POINT WARRANTS Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point warrants dated September 11 , 1978 , after review by the Town Board , and upon recommendation by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission that they are in order for payment , are hereby approved in the amount of $ 535 , 880 . 44 in the Operating Account . ( Freeman , McElwee , Valentino , Raffensperger , Powers , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIRWOMAN In the absence of Mrs . Bronfenbrenner , the Town Clerk read her report as follows : " The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met on September 5 to discuss the following business . - - a public hearing on an amendment to Phase I ( previously approved ) for Eastwood Commons , Norbert Schickel developer , to include one additional building , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 6 - 60 . 1 - 1 - 45 . The additional building to be similar to the existing Phase I buildings , except that it will contain three units instead of four . The amendment was approved and given the designation I - a . Mr . Schickel will return to the Planning Board on September 19th to present his proposal for Phase II of Eastwood Commons . - - The Planning Board recommended approval of three sign applications for the former FBC building at East Hill Plaza : ( 1 ) Aquarium and Pet Supplies ( 2 ' x 12 ' ) ; ( 2 ) Nautilus ( l. ' x 121 ) ; and ( 3 ) Roy ' s Cafeteria ( 2 ' x 121 ) - - St . Catherine of Sienna Church : add a hanging sign to the existing sign for three weeks every fall to announce the annual fair . The Sign Ordinance does not cover signs for churches and similar buildings in residential zones . A variance was granted to erect the existing sign . It was suggested that a section be added to the Sign Ordi - nance to deal with signs for non - residential buildings in residential zones . - - The operators of the new Texaco station at East Hill Plaza requested three signs - - one 28 square feet , free - standing with the Texaco logo , and two 21 square foot signs listing gas prices at each entrance . The Sign Ordinance permits two signs totaling 100 square feet . The alternate solution would be a large sign , hanging under the logo , to list the gas prices . This seemed more unsightly to Board members , and also more likely to obstruct the view , and , therefore , a variance was recommended . - - a public hearing to discuss a preliminary subdivision proposal for the Ridgecrest Road area , back lot , Lagrand Chase , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 6 - 45 - 1 - 2 . 2 , was not held because Mr . Chase was unable to be present . But a large number of Ridgecrest Road residents had appeared and they were asked to state their opinion of Mr . Chase ' s proposals to the Board . Mr . Chase had written a letter to these people on August 2 stating that he wished to develop the Town Board Minutes - 17 - September 11 , 1978 parcel either as a mobile home park or a middle income subdivision . He also offered to sell parts of the par- cel to interested Ridgecrest Road residents . Public feeling ran strongly against a mobile home park or possible multiple dwellings in the area . The Planning Board will discuss the completed section of the Zoning Ordinance revision at its next meeting . " EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilwoman Valentino , RESOLVED , that this Board retire into Executive Session . ( Freeman , McElwee , Powers , Desch , Raffensperger and Valentino voting Aye . Nays - none ) There was discussion of certain policies with regard to employees ' health insurance and other personnel matters . After the executive session the Board reconvened for regular session for the conduct of any remaining business . HOSPITALIZATION AND HEALTH INSURANCE Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Powers , RESOLVED , that the resolution adopted by this Town Board on May 8 , 1978 with respect to the Town of Ithaca health insurance pro - gram is hereby amended , as follows : The Town of Ithaca will con - tribute for any employee who retires from the Town of Ithaca , having served less than five years , one half of the insurance premiums for health insurance coverage ( and 350 of said premiums for his eligible dependents ) for the number of years served , at the expiration of which time the Town of Ithaca will no longer make such contributions . ( Freeman , McElwee , Powers , Valentino , Raffensperger , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 11 : 55 p . m . ew< 13A, Ed r L . Bergen Town Clerk