HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1981-07-13 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
July 13 , 1981
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca ,
Tompkins County , New York , held at the Town Offices at 126 East
Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , at 5 : 30 P . M . , on the 13th day
of July , 1981 , there were
PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor
Victor Del _ Rosso , Councilman
George Kugler , Councilman
Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
Dooley Kiefer , .Councilwoman
Henry McPeak , Councilman
ABSENT : Marc Cramer , Councilman
ALSO PRESENT : Edward A . Mazza , 102 Burleigh Drive
Beverly Livesay , Board of Representatives
Elsie Sheldr_ a.ke , 806 Elmira. Road
Eleanor L . Sturgeon. , 718 Elmira . R.oad-
R . James Miller , 319 . N . Aurora Street
Montgomery May ,, 1360 Slaterville Road.
Philip S . Winn , 225 Bryant Avenue
Martha Bell ,. 614 Elmira Road
Thomas G . . Bell , 614 Elmira Road
Opal W . Sprague , 817 Elmira Road
David Sprague , 817 Elmira Road.
Bob Mulvey , 519 East Buffalo Street
Ruth H . Michener. , 1529 Mecklenburg Road
Robert E . Michener , 1529 Mecklenburg Road.
Mildred Eddy , 544 Bostwick Road
Stephen Eddy , 544 Bostwick Road.
Carolyn Miller , 823 Elmira Road.
Robert Miller , 823 Elmira Road
Ruth Royce ,. . 231 Enfield Falls Road.
Alfred Eddy , R . D . # 5 , Ithaca
Karen Arnold , 1967 Elmira Road
Elsie McMillan Peterson , 812 Elmira Road
Lucille Brink , 706 Elmira Road.
Millard Brink , 706 Elmira Road,
Tom McGuire , 635 Elmira Road
Ron Kerfoot , 240 Piper Road , Newfield
Ruth Mahr , 103 Judd Falls Road.
Joel Si_ lbey , ' 105 Judd Falls Road.
Helen Blauvelt , Town Historian.
Lawrence Fa.bbroni. , Town. Engineer
Representatives of the Media :
Mary Earle , WTKO
Jane Weldman. , Tv%7HCU
Don Ross , Ithaca. Journal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance .
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
SUPERVISOR ' S REPORT
Supervisor Desch stated that there were two subject areas, that he
was particularly pleased to be able to report , the achievement of
a major milestone which will have a very significant positive
Town Board Minutes - 2 - >: July 13 , 1981
benefit to our Townspeople for many decades to come . The first
subject is continued success in the identification and preservation
of : our critical historical records . We are fortunate to have
located the original book of minutes of the Town . dating from
April 1821 , . at which time the City was a village within the Town .
The book includes many of the street surveys now in the City .
The book is in excellent condition as you can see , and this is
due to the tender care provided during it ' s temporary residence
with the firm of Williamson , Mazza & Clune . Our Town Historian
tells me that is was quite common for such records to be kept in
the homes of the Town Clerks or in the legal offices , in the event
that was the most secure place .
Supervisor Desch then turned the meeting over to Helen Blauvelt , :
Town Historian ,
Town Historian . Helen Blauvelt went onto say that the Commissioners
of Highways formed the Town into Road Districts and surveyed and
laid road at the request of citizens and the State : 71 original
surveys of Ithaca roads are recorded in this book . The homes of
early Ithaca= citizens are often landmarks in these early surveys .
There are numerous surveys of alterations to. . roads Appeals of
citizens to the Court of Common Pleas protesting roads which cross
their land or . asking that a road be discontinued or recorded .
Domestic animals grazed freely in the public streets of Ithaca .
Each animal was supposed to bear the " sign " of its owner . This
was often a clipped ear . Rams , stud horses and swine grazing in
the streets created problems , and efforts were made to prohibit
them . In later years fines were imposed on. their owners . .
A resolution of the second Annual Meeting imposed a penalty of
five. dollars upon any farmer who let Canada thistle grow on . ihis
farm .
I do not find zeports of the Pound Master , early jails or stockades ,
but Constables resigned almost as fast as they were elected or
appointed .
The Ithaca Town Record Book begins on April 3 , 1821 and ends
April 2 , 18520 It gives a picture of the development of the Town
of Ithaca as recorded by . elected Town officers .
There was an annual meeting of the Freeholders ( property -. owners )
and inhabitants of the Town of. Ithaca . The officers of the Town
were elected . and resolutions voted upon . Unless a special meeting
ofithe Town was necessary , the Town Board did not meet again till
the end of the year when bills against the Town were audited and
paid . The elected officers fulfilled their responsibilities and
recorded their reports in the Town Record Book . This is the book
being returned to us . This did not include tax assessments and
rolls .
Detailed accounts of all. elections are in this book .
The development of Ithaca Common Schools and school districts are
shown in reports of the Commissioners of Common. Schools , the
Inspectors of Common Schools and Trustees of the School and Gospel
Lot . .
The reports of the overseers of the poor show an interest in
economy .
Mrs . Blauvelt introduced Mr . Edward Mazza who presented the Minute
Book to Supervisor Desch .
Mr . Mazza stated that it was with great pleasure that I return this
Town Board Minutes - 3 - July 13 , 1981
missing record to the Town . It is being given by my father ,
Bruno Mazza , and myself . However , it was my father who preserved
the book all these years .
Supervisor Desch thanked Mr . Mazza and went on to say that we
are looking into various options to reproduce this document so
that its contents may once again be a valuable resource for our
Townspeople . In our revenue sharing proposed use , we may wish to
consider an extensive program to microfilm such precious documents .
. In recognition of their efforts we should erect a suitable plaque
noting the care with which the firm of Mazza , Williamson and Clune
preserved the document on behalf of the Town of Ithaca .
This also . points to the urgency of the need to move ahead with the
electrical and fire safety improvements , in the Town Hall , to be
discussed later in the agenda .
Supervisor Desch went on to say the second subject or his report
is the construction of the 30 million dollar Wastewater Treatment
Facility now entering into the detailed design phase . The City
has agreed in principal with us , that the joint ownership approach
is the best solution for all who will use and benefit. fr.om this
improvement . This no doubt will be the largest capital project
to be built by local municipalities for many years to come . We
have actively pursued this objective - for the past three years but
studies were actually initiated as long ago as 1.973 . We now are
addressing the details of operational arrangements , such . as the
duties of the sewer board ; budget preparation process , etc . , and we
hope soon to have the first formal agreement completed before the
end of the . calender year . Such agreement will be amended to
reflect actual rate structures and capital costs after construction
is underway . It is important now to get the sewer board in place
so that the various timetables can be addressed on an optimal basis .
The federal aid picture is not clear and," ; t.he priority of our project
falls below New York City and Binghamton .
As you recall , we have evaluated the desir_ eabilixy of changing from
the State Plan to the Central N . Y . Blue Cross / Blue Shield Plan .
Some concern has been expressed that a number of hospitals in our
area have either withdrawn from membership or are contemplating
same . We now have a proposal from Mutual of Omaha which indicates
a broader base of membership but is also more expensive . The
State legislature is also considering a bill to separate upstate
and downstate experience from Blue Cross / Metropolitan rates . We ,
in my judgement , should not be too hasty to switch to a different
. plan . They are all expensive and the Town picks up 100% of the
monthly cost .
TOWN ENGINEER ' S REPORT
Town Engineer Larry Fabbroni noted that the work on the Cliff Street
Pump Station was proceeding . The old pump from the Rid. gecrest tank
has been installed and working for ten days . The pump above the
Cliff Street Pump Station can now be dismantled. and put in its
proper place .
He stated that the Dewitt Park storm retention. area had been
grubbed out and vegetation moved . The remainder of the brush and
shrubs have either been cut or removed . The large earth moving
equipment will arrive on Wednesday .
He went on to say that Salem Park was 50 % completed . The CETA
help is on board , they are a very enjoyable group of kids . _ The
b-ikeway from Maple Avenue to Honness Lane is ready to be oiled
and stoned . . . Road paving will begin next Monday .
Contracts for the Northeast Transit summer service have been signed .
Town Board Minutes - 4 - July la , 1981
The fall service contracts should be ready for the Board ' s approval
in August . We are on the standby list for. priority # 1 , ARC . for
TO1TTRAN . - Tompkins - " Countv:- .had - several g rant: proposals in this year
The Town Engineer noted that the East Ithaca Circulation technical
committee was incorporating changes in the report and hopefully
the report would be available by the middle of. next week so that
Board action could be taken on July 270
BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT
County Representative Beverly Livesay asked if the Board had been
kept up to date on the reapportionment ?
Supervisor Desch stated that he was a consultant on the. Re -
apportionment Board and had . kept the Town Board up to date on all
happenings ,
Mrs . Livesay stated that Harris Dates had been asked by the State
for ten names for the local draft board .
Councilman McPeak asked if this was a voluntary position as - it
was in World War II ?
Mrs . Livesay answered yes .
Mrs . Livesay said that the County did an evaluation study of the
County Youth Bureau . The report is now available to the Committee . ,
She went on to say the next big project was to get the elevator
moving . Mrs . Livesay does not feel the cost was out of sight .
The total cost of the elevator was not the cost of the whole
project . .
Mrs . Livesay stated that the County Board will be dealing with some
very important , issues and she felt the Town of Ithaca Board should
be interested in what was going on and make their input felt on
the County level . She mentioned the TC3 budget and a company who
wished to advertise at the County Airport . Also , the old hospital
building which Town money is going into . Infact , she mentioned
that the money going into the old empty hospital could fund TC3 .
Supervisor Desch asked Mrs . Livesay if a resolution on the de -
regulation of natural gas had come before the Board of Reps yet ?
Mrs . Livesay said no .
PREFERENTIAL ACQUISITION RIGHTS TO
ABANDONED CONRAIL PROPERTY
Supervisor Desch stated that he . was in receipt of the formal
request for release of the preferential rights to the abandoned
railroad property of Conrail .. The property commences . at Milepost
304 . 32 ( Stone Quarry Road ) to . Milepost . 306 ( Knights Crossing ) .
The City of Ithaca and the Town of ` Ithaca would each purchase .
their portion . The Town of Ithaca could us.e . their . .por. tzozr for a
storm water interception system from Stone Quarry Road to
Buttermilk Falls State Park , a sanitary sewer easement and the
entire portion for a recreational trail .
Councilman Kugler asked if the right - of - way was roughly 60 feet
wide ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni answered. , 66 feet wide .
RESOLUTION NO . 105
Motion by . Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
Town Board Minutes - 5 - July 13. , 1981
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby states
its intention to exercise its preferential rights to acquire the
portion of the property , in the Town of Ithaca , from the abandoned
Conrail railroad property from Milepost 304 . 32 ( Stone Quarry Road ) -
to Milepost 306 ' ( Knights Crossing ) and to so inform the New York
State Department of Transportation of its intentions .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
WATER IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Supervisor Desch stated that the update on the water improvement
plan was basically an expansion of the document presented last
year . However , now it should be considered on a phased basis as
the Coddington Road area residents are interested in extending
water to their area as soon as possible .
Therefore , the engineering study should phase the Coddi.ngton . Road
area relatively early . Other areas -to be considered are the West
Hill , Glenside Road which is a problem area because of the 6 " line .
Part of the line has been replaced , however. , it is still inadequate .
He questioned . . the .. possib'illity , of'- 1.aoptig to Coy Glen .
He went on to say the Trumansburg Road , Woolf Lane area needs
water . As Ithaca College continues to grow . ald. use more water
a loop to the Danby Road should be considered . East State Street
area could be lumped together with other improvements . . . Maple
Avenue is marginal on fire protection . Also , the area of Forest
_ Home being serviced by Cornell could be picked up . The Supervisor
stated that he had - received a lot of phone calls in the past two
- weeks asking for water .
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked Supervisor Desch If he had an
estimate of the cost of the engineering study . .
Supervisor Desch said no , he did not know what the cost would- be ,
somewhere between ten and fifty thousand dollars he suspected .
Supervisor Desch stated that the Board decided , last . year , ' to hold
off for one year to see how water revenues came in during 1981 .
He stated that there will be a surplus in, the water revenue account
at the end of the year .
RESOLUTION NO . 106
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso ,
WHEREAS , the Town Board in September of 1980 reviewed a 5 year
plan to upgrade the reliability , efficiency and capacity of the
water distribution system network in the Tovn� of Ithaca , and.
WHEREAS , the water improvement plan indicated the crucial timing
of several of the improvements and suggested that the Town retain
a consulting engineer to prepare a preliminary engineering design
report in the summer of 1981 , and
WHEREAS , the 1981 objectives established by the Town. Board
indicated the schedule of September 1981 to retain engineers for
such studies , and
WHEREAS , a number of property owners in the Town , in response
to the Town of Ithaca April 1981 Newsletter , have expressed a
critical need for public water ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Supervisor be
authorized to obtain proposals from engineering firms to perform
the services identified in the enclosed request for proposal .
Town Board Minutes - 6 - July 13 , 1981
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting.
Aye . Nays - none ) .
SEWER CONDENMATION
RESOLUTION NO . 107
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
the Town Attorney to obtain real estate appraisals to provide access
for sewer service to 115 Mc Intyre Place .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger . , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
TOWN HALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UPGRADING
Supervisor Desch stated that the bids for the upgrading . of the
electrical system in the Town Hall had come in within . the amount
he had in mind . The project can be financed by Federal Revenue
Sharing , Revenue Anticipation Note or by building . it into the
operating budget .
A base bid of . $ 9 . 680 was received from Madison Electric and --' a
base :bid . of $ 9 . 492 from Norton Electric .. Madison Electric bid
$2 , 200 for Alternate # 1 and Norton Electric bid `$ 2 , 850 for
Alternate # 1 .
RESOLUTION NO . 108
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso. , .
RESOLVED , WHEREAS , on July 8 , 1981 , bids were received for the
upgrading of the Town of Ithaca Town Hall Electrical System , for
the Town of Ithaca , New York , and
WHEREAS , the Town Board has carefully considered the Engineer ' s
Report on these bids and has adopted a budget for said project ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the award be made of contracts
. for upgrading to the following :
Norton Electric Company , Inc .
for the contract sum of $ 9 , 492 . 00 as submitted. in the bids and
contract documents .
This Resolution is subject to compliance by the Contractor in
furnishing all documents and items required by the bid and
contract documents to the reasonable satisfaction of the Town
representatives and subject to proper execution of all required
documents by . the Contractor and by the Town Supervisor and
subject to compliance with all applicable law .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger Kiefer and. McPeak voting
{
Aye . Nays - none ) .
POSTPONEMENT OF SEWER CONNECTION - CHARLES R . PETTIS
RESOLUTION NO . 109
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS in 1974 ) Charles R . Pettis , III of 332 Forest
Home Drive installed a complete new septic system , and
. . f . . . . p • LJv".'a I! d 3 1 Z+. ' .�yw. t. .
Town Board Minutes - 7 - July 18 , 1981
WHEREAS , Mr . Pettis has requested that the Town of Ithaca grant
him an extension of time to recoup the investment made in a
new sewage system before hooking up to the sewers ,
NOW THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby grants a one year extension. to Charles R . Pettis III ,
to July 1 , 1982 , by which to connect the above property to the
municipal sewer system but only so long as the present system on
the property continues to operate during the extension period in
a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Tompkins County Health
Department , but subject to the further requirement that such
connection shall be made prior to July 1 , 1982 , if his system
shall fail to operate properly and the Tompkins County Health
Department requires that the property be connected to the municipal
sewer system , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that the extension be limited to the
present owner .
( Desch , De1 . Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) ,
POSTPONEMENT OF SEWER CONNECTION - GEORGE PIERRO
RESOLUTION NO . 110
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS it appears that Mr . and Mrs . George Pierro were
sold the premises at 1549 Slaterville Road without knowledge of
the Town of Ithaca July 1981 deadline for hookup to the municipal
sewer , and
WHEREAS ; a connection by March 1984 would allow three years from
date of possession by the Pierros and is consistent with time
allotted other property owners to hookup , and
WHEREAS , the expense of 125 feet , more or less , of service line
from property line to house connection is among the longest service
lengths in the Town ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town. Board. of the Town of
Ithaca hereby grants an extension to March 1 , 1984 to Mr . and Mrs .
George Pierro to comply with the requirements of connecting to
the municipal sewer system but only so long as the present system
on the property continues to operate during the extension period
in . a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Tompkins County Health
Department , but subject to the further requirement that such
connection shall be made prior to March 1 , 1984 , if the system
shall fail to operate properly and the Tompkins County Health
Department requires that the property be connected to the municipal
sewer system , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that the extension be limited to the
present owners .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
MODIFICATIONS TO WATER AND SEWER BENEFIT FORMULA
Supervisor Desch stated that Mr . & Mrs . Michael McManus
paid the water benefit charges of $ 600 . 00 under protest on their
1981 Town and County Taxes , for property on Compton Road . They
own large acreage with the nearest water line being on Ridgecrest .
However , they are paying the benefit formula as though the frontage
of their property contained the water lines , which infact , are a long
distance from their property and access to the line must be obtained
Town Board Minutes - 8 - July 13 , 1981
through the Chase property . _
Supervisor Desch stated that there were very few areas in the Town
with this problem , therefore , the level . o.f reduction is consistent .
RESOLUTION NO . 111
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing to adopt amendments to the Water and
Sewer Benefit Formula at 7 : 00 P . M . , on July 27 , 19810
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye Nays = none ) .
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
County Representative Beverly Livesay stated that she felt a highway
safety island should be constructed on the Elmira Road at Bell ' s
Grocery by . the Millbrook Bread Store because of the turn , people
do not realize the lay of the road until they. a.re right upon the .
turn . Also , . the bottom of ' Snyder Hill by Pine Tree. Road , . it is not
clear who has the right . of way . She felt a " Yield " sign might help .
CABLE TV
Councilwoman Kiefer stated that the County Cable Committee was
scheduled to meet in July , however , the meeting had been postponed
until August .
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT ' S CONFERENCE
RESOLUTION NO . 112
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board . of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the- Highway Superintendent: , Robert Parkin to attend - - -
the 50th Annual Highway Superintendents Conference at Kutchers
County Club , September 15th through 18th ,
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and . McPeak voting
Aye . Nays none ) .
CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE REGISTRATION
RESOLUTION NO , 113
Motion by Counr_� ilman Del Rosso ; seconded by . Counci_ lman Kugler ,
RESOLVED. , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the ToU� L Clerk to charge $ 3 : 00 for the Certificate
of Marriage Registration , this being inaddition to the $ 5 . 00
being charged for the Marriage License .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
Town Board Minutes - 9 - July 13 , 1981
WATER BILL REFUND
RESOLUTION N0 , 114
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes a refund of $ 1 . 06 be made to Summerhill , c / o Joseph
Bayron , Apt . 28 , 1026 Ellis Hollow Road , Ithaca , New York by
reason of an overpayment on the total outstanding water bill .
. Account No . 169 - 0154272 .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) ,
STREET OPENING PERMIT REFUND
RESOLUTION N0 , 115
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS the Town of Ithaca Highway Superintendent has
approved of the refunding of $ 100 . 00 for a . Street Opening Permit
issued to Over and Under Piping Contractors , Inc . , and
WHEREAS , Judd Falls Road has been. restored to his satisfaction ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town . of
Ithaca hereby approves a refund in the amount of $ 1. 00 . 00 deposited .
by Over and Under Piping Contractors , Inc . , for the Judd Falls Road
Street Opening Permit .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger, Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
DEREGULATION OF ' NATURAL GAS
Supervisor Desch stated that he felt the Town Board should take
a stand , on behalf of the Town ' s people , against. the deregulation
of natural gas .
No action was taken .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REZONING OF THE ALFRED C . EDDY
PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE ELMIRA ROAD
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider the rezoning of the Alfred C . Eddy property located on
the Elmira Road , Parcel No . 35 - 1 - 10 , 1 from R- 30 to Business Use , .
having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened
the Public Hearing ,
James Miller stated that he was attorney for Mr . Eddy . Mr . Miller
stated that Mr . Eddy had operated a fruit and. vegestable stand
for twelve months . He felt basically there was an interpretation
problem regarding farm produce not specifically grown on the farm .
He asked the Board for a rezoning on this property to change the
zoning from R - 30 to Business . Mr . Miller stated that Mr . Eddy
had collected 500 signatures on a petition in favor or the rezoning .
Only about twelve people were opposed to the rezoning , he noted .
Mr . Miller further noted that the property has sufficient parking
area With two access driveways . The location is ideally suited
for commerical use , according to Mr . Miller .
Supervisor Desch read the recommendation of the Planning Board
which noted that the request of Mr . Eddy for the rezoning of a
Town Board . Minutes - 10 - July 139 1981
portion of land 300 ' along the Elmira Road and 500 ' deep be denied .
Supervisor Desch noted also , that the Zoning Board of Appeals was
considering the appeal .
Carol Miller of 823 Elmira Road stated that when she moved to the . .
area six years ago , the property to the south was undeveloped .
She , at that time , did not expect to ever have to go before any
boards to preserve the residential area and protect it against
commercial development .
Ms . Miller asked the Board to check the names on the petition that
Mr . Eddy ' s attorney spoke of . She went . on to say that traffic
was very heavy in this area . and the accident rate was very high .
She felt that opening a little strip of land for commercial use
would create more accidents and that the area should be preserved .
and protected as a little green strip .
Mrs . Elsie Peterson of 812 Elmira Road stated that she felt the
number of signatures on the petition was irrevelent , as she felt .
the residents of the area were the people who had the most at
stake , . not the people who drive by . She went on to say that she
had nothing . against Mr . Eddy , however , once the zoning is changed
a lot of bad things could go in ' this area .
Eleanor Sturgeon , 718 Elmira . Road stated she came to this area
27 years ago and found a place in Inlet Valley. . It was a very
lovely place . All the neighbors were farmers . It has always
been a lovely place . She stated that she would like. to see the
valley remain green . Many people living in the area are senior
citizens and they have invested as much in their places as
Mr . Eddy has put in his .
._ Mrs . Sturgeon stated that she had watched the Miller ' s house
being built and she felt it added to the green valley . She further
stated that ther.E were not many lovely places around and that
the area should be kept a beautiful green valley , not a commercial
valley . ,
Ruth Mitchner of Mecklenburg Road stated that Mr . Eddy had put a
lot of work and money in his place . She stated iz1 fact , Mrs .
Millers daughter worked for Mr . Eddy .
Mrs . Mitchner went on to say that people enjoy Mr . Brink ' s maple
syrup and the Sheldrake ' s plants , however , no one complains about
these . She asked , why and where were these people when Mr . Eddy
put up the building , why did they not complain then instead of
waiting until he had invested a lot of money .
Robert Miller , 823. Elmira Road noted that his property was next
to the Eddy property . Mr . Eddy started his business selling
fruits and . vegestables off a wagon , however , things were different
now with the building .
Mr . Miller went on to say that when he moved there , we knew the
area was zoned R - 30 . Mr . Eddy knew the area was zoned R- 30 .
Robert Mitchner of Mecklenburg Road stated that he saw no harm in
Mr . Eddy selling other things besides farm produce . He was not
a factory which hired 1500 people . Mr . Mitchner noted that McGuire
Gardens was selling dog food . He stated that he did not see what
dog food has to do with seeds . He went on to say he did not see
what the big issue is . The restaurant has a different zoning .
Elsie Sheldrake , 806 Elmira Road stated that the various competitors
had never complained and that she did not understand why Mr . Eddy ' s
lawyer seemed to be picking on her .
Mrs . Sheldrake went on to say that for twelve years Mr . Eddy sold
produce that he grew , just like the rest of us . Now , his plans
for the future are questionable . The cooler that he installed
Town Board Minutes - 11 - July 13 , 1981
is certainly not for selling vegestables . Give him an inch and he
will take a mile . He is already selling items that are not allowed .
Millard Brink of 706 Elmira Road stated that all were in friendly
competition when Mr . Eddy ran his road side stand . All produce was
grown locally , then Mr . Eddy started going to Syracuse to purchase
produce and commingle with local produce . His strawberries came
from 250 miles away .
Mr . Brink went on to say that Mr . Eddy has tied a ' wholesale business .
to his road side stand business and we can no longer be in friendly
competition . Mr . Eddy is in violation and now he is trying to
justify his being in violation . I am very much against any
variances for the Eddy property . Mr . Brink further noted that the
chicken shack was constructed without a permit .
Ron Kerfoot , 240 Piper Road stated that . he had been employeed by
Mr . Eddy for. ten months . He noted that there must be a demand for
produce , as Mr . Eddy had been in business for 15 years .
He went on to say that he would like to answer a couple of questions
of the previous speakers . . As far as locally grown produce , everyone
knows that oranges are not grown locally . And regarding the comment
on the large cooler , the cooler is for storage of potatoes and
apples .
David Sprague , . 817 Elmira Road stated that he hated to see a change
in the zoning . If one person can get the area rezoned for his
business , then Mr . Sprague stated that he would like :, to, have hi.s land
rezoned for business also , as he has 1 , 100 feet of frontage . He
questioned why someone had not investigated the violation sooner .
Mr . Alfred Eddy stated that people were afraid of him . The Sonny
Gables Farms owns 100 acres of waste land on the side hill .
Lumber is being taken off the hill side and nobody is complaining
about it .
Mr . Eddy went on to say that his property was assessed for $ 112 , 300
and that he needed a few more items to sell , however , he did not
want a grocery store . Mr . Eddy stated that he was only a farmer .
He was only asking for soda pop and milk . He asked the entire
board to come out and look his place over .
Supervisor Desch stated that the Board should look at the recommendations
of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals along with the
implications of rezoning the areas for business .
Eleanor Sturgeon stated that Mr . Eddy had leased a piece of land
foie a chicken barbeque and that she would not like to see this
stand operated , s even days a week
Ms . Peterson noted that if the land were rezoned , like Mr , Eddy
had requested , and then Mr . Eddy should sell the land then any
number of different business could go in a commercial zone .
Stephen Eddy stated that the land the chicken barbeque was located
on was leased , however , they were receiving no money from the
chicken stand .
Town Attorney James Buyoucos stated that he did not want to discuss
the merits or demerits , as the Town Board has no jurisdiction
over the Board of Zoning Appeals . The next step would be the
Supreme Court ,
Mr . James Miller stated that Mr . Eddy had always operated in good
faith . He was never informed by the Town that he was operating
I
llegally . He further stated that Mr . Eddy had always tried to
comply .
Supervisor Desch duly closed the public ', hearing .and , : asked the Board
what their pleasure was ?
Town Board Minutes - 12 - July 13 , 1982
Councilman McPeak stated that he was not comfortable in making a
decision tonight .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if the environmental assessment form
was available for the Board to review ?
Supervisor Desch answered , yes .
Supervisor Desch stated the decision on the rezoning would be
adjourned until the members of the Board review all pertinent
material .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF .
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING LAW
Proof of . posting and publication notice . of a Public Hearing to
consider the- adoption of proposed amendments to the Zoning Law
having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened .
the Public Hearing ,
Supervisor Desch stated that P - 1 and P - 2 zones . were now being
reviewed by the Town Attorney with Cornell on development of
thresholds .
Shirley Egan noted that the last two sentences of the Preamble
would have an adverse effect on adjacent property and it also
might not be legal .
Site Plans , on Page 62 , she felt it would be silly to require
these at this stage , saying it would be too late in the game .
She felt that schematic drawings could be presented first .
Supervisor Desch stated that schematic drawings will not . let. you
make a sound judgement . He felt the wording In . the zoning
ordinance was quite reasonable .
Town Engineer Fabbroni noted that Ithaca . College present complete
plans before bidding . He further stated that, Ithaca College , as
an example , come in with complete site plans and schematic
drawings . Mechanical drawings are submitted prior . to bid letting .
Councilwoman Kiefer question schematic drawings .
Supervisor Desch stated that schematic drawings were to broad for
defining in the zoning law .
Shirley . Egan questioned Section VI in the Preamble , saying the
re4Eerence to Institutional Use in the P - 2 zone , the use .of the word
control seems like an obligation to . limit , the word -regulate seems
more natural , Special Permit is controlled , should ' be regulated . -
She questioned the use of the word. character .
The Town Engineer noted that " character " cou1d be " arch. itect . "
Town Attorney Buyoucos suggested character would be offensive or
agressive . Even the wording of the Constitution. , it takes years to
determine the meaning of a word . A P -. 2 zone is a. new zone which
allows. same uses , but creates a review process . Y
Ms . Egan questioned the distance of thresholds .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that he felt there was a need to
review the whole ordinance in this context .
Supervisor Desch suggested that the Board take a more detailed
look at Conservation areas , and discuss them at a later date .
RESOLUTION N09 116
Town Board Minutes - 13 - July 13 , 1981
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8 : 00 p . m . , on July 27 , 1981 to consider
proposed amendments to the Zoning Law .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
EAST ITHACA CIRCULATION
RESOLUTION N0 , 117
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 6 : 45 p . m . , on July 27 , 1981 to consider
the East Ithaca Circulation Study .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION N0 , 118
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated July 13 , 1981 , in the following
amounts :
Water and Sewer Fund . . . $ 371 , 227 * 76
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 , 698216
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 , 474 . 67
Highway Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 , 255 . 61
Lighting Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222013
Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 , 910 . 50.
Parks Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450 . 40
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer_ and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION N0 , 119
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated July 13 , 1981 , in
the Operating Account are hereby approved , in the amount of
$ 53 , 895 . 80 after review and upon the recommendation of the Southern
Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission they are in order for
payment .
( Desch , Del Rosso , Kugler , Raffensperger , Kiefer and McPeak voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
TOWN STAFF LEVELS FOR 1981
Supervisor Desch stated that further analyses of the Town Staff
levels was needed and a meeting would be scheduled at a later
date .
I
Town Board Minutes - 14 - July 13 , 1981
ADJOURNMENT
The : meeting was. duly adjourned .
To Clerk