HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1981-09-08 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
September 8 , 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 8th day of September , 1981 , there
were
PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor
George Kugler , Councilman
Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
Henry McPeak , Councilman
Marc Cramer , Councilman
ABSENT : Victor Del Rosso , Councilman
Dooley Kiefer , Councilwoman
ALSO PRESENT : Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent
Lawrence Fabbron. i , Town Engineer
Representatives of the Media :
Glenn Levine , WVBR
Roger Chesky , Ithaca Journal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Supervisor Desch led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance .
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
SUPERVISOR ' S REPORT
Supervisor Desch stated that as he had previously reported , Cynthia
Schoffner has been out on sick leave following an accident on July 4 .
It does not appear that she will be back for a month or so and we are
now in the budget preparation period . The extra workload cannot be
handled without some temporary assistance . We have located a person
who can work three days per week and has municipal bookkeeping
experience . Her name is Lee Carpenter and. she actually started last
week , inorder for the warrants to be prepared for Town Board approval .
I would like to have her work at $ 5 . 00 / hour , three days per week
I would also , in keeping with past practices like to increase Sally
Alario ' s salary 50% of the difference between hers and Cynthia
Schoffner ' s , until Cynthia returns . This Iff). dollar_ items I estimate
to be $ 400 . 00 .
This is a critical time of the year in terms of controlling costs in
relation to budget , processing reimbursements , etc . , as well as
preparing the 1982 budget and I , therefore , move approval of these
two actions .
1 RESOLUTION N0 , 141
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
. the salary increase of 50% of the difference between the salaries
of Salary Alario and Cynthia Schoffner be paid to Sally Alario
for the duration of the absence of Cynthia Schoffner , and
FUkt9ER BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
hereby approves the hiring of Lee Carpenter for temporary employment
at $ 5 . 00 per hour at three days per week .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays -
none ) .
Town Board Minutes - 2 - September 8 , 1.98 1
Councilman Cramer stated that he would like to take this opportunity
to thank Sally Alario and Jean Swartwood for the overtime , especially
their working on Saturday to prepared the necessary information needed
and essential for the budget preparation process .
Supervisor Desch continued his report saying , as you know the incident
- at the Cornell Sheep Farm occurred in the Town of Ithaca . Through
inquiry with various agencies and individuals , it is apparent that
the system worked rather effectively and the matter is in Town Court .
The field work is underway on the extension of the water line to East
King Road. Early indications are that this is about as far as we can.
go without a . borrowing and the property owners adjacent to the new
terminus indicated that their water situation is satisfactory . The
density of housing falls off to the East and South of King Road . .
Stearns & Wheler is preparing a contract for the water study and have
already performed flow tests on the South Hill grid since the Ridge -
crest tank . will , be, out:. Oo E service for painting .
The Water Commissions this noon , approved the water operating budget
for 1982 , unanimously . This budget will be considered for approval
by the Ithaca Town Board in November and will be distributed with
the Tentative Budget on September 24 . There . will ' be no water rate
increase
We need . to regain the momentum we have lost on the final review of
the zoning Law and I will , therefore , schedule a series of discussion
sessions during the next several weeks . The initial focus will be
on the P -. zones . The attorney ' s legal review of the overall document Or
will be done in parallel . We . still ought to be able to complete work
before year end .
Supervisor Desch stated that the New York Planning Federation meeting
will be held October 25 to 27 . Money was allocated in the budget
to allow four people to attend the sessions .
NEW YORK PLANNING FEDERATION
RESOLUTION N006` 142
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger , .
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the '.down of Ithaca hereby authorizes
four persons . ,: either Town Staff or Board Members , to attend the
New York . Planning Federation to be held October 25 through 27 .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye , Nays
ndne )
MUNICIPAL HISTORIANS ASSOCIATION MEETING
RESOLUTION NO . 143
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorize
Helen Blauvelt , Town Historian to attend the 1981 fall meeting of
the Municipal Historians Association of New York State to be held
in Watertown , New York on September 25 and 26 . .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays -
none )' .
WAIVER OF WATER BILL PENALTY
Supervisor Desch read a letter from Ann M . Schultheisz of 106 Troy Road
Town Board Minutes - 3 - September 8 , 1981
( copy attached to the official minutes ) , requesting a waiver of the
penalty of $ 17 . 93 on their water bill due to the fact they had
never received a bill since moving to the Troy Road address on
March 1 , 19800
RESOLUTION NO , 144
Motion by Councilman McPeak ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
the waiver of the $ 17 . 93 penalty on the water bill of Ann M .
Schultheisz , 106 Troy Road . Account No . 167 - 0136858 .
( Desch , Kugler , " Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays none ) , .
TOWN ENGINEER ' S REPORT
Town Engineer Lawrence Fabbroni stated that Stearns & Wheler have
- been contacted and the survey work on the Coddington Road water
improvements have been started .
He noted that the Dewitt Park project has come to a hault until the
ground dries up . Stating that you cannot do grading , etc . , with
clumps of mud .
The Town Engineer stated that the Cliff Street Pump Station project
is virtually completed . The painting contractor for the Ridgecrest
Tank is trying to paint -, however , the weather is not . conducive to
painting .
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT ' S REPORT
Highway Superintendent Robert Parkin stated that most of the
shoulders have been paved . They are using more material than was
originally planned .
Councilman Cramer asked the Highway Superintendent how many shoulder
were wide enough for bicycles ?
The Highway Superintendent answered , not mnv , particularly on busy '
County roads .
Superintendent Parkin went on to say that the handicapped sign
had been installed on the Town Hall ramp .
e
FAEL CLEAN - UP
RESOLUTION N0 . 145
Motion by Counci woman Raffensperger ; seconded by Supervisor Desch ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town. of Ithaca hereby designates
Tuesday , October 13 , 1981 , as Fall Clean - Up day in the Town of Ithaca .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays
none ) .
Councilman Cramer asked how would the budget on highway materials
end the year ?
Highway Superintendent Parkin answered , within budget .
DISPENSATION OF RECORDS
Supervisor Desch stated that the State Education Department has
provided a standard form for the Dispensation of Records . Added
Town Board Minutes - 4 - September 8 , 1981
to this resolution was the following words : " subject to specific .
. authorization by the Town Supervisor , upon the recommendation of
the ' Town Clerk and the Town Historian .
RESOLUTION N0 , 146
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca that . Records
Retention and Disposition Schedule No . 19 - TC - 1 issued pursuant
to Part 185 , Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes . - Rules .
and Regulations of the State of New York and containing minimum
legal retention periods for town records is hereby adopted for use
by the Town Clerk of this town , and
FURTHER RESOLVED , that this Board hereby authorizes the disposition
of records , . by the Town Clerk , in accordance with the minimum legal
retention periods set forth in Records Retention and Disposition
Schedule No . 19 - TC - 1 , subject to specific authorization by the Town
Supervisor , upon the recommendation of the Town Clerk and the Town
Historian ,
AND FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town Clerk be , and hereby is directed
to furnish a certified copy of this Resolution to the Commissioner
of Education .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays
none ) .
TENTATIVE BUDGET HEARINGS
- RESOLUTION N0 . 147
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ;
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing on September 24 , 1981 , at 7 : 30 P . M . , to
consider the Tentative Budget for the Town of Ithaca for the year
1982 .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays
none ) .
RESOLUTION NO . 148
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
0
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing on September 24 , 1981 , at 8 : 00 P . M . , to
consider the Tentative Budget for the Southern Cayuga Lake Inter -
municipal Water Commission for. the year 1982 .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer votina Aye . Nays
none ) .
OFFICIAL HIGHWAY MAP -1
Supervisor Desch stated that it is now time to deal with the Official
Highway Map .
RESOLUTION NO . 149
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
Town Board Minutes - 5 September 8 , 1981
conduct a public hearing on October 13 , 1981s at 7 : 00 p . m . , . to
consider revisions to the Official Highway Map .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . . Nays
none ) .
RESOLUTION ON JOINT OWNERSHIP OF SE14ER PLANT
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that she has not been involved in
the negotiations since . November , as the County Planning Board meets
on the same night that the sewer negotiations have been taking place .
She asked who had been negotiating for the Town ?
Supervisor Desch stated that he and Larry Fabbroni have been negotiating
for the Town .
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that in looking at. our Resolution ,
there seemed to be some `things that she did not understand . in the
financial position . She asked what . was the Town paying financially ?
She stated that she did not recall seeing figures for cost of line
acquisition , remainder. of the debt retirement or credit adjustments
for equipment .
Supervisor Desch stated that the financial approach has not been
discussed since the committee presented the report . He went. on to
say that the appraised value of the property along with the part
to be reused will have to be taken into consideration . As will the
sludge dryers , if they are to be reused .
Demolition , if demolition cost is associated with the building of a
new plant it : sho.uld be .part of ' the construction .: cost , ' bite ;if another
building is going to be demolished and the City will use the land .
for something else , we want no part of it .
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked if it was known what the cost to
the Town will be ?
l
. Supervisor Desch answered , . we will not know until the detazled design
has progressed to the point where the value engineering can estimate
the cost .
Councilman Cramer asked the Town Engineer how far are we from
Phase I construction ?
Town Engineer. Fabbroni stated that the starting date was scheduled
for 1983 . However , it is now a question of money being available
in 1983 , from DEC . Could be a year latex, All depends on . New York
City . Just in the last few days they got rel-ief by _ being allowed
to dump raw material into the ocean . Everything depends on how much
is left after New York City ' s allocation .
Supervisor Desch asked Councilman Cramer if the agreement seems
cumbersome ?
Councilman Cramer answered yes , but it looks like a working agreement- .
Supervisor Desch stated that the budget works at the grass roots
level . We have had a half dozen meetings on tb. e budget approach.
alone , all positive went on to say that there was more cost
consciousness in the . City . The selling job won ' t be as difficult .
He further noted that a number of Common Council members are in
favor of joint ownership . There is no desire to change horses in
midstream , the best dollar break for the users must be kept in,
Mi-n d _. during the negotiations .
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that the best advantages lay in
the Town goverance , but that there is a limit to what the ' 'Town should -
be willing to pay .
Town Board Minutes - 6 - September 8 , 1981
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that she could not visualize the
sewer board .
Supervisor Desch stated that without a sewer board , the Town could
not go with the City , you don ' t have joint ownership without joint
management . He stated that the Town ' s share of the twenty million
dollar project , over thirty years , is substantial .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that the meeting held with the
financial experts pointed out how the bonding would effect the
City and Town . He further noted that the five year option was
given away as a good faith jesture to say let ' s get together sort
of thing .
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that she felt that if the Town
had given up a number of things , then the Town . should have a say .
in the governing . The City should be made to understand that
the Town will not . give up any more.
RESOLUTION NO , 150
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,_
WHEREAS , the City , the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Dryden have
recognized the responsibility to accomplish the major upgrading
of waste water collection and treatment systems serving the Greater .
Ithaca Area through the following actions : "
( 1 ) The joint selection , in April 1977 , of an engineering
firm to perform the necessary preliminary studies and design of
the facilities required to meet treatment standards and lake
discharge requirements , and
( 2 ) The appointment of a Joint Sewer System Planning Committee ,
in March 1979 , to recommend at least two options for owning and
operating the new facility , which Committee following two years of
extensive negotiations submitted two detailed proposals in October
of 1980 , and
WHEREAS , negotiations on the details of the joint ownership
proposal have continued since the aforementioned date , and
WHEREAS , the parties agree that it is ;_n .the . best interest of all
users of the system that this major investment , in the quality of
life in our community , be accomplished on a joint ownership basis ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the governing bodies of the
City , Town of Ithaca and Town of Dryden by adoption of this joint
resolution hereby approve the Joint Ownership Agreement offered
by the City of Ithaca under date of May 22 , 1981 , and as further
amended to include the budget preparation and approval process
per the July 16 , 1981 , draft and the supplement to the Sewer Board
duties per thy July 23 , 1981 . Such modifications being proposed
by the Joint Negotiating Committee , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that both parties agree to appoint the
membership to the Sewer Board not later than February 1 , 1982 .
During the interim , both parties agree to meet as frequently as
necessary to assure timely and thorough input into the Step II
design process and to develop the financial plan for the design
and construction phase of the project .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . . Nays -
none ) .
CITY FIRE CONTRACT
Supervisor Desch outlined the new contract with the City. of Ithaca
x
Town Board Minutes - 7 - September 8 , 1981
for fire protection . ( Copy attached to official minutes ) .
He noted that this contract was basically the same as the previous
contract . Items 1 , 3 , 62 71, 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 are the same . Item
4 , this is now a three year contract . Item 5 d , Cornell contribution
will now be shared .
_ Councilman Cramer stated that in Section 1 , single engine response
in Town b f Ithaca , hospital , Cornell , etc . The City says that ' s all
we get because that is all we pay for , should be changed to two
engine response . . The City should take a capital obligation and
buy another truck if that is what is needed for a two engine
response .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that he heard the Fire Chief say
the only call they would respond with two engines is a hospital
fire . He stated that he did not know about . Ithaca College .
Supervisor . Desch stated that sending all equipment for a false -
alarm at the . college is driving up costs and the Town has come
down hard on the City . and that taxaexempt institutions .
Councilman Cramer felt that the contract should be tabled until the
October 13th meeting , then discuss it again at that time . In the
meantime , there should be discussion with the City - on the language .
All board members agreed that the contract should be tabled until
the October 13th meeting .
REPORT OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES
Both County ' Representatives Beverly Livesay and Gust Freeman. noted
that there had not been a County meeting since t-he last Board meeting .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that it looks like TOMTRAM is going
to be funded by ARC .
Supervisor Desch asked what was the amount of the local share ?
The_ Town Engineer answered , 20% of the $ 200 , 000 is the local share .
Gust Freeman noted that the local share would amount to $ 741000 .
Gust Freeman noted that the first meeting on the County budget
Will be held tonight . Committee reviews are being held n.ow .
Councilman Cramer asked County Representative Gust Freeman if any
action was being taken on the deer fence at the airport ?
4.
Gust Freeman responded that the legal notice requesting bids for
the airport fencing has been published. The sa.m.e amount of federal
funding , as was proposed , is available .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO . 150
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated September 8 , 1981 , in the following
amounts :
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . 00 . . . . . . . $ 143536 . 33
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 , 751 . 39
Town of Ithaca - 8 - September 8 , 1981
Highway Fund . . . . 000 , 00000 * 110 * 800 * 0000000000600 * $ 972736 * 23
Water & Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 , 883 . 31
Parks Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . 3 , 328 . 68
Lighting Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230. 62 .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays
none ) ,
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION N0 , 151
Motion by Councilman Kugler ; seconded by Supervisor Desch ,
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated . September 8 , 1981 , in
the Operating Account are hereby approved , in the amount of
$548 , 766 . 11 after review and upon the recommendation of the Southern
Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission they are in order for
payment .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays -
none ) ,
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked about the East_ Ithaca Bikeway .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that we had a chance on the Morse
Chain section .
Supervisor Desch asked if we were notified by DEC ?
The Town Engineer answered yes . The deed is on record to Evaporated
Metal Films . He noted that he found out during a meeting with the
Parks committee .
Supervisor Desch stated Shirley Egan had informed him that the
license has been prepared and has now been passed to the higher ups
at Cornell for their consideration .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE
PROPOSED USE OF REVENUE SHARING FUNDS
Proof of posting . and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider the proposed use of Revenue Sharing Funds having been
presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the public
hearing , ( Copy of proposed usages attached to official minutes ) .
Supervisor Desch stated that the County is willing to budget for
a new bridge on Burns Road . The Town will be responsible for
the cost of the bridge approachments , however , it is a little too
early to set the costs on these .
The Supervisor went on to .say that $ 30 , 000 was the level of commitment
the Town should make until Cornell and the County make a definate
committment on the East Ithaca Circulation . The money will be used
for the continuation of field surveys and exploratory excavation .
$ 20 , OOO .will be needed for the water surveys to be done by Stearns &
Wheler , which has been approved . $ 40 , 000 should be appropriated for
the Coddington Road water extension . $ 80 , 000 plus , remains in the
water account .
Thg South Hill Drainage project will proceed , if not set back by
. the DOT letter . deferring the abandonment .
Councilman McPeak asked if the situation changed , are we stuck with
flooding ?
Tow Board Minutes - 9 - September 8 , 1981
Supervisor Desch stated that the Town does not legally have the
responsibility to solve the flooding problem . However , it is a good
opportunity to solve the flooding problems and have a bikeway and
utility easement , too .
Town Engineer Fabbroni asked if we need to be that specific ?
Supervisor Desch answered no .
The Town Engineer stated that he would prefer general terms , such
as general drainage improvements .
Councilman Kugler asked what would ' it be like if it were just
bull dozed out ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that because of the angle at the
Park , you would need rip rap .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that . the solution to the South Hill
drainage problems is tricky and will require a close working
relationship with the City and State Parks Commission .
Supervisor Desch stated that if the Board feels comfortable , $ 2.0 , 000
can he put in the budget for drainage .. $ 10 , 000 for South Hill
Drainage , $ 10 , 000 for general drainage .
Supervisor Desch stated that figures would be put in the budget
on a broad basis .
A man in attendance asked why the Town was allocating $ 30 , 000 for
the East Ithaca Circulation when you are not having the Public
Hearing until next month . He asked if it was wise to allocate
funds before a public hearing .
Supervisor Desch stated that Revenue Sharing requires that public
hearing be held : The use of Revenue Sharing funds can be changed
before the final budget is adopted . The Board must decide the
proposed use , as it is dovetailed into the budget .
Ruth Mahr suggested . that money be allocated for police enforcement
of traffice laws in Forest Home ,
Supervisor Desch asked Mrs . Mahr if she did not feel the County
was doing a good job ?
Mrs . Mahr responded no , I certainly do not .
6
County Representative Beverly Livesay stated that many years ago ,
the problem of traffic enforcement in Forest Home was addressed .
The Sheriff is unable to provide a higher level of service to the
Town of Ithaca than it provides to other areas . SI.�. e went on to
say that contract services will not guarantee that the County will .
hire a person to be used on by the Town of Ithaca ..
Supervisor Desch stated that the Town was willing to pay for . contract
services but the County refused to dedicate the added service . The
Sheriff could not hire one person for 24 hour coverage .
Supervisor Desch went on to say that he felt the Town was receiving
a high level of support . All you need do is look at the Justice ' s
• reports for the Town of Ithaca as compared to the rest of the County .
Mrs . Mahr stated that the Forest Home area was intrigued by the
possibility of protection by the Cayuga Heights Police Department .
Supervisor Desch asked Mrs . Mahr if the residents would be interested
in forming . a special district for. protection ?
Mrs . Mahr responded , make us a proposal .
Town Board Minutes - 10 - September 8 , 1981
RESOLUTION NO . 152
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town . of Ithaca hereby approves
the allocation of the ' Revenue Sharing Funds as follows : Fire Alarm
Systems , $ 12 , 000 ; Interior Refurbishing , $ 8 , 000 ; In - house Computer /
Word Processor , $ 30 , 000 ; Highway Improvements , $50 , 000 ; Water
Improvements Study , Coddington . Road Extension , $ 60 , 000 ; and South
Hill Drainage Improvements ,- $ 20 , 000 , with the understanding that
the allocation of the monies for the East ' Ithaca Circulation and
Burns Road not be a specified amount until the design for same is
comple-ted .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays -
none ) .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE METHOD , RULES
AND REGULATIONS OF THE WATER AND SEWER . BENEFIT FORMULA
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider the method , rules and regulations of the Water_ and Sewer
Benefit Formula having been presented by the Town. Clerk , the
Supervisor opened the Public Hearing ,
Supervisor Desch stated that the word private should be added
between adjoining and property in Section 3 . as a result of a .
series of reviews . He went onto say the document was not perfect ,
however , it is now much clearer .
Councilman Cramer asked what substantial changes have taken .place ?
Supervisor Desch answered none . Frontage on undeveloped acreage
was added for consistency. in assessment . Some . compromise was made
from the original formula . Big frontage could have been charged up
to twenty units .
The Supervisor went on to . say that the Board was given the power
to vary the application of the Benefit Formula . He went on to say
that the assessment of one unit plus 1 / 20th of a unit for each 10
feet of average width in excess of 100 . feet was added for clarification .
This leaves less room for discretion .
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that the net result of the revisions
to the Benefit Formula was not . a substantial change . -
Beverly Livesey asked when the public had a chance to see the proposed
changes ?
Supervisor Desch responded , at the last Board meeting .
RESOLUTION N0 . 153
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the revisions to the Town of Ithaca Benefit Formula ,
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that the .. :.Town . Bo.'ar- d .. ;hereby adopts the
revised Formula ,. • in. 1ts entirety , as follows :
TOWN OF ITHACA
WATER AND SEWER BENEFIT FORMULA
The purpose of the Water and Sewer . Benefit Formula is to establish
the basis for computing the benefit derived from Town of Ithaca
r
Town Board Minutes - 11 - September 8 , 1981 .
water and sewer improvements and thereby assessing the debt service
cost for such improvements to all the benefitted properties in the
Town of Ithaca Townwide Water and Sewer Improvement Districts .
DEFINITIONS
A develoiDed lot is a parcel of land with an improvement ( i . e . ,
structure .
An undeveloped lot is a vacant parcel of land delineated on an
approved subdivision plan or a parcel of land with an average width
of less than 250 feet as delineated on the Town of Ithaca Tax Maps .
. 19 LOT FRONTAGE SERVED - WITH WATER AND / OR SEWER
a . DEVELOPED LOTS . One 1 unit for every lot on which an
improvement has een constructed . If the lot on which one improvement
is located exceed 100 -feet in average width but is less than 200 feet
in average width , the lot owner shall be assessed one unit plus
1 / 20th of a unit for each 10 feet of average width in excess of 100
feet . If the lot is 200 feet or more , and there is only one dwelling
unit on said lot , the lot owner shall be assessed two units plus
1 / 20th of a unit for each ten feet of average width over 200 feet
up to 50 additional feet ( i . e . , a total lot width of 250 feet ) .
All average widths of the lot in excess of 250 feet shall be treated
as undeveloped acreage and assessed as set forth below with respect
to undeveloped acreage . Notwithstanding the foregoing , if there is .
more than .one dwelling unit on any lot , the number of units shall
be at least equal to the number of dwelling units .
b . UNDEVELOPED LOTS . One ( 1 ) unit for each legal building lot
of 100 feet or ess . I the lot has more than 100 feet of average
width but is less than 200 feet in average width , the lot owner shall
_ be assessed one unit plus 1 / 20th of a unit for each 10 feet of average
width in excess of 100 feet . If the lot is 200 feet in average width
and is of sufficient depth to make two legal building lots , the lot
owner shall be assessed two units plus 1 / 20th of a unit for each 10
feet in excell of 200 feet up to a maximum of 50 additional feet ,
( i . e . , a total average width of 250 feet ) . All average width in
excess of 250 feet will be treated as undeveloped acreage and assessed
as set forth ..below . In the event the lot is of insufficient size to
be a legal building lot and is not a valid non - conforming use , the
assessment shall be 1 / 20th of a unit for each 10 feet of average
width . If the lot is of sufficient depth or width to make at least
one building lot but , even though it has 200 feet of average width ,
is insufficient in depth to make two building lots , the assessment
shall be one unit plus 1 / 20th of a unit for each ten feet of average
width in excess of the frontage required to make at least one legal
building lot . If the lot is of ' sufficient size to make at least two
building lots , the lot owner shall be assessed. two units plus 1 / 20th
of a unit for each 10 feet of average width in excess of the average
width needed to make two building lots up to a maximum of 50
additionalfeet of average width . The area of unimproved lots in
excess of two building lots plus 50 additional feet of ajTerage width.
shall be assessed as undeveloped acreage as set forth below .
c . CORNER LOTS . In the case of a corner lot where the side
yard intersects the front yard at an acute angle , a line will be
drawn perpendicular to the road on which the house fronts 100 feet
along so as to intersect the right of way of the side yard road .
The amount of area included in the triangle thus formed . will be
deleted from the calculation of units . The lot frontage served will
be taken as the remaining frontage on the primary road .
2 . ACREAGE SERVED WITH WATER/ OR SEWER
a . UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE , WITH WATER AND SEWER BENEFIT . The
area - calculated in acres. , t 150 feet deep on all frontage having
benefit and assessed at one ( 1 ) unit per acre . All remaining acreage
will be assessed at 1 / 4 unit per acre up to and including 1 , 000 feet
from the mains , 1 / 6 unit per acre for acreage more than 1 , 000 feet up
Town Board Minutes - 12 September 8 , 1981
to and including 2 ,000 feet from the mains , 1 / 8 unit per acre fro
acreage more than 2 , 000 feet up to and including 3 , 000 feet from the
maitis , and over 3 , 000 feet from the mains at $ 0 . 02 / M for water and
$ 0 . 01 / M for .sewer . of . assessed valuation . Where the topography has
a grade in excess of 15 % , the assessment will be the next lower unit ,
e . g . , 1 / 4 to 1 / 6 per acre . Minimum charge in category of - undeveloped
acreage with water and sewer benefit , 0 . 1 unit .
b . UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE , SERVED WITH WATER OR SEWER ONLY .
Calculated in acres , 150 feet deep and assessed one unit per
acre , the balance to be assessed at 1 / 6 unit per acre up to 2 , 000
feet from the main , 1 / 8 unit per acre from 2 , 001 to 3 , 000 feet from
the main , and over 3 , 000 feet from the main at $ 0 . 02 / M and $ 0 . 01 / M
for sewer, of assessed valuation . Where the topography has a grade
in excess of 15 % , the assessment. will be the next lower unit , e . g . ,
1 / 6 to 1 / 8 , per acre .
c . FRONTAGE FOR UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE . Will be assessed no less
than the units assessed in lb and no more than 4 units .
d . UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE , WITH WATER ONLY OR SEWER ONLY , BUT
WHERE THE MAIN IS ACROSS THE ROAD . Calculated at 6 unit per .acre
up to 2 , 000 feet from the main , / 8 unit per acre from 2 , 0001 to
3 , 000 feet from the main , and over 3 , 000 feet from the main at.
$ 0 . 02 / M for water and $ 0 . 01 / M for sewer , of assessed valuation .
Where the topography has a grade in excess of 15% , the assessment
will be the next lower unit , ' e . g . , 1 / 6 to 1 / 8 , per acre .
3 . REDUCTION IN ASSESSMENT , ACCESSES ACROSS ADJOINING PROPERTY
OF OTHERS . Where as of August 1 , 1981 , owner of land to be assessed
Has access to the water main or the sewer main only by . crossing
adjoining private property of others and the lot owner has no
easement or other rights to obtain access to said water main across
the adjoining private properties , the assessment will be reduced by
one - half .
4 . PARCELS WITH NO ROAD OR WITH UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE WITH WATER AND /
OR SEWER SERVICE NOT READILY AVAILABLE . Annual charge of $ 0 . 02 / M for
. water and $ 0 . 01 / M for sewer , of full assessed valuation .
5 . APARTMENTS . One ( 1 ) unit per dwelling unit, or , as per frontage ,
whichever is greater .
6 . COMMERCIAL , INDUSTRIAL , EDUCATION OR INSTITUTIONAL . May be
assessed benefit charges based on metered water consumption , frontage ,
assessed valuation or acreage , at the descretion of the Town . Board ,
7 . : CORNELL UNIVERSITY , Where Cornell University supplies water
frdm its own treatment and filtration plant through its own system
to ' its own property , there will be no assessment for water service .
8 . WATER AND SEWER CONSUMPTION . When computing water and sewer units
based on metered water consumption , a landowner will be charged one
unit for each 16 , 000 cubic feet of - water consumed per year for the
first 1 , 600 , 000 cubic feet of such consumption , ( i . e . , until he has
been assessed 100 units ) . If . his consumption exceeds 1 , 600 , 000 cubic
feet per annum , he shall be assessed one additional unit for each
additional 32 , 000 cubic feet of water consumed each year , up to
3 , 200 , 000 additional cubic feet of water . If he consumes in excess
of 4 , 800 , 000 cubic feet of water per year , he shall be assessed
additional units at the rate . of one unit for each 64 , 000 additional
cubic feet of water consumed per year .
9 . UTILITY RIGHTS OF WAY . Where a right of way for electrical and
gas transmission line exists ( as opposed to rights of way for
ordinary service lines and normal easements across _ lots principally
for providing service to the lot and neighboring lot ) and the
easement is 25 feet or more in width , and the easement restricts
significantly the use to which the property may be put ( e . g . , precludes
r -
Town Board Minutes - 13 - September 8 , 1981
construction within . the easement lines ) one - half of the acreage
subject to said right of way shall be deducted for the purposes
of computing the acreage and / or frontage upon which water and
sewer benefit charges are based .
10 . SEPARATE SPRINKLER SERVICE . Where separate sprinkler service
connections are made to the Town water system , the benefit charge will
be as follows : one ( 1 ) unit for every ten ( 10 ) sprinkler heads , or
increment thereof , installed , plus one ( 1 ) unit for each Siamese
connection and each standpipe outlet . In the event such requests are
made . for connection to the transmission system within the Town of
Ithaca , consideration will be given by the Town to such requests only
after formal approval by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission . The foregoing charge is waived where domestic
service is provided to the same building .
11 . WAIVER . In an approved subdivision where a developer has
constructed an approved water distribution main and / or a sanitary
sewer collector serving part or all of the subdivision , the benefit
on that portion of the subdivision served shall be determined by the
standard provisions herein as if the utility improvements did not
exist for a period of five ( 5 ) years after construction. of same has
been approved by the appropriate Town authorities , except that the
sale , land contract or lease of any lot in any manner or the issuance
of a permit to build on a lot to anyone will make such lot ( s ) sub -
ject to the standard provisions herein and all the remaining land
will be subject to the standard provisions herein at the end of the
five ( 5 ) years .
The developer must certify his ownership annually to the Town Clerk
between September 1 and October 1 .
12 . POWER OF THE TOWN BOARD TO VARY APPLICATION OF BENEFIT FORMULA ,
The Town Board from time to time may vary application of the benefit
formula where physical factors such as topography , lots split by
municipal boundaries , etc . , , preclude utilization of the benefit
otherwise available to the property owner . Such consideration will
be given only upon written request from the property owner . .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays
none ) ,
Supervisor Desch stated that he had received a letter from the
Ithaca City School District requesting the Board appoint two people
to a committee which is being formed to consider the disposal of
the Danby , Glenwood and West Hill Elementary Schools ,
Supervisor Desch suggested the Town Engineer and either the Chairman
of the Planning Board of the Zoning Board of Appeals should serve
on this committee .
Councilman Cramer suggested the Chairman of the Codes and Ordinance
` should be appointed to this committee .
RESOLUTION N0 , 154
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints
the Chairman of the Codes & Ordinance Committee and the Town Engineer
to membership on the Ithaca City School District Committee to dispose
of the Danby Elementary School , the Glenwood Elementary School and
the West Hill Elementary School .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , McPeak and Cramer voting Aye . Nays -
none ) ,
Town Board Minutes - 14 - September 8 , 1981
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned .
Ta, C er