HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1981-10-13 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
October 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 : 3.0 P . M . , on the 13th day, of October , 1981 , there
were
PRESENT Noel . Desch , Supervisor
Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
George Kugler , Councilman
Henry McPeak , Councilman
Dooley Kiefer- , Councilwoman
Marc Cramer , Councilman
ABSENT Victor Del Rosso , Councilman
ALSO PRESENT Robert Parkin. , Highway Superintendent
Lawrence Fabbroni , Town Engineer
John Barney , Town Attorney
John Doris , 404 Salem Drive
David Jennings , 593 Sheffield Road
Donald Smith , 392 Coddington Road
Michael W . Duttweiler , 345 Coddington Road
Barbara A . Joseph , 206 �Northview , . West
Roger Joseph , 206 Northview , West
Albert Hoefer , Jr . , 212 Northview Road.
Robert Barthoff , 1007 Taughann.ock Blvd .
Louis R . I-lunch , 214 Northview , West
Gertrude H . Bergen , 127 Pine Tree Road
_ - Betty Roscioli , 152 Bundy Road
K . G . Orner , P . O . Box 1815 , Albany
; - Larry O ' Neil , 502 Utica Street
John A . Miller , 201 Northview Road
Deborah - T . Miller , 102 Northview Road.
Paul Warren , 209 Northview Road
Doris Warren , 209 Northview Road
Nancy Fuller , Deputy . Town Clerk
Lewis D . Cartee , Building Inspector
Gus Lambrou , 156 Honness Lane
Edward L . Bergen , 127 Pine Tree Road
Helen E . Sundell. , 310 Forest Home Drive
Paul L . Hartman , 132 Pine Tree Road
Margaret L . Hartman , . 132 Pine Tree Road
Ruth M . Mahr , 103 Judd Falls Road
Joel H . Silbey , 105 Judd Falls Road.
Liese Bronfenbrenner , 108 Mcln.tyre Place
Nancy L . Krook , 113 Pine Tree Road.
Charlie Trautmann , 235 Forest Home Drive
Nancy T. rau.tmann , 235 Forest Home Drive
Morris Tenenbaum , 155 Honness . Lane
Carol George , 119 Pine Tree Road
Edith Cassel , 152 Pine Tree Road.
Mary Yaple , 151 Pine Tree Road
Art Yaple , 151 Pine Tree Road
ld
Geraldine Kramer ; 202 Pine Tree Road
Barbara J . Bredbanner , 141 Honness Lane
E . E . Bredbanner , Jr . , 141 Honness Lane
Richard B . Fischer , 135 Pine Tree Road.
E . S . Phillips , 131 Pine Tree Road
Jon Reis , 228 Forest Home Drive
Bruce Brittain , 133 Warren Road
Douglas B . Brittain , 135 Warren Road.
W . L . Brittain , 135 Warren Road
Harry Ellsworth , 152 Honness Lane
Herbert Deinert , 130 Honness Lane
Town Board Minutes - 2 - October 13 , ' 1.981
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Supervisor Desch led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance .
REPORT' OF TOWN OFFICIALS
SUPERVISOR ' S REPORT
Supervisor Desch stated that the Preliminary Budget will be available
. about the middle of next week .
There will be a number of minor changes to reflect the more up to
date financial status information available . These changes will
. . probably have . the effect of. a slight net decrease in the tax rate
discussed at the Tentative Budget . Hearing , which. we need to set at
tonights meeting including the one for Revenue Sharing .
In the notice of hearing you will see a slight increase in the
salary for the Justices from $ 5 , 300 to ' $ 5 , 600 . . .This follows extensive
discussions I have had with the JP ' s and a recognition that their
unreimbursed costs are going up and it is clear that the costs can
be absorbed and recovered in the amount of revenue from fines , etc .
There are no program changes from the Tentative Budget allocations .
Councilwoman Kiefer stated that she had some budget changes she
would like considered .
Supervisor Desch asked Mrs . Kiefer to please have her proposed
changes by Wednesday of next week :
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked if changes , except ' to salaries , could :._
be made after the budget had been adopted ?
Supervisor Desch answered yes , you are right.
The Supervisor continued his report saying , I have written a letter
to County Fire Coordinator Jack Miller to suggest a meeting of rural -. .
fire chiefs to review mutual aid policys . Although the response to
the Coddington _Road Fire was good , there was evidence of confusion
and available waster was not used . I am continuing to ge the facts
so that we can do our part in improving the service to areas beyond
the public. water supply .
The City is moving ahead to . retain State Fire Expert George Proper
to evaluate sites for fire stations on West and South Hill . This
will be an excellent study and not cost us any consultants fees .
On Monday I renewed , the $ 250 , 000 Stone . Quarry Road BAN at 10 . 25 % ,
but for three months rather than a full year. It is a gamble but
one worth taking , I feel in January we can decide whether to renew
for a full year or not . I believe both short term and long term
rates will be a little lower then .
I have written to President Rhoades to see if we can ' t shake the
East Ithaca Bikeway permanent license loose from Cornell . We have
been patient too long .
I met with the Board of Public Works early last Tuesday AM to discuss
the relationships between BPW and a sewer board . The discussion was
a very positive one and a considerable amount of misunderstanding
was eliminated . We expect to see further movement of the joint .
ownership and operation , in the near future .
TOWN ENGINEER ' S REPORT
Town Engineer Lawrence Fabbroni stated that not much progress was
Town Board Minutes - 3 - October 13 , 1981
being * made on the Dewitt Park site . We haven ' t had a period. that was
dry enough to rake the ground .
The contract on the Cliff Street Pump Station has been completed .
The meters have been calibrated , they were over: calibration and
millions of gallons of water was lost because of this .
He went on to say that Stearns & Wheler were well underway with the .
hydrant flow testing . The people at Stearns & Wheler have talked.
to the people at Bolton Point along with myself . We made a whirl -
wind trip around the area , received cooperation from Cornell .
This year the Northeast Transit carried 5 , 900+ people the first month
as compared with 3 , 900+ for the same period last year . The rider -
. ship on East . . . Ithaca .has increased to the extent that they are
carrying more passengers than the Northeast Transit . The hospital
bus run is carrying 9 , 000 passengers a month . This is on a twelve
hour day service .
Councilman Cramer asked if the fare structure was similar for all
the bus runs ?
Towri Engineer Fabbroni stated that the East Ithaca and hospital run
were about the same . $ . 35 with various options . Northeast Transit
is higher , $ . 50 , as it is a larger system .
Councilman . McPeak asked if there were calculations available on the
amount of money the hospital bus has saved. the Social Services for
medicare patients ?
Supervisor Desch stated that there was a net savings .
ArF Councilman Cramer asked if there was a payback ?
Supervisor Desch answered , not to the Town , the City receives any
payback money .
Town Engineer Fabbroni noted that he would soon receive a breakdown
of the account .
Councilman Cramer stated that he had been in the field and had
observed the bus runs . He stated that he wished to compliment the
Town on the expansion of the Northeast Transit anal. the . East Ithaca
Transit . He questioned the possibility of some of the money generated
from the hospital bus being used to expand the service to town -wide
bus service . He also noted that the hospital bus run misses the
Professional Building .
Supervisor Desch stated that there were plan to expand the hospital
bus run to include the Dubois Road loop .
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT ' S REPORT
Highway Superintendent Robert Parkin reported that the surface
treatment project had been completed . Also , the bikeways have been
completed and signs installed ,
Mr . Parkin noted that most of�. the winter salt had been hauled and
stockpiled. He went on to say that the fall ditch cleaning and
brush cutting projects have been started .
He stated that the Fall Clean - up project was running about the same
as last year .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if the Summary of the Highway Report would.
be discussed tonight .
Town Board Minutes - 4 - ; October 13 ; . 1981
Supervisor Desch stated that the report would not be discussed . tonight ., . ,
REPORT OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES
Supervisor Desch stated that there would be no report from . the
County Representatives tonight , as the County Board was meeting _
this evening .
County Representative Gust Freeman sent his regrets for not being
able to attend the Town Board meeting .
TOWN OF ITHACA FIRE CODE
RESOLUTION N0 . 161
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer9
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a Public Hearing to adopt the Town of Ithaca Fire Code at
7 : 00 P . M . , on December 7 , 19810
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye . "
Nays - none ) .
Councilman Cramer stated that he felt a motion was inorder to send ;
the proposed Fire Code to the Codes and Ordiance Committee for their
review .
Supervisor Desch noted that this was an automatic proceedure .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if the Fire Code would be on the November
Meeting Agenda so that the Board can make their comments ?
Supervisor Desch answered , the November meeting will be too busy .
The Board can make comments at the public hearing .
REVENUE SHARING
RESOLUTION N0 . 162
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Counilman Cramer9
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing on November 5 , 1981 , at 7 : 00 P . M . , to
consider the proposed use of approximately $ 91 , 000 . 00 in unused
Revenue Sharing Funds for Entitlement Period Twelve , October 1 , 1980 -
to September 30 , 1981 , and approximately $ 91 , 000 . 00 of Federal
Revenue Sharing Funds for Entitlement Period Thirteen , October 1 ,
1981 to September 30 , 19820
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting
Aye . . . Nays - none ) .
TOWN OF ITHACA PRELIMINARY BUDGET
RESOLUTION N0 . 163
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 November 5 , . 1981 , at 7 : 15 P . M „ at the
Town Offices , at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York to consider
the Preliminary Budget for the Town of Ithaca . . :
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye . -
Nays - none ) .
Town Board Minutes - 5 - October 13 , 1981
LIGHTING DISTRICTS
RESOLUTION NO . 164
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 November 5. , 1981 , at 7 : 45 P . M . , to
consider the Forest Home Lighting District ; 7 : 50 P . M . , to consider
the Glenside Lighting District ; at 7 : 55 P . M . , to consider the Renwick
Heights Lighting District ; 8 : 00 P . M . , to consider the Clover Lane
Lighting District and 8 : 05 P . M . , to consider the Eastwood Commons
Lighting District , at the Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca ,
New York .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak, Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye .
Nays - none ) .
BOLTON POINT PRELIMINARY BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO . 165
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 November " 5 , 1981 , at 8 : 15 P . M . , at the
Town Offices at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York to consider
the Preliminary Budget for the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye .
- Nays - none ) .
WATER REFUND
RESOLUTION NO . 166
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that . the - Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
a refund of $ 28 . 86 water and $ 3 . 46 surcharge , totalling $ 32 . 32 be .
made to W . W . Hopenrath , 323 Winthrop Drive , Ithaca , . New York , by
reason of the amount being paid on . the regular quarterly billing and.
also on the special reading bill . Account No . 186 - 0214581 .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye .
Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTION NO . 167
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
a refund of $ 27 . 39 water and $ 1 . 49 surcharge , totalling $ 28 . 88 be
made to Dwight Lopes .' 238 Sapsucker Woods Road , Ithaca , New York , by
reason of the amount being paid on the regular quarterly bill and also
on the special reading bill . Account No . 1904231862 .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye .
Nays - none ) .
FIVE AREA SEWER BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE RENEWAL
RESOLUTION NO . 168
Town Board Minutes - 6 - October 13 , 3981
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
the Supervisor to execute the renewal of Bond Anticipation Note #2 ,
renewal number 3 , for the Five Area Sewer Improvement at the best
interest rate the Supervisor can negotiate .
( Desch , Raf'fensperger , Kugler , McPeak Kiefer and Cramer voting Aye .
Nays - none ) .
PRESENTATION BY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES .
UNIT OF BROOME : DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Supervisor Desch introduced Lawrence P . O ' Neil , Treatment . Team Leader ,
for the Office of Mental Retardation / Developmental, Disabilities
` Developmental Disabilities Services . The Supervisor stated that
Mr . O ' Neil had asked to appear before the Board to : present his
proposal for the establishment of a residential home at 205 Northview
Road , West . The Supervisor went on to say that there would be no
action by the . Board this evening and this was not a formal. public
- hearing .
Supervisor Desch went on to say that if the public wished to speak ,
he would after Mr . 0 ° Neil ' s presentation, move to . the Persons to
be Heard section ..of the agenda , to enable persons to speak about . , ` ,
this or any other subject . pertinent to . Town government .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that he had prepared a fact sheet , which he
distributed to the Board . ( Copy attached to the official minutes ) .
Mr . O ' Neil introduced Mr . Kenneth Orner from Albany . -
Mr . O ' Neil stated that the State of New York was involved in a
program for the mental retardation and that their agency would
operate the residential home on their behalf. He said , ' ' Our goal
is to access the population in ,the Developmental Centers to determine
the suitability of coming into an area and establish a group home so
that the clients are able to lead a more normal life . "
The residential home will contain from one to eight people , who are
physically handicapped . _in addition to being mentally retarded , along
with supervision .
The staff at the Broome facilities have screened . people , at least
eight , who will ben.efit.. from a community - environment . Mr . O ' Neil
went on to say that all the existing . residential homes are now
located in the City of . Ithaca . The City has become saturated and
it was time to look elsewhere
Mr . 0 ° Neil stated that he had talked with the people at Town Hall
regarding their desire.. to locate a residential home in the Town of
Ithaca . He went . on to say that they were looking for a building
of non - combustable material or one that can be easily sprinklered .
The home should be large enough for eight people plus staff . He
went on to say that they have conducted an exhausted search for . the
proper facility . The type of house available at 205 Northview
Road West will meet the needs of the clients . . . .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that they , intended to function . in a quiet manner .
in the neighborhood . No exterior modifications will be made , only
a ramp for the handicapped .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that studies of group homes in neighborhoods shows
that houses located in neighborhoods do not adversely effect or
devalue property . The group homes are on a regular schedule for
maintenance , both inside and outside .
y at Town Hall had
Supervisor Desch asked Mr . O ' Neil if anybod
Town Board Minutes � 7 - October_ 3. 33 1981
brought this house to his attention ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered , no .
Supervisor Desch asked Mr. . O ' Neil about the already established
homes in the City and how the areas are zoned ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered , residential zones .
Supervisor Desch questioned Mr . O ' Neil as to the largest percentage
of their homes being in single family or multiple zones ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered , largest percentage are located in, single
family residences .
Supervisor Desch questioned transportation for the residents , as
the house on Northview Road was not within walking distance of a
bus line .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that a van would be assigned to. the home , they
have four vans plus one new one comming . He went on to . : say that
the majority of the clients are 50 years old or , above . One man is
in his twenties , one woman is in her twenties and another woman. is
in her thirties . The group will be composed. of non - ambulatory or
semi - anbulatory persons .
Mr . O ` Neil went on say that most of the people in the home will
attend the community facility at Cayuga Heights School . One gentle -
man will go to Challenge Industries . The people have limitations in.
their vocabulary , however , none have behavioral problems . Only one
person is on medicine , on a controlled seizure program .
._ Mr . O ' Neil went on to say that the facility will have a .nu.rse eight
hours a day . Also , a residence manager and assistant manager . A
therapist on a full time basis , either recreational or occupational .
Supervisor Desch asked if the property would become tax exempt ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered , yes .
Supervisor Desch asked Mr . O ' Neil if he would appear before the Town
Board , at a later date , asking for changes in water services , bus
services or other services ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered no .
Supervisor Desch asked Mr . O ' Neil what was the anticipated length of
time an individual resident would spend in this home ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered many , many years .
Supervisor Desch asked Mr . O ' Neil what directed him to this house ,
the neighborhood or what ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered the house . There are standards that must be met
in deciding . on a house . This population will. need help in getting
out , in case of fire .
Councilman Cramer asked if this program was financed by the State
Mental Health Department ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered , part is paid by Medicare the rest by the State .
Councilman Cramer asked Mr . O ` Neil if he would come to the Town for
funding in case the State ended their funding ?
Mr . O ` Neil stated that New York State will never_ cease to fund .
John Doris asked if the residents were permanent wards of New York
State ?
Town Board Minutes - 8 - October 13 ; 1981
Mr . O ' Neil answered that the client were on a voluntary basis . They
can request their discharge at any time
Councilman McPeak asked if the residents are local ?
Mr . O ' Neil responded that six of the eight come from Tompkins County .
David Jennings asked if there was supervision there at all times ? - _
Mr . O ' Neil stated that each person worked an eight hour shift . .
Several persons . are on call also
David Jennings noted . that with eight ' in residence plus staff there
would be ten to eleven cars , at : one :time ; - at. . the rhouse ,
Mr . O ' Neil answered no . The residents cannot drive .
Supervisor Desch ' asked what will be ' the residence population ,
eight plus one or two ?
Mr . O ` Neil responded , at night one staff : person Sometimes in the
morning more staff will be needed to get the residents ready for
their program ,
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that as long as you are moving this
far out of town - why this property? Why not buy a big piece of
land and build your own house to your , specifications ?
Mr . O ' Neil stated that they had looked into construction However ,
State funding for . construction is not available at this time . He
went on to say that new construction would run between $ 200 , 000
and $ 250 , 000 by the time your acquired the land and hired an
architect .
Mr . O ' Neil went on to say that the house at 205 Northview Road West
will not be gutted . . Only sprinklers , smoke alarm , : ramp and grab
bars will be install-ed .
Louis Munch stated that the letter dated October 9 1981 , from
Mr . O ' Neil was the first he knew about the group home proposed
for 205 Northview Road West . He felt Mr . O ' Neil should have talked : :
to the people in the neighborhood first . He also stated that he
would like to see where it says property values do not go down .
Mr . O ' Neil ' responded that. up until . the time the letter was sent out ,
it was . not- known if we could proceed until we saw the feasibility
study . It is premature to contact people until we know if the
project can be funded and if Albany will approve the proposed r'
property purchase
Mr . Louis Munch questioned the cost of the proposed house along .
with the proposed renovations , noting that it can cost quite a
bit . He asked about transportation cost . Mr . Munch stated that
the project was going to cost the taxpayers a lot of money .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that institutional housing costs more than
individual housing . He went on to say that they knew it was going
to be expensive . They looked at other houses , some cost more ,
some cost less .
Mr . Munch asked what will happen if the State cuts the money for this
type of housing , then a drug abuse program. or an alcoholic rehabili -
. tation program could take over the facilities .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that New York State was committed to. small _
facilities because of the environment provided : the residents
in these small facilities .
Mr . O ' Neil . went on to say that the IOOF home on the Trumansburg . Road
r
Town Board Minutes - 9 - October 13 , 1981
was considered , however, the end result would be two institutional . ,
facilities , one in Binghamton and one in Ithaca .
Roger Joseph stated that he knew this was not a public hearing , , only
an informational meeting . He went on to say that he - did understand
and he know how difficult the problem was .. However ,. he wished to
present to the Board , this evening , a petition signed by the
residents of the Coddington and Northview West Road areas , who. . do
not support the use of 205 Northview Road West as a residence for
developmentally disabled adults . ( Copy attached to the official
minutes ) .
Councilman Cramer questioned Mr . . O ' Neil about the architect firm
that did the feasibility study , was there any mention of the Town
Zoning Ordinance , and if not , why not ?
Kenneth Orner sited the Padavan Bill , saying the State Law supersedes
any Town law . He went on to say that the Padavan: Bill describes a
community resident with . from four to fourteen is considered , under
Zoning , as a one family resident . He went . on to say that they knew
the house would be considered a single family residence , under the
State Law .
John Barney responded that the Town of Ith.aca . Zoning Ordinance ' s
definition of a single. family consists of one or more persons
related by blood , marriage or adoption . He questioned Mr . O ' Neil
asking , you say the Padavan Bill supersedes the Town Zoning Ordinance ?
Mr . Orner answered yes .
Supervisor Desch asked what about conditions on group homes regarding
side yard , parking , when a permit is . granted ate there conditions ?
Mr . Orner answered no .
Town Engineer Pabbroni asked if there was something that makes
eight the magic number ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered no . , it was our decision : You must either go
much larger , which we cannot handle efficiently : Less than eight
people is not economically feasible .
Supervisor_ Desch noted that with the wide variety : of developed and
undeveloped land in the Town , he was amazed. that this 10 t . was
chosen . He stated that he was not sure ` the proposal was compatable
with the area .
Mr . O ' Neil stated that . they had looked at every available property
that was available .
Louis Cartee noted that the proposed home , according to the fact
sheet , required approximately 4 , 500 square feet of space . ' However ,
the house at 205 Northview Road West only contains 3 , 000 square
feet of space . Does this mean you will need to build an addition ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered no , as we are only going to house eight people .
David Jennings noted that one thing the rehabilitation program
stresses is to help people intermingle with society , why are . you
4 not locating the house in the City ?
Supervisor Desch again questioned the lack .of bus service .
Mr . O ' Neil responded that every house they maintain is now "located
in the City . Most of . the people are - from Tompkins County . He
went on to say that the burden should be put on all the people , R
not just City people . .
Supervisor Desch asked what is the population of the homes in the
City ?
Town Board Minutes - 10 - October 13 1981
Mr . O ' Neil responded that there were fifteen to sixteen individuals
in the City homes .
Louis Munch noted that Mr . O ' Neil wanted the residents to ' interact
with those next to them , he felt the area was too large and difficult
for• non - ambulatory persons .
Mr .- Munch went on to ask what the residents were medicated with ?
Mr . O ' Neil answered that most of the residents are not on medication :
Supervisor Desch asked if Mr . O ' Neil had looked at .other . places
besides in the Town of Ithaca ?
Mr . O ' Neil responded that they had started . in the Town of Ithaca :
We . sat down with realitors only once .
It was again noted that the . property site was obtained without :
Town help .
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that she was unclear as to whether
or not the Town has any authority under its own - Zoning Ordinance .
John Barney responded that he felt the Town did have . authority ; :
under their Zoning . Ordinance .
Supervisor Desch stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals will probably
Took at the project after the Town Attorney has had a chance to look
into the matter .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REVISIONS TO THE -
OFFICIAL TOWN HIGHWAY MAP
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider revisions to the Official Town Highway Map having been
presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the Public
Hearing .
Supervisor Desch stated that the purpose of this public hearing is
to consider a change to the Official Town Highway Map , with respect
to the East Ithaca Circulation proposal recommendation . The current . .
official map identifys a new highway connecting to Pine Tree Road .
through the reserved right - of -way between Ellis _Hollow Elderly
Housing and the book bindery . The highway then proceeds through the
orchard , crossing Route 366 and the Plantation overlook and on
through the golf course to link up with Warren Road and Hanshaw
Road .
The proposed revision , which starts north of Summerhill Apartments
and follows generally the Bolton Point water line. to link with
Caldwell Road , is the xesult of the extensive study conducted. by
the Town , County and Cornell as a joint effort . The recommendations
of the study report have been available for public review for over
two months and has previously been the subject of a well attended
public information hearing . The consideration before us then is
rather straight forward . It is a proposal to revise the Official
Highway Map to accept and makb- it consistent with the preferred
alignment recommended in the study . The focus of the hearing is to
be on this alignment revision . Once the public has been heard , I .
will close the hearing and move to table Board action for the
December 7th Town Board meeting . If at that time , the Board votes
against the alignment revision , other alternatives can be considered
land another hearing or hearings set to consider them .
There are a number of critical questions we on the Town Board must .
consider in our deliverations on this subject :
lcl
r
Nwr<. fi
Town Board Minutes - 11 - October 13 , 1981
( 1 ) Does there continue to be a critical need. to find a
traffic circulation route around Forest Home ?
( 2 ) If yes , what is the alternative which will balance . least
cost , , least environmental impact and optimal utility to the
' present and future users ?
r ( 3 ) Is the identification of an alternative to the use of
Pine Tree Road a necessary component of this project ?
( 4 ) Will the cost of the project impose an unreasonable and
unacceptable burden on the tax rate in the Town ?
( 5 ) Will the new routes have a potential positive ben.ef_ it on
the economy of the Town and region ?
There are also questions that can only be answered in later phases
of the project such as :
1 . Design details such as control devices , specifications
other than the fact that we are involved with a standard two lane
County road with turn - off lanes where needed. .
2 . Allocation of costs and precise construction schedule .
John De Wire , 148 Pine Tree Road noted that he would like to comment
about the removal , down below , of a piece of road from the map , it
was not done with support of the Pine Tree Road residents . He stated
his recollection was that the County ; Road didn ' t make sense and
wouldn ' t.take traffic off Pine Tree Road Need to look at something
to the east he stated .
Supervisor Desch answered , you are confusing the road. on Blatchley ' s
property with the County ' s by - pass road . In 1977 , the road was
deleted on recommendation of Dick Blatchley . The Pine Tree Road to
Route 79 relocation of Pine Tree Road is still shown on the map .
Paul Hartman , 132 Pine Tree Road asked what the Town would gain from .
this proposal ?
Supervisor . Desch answered , this needs . to be addressed .
Mary Yaple , 151 Pine Tree Road stated that the traffic problem was
so bad on Pine Tree Road that she would not let her children. . .-play
in the front yard .
Dr . Fischer , 136 Pine Tree Road stated that he didn ' t see any
benefit to the by - pass except for Cornell University . The improve -
ments were for truck traffic to Cornell .
John Reese , 228 Forest Home Drive stated. tha he was concerned with
the noise created by the number of trucks , farm equipment and buses
from other colleges .
Tom Wolski , 233 Forest Home Drive stated that the sheriff keeps
. records of traffic collisions . Between February ' 80 and February ' 81 ,
ten accidents were logged in Forest Home and six at the intersection
of Route 366 and Judd Falls Road . He felt the records did not
accurately show the number .
Supervisor Desch responded that Mr . Wolksi was probably right . He
went on to say that he presumed a report is written when a citation.
is given and fender bender type accidents do not get recorded .
Harry Ellsworth , 152 Honness Lane asked if a list of economic benefits
from the by - pass had been prepared . He stated that he couldn ' t see
how the Town or County would gain anything .
Supervisor Desch stated that no one there knows what the payback will
Town Board Minutes - 12 - October 13 , 1981
be . The linkage is necessary to service the Research Park.
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that the Research Park was not
considered in the Circulation Study . There was no discussion of ., .a
primary reason .
Supervisor Desch answered that no one had mentioned the Research
Park , however , if it should grow , it could become one big problem
for the Forest Home Area .
Paul Hartman , 132 Pine Tree Road proposed that the north end of
the Improvement be constructed but leave the south end alone .
.Ruth Mahr , 103 Judd Falls Road read a report . ( Copy attached to
official minutes ) . _
Morris Tennenbaum , 155 Honness Lane questioned the possibility of
using Irish Settlement Road as a by - pass road , as it . connects to
both Slaterville Road and Route 130
Gertrude Bergen , 127 Pine Tree Road stated that she felt the highway
should not be located between the Elderly.. :Housing and the Shopping
Plaza . She noted that the Elderly Housing residents do their
shopping at the plaza and a number of the people userwalkers and
canes . She felt they would not beable to cross a busy ' road .
Supervisor Desch asked Mrs . Bergen how the situation was handled at . .
Titus Flats ? ''
Mrs Bergen responded , they have a traffic light .
Nancy Krook , 113 Pine Tree Road stated that she felt the roll of the
County and Town Planner should be to act . as advocates for the
taxpayers . She questioned Mr . - Liguori ' s involvement in the proposed
Garbage Burning Plant . She felt that the .Planners were not taking
. . the needs of the citizens into consideration when. profects are .
planned .
Mr . Barnes stated that he had attended the hearings on the East
Hill Plaza . The plaza was only going to ' contain neighborhood stores , - `. .
not going to generate traffic . Mr . Schwan promised it would not
increase traffic . The Board did not keep their promise . . He noted
there were six places on the corner that sell liquor :: :
Ruth De Wire , 148 Pine. Tree Road stated that as a Pine Tree resident ,
we support some support for the Forest Home . traffic problem .
However , the need is based " on population expansion . Why spend money
to benefit the Towns of Caroline and Dryden . If the proposed
improvement is for . Research Park , then it would benefit the County .
Supervisor Desch stated that the capital construction costs were
95% County financed .
Mrs . De Wire asked if there were plans to expand the East Hill Plaza
business segment ?
Supervisor Desch responded that the . . Board knew of no plans by the
owners of East Hill Plaza to expand the commercial zone .
Town Engineer Fabbroni added , that there was not vacant land - of . any
size remaining ,. that could be developed .
Charles Trautmann , 235 Forest Home Drive stated that people have a
hard time crossing the street . now , with extra cars , it will . become
impossible to cross the street . ;
Carol George , 119 Pine Tree Road stated , we want less traffic . Pine
Tree Road residents cannot support any plan that calls for more
traffic or more trucks .
Town Board Minutes - 13 - October 13 , 1981
Joel Silby , 105 Judd Falls Road stated that cars go speeding through
Forest Home . We also have children . He went on to say that the only
solution was the by - pass or blow up the bridge . We need a by - pass
but not one that combines traffic . He questioned why not consider a
road this side of Pine Tree Road . He stated that he couldn '. t see
building a road that won ' t solve. a problem .
Mrs . Mahr , 103 Judd Falls Road stated that the Forest Home Area
had asked for additional police coverage . The people would be
charged $ 6 . 00 per thousand of assessed valuation . She questioned
the possibility of the alternate bus system proposal , providing
parking lots and forcing people to park their cars and ride the
bus .
Professor Phillips , . 131 Pine Tree Road read a letter he had mailed
to the Town Board . ( Copy attached to the official minutes ) .
Morris Tennenbaum , 155 Honness Lane asked , . why not the road I
mentioned ?
Supervisor Desch - answered , there is a problem with origin and
destination .
Professor Phillips , 131 Pine Tree Road noted that he felt the
communities involved , should work with each other .
Nancy Krook , 113 Pine Tree Road stated that she begged for those of
us who live with the squeeking of eighteen. wheelers along. with
what is in these unmarked trucks as to origin or destination to stop
this short cut .
Supervisor Desch stated that neither the City or Town can ban truck
traffic on Route 79 ,
The Supervisor closed the Public Hearing . .
RESOLUTION N0 , 169
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman. McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the adjourning of a - Public Hearing on the East Ithaca Circulation ,
and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , . that the Town . Board of the Town of Ithaca
will meet and conduct a public hearing at 7 : 30 P . M * on November
9 , 1981 , on the East Ithaca Circulation. at the Town Hall , 126 East
Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler ., McPeak , Kiefer and. Cramer voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
T.OWN .OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO . 170
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of . Ithaca Warrants dated October 13 , 1981 , in the following
amounts :
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . 68 30 , .442 . 77
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . 85 ; 440 . 76
Highway Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 76 , 684 . 91
Water & Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . , . , . , . . , , . 196 , 445 . 54
Parks Fund . . . . . . . . . . . 19 , 902 . 73
Capital Projects Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , , , , , 84 . 41
Lighting District : . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 . 36
Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 , 910 . 50
Town Board Minutes - 14 - October 13 , _ 1981
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION . NO , 171
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated October 13 , 1981 ,. - in
the Operating Account are hereby approved , in the amount of
$ 38 , 307 , 29 . after review and upon the recommendation of the Southern.
_. Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission they are in order for
payment . .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak, Kiefer and . Cramer . voting
Aye . Nays - none ) . _
ELECTION -TECHNICIAN SALARY INCREASE
Supervisor Desch stated that Mr . & : Mrs : Feller had requested a
$ 5 . 00 increase per voting machine , in their salary retroactive ,
to the 1981 Primary and to - include the 1982 Election ,
RESOLUTION NO , 172
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by . Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
an increase of $ 5 . . 00 per machine in the salary of Bernice and John
Feller , for .: the : : 1982 election. only .
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting
Aye . Nays - none ) .
APPROVAL OF FIRE CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF ITHACA
Councilman Cramer stated " that by tieing our contribution to a
capital reserve fund and ear marking it , we could get better
coverage in 1983 for less . money .
RESOLUTION N0 . - 173-
Motion By Supervisor Deschy seconded by Councilwoman Kiefer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
the Supervisor to execute the Fire Contract . with the City of -Ithaca
subject to the amendment of Article 7 to include " shall be deemed to
cover all Foreign Insurance Companies " and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , subject_ to the final approval by the Town
Attorney . rr
( Desch , Raffensperger , Kugler , McPeak , Kiefer and Cramer voting
Aye . Nays - none ) ,
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned .
own , . -E er