HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1983-02-07 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 7 , 1983
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 7th day of February , 1983 , there were :
PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor
George Kugler , Councilman
® Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
Marc Cramer , Councilman
Henry McPeak , Councilman
Dooley Kiefer , Councilwoman
® David Jennings , Councilman
ALSO PRESENT : Richard B . Thaler , Thaler & Thaler
Bill Manos , Manos Diner
Dan Peterson , 110 Dey Street
Carolyn Peterson , 110 Dey Street
Peter Nukles , University Park
Bob Anderson , 110 Auburn Street
Frank Wiley , Cornell University
John Majeroni , Cornell University
Claudia Weisburd , Calkins Road
John Wooding , 218 University Avenue
Jerry Weisburd , Calkins Road
Peter J . Walsh , Thaler & Thaler
Chuck Crisell
Robert Parkin , Superintendent
Lawrence Fabbroni , Engineer
James Buyoucos , Attorney
Representatives of the Media :
Michael Hages , WVBR
John Huenneke , Ithaca Journal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance .
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
® Supervisor ' s Report
Sewer Project Priorities
Supervisor Desch stated that tomorrow he , along with City
Superintendent of Public Works Kinsella and a representative
of Stearns & Wheler would be attending the Project Priority
meeting near Albany to make our comments on the system and
the particular rating of our project . We believe we have a
strong case to improve our ranking and will be doing
everything we can through all possible channels to gain
recognition of the importance of funding our project .
Town Board Minutes - 2 - February 7 , 1983
The Supervisor went on to say that on Wednesday evening
there will be a combined SJS and BPW meeting here to hear
the design status review of the project from Stearns &
Wheler . We will be meeting at Common Council Chambers at
5 : 45 P . M . , and following completion of the regular BPW
meeting adjourn to the Ramada Inn for the presentation by
Stearns & Wheler . It may still be necessary to have a
separate SJS meeting in February . The funding schedule
needs to be submitted by the end of March , so that DEC can
review it by July 1st . The public hearing on the outfall
® right - of -way condemnation matter will be held at the BPW
meeting on February 23 ,
Town Hall Renovation
® You perhaps have noticed some improvement in the appearance
of Town Hall . There are new drapes in several areas and we
are about to modify the counter to provide more security for
the Deputy Town Clerk ' s collections and materials . Town
Board members mail boxes have been moved to the front
( Financial ) office , a better location for everyone
concerned .
Supervisor Desch went on to say that we are also getting
quotations on windows for the Board Room and the Engineering
Department for energy conservation and lighting improvement
purposes . The Staff will also be looking at some divider
partition schemes in Planning and Engineering to improve the
flow of traffic . We are also pursuing the improvements to
the Board Room , both in appearance and adequacy of
heating / cooling and security .
Tax Collections
Supervisor Desch stated that the primary tax collection
period is over and that he would like to take this
opportunity to commend Jean Swartwood and the Staff for the
usual excellent performance .
Indications are that collection percentages are as high as
in past years , in spite of the impact of the recession . We
do not expect to see the tax sale problems being experienced
by some of our neighbors .
Town Engineer ' s Report
Town Engineer Lawrence Fabbroni reported that a considerable
amount of time had been spent on Commonlands and Bill Manos
projects . Mike Ocello has been working on the Burns Road
relocation in conjunction with the County ' s bridge work . He
noted that they were ready to review the project with the
City of Ithaca .
® He went on to say that he had met with the
President of the
Forest Home Improvement Association who is anxious to get
the Traffic Committee together on the matter of the one -way
circulation plan . We have also spent significant time
recalculating the water and sewer bi • nefit units ; there are
approximately 50 properties to which the formula doesn ' t
easily apply .
Northeast Transit contract has been completed for the next
twelve months . January ridership shows a 60o increase over
a year ago . Good weather has allowed us to complete some
additional drainage work on Stone Quarry Road .
Town Board Minutes - 3 - February 7 , 1983
Highway Superintendent ' s Report
Highway Superintendent Parkin reported that the highway men
have been clearing brush and making minor road repairs .
Also drainage work on Stone Quarry Road is underway .
Councilwoman Kiefer stated that on behalf of a new Town
resident ( R . Flaville ) she would like to call the Highway
Superintendent and Town Boards attention to a clipping from
the Wall Street Journal . The City of Baltimore is concerned
over pot holes , and has come up with a new idea : for a
donation of $ 5 . 00 or more , the City will fill a specific pot
hole and paint it over with a valentine message of the
donor ' s choice !
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks and Recreation
Councilwoman. Raffensperger reported that at their February
3rd meeting the committee reviewed Park Site Planning for
1983 . Tareyton Park - work on play structure , bike . path ,
plantings to discourage bikes and pedestrian traffic across
the playfield . Tudor Park - work planned on the
playstructure and plantings . Salem Park - scheduled for
drainage improvements , plantings and play structure .
Eastern Heights Park - begin student design work , seed
playfield , buffer plantings to improve parking , expand play
area , see - saw and pavillion . Improve safety on sledding
slope , pedestrian walk and bike trail . Also , plantings to
improve circulation . Sandra Place - work on regrading and
landscape improvements .
Mrs . Raffensperger continued , a discussion was held on the
initial planning for bikeway plan . That plan will attempt
to examine present pedestrian and bikeway trails , proposed
developments in South Hill , etc . , and possible future links .
She went on to say that they are only in the initial stages
and in the coming months the Town Board will see the plan .
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that Joe Gentili , County
Planning Representative , was most complementary of the
Town ' s progess in the area of parks , recreation way planning
and implementation of the plans and policies . More
specifically of the professional expertise of Susan Beeners
and the high quality of practicality with which she has
worked and works to implement our park plan and policy . The
® meeting ended with a glow of self - satisfaction . Next month
will be back to work .
® Public Safety Committee Report
Councilman Jennings reported that he plans to go to the Fire
Commission meeting tomorrow evening and express the Town ' s
disatisfaction in the progress that has been made to date on
the relocation of fire stations in the Town .
He also noted that he and Supervisor Desch had met with Town
of Ulysses representatives to discuss the placing of a fire
station on West Hill that would benefit both the Town of
Ulysses and the Town of Ithaca . The Town of Ulysses
representatives are now discussing fire safety with the
Trumansburg Fire Department to see if they feel a need for a
joint venture of this type .
�i
Town Board Minutes - 4 - February 7 , 1983
Councilwoman Raffensperger requested that notices of
committee meetings should be sent to all Town Board Members ,
not just the - individuals on the particular committees .
Personnel Committee
Supervisor Desch announced that this committe would be
meeting later in Executive Session .
® FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DUMP TRUCK - SNOW PLOW
Supervisor Desch stated that Councilman Kugler , Councilman
® Jennings , Highway Superintendent. Parkin and Town Engineer
Fabbroni had put their heads together to make sure the
specifications were correct and complete .
Councilman Cramer questioned the specifications on the axle
being the manufacturer ' s own model ; he asked why ? After
discussion it was agreed to strike this sentence .
CouncilMcPeak asked ' if the specifications were so tight
there would be only on bidder ?
Supervisor Desch responded that there would probably be two
or three .
Councilman Kugler stated this will eliminate conversions .
RESOLUTION NO , 11
Motion by Councilman Jennings ; seconded by Councilman
Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the advertising for bids on a new 1983 all wheel
drive dump truck- snow plow combination of not less than
44 , 000 lbs , axle capacity . ( Copy of specifications attached
to official minutes ) .
Councilman Cramer noted that the specifications state orange
paint , there is not reference to the type of paint , and he
suggested it should have reference to , e . g . , " abrasion -
resistant polymers " .
Councilman Jennings stated that parts of trucks are made of
fiberglass , sometimes one type paint cannot be used . on all
® parts of the truck .
Supervisor Desch suggested adopting the specifications , but
® with direction that the Staff contact the County Highway
Department to ascertain their standard phrasing of paint
specifications .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
AUTHORIZE BUILDING INSPECTOR TO ATTEND ANNUAL BUILDING
OFt' ICIALS SCHOOL .
RESOLUTION N0 , 12
Motion by Supervisor Desch ;
Raffensperger , seconded by Councilwoman
Town Board Minutes - 5 - February 7 , 1983
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the Building Inspector , Lewis Cartee , to attend
the Annual Building Officials School of the Finger Lakes
Building Officials Association at the Marriott Inn ,
Rochester , New York , April 25 , 26 and 27 , 1983 .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
REZONING OF PARCEL NO . 6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 ( Bill J . Manos Proposal ) .
Supervisor Desch stated that the resolution presented for
® consideration tonight on the rezoning from Residential 15 to
Multiple Residence District of Tax Parcel 6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 ,
encompasses the conditions set forth in the Planning Board
Resolution ,
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that in January the
Planning Board asked us to set time limits , do we intend not
to or does the Planning Board Resolution set time limits on
the beginning of construction and the end of construction ?
Supervisor Desch responded , the . Planning Board does not want
calendar dates , but assurances that later phases will not be
built until the first phase is finished . No subsequent
phases will be initiated until the first phase is completed .
Councilwoman Raffensperger felt that if the Planning Board
wants more specific details they should be added to the
Zoning Ordinance amendment .
Councilman Jennings questioned the section ( page 8 )
pertaining to the applicant consulting and working with the
staff of the Cornell Plantations and other Cornell
representatives to insure the continued integrity and
stability of the South Hill Swamp . He noted that there were
18 , 000 students at Cornell .
Town Attorney Buyoucos responded that students are not
representatives .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked about the Wetland Designation ,
Supervisor Desch said he had asked that the Tompkins County
Environmental Management Council should work with the
Planning Board on both the South Hill Swamp and Six Mile
Creek watershed evaluations .
® Councilwoman Kiefer asked how would the Town Board
involved ? be
Supervisor Desch responded that the Town Board would make
the designation , after a study was conducted .
Town Attorney James Buyoucos stated that he had talked with
Frank Liguori of County Planning . The State is still in the
process of working out the rules and regulations . When the
time comes and the State has approved the plans , there will
be a hearing . The best enforcing agency for the wetland
lays with the DEC .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if , when the Town ' s wetlands map
was put together , was the South Hill Swamp included on the
map ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded that only Cornell
University property was included - not the EMC ' s entire
fifty acres ; however , more study is needed to pin down the
fifty acres . This is not an issue in the Man-os project .
Town Board Minutes - 6 - February 7 , 1983
Councilwoman Kiefer remarked that she would rather see the
Planning Board look at South Hill as a whole , then to
propose piecemeal rezoning ; that is why this is relevant to
the Mano ' s proposal . She went on to say that only Cornell
and the developer are mentioned in reference to a buffer
zone and protection of the area ; will the Town Board have
any say ?
Supervisor Desch answered , only as the Planning Board
recommends .
® Town Attorney Buyoucos stated , the fact that the Town Board
may have concerns about the wet lands , the Planning Board
should be informed by letter of these concerns .
® RESOLUTION CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE AMENDMENT OF
THE TOWN ZONING ORDINANCE BY REZONING FROM RESIDENTIAL 15 TO
MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED ON THE
NORTHERLY SIDE OF EAST KING ROAD , 30 + ACRES , TAX PARCEL
6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 3101 NOW REFERRED TO AS MAJESTIC HEIGHTS , MADE BY
BILL J . MANOS , APPLICANT , OW14ER AND DEVELOPER ,
RESOLUTION NO , 13
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilwoman
Raffensperger ,
WHEREAS ,
1 . The applicant , Bill J . Manos , has applied to the Town
Board to rezone from a Residential 15 District to a Multiple
Residence District a parcel of land consisting of
approximately 30 acres of land , designated as tax parcel
6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 , and which is located on the northerly side of
East King Road , and
2 . The applicant has presented to the Planning Board and
received final site plan approval . for the construction of 17
buildings which will contain a total . of 119 dwelling units
in the proportion of three ( 3 ) 2 - bedroom units to four ( 4 )
1 -bedroom units , and one service building which will contain
storage space for the occupants of each dwelling unit , a
laundry , and storage space for necessary maintenance
equipment , and a one family dwelling which will be built for
and initially occupied by Mr . Manos and his family , and
3 . The applicant has complied with the provisions of Local
Law # 3 - 1980 relating to the environmental review of actions
in the Town of Ithaca and the Planning Board as lead agency
has conducted a coordinate SEQR review on both the
application for rezoning and the site plan review and has
determined that the project as proposed and the amendment of
the Zoning Ordinance will have no significant environmental
impact and a notice of such determination has been filed
with all inerested agencies , and
4 . The Town Planning Board has recommended the adoption of
the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance creating the Multiple
Residence District and has given final approval to the site
plan , and
5 . The Town Board has reviewed the site plan approval , the
minutes of the proceedings held by the Planning Board and
all other relevant documents and has complied with all
requirements of law governing the giving , posting and
Publishing of the notice of intention to amend the Town
Zoning Ordinance and to hold a public hearing in connection
therewith for the purpose of this project. , and
Town Board Minutes - 7 - February 7 , 1983
6 . It has been determined that there is a need for an
increase in renting housing in the Town of the type which
will be afforded by the Manos development , and
7 . Cornell University has been interested in the
development of these lands because of their proximity to the
South Hill Swamp and a parcel of land having ecological
significance which is owned by Cornell University , Tax
Parcel 6 - 44 - 1 - 3 ; but Cornell and the applicant have reached
mutual agreement regarding pertinent aspects of the
construction , development , and use of lands for the purposes
of this project , including , amongst other matters , the
setting apart by the applicant of a buffer zone , shown on
the site plan filed in the office of the Town Engineer
® January 18 , 1983 , and containing approximately six acres ,
and adequate provisions for drainage and limitation on the
construction and use of a twenty- five ( 25 ) foot lane in or
adjacent to the buffer , and a further limitation on
permitting pets and the use of herbicides , pesticides ,
chemicals and similar matters ;
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS .
10 The Town Attorney shall prepare an ordinance or local
law which shall provide for the amendment of the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca by changing the parcel
consisting of 30 + acres , Tax Parcel 6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 as shown on
the maps and site plans submitted to and approved by the
Planning Board and now on file in the Town Offices from
Residential 15 to Multiple Residence , with particular
reference to the following conditions and matters :
A . The applicant shall submit a surveyor ' s map
satisfactory to the Town Engineer and Town Attorney together
with a proposed description which will sufficiently identify
the rezoned parcel , and
• Be The project shall be constructed , developed and
used in accordance with the site plans approved by and filed
with the Planning Board , and in accordance with the site
plans approved by and filed with the Planning Board , and in
accordance with the final landscaping , engineering , and site
Plans which reflect all the concerns and requirements of the
Planning Board concerning fire safety , environmental
duality , energy efficiency , aesthetic suitability ,
and protection of parking areas , soil stabilization of
disturbed grounds and other matters which fall within the
Planning Board ' s properly delegated site plan review powers ,
and in accordance with the conditions of this resolution ,
and the conditions , provisions , and requirements of all
applicable laws , ordinances , codes , rules and regulations ,
® and
C . With particular relevance to ecological matters ,
the applicant shall comply with the requirements and
mitigating measures set forth in Part III of the
Environmental Assessment Form filed in the SEQR procedings
conducted by the Planning Board on January 18 , 1983 , and ,
without limiting the generality of any other provisions
contained in this resolution ,
i . The applicant shall maintain the buffer zone
consisting of about 6 acres on the westerly side of the
applicant ' s lands as shown on the site plans and maps such
parcel shall be maintained in its natural state and no trees
or shrubbery shall be cut except as may be required by good
forest management practices ;no improvement shall be erected
thereon and suitable signs shall be erected identifying the
perimeter of the parcel and forbidding trespassing , and
Town Board Minutes - 8 - February 7 , 1983
ii . The applicant may construct a driveway
running northerly from East King Road along the easterly
side of the said six acre parcel shown on the site plan and
map , such road shall be constructed in accordance with the
specifications of the Town Engineer and shall not exceed
twenty - five ( 25 ) feet in1 width , and
iii . The use of such driveway shall be limited to
access for persons and vehicles to and from East King Road
to the northerly portion of only those lands of the
applicant which are the subject of this resolution and it
may not be extended beyond the northerly boundary of such
lands of the applicant , and
® iv . The driveway is for the benefit of the owner
of the subject parcel and the occupants _ of such lands ; _ no
right to use such driveway for the benefit of or for ingress
to or from any other land shall be permitted , and
v . Applicant has informed the Town Board that he
has an option to acquire adjacent lands on the north of the
subject parcel , the description and area of which have not
been divulged to the Town , this section of the resolution is
not intended to deprive the present applicant of his right
to seek . a review of the provisions concerning the driveway ,
whether in connection with an application for a site plan or
subdivision approval or otherwise , and the proposed
legislation should contain certain provisions that will
insure that additional use of the driveway , as now approved ,
through the subject parcel shall be reviewed by the Planning
Board , only if the present applicant seeks such review in
connection with the acquisition of title to the adjacent
lands on the north by the present applicant and that whether
or not such additional use shall be permitted is not
guaranteed in advance but shall be a matter of determination
by the appropriate governmental body at the time , and
vi . With the exception of pets such as birds ,
fish or caged animals , pets shall not be permitted on the
premises ; the intention of this restriction is to prohibit
the presence of animals which may cause ecological damage to
flora and fauna in the swamp area , and
Vile The applicant ' s leases shall contain
suitable provision prohibiting pets and advising occupants
about the conditions against trespassing in the buffer area
and stressing the importance of protecting the South Hill
Swamp from any adverse impact because of unauthorized use by
® the public , and
viii . The Applicant agrees to minimize the use of
pesticides and other chemicals such as road salt or calcium
throughout the project area in order to limit the
possibility that significant levels may intrude into the
groundwater of the South Hill Swamp and thereby alter the
ecological balance within the sensitive area , and
X . The applicant agrees to consult and work with
the staff of the Cornell Plantations or other Cornell
representatives in order to insure the continued
hydrological integrity and stability of the South Hill
Swamp , and
D . The proposed legislation shall provide that the
change in zoning from Residential 15 to Multiple Residence
Town Board Minutes - 9 - February 7 , 1983
District has been enacted by the Town Board on the condition
that no buildings and residential units in excess of those
approved by the Planning Board , and by this resolution ,
shall be permitted and that the construction , development
and use must comply in all respects with the site plans and
conditions of approval and rezoning adopted by the Planning
Board and the Town Board and no variance in the
construction , development and use of the parcel shall be
permitted except as may be permitted by the Town Planning
Board with the approval of the Town Board ,
E . In the event that the entire parcel or portion
thereof is sold or otherwise transferred to a party other
than Bill J . Manos while any portion of the land remains
® undeveloped , in accordance with the site plans and
conditions and agreements referred to in this resolution ,
then the portion of the lands which remain undeveloped shall
revert to a Residential . 15 District and the development
thereof as a Multiple Residence District shall be permitted
only after an applicant for approval of site plans and other
matters in accordance with all lawful requirements .
F . The foregoing provisions shall also be deemed to be
findings , agreements and conditions on the basis of which
this resolution was adopted .
G . This resolution does not constitute an amendment to
the Zoning Ordinance but is instead an authority to the Town
Attorney and Planning Staff to prepare suitable legislation
relating the the above proposal , keeping in mind the matters
concerning which the Town Board has particular concerns .
Supervisor Desch called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Cramer Voting Aye
Councilman Jennings Voting Aye
Councilwoman . Kiefer Abstaining
Councilman Kugler Voting Aye
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye
Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
The Resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted .
COMMONLAND COMMUNITY REVIEW OF DECLARATION AND BY -LAWS
Supervisor Desch stated that the resolution for
consideration tonight reflects the Town Boards feelings to
contain control of density , etc .
Councilwoman Raffensperger , speaking to the Town Attorney ,
said that because of some public confusion , it should be
noted that the Town Board is , by this action , neither
approving nor disapproving the Commonland Community
subdivision proposal . It is her understanding that the
approval has been given by the Planning Board which has the
sole authority to so do so and that the Town Board is
exercising only a right to review and approve the
Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and those sections
of the By - Laws in which the Town , the public , has interest .
The Town Attorney answered , you are correct , the Planning
Board already had the authority to approve the Commonland
Community subdivision proposal .
Town Board Minutes - 10 - February 7 , 1983
Mr . Peter Walsh , attorney for Mr . Weisburd , stated that the
Declaration was not an instrument of control by the Town
Board . It was required only by the State of New York . The
Declaration binds the property when no deed is given .
Paragraph one on page one shows that all applicable State
laws and regulations have been adhered to . Somebody in the
City felt we were not informed of the State Regulations
pertaining to the watershed , so I added them .
Town Attorney James Buyoucos stated that there is no law
requiring this to be done , so there is no reason for the
developer not to let people know how much he went through to
obtain permission to build .
® Mr . Walsh questioned Article II , Section B . that no antennae
shall be erected on the premises without a Special Permit
from the Planning Board ,
Councilwoman Kiefer , referring to Page 3 , Section III , asked
why the Town Board has not seen all the Exhibits ,
Descriptions and Development Plans referred to ?
Attorney Buyoucos said there are still blanks in the
Declarations - we still need description of : ( 1 ) total
development number of , ( 2 ) Phase II .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked about . Page 2 , # 2 in reference to
the Planning Board ' s final site approval and noted that the
Planning Board Resolution referenced ( especially # 7 ) there
are no specific conditions spelled out to protect the
fragile lands ; she deems this an unfortunate omission and
regrets the Town Board can do nothing about it .
Supervisor Desch responded that the project has access to
cable television . We want -to make sure that no one erects
unsightly antennae . If the Association wants to install a
dish antennae , they would need to go before the Planning
Board to obtain a permit . Supervisor Desch suggested that
the word external be added .
The last sentence in Section 7 , Article B was deleted . Also
Section IV , Number 1 'was deleted . Section 2 became Section
1 and Section 3 became Section 2 . " Any violation of " was
deleted from Section 2 . The resolution was then moved as
amended ,
RESOLUTION NO , 14
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
COMMONLAND COMMUNITY REVIEW OF DECLARATION AND BY -LAWS
Upon review of the Declaration and By - Laws ,
IT IS RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS :
I . Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions shall be
amended to contain the following provisions :
A . A separate Article shall be added entitled
substantially " CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE COMMONLAND
COMMUNITY PROJECT HAS BEEN APPROVED . " This article shall
contain provisions substantially as follows :
Town Board Minutes - 11 - February 7 , 1983
le The Project ' s environmental impact was
extensively reviewed . Environmental concerns arose , in
large measure , . from the proximity of the Project to the City
of Ithaca ' s water supply property . The Town Planning Board
rendered its determination as to the Environmental . Impact of
the Project based on the determination that any adverse
impact of the Project would be controlled by the adoption
and implementation of mitigating measures which appear or
are referred to in Part 3 of the Environmental Assessment
Form ( see minutes of the Planning Board meeting held on
October 5 , 1982 ) . Among other requirements were that the
owners and managers of the Project will exercise reasonable
control with respect to access to the City of Ithaca ' s Water
Supply Property by the occupants of Commonland Community and
on uses and activities by persons such as those which may
lessen the risk of drainage and erosion problems , the
control of open fires and other acts which might contaminate '
or otherwise damage the City ' s water supply . While it is
the responsibility of the City of Ithaca to prohibit or
control the use of and access to the Water Supply Property
which it owns , and to enforce all state and local rules . and
regulations applying to its water supply , the Town Board
reserves the right in cooperation with the City of Ithaca to
recommend the enactment or adoption of such measures as it
deems reasonable to regulate conduct and uses which might
have an adverse environmental impact on the City ' s Watershed
area as well as other properties in the vicinity and to
preserve open spaces and to maintain the project and use the
land in a manner to preserve it as an attractive community
in reasonable harmony and compatible with the topograahy and
to maintain the ambience of this section of the Town of
Ithaca as an attractive residential community . A copy of
State Regulations governing the City of Ithaca Watershed and
Water Supply Property shall be made available to occupants
and shall be part of the portfolio of the Resident ' s
Association Board of Directors .
29 The Project required review and approval by
the Town of Ithaca Planning Board ; final site approval was
given on February 1 , 1983 , subject to the conditions ,
agreements and findings referred to in the resolution of
granting such approval .
3 . It is expected that the occupants either as
owners or tenants individually and collectively through
their Resident ' s Association will comply with all conditions
and requirements of the several approvals .
® 49 Article XV of this Declaration of Covenants
and Restrictions governs the conditions of Rental and
Occupancy . Requiring compliance with the provisions of this
Article were an essential condition of approval of the
Project .
It is expected that these requirements will be strictly
enforced .
50 A copy of this Article shall be delivered to
each owner or lessee who shall sign an acknowledgement that
he has received a copy .
60 No one shall occupy any unit as owner or
tenant unless he has applied for and received a Certificate
Of Occupancy or Compliance .
70 Section 3 of Article XVII shall be amended by
adding subdivisions substantially as follows :
Town Board Minutes = 12 - February 7 , 1983
A . Article XV shall not be amended without the
approval of the Town Board ,
Be This Declaration and all its provisions are subject
to the requirements of all applicable statutory and common
law and codes , ordinances , rules and regulations and the
conditions and provisions under which this Project was
approved herein collectively referred to as legal
requirements .
8 . Article XVII shall be further amended by the
inclusion of a provision that the Town of Ithaca reserves
the right to enact any rules or regulations to enforce the
provisions of the separate Article referred to in Paragraph
" A. " above , by local law , ordinance , resolution or otherwise .
II . Article XIV shall be amended by adding thereto
provisions :
A . That no mobile homes shall be brought upon , erected
or maintained upon the premises .
Be No external antennae for the receipt of or
transmission of any radio or television signals shall be
erected or maintained on the premises or on any portion
thereof except by Special Permit of the Planning Board ,
III . The approval of the Declaration shall not be final
until all Exhibits , Descriptions and Development Plans have
been set forth in full in the Declaration to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Town Engineer and Planner in
consultation with the Town Attorney ,
IV . A . The By -Laws of the Community Resident ' s Association
shall be amended to contain substantially the following
provisions :
1 . The By -Laws shall be subject to the
conditions , agreements , provisions and requirements included
in the determinations and approvals of the . Project made by
the Town of Ithaca and its agencies .
2 . The Board of Directors of the Resident ' s
Association shall investigate any complaint or other matter
referred to it by the Town of Ithaca and shall take
reasonable measures to enforce any lawful requirement as
referred to in this resolution .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
® ADOPT MATURITY SCHEDULE FOR SALE OF BONDS
RESOLUTION NO , 15
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
approves the adoption of the Maturity Schedule as proposed
by Bernard P . Donegan , Inc . , ( copy attached ) in connection
with the proposed Water/ Sewer Serial Bond Sale . Suggested
date of sale is May 12 , 1983 , closing date of June 2 , 19830
Councilman Jennings noted bonds being due January lst , and
commented that that was a difficult cash flow time ; he
suggested this bond have a June maturity date .
Town Board Minutes - 13 - February 7 , 1983
Supervisor Desch responded there are advantages to January
because you have a year to accumulate interest on the
revenues raised the year before , but he said Councilman
Jennings point is well taken , and commented that it may be
feasible to have the same schedule as Bolton Point ( February
15 and August 15 ) .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings Aye . Nays - none ) .
® CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS FOR ITHACA AREA WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY .
® Town Attorney James Buyoucos stated that the technical _
easement for the outfall project crosses Cascadilla Creek
between two building of Johnson Boat House , The Board of
Public Works , being the lead agency , will publish all legal
notices and hold the public hearing for the City of Ithaca ,
Town of Ithaca and the Town of Dryden . He went on to say
that negotiations for the acquisition of the easement were
being held during the process of acquiring the rights of the
land . Interest in the property will be owned by the
—-- rnunicipali. ties . The City of Ithaca , Town of Dryden and Town
of Ithaca will need to have on record , the adoption of the
resolution authorizing the proceedings pursuant to the
Eminent Domain Law , in case such proceedings become
necessary .
Supervisor Desch noted that condemnation and / or acquisition
proceedings for the easement are part of the application for
funding .
Councilman Cramer asked if any building are effected , and
was told there are none .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked about the likelihood of successful
negotiations .
Both Attorney Buyoucos and Supervisor Desch are increasingly
optimistic .
ITHACA AREA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT FOR A JOINT
PROJECT OF THREE MUNICIPALITIES : THE CITY OF ITHACA , THE
TOWN OF ITHACA , AND THE TOWN OF DRYDEN
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO EMINENT
D014AIN LAW ,
RESOLUTION NO , 16
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
® WHEREAS :
1 . The law firm of Buyoucos , Barney , Grossman & Roth
as Project Counsel has been authorized to proceed in
connection with negotiations for the acquisition and / or
condemnation of lands for the above intermunicipal sewer
project for the City of Ithaca and the Towns of Ithaca and
Dryden , and
Town Board Minutes - 14 - February 7 , 1983
2 . Project Counsel has advised the municipalities that
negotiations are being actively pursued by the
representatives of the municipalities with Pierce and
Cleveland , Inc . , owners of the lands in the City of Ithaca
on which is located Johnson ' s Boatyard on Cayuga Inlet and
Pier Road , for the acquisition by agreement of a permanent
easement for an underground outfall pipe leading northerly
from the proposed new sewer plant first across Cascadilla
Creek and then across Johnson ' s Boatyard and ultimately to
Cayuga Lake , and for a temporary easement required to
perform work in connection with said easement , all as more
® particularly shown on a survey map entitled " Outfall
Easement Johnson ' s Marina " made by the Office of the City
Engineer , file number E3274 - B , approved 1982 , revised
® January 18 , 1983 and also shown on engineering plans on file
in the City Engineer ' s Office , and
30 Project Counsel advises the municipalities that
they must also take whatever steps are required by the
Eminent Domain Law of the State of New York for the purpose
of acquiring all interests and land required for the above
public project , and
4e The Board of Public Works will hold a public
hearing in accordance with and for the purposes set forth in
the provisions of Article 2 of the Eminent Domain Law ( EDL )
on February 23 , 1983 , at 4 : 00 P . M . , in the Common Council
Chambers , 108 East Green Street , Ithaca , New York and that
notice of such public hearing shall be published by the City
Clerk of Ithaca , which pul_) lic hearing shall be conducted by
the Board of Public Works in behalf of the City of Ithaca
and the Towns of Ithaca and Dryden , the participating
municipalities in the intermunicipal sewer project and shall
make all determinations and findings required by Article 2
of EDL and forthwith publish a brief synopsis as required by
such Article , and
5 . The Board of Public Works at a regular meeting
thereof held on January 27 , 1982 , adopted a resolution
incorporating substantially the above matters ,
IT IS RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS :
10 The Towns of Ithaca and Dryden , respectively ,
confirm the above actions taken by the Board of Public Works
regarding the acquisition of easements as may be required
for the purpose of the above project , and more specifically ,
the holding of a public hearing as required by the Eminent
Domain Law , and
2 . Project Counsel is authorized to proceed and take
whatever action is required in connection with the above
® public hearing and proceedings subsequent thereto including
authorization to proceed with further condenmation
proceedings for the acquisition of the easement herein above
described and for the acquisition of any other interests in
land , which may be required for the above project , if and
when such proceedings may be required and upon consultation
with the participating municipalities or their duly
designated agent or agency with whom Project Counsel may
consult .
3 . By adopting this resolution and holding the
hearing , the municipalities do not waiver their right to
assert that they are exempt from holding the hearing
pursuant to the provisions of Section 206 , Eminent Domain
Law by virtue of any previous hearing or hearings held or
conducted .
Town Board Minutes - 15 - February 7 , 1983
49 This resolution is in addition to and not in any
limitation of any previous authority granted by the
municipality adopting this resolution authorizing the,
municipalities to take all steps , • proceedings , including
actions and lawsuits , which may be required under the
provisions of the Eminent Domain Law , in order to acquire
all necessary easements for the above project .
5 . The municipality adopting this resolution hereby
also adopts and confirms the publication of the notice of
® hearing as stated above .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
DOPTION OF A LOCAL LAW REGULATING PARKING IN SAFETY ZONES
IN THE EAST HILL PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
Proof of posting and publication notice of a . Public Hearing ,
to consider a local law regulating parking in , safety zones
in the East Hill Plaza Shopping Center having been presented
by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the public hearing
at 79. 00 P . M .
The Supervisor stated that Mr . Stewart Knowlton has seen and
approved of the map and law , as proposed . He went on to say
that the Codes & Ordinance Committee had spent a
considerable amount of time preparing the law and Michael
Ocello had prepared the map showing safety zones , which are
twenty feet from the outside of the building .
Councilwoman Raffensperger congratulated the Codes &
Ordinance Committee and the Town Attorney for the prompt way
in which they proceeded in producing this very needed . local
law . And , she stated that she hoped we get as much
cooperation from the owners when we approach them for any
change in access to improve exit and entrance safety .
The Supervisor closed the hearing .
LOCAL LAW NO . 1 - 1983
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilwoman
Raffensperger ,
LOCAL LAW NO . 1 - 1983
® A LOCAL LAW ON SAFETY ZONES IN EAST HILL PLAZA SHOPPING
CENTER
SECTION 10 PURPOSE
® The purpose of this Local Law is to protect the health,
safety , and general welfare of the residents of the Town of
Ithaca and their property by regulating parking on the
interior streets , roadways or driveways in the East Hill
Plaza Shopping Center parking areas where traffic
congestions may impede the passage of fire - fighting and
safety equipment . This Local Law is adopted pursuant to
Section 1660 - a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State
of New York upon the written request of the owners and
persons in charge of the East Hill Plaza Shopping Center ,
SECTION 2 . SAFETY ZONES
A . Parking areas , interior streets , roadways and
driveways in the East Hill Shopping Plaza are designated as
safety zones .
Town Board Minutes = 16 - February 7 , 1983
Be Pursuant to the request of the owners and / or
persons in charge of said shopping center , the Town Board of
the Town of Ithaca designates specific portions of the
safety zones up to and including twenty ( 20 ) feet from the .
outside face of the outside wall of the building , excluding
the promenade , in the East Hill Plaza Shopping Center as
restricted areas as shown on the attached drawing . Parking
of motor vehicles in restricted areas is prohibited .
Vehicles parked or abandoned in restricted areas may be
removed by towing at the direction of the owners and / or
persons in charge of the shopping center . Cost of towing
® and all storage expenses shall be at the expense of the
owner of the vehicle .
® C . Notwithstanding the foregoing , buses , vans or other
vehicles operated by public agencies or non - profit
organizations and used for the transportation of the
handicapped shall be entitled to stop in restricted areas
for the purpose of taking on or discharging handicapped
passengers , provided , however , that such vehicles shall be
continuously in the control of a duly licensed operator and
the engine of such vehicle shall not be shut off unless
operation of the engine during discharge or taking on of
passengers poses a hazard t. o the passengers .
SECTION 3 . SIGNS AND MARKINGS
Such restricted areas shall be marked with standard police
signs and markings indicating that the ' area is a restricted
zone , restricted fire zone or lane and subject to towing .
Signs and markings shall be supplied and installed at the
Town ' s expense .
In addition , appropriate signage as required by the State
Building Construction Code C215 - 1C shall be provided for
handicapped parking spaces as designated by the owner of the
East Hill Shopping Plaza pursuant to Vehicle & Traffic Law
Section 1203 - c . The cost of such signage and its
installation shall be borne by the owner of the shopping
center ,
SECTION 4 . ENFORCEMENT
Any peace officer of the State of New York or the County of
Tompkins shall administer and enforce the provisions of this
Local Law , and for such purpose shall have the authority to,
issue appearance tickets pursuant to Article 150 of the
Criminal Procedure Law . Appearance tickets may require
payment by mail of a designated fine or appearance in the
Justice Court of the Town of Ithaca and shall be in such
form as may be prescribed by the Town Justice of the Town of
Ithaca .
SECTION 5 . VIOLATIONS AND PENALTr !
A violation of this Local Law shall constitute a violation
as the same is defined in the Penal Law of the State of New
York , and shall be punishable by fine or other penalty as
provided for in the Penal Law for a violation .
SECTION 6 . VALIDITY
If any section , paragraph , subdivision , clause , phrase or
provision of this Local Law shall be judged invalid or held
unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction , it
shall not affect the validity of this Local Law as a whole
or any other part or provision thereof .
Town Board Minutes - 17 - February 7 , 1983
SECTION 7 . EFFECTIVE DATE
This Local Law . shall be effective immediately upon adoption
by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca and suitable . posting
of restricted areas .
Supervisor Desch called for a . roll call vote .
Councilman Cramer Voting Aye
Councilman Jennings Voting Aye
Councilwoman Kiefer Voting Aye
Councilman Kugler Voting Aye
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye
® Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
Local Law No . 1 - 1983 , was thereupon declared duly adopted .
REFUND- ON WATER AND SEWER BENEFIT UNITS
RESOLUTION NO , 17
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Jennings ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes a refund in the amount - of $ 52 . 00 for one unit of
water benefit assessment and $ 50 . 00 for one unit of sewer
benefit assessment totalling $ 102 . 00 , charged on the 1983
Town and County Taxes , to Anthony F . Parise , 11 Lisa Lane ,
( Tax Parcel No . 6 - 71 - 1 - 9 . 9 ) , due to the fact that the
basement apartment remains unfinished and , therefore ,
unoccupied .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTION NO , 18
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman
Kugler ,
WHEREAS , the following property owners were charged for
water and / or sewer benefit on their 1983 Town and County Tax
Bills as stated on the attached listing , and
WHEREAS , a reduction of charges seems in order for the
particular reasons stated on each instance of the . listing ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the
Town of Ithaca approves of the refunds in each instance as
stated on the attached list when and if the Tax Bills are
®, paid in full by each property owner listed .
Councilman Cramer questioned refunds for Tax Parcels No .
48 - 1 - 4 and 48 - 1 - 11 . 1 on the Coddington Road ,
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that the old railroad
right - of -way caused the land to drop off and , therefore , be
undevelopable .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SPECIAL JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Supervisor Desch stated that Bob Allan has asked to be
replaced on the SJS and that on several occasions Roger
Joseph expressed interest in the SJS project .
Town Board Minutes - 18 - February 7 , 1983
RESOLUTION NO . 19
Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
approves the appointment of Roger Joseph , 206 Northview
West , as the Town of Ithaca representative on the Special
Joint Subcommittee for the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility .
® ( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
® HIGHWAY ENCROACHMENT
Town Attorney James Buyoucos stated that the last time there
was an encroachment on Forest Home Drive the procedure
followed was to schedule a public hearing to consider
granting an easement . Please keep in mind , the possibility
of the Town wanting to widen the road , in this spot , at
sometime in the future .
Ivir . Buyoucos went on to say that a house and lot owned by
Thomas and Jan Wolski appears to encroach within the
right - of -way of Forest Hone Drive , but not within the paved
area . This may render their house as unmarketable and ,
therefore , they seek a right - of - way to maintain the
structure in the present location and to maintain the
structure as it now stands .
Mr . Buyoucos stated that the Town Board will hold a public
hearing to consider the advisability of whether or not the
Town should grant to the owners of this property the right
to maintain the existing structure in its present location
by a lease or . otherwise under such conditions as the Town
Board shall approve . The Town Clerk and the Town Attorney
shall prepare a proper notice of the public hearing in the
above matter .
RESOLUTION NO . 20
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Jennings ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will
meet and hold a public hearing at 7 ; 00 P . M . , on March 7 ,
1983 , at the Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New
York , to consider the advisability of granting to the Thomas
® and Jan Wolski , a lease to maintain their property in its
present location .
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
Attorney Buyoucos stated that his firm represents the
Wolski ' s .
Councilman Jennings asked if Buyoucos , therefore , had a
conflit ?
Attorney Buyoucos answered , no he will protect the Town .
Councilman Jennings asked if granting a permanent easement
would restrict the Town ' s future right of condemnation ?
Both Supervisor Desch and Attorney Buyoucos said it would .
not .
Town Board Minutes - 19 February 7 , 1983
PUBLIC HEARING - DEFENSE OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing
to consider a local law on the Defense of Public Officers
having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor
opened the Public Hearing at 7 ; 30 P . M .
�- No one present wished to speak , therefore , the Supervisor
closed the hearing .
Councilwoman Kiefer referring to g 1 , noted that the
proposed law varies the provislOns of Section 18 of the
State Law ; she questioned why ?
Town Attorney Buyoucos answered , this is protection for the
® taxpayers .
Councilwoman Kiefer , referring to Section I . b . , which says
the Town will provide a degree of protection in cases when
no insurance is provided , asked if the insurance company
provides a list of what is excluded .
Attorney Buyoucos answered , no the insurance company does
not provide a list . But in the policy , there is language
about what the compnay is not liable for .
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked , is it a broad category ,
what is covered and what is not ?
Supervisor Desch responded , most everything is covered .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if we might not all read the
Policy . beroare voting on this .
The Town Attorneys' d: that it -the . Board wanted to adjourn.
the hearing and continue .. at .a later timed after they have
had more time it was okay with him ,
Supervisor Desch said this is not a good idea .
Councilman Jennings noted that he hated to postpone the
hearing as this is the third time we have discussed the
matter °
Councilwoman Kiefer pointed tolanguage that says the Town
Attorney will be included as a Town employee rather than as
an Independent Contractor , and noted that if the applicant
feels there is a conflict of interest and chooses another
attorney , then the other attorney would be an independent
contractor ?
Mr . Buyoucos answered , only the Town Attorney is an
employee . Do you want the Town Attorney covered or not ?
Section 2 . , c . , ( iii ) varies from the State law , I don ' t know
if you . want the Town Attorney covered or not .
Councilwoman Kiefer said the Board should recognize the
variance from State Law and consciously decide whether or
not to carry the Town Attorney ,
Supervisor Desch stated that he felt -the Town Board was
trying to make a conscientiouse effort to cover the Town
Board ,
Councilwoman Raffensperger questioned under what
circumstances would the Town Board refuse to defend an
eirtp 1 oye e ?
Town Attorney Buyoucos responded , if the person did not act
under the scope of his office or in violation of his office .
. . Town Board Minutes = 20 - February 7 , 1983
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that it would be very
difficult to envision when this would happen . It would take
a very specific act not to defend , not just the fact that
you did not like the person .
Councilwoman Kiefer questioned why it ' was necessary to
notify the Town Clerk not later than 48 hours after service
of receipt of any document ? Why not as soon as possible or
in less than 10 days >
Town Attorney Buyoucos stated that we wanted to put the
pressure on .
Supervisor Desch noted that if this Board needs to be
® called , you have already lost 72 hours . It is in the
employees best interest to make the time as short as
possible .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked who choses the other counsel ?
Town Attorney Buyoucos answered , the Town Board may , upon
recommendation of the Town Attorney ,
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that the language does not
mean that the employee could not chose his own attorney .
Councilwoman Kiefer pointed to Section 5b , where the
language clearly discrim:i. riat. es against an employee if the
employee is a union member by not automatically covering
that employee but makirig coverage a bargaining chip .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked to strike Section 5b ,
Supervisor Desch stated thF.tt regardless whether or not the
employee was a member of the union , he would like to see
section 59b . , removed .
Councilwoman Kiefer noted that Section 8 . a . , sounded like
any court settlement had to be approved by the Town Board ,
Attorney Buyoucos responded that a settlement had nothing to
do with the court , this refers to a settlement outside of
the court .
Councilwoman Kiefer stated that she did not understand the
need for Section 11 ,
Town Attorney Buyoucos responded that it makes no difference
to him if the Board wanted this section removed . If we have
any rights under any other law we will take advantage of .
® them .
Attorney Buyoucos then said he will continue working on this
law ; he may come . back with an entirely new version in a few
months , therefore , he doesn ' t care if the Board adapts it
today or not .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked to defer the vote .
Supervisor Desch suggested we need something on the books ,
. said a raoll call vote is in order .
LOCAL LAW NO . 2 - 1983
Motion by Councilman Jennings ;
- Kugler , seconded by Councilman
Town Board Minutes - 21 - February 7 , 1983
LOCAL LAW NO . 2 - 1983
A LOCAL LAW . PROVIDING FOR THE LEGAL DEFENSE AND
INDENMIFICATION OF TOWN OF ITHACA OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEE$ .
SECTION 1 . PURPOSE OF LAW
a . The State of New York has enacted Section 18 of the
Public Officers Law to authorize municipalities to provide
for the defense and indemnification of municipal officers
® and employees , as they are defined in such law . This Local
Law is adopted for the purpose of providing defense and
indemnification for such employees and for persons who are
otherwise officers and employees of the Town within the
® meaning of the law . The Town in the due exercise of its
powers , has enacted this law which varies the provisi
e ons of
such Section 18 in order to provide such defense _ and
indemnification in a manner consistent with the Town ' s
resources , the insurance coverage available , and the number ,
functions and operations of employees as defined by this
law .
b . It i-s the Town ' s policy to ( i ) provide a degree of
protection to the persons covered by this law without unduly
exposing the Town to obligations to pay or indemnify in all
cases whenever a municipal employee is sued , as for example ,
in cases when no insurance is provided ; and ( ii ) to maintain
the Town ' s fiscal soundness and to insure the ability of the
Town to provide municipal services at reasonable tax rates .
Accordingly , this Local Law contains provisions which are in
addition to those of Section 18 and which vary some of the
provisions in Section 18 .
SECTION 2 . DEFINITIONS
a . The term " Town " shall mean the Town of Ithaca .
b . The term " insurance carrier " shall mean any
insurance company which provides coverage for any liability
which the Town may incur under this law and which undertakes
or is required to undertake the defense of any employee as
herein defined .
C * As used in this Local Law , unless the context
otherwise requires , the term " employees " shall mean any
person holding a position by election , appointment or
employment in the service of the Town , whether or not
compensated ; without 6 limiting the generality of the
® foregoing , the term shall also mean any employee of the Town
or of any of its boards or agencies , or any officer of the
Town , or his or her deputy , any Town Councilman , a
commissioner of the Town , or his or her deputy , or any
® member of any public board of the Town or any agency or
commission of the Town . The term " employee " shall also
include ( i ) any volunteer acting in behalf of the Town who
has been duly and specifically authorized by the Town to
participate in a volunteer program sponsored by the Town ,
and ( ii ) any former employee or his estate or judically
appointed representative , ( iii ) the Town Attorney or any
duly licensed attorney at law or law firm acting generally
as attorney ( s ) for the Town in substantially all matters and
who is not specifically employed for the defense of any such
employee . Any other independent contractor shall not be
deemed to be an employee of the
l aw . Town for purposes of this
—ice
Town Board Minutes - 22 - February 7 , 1983
SECTION 3 . SCOPE OF DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION
a . Subject to the provisions of this law and upon
compliance by the employee with the provisions of this Local
Law , the Town shall provide for the legal defense of the
employee in any civil action or proceeding in any state or
federal court or before any agency of the state or the
United States , or of any political subdivision of the state ,
which arises out of any act or failure to act alleged to
have occurred while the employee , acted or in good faith
® purported to act , within the scope of his public employment
or duties as an employee of the Town . Such legal defense
shall not be provided where any action or proceeding is
brought by or on behalf of the Town : Except as otherwise
provided by Public Officers Law , Section 18 , or this Local
Law , the duty of the Town to indemnify or save harmless an
employee shall not arise where the injury or damage resulted
from intentional wrongdoing or recklessness on the part of
the employee in the judgment of the Town Board .
b . The Town ' s duty to defend or indemnify shall be
further conditioned upon ( i ) the delivery by the employee to
the Town Supervisor , with a copy to the Town Clerk , of a
written request to provide for his defense , a copy of any
summons , complaint , notice , demand , pleading or other
process or any claim or notice of claim or any other demand
or relevant document shall be delivered immediately upon
receipt or service to the Town Clerk but not later than 48
hours after service or receipt of any process or other
document , full( ii ) thfull cooperation of the employee in
any action or proceeding against the employee or the Town .
c . ( 1 ) Subject to the conditions set forth in this
lace , the employee shall be entitled to be represented by the
Town ' s Attorney . except that the attorney shall be the
attorney designated by an insurance carrier , which provides
coverage and undertakes the defense of any such action or
proceedings if such carrier requires that counsel normally
retained by such carrier shall conduct the defense ; in such
case , the attorney ' s fees and other legal expenses shall be
paid by the carrier .
Furthermore , if the Town or the Town ' s attorney determines
that he or any other attorney conducting the defense may
have a conflict of interest , which may affect such defense ,
he may recommend that other counsel be retained for the
defense of the employee subject to the approval of the Town
Supervisor or the Town Board . A reasonable estimate or
fixed fee , as the case may be , for the services of such
® other counsel , shall be agreed upon , as soon as expedient ,
and the Town shall pay such legal costs .
c . ( 2 ) If the employee has reasonable grounds to
believe that the attorney defending the employee may have a
conflict of interest which would materially or significantly
affect such defense , the Town employee may commence a .
proceeding in the State Supreme Court by notice of motion or
order to show cause for the Court to review and render an
appropriate decision .
c . ( 3 ) Upon recommendation of the Town ' s attorney ,
the Town Board may require , as a condition to the defense
and the payment of expenses or other liability incurred
under this law , the multiple employees or appropriate groups
of employees be represented by the same counsel .
Town Board Minutes - 23 - February 7 , 1983
SECTION 4 . PROCEDURES
a . The Town , at its option , may refuse , without any
liablility to an employee , to discharge any duty it may have
to defend and indemnify an. employee under this law unless :
( 1 ) the employee complies with the provisions of this law
including those set forth in Section 3 . b . , above and ( 2 )
the Town Board , under the provisions of this Local Law ,
determines to provide for the legal defense and
indemnification of the employee . The delivery of documents
( described in Section 3 . a . , ) to the Town by the employee
shall be deemed to be a request by the employee that the
Town provide for his or her defense pursuant to this law
unless the employee shall state in writing that a defense is
® not requested .
b . The Town Clerk or the Town Supervisor , with the
assistance of the Town ' s attorney , shall immediately attempt
to confirm the date ( s ) on which any such documents were
delivered to or received by the employee and the employee
rust . sign an affidavit setting forth the date ( s ) , time and
place of such receipt or service , the manner in which such
service was made , the name , if , known , of the party making
such service and such other information as the Town ' s
attorney may require . The Town Clerk shall enter all
pertinent information in a book or journal kept by the Clerk
for the filing of notices of claim against the Town . In
addition , the Town Clerk shall immediately establish a
separate file for each separate claim , action or proceedings
in which shall be kept a copy of all documents , notes ,
memoranda , correspondence and other items• relating to the
defense of the employee as may be received by the Town .
c . The Town Clerk shall also establish ( i ) a general
file entitled " Municipal Liability to Defend and Indemnify
Town Employees " in which shall be kept a copy of this law
and memoranda , legal opinions and other matters relating to
this law and ( ii ) a file in which shall be filed additional
copies of any insurance policy and other matters and
correspondence relating to insurance coverage . Notice of
delivery of documents ( Section 3 . b . , ) and copies thereof
will be delivered to the Town ' s attorney and to any
insurance carrier , or its local agent , and to counsel other
than the Town ' s attorney who may have been retained to
defend the employee , all in accordance with such regulations
or directions as the Town attorney and with the Town Clerk
may prepare .
® d . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this law to
the contrary , the Town Board , at its option , may conduct
such additional investigation , if any is required , with the
® assistance of the Town ' s attorney , to determine whether or
not the Town shall undertake the defense and indemnification
of the employee . The Town Board shall inquire into such
material facts as the good faith and conduct of the
employee , the employee ' s prior employment history , and
whether or not the employee was acting or purported to act
within the scope of his duties and any other facts which the
Town shall consider relevant . Any determination by the Town
Board not to defend or indemnify an employee shall . be made
as expeditiously as possible after the delivery of any legal
process to the Town Clerk or Town Supervisor and within such
time period as the Town attorney shall advise . The Clerk or
Town Supervisor shall immediately notify the employee in
writing following any determination or decision made by the
Town Board . Nevertheless , the Town shall take the necessary
steps on behalf of the employee to avoid entry of a default
judgment pending resolution of any question pertaining to
tahe obligation to provide for a defense .
Town Board Minutes - 24 - February 7 , 1983
SECTION 5 . MISCELLANEOUS
a . Benefits of this Local Law will inure only to an
employee as defined herein and shall not enlarge or diminish
the rights of any other; party nor shall any provision of
this Local Law be construed to affect , alter or repeal any
provisions of the Workmen ' s Compensation haws,
be Benefits of this Local 'law shall be, extended to an
employee of a negotiating unit J.o :r which an agreement has
® been negotiated pursuant to Civil Service Law , only if such
agreement expressly so provides .
c . No provision in this law shall affect the
® obligation of any claimant to give notice to the Town of the
assertion of any claim under anyxrovision of any applicable
law .
SECTION 6 . REQUIREMENT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE
Notwithstanding any other provis :i. ozj of this law , the Town
shall not be obligated to defend or indemnify expect at its
option an employee under the provi isions of this law unless
the liability of the Town for such defense and
indemnification is covered by an insurance policy and unless
an insurance carrier is required to and does undertake the
defense of any action or proceeding brought against the
employee . The Town shall not be obligated to, pay , except at
its option , the amount of any judgment in Texcess of the
limits set forth in any such insurance policy ,. The exercise
of the Town ' s discretion under the s section shall be solely
i
S}►_ 1' ., - � c Vii,
SECTION 70 OBLIGATION OF INSURANCE, COMPANY
a . The provisions of this J- aw shall not in any way
impair , limit or modify the ob -I. J. gation of any insurance
carrier to provide for the defense and indemnification of an
employee under the terms of its insurance FROlicy with the
`Town . In no event shall the insurance carrier be entitled
to refuse to defend or indemnify the employee, because of the
failure of the Town Board to make a determination as
provided for in this law or the failure of the Town Board or
the Town Clerk or any other Town officer or any employee ,
including an employee to comply with any other provisions of
this law ,
SECTION 80 DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATIOIq SUBJECT TO
DISCRETION OF TOWN BOARD
a . If any action or proceeding is settled and such
® settlement is conditioned upon the payment of a sum of money
by the employee , the duty of the Town to indemnify and save
and hold harmless under this law shall be further
conditioned upon approval of the amount and. other terms of
the settlement by the Town Board .
b . The Town shall not be required to. indemnify and
save harmless an employee with repsect to punitive or
exemplary damages , fines , penalties or for money recovered
from an employee _
pursuant to the provisions of Section 51 of
the General Municipal Law .
c . The obligation of the Town to indemnify and hold
harmless is subject to the limitations and provisions
contained in all the provisions of this law .
®1 S.
Town Board Minutes - 25 - February 7 , . 1983
SECTION 9 . COVERAGE
The provisions of this law shall , at the option of the Town
Board , apply to the defense or indemnification of any
employee in any action or proceeding alleging a cause of
action which arose or was commenced prior to the effective
date of this law .
SECTION 10 , SEVERABILITY
The invalidity or unconstitutionality of a provision of this
law shall not impair or affect the validity of any other
provision of this law or the application of any such
provision to any other person or circumstance .
® SECTION 114 . RELATION TO OTHER LAWS
Except as otherwise provided by law , the provisions of this
law shall not be construed in any way to constitute a waiver
by , or to limit , alter , impair. or abrogate any defense ,
rights , benefits ; privileges or immunities to liability ,
available to or conferred upon the Town as a public entity
or any of its units , agencies , officers or employees in
accordance with any provision : of any statutory or common
law .
Supervisor Desch called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Cramer Voting Aye
Councilman Jennings Voting Aye
Councilwoman Kiefer Voting Nay
Councilman Kugler Voting Aye
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye
Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
Local Law No . 2 - 1983 , was thereupon declared duly adopted .
Councilman Jennings suggested that in the future the Town
Attorney , when there is a public law , write notes to the
Board Members as to why he deviated from the model law .
Town Attorney Buyoucos responded that he had been working
nights and weekends , etc . , on the Commonland and Manos
projects with the Planning Staff and developers attorneys
and that he did not have time . He further stated that he
did not care if the Board wanted to adopt at a later date .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO , 21
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Kugler ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
approves the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated February 7 , 1983 ,
in the following amounts :
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25 , 216 . 75
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . . . $ 6 , 426 . 34
Highway Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Reserve Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • $ 22 ► 242 . 47
1--later & Sewer Fund . . • $ 2 , 408 . 27
• • • - ° • • • • • • • • • • . . . $ 82 , 533 . 05
Lighting District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 260 . 54
( Desch , Kugler , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
Town Board Minutes - 26 - February 7 , 1983
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO . 22
Motion by Councilman Kugler ; seconded by Supervisor Desch ,
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated February 7 ,
1983 , in the Operating Account are hereby approved , in the
amount of $ 53 , 130 . 77 after review and upon the
recommendation of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
® Water Commission , they are in order for payment .
Councilman Jennings asked if there had been a major pump
repair .
® Councilman Kugler said yes , but it was covered by insurance ,
with $ 250 deductible .
( Desch , Kugler , , Raffensperger , Cramer , McPeak , Kiefer and
Jennings voting Aye . Nays - none .
At 8 : 20 P . M . , the Board went into Executive Session . to
discuss a personnel matter ; at 8 : 40 P . M . , the Board returned
to open session .
ASSOCIATION OF TOWN ' S RESOLUTIONS
Supervisor Desch called attention to the list of proposed
resolutions , and stated his intention . to vote yes on them ,
asking Board Members to call him if they disagree .
Councilwoman Kiefer said she does not want to see binding
arbitration eliminated from the Taylor Law and will call him
to discuss this .
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned .
wn Cler