HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1984-12-10 TUIN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
December 10, 1984
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, held at the Tim Offices at 126 East
Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, at 5:30 P.M., on the 10th day of
Deeefrber, 1984, there were:
® PRESENT': Noel Desch, Supervisor
George Kugler, Councilman
Shirley Raffensperger, Councilwoman
Marc Cramer, Councilman
Henry McPeak, Councilman
Gloria Howell, Councilwoman
Robert Bartholf, Councilman
ALSO PRESENT: James V. Buyoucos, Town Attorney
Lawrence Fabbroni, Town Engineer
Robert Parkin, Highway Superintendent
Mary Call, Board of Representatives
Virginia Langhans, Town of Ithaca
Planning Board
Harry T. DeLibro, N.Y.S. Division of
Veterans Affairs
Paul Hartman, 132 Pine Tree Road
Representatives of the Media;
Lisa Best, WQNY
Mike Clark, WrKO
Marc Schultz, WHCU
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
VETERANS' EX04PMON - REAL PROPERTY TAX
Supervisor Desch stated that the Town had several options regarding
the Veterans' Exemption legislation passed by the State of New
York. The Town can decide not to grant the exemption, grant the
full exemption or grant an exemption somewhere in between, perhaps
$9,000, $6,000 and $30,000 or $6,000, $4,000 and $20,000.
Supervisor Desch asked Mr. DeLibero what exemption had the County
Board of Representatives adopted?
Mr. DeLibero responded a reduced amount, $6,000, $4,000 and
® $20,000.
The Supervisor went on to say that Town Planner, Peter Lovi has
developed a nice print-out showing the impact the exemption will
have on the Tbwn. The print-out will be available to the Board
members very soon. He went on to say that in rough terms, it
appears as though if we approve a $6,000, $4,000, $20,000 level the
approximate exposure and loss of revenue will be $40,000 for the
first year. He stated that Mr. Lovi was now figuring the
anticipated loss of revenue for a period of ten years.
89
Town Board 2 December 10, 1984
Mr. DeLibro stated that projecting the impact was most difficult.
The County shows the Town of Ithaca loosing 36.7 million dollars.
He stated that he felt this figure was grossly out of line.
Supervisor Desch responded that the model shows 12.6 million. He
stated that he felt this was a more accurate figure.
Mr. DeLibro noted that each household will be different. The Town,
next to the City is the most vulnerable. Most of the persons will
fall in the $40,000 category. The average veteran's assessment is
$63,000. He went on to say that as a veteran he would like to see
the Town go with the maximum exemption. The main reason I am here
tonight is to answer any questions. Mr. DeLibro noted that most of
® the residents know they are eligible to receive large benefits,
however, a lot of the veterans do not intend to apply. They would
rather stand up and work as long as they can and not apply for the
exemption. If a veteran's family lives in an $80,000 home and the
Board elects to give the maximum exemption, then a veteran with a
100% service disability, combat zone, etc. , would realize quite a
benefit. He went on to note that he does have cases were one
spouse has served in a combat zone and and the other has service
disability. In this case, both would apply.
Mr. DeLibro stated that the Town of Ithaca has one of the highest
amount of veterans owning property. He predicted that over a
longer term, three, four or five years, more veterans will becane
aware of the fact that they are eligible for benefits as the
average age of the World War II veteran is 65 and the average age
of the Viet Nam veteran is 38 years of age.
Councilman McPeak asked if the number of people who have applied
for the exemption as it stands now, is low?
Mr. DeLibro responded yes. Two hundred sixty veterans have
applied, probably about one-third of the owners as the County says
there are 2,400 in the Town. A big unknown, is the number of
widows. A World War I veteran would now average 89 years in age.
He went on to say, if you figure two hundred sixty times three this
would make about 1,000 veterans eligible for the exemption. He
stated that he would be surprised if six hundred people apply.
Mr. Delibro went on to say that a number of people have asked if
their escrow account would decrease if they applied for the
veterans exemption.
Councilman McPeak asked if a veteran with an exemption benefit
sells his house, is the exemption on the veteran or the house?
i'
Mr. DeLibro responded, on the individual.
Town Attorney Buyoucos asked when will a veteran be entitled to the
exemption if he applies in 1985?
Mr. DeLibro responded, the first tax date after May 1, 1986, in the
Town of Ithaca.
OAttorney Buyoucos questioned, when must the veteran file, May 1st?
Mr. DeLibro responded, before May 1 in the Town of Ithaca.
Town Attorney Buyoucos questioned Chapter 458-a. , subsection d,
subparagraph iii, regarding the granting of the exemption for ten
years from the date the veteran receives the exemption. If the
veteran receives the exemption on January 30, 1985 then it would be
in effect until January 30, 1995. However, if the veteran buys
property on December 1, 1994, does he then have ten years from this
date?
OL
Town Board 3 December 10, 1984
Mr. DeLibro responded that he would find out for sure, there have
been several. variations of this section. He went on to say that he
understood the section to mean ten years from the date of purchase.
Mr. DeLibro questioned the possibility of a municipality reversing
its decision regarding the exemption.
Supervisor. Desch stated that if a municipality chooses not to grant
the exemption this year they can grant it the next year or the year
after.
County Representative May Call noted that a municipality cannot
reverse it decision to grant a lower exemption, only a higher
® exemption. Mrs. Call stated that the Board of Representatives was
considering a resolution that demands the State legislature change
the legislation to make it fair to all veterans, not just property
owners.
CouncilN.xoman Howell asked if a widow changes the title to her
property, can she still claim the exemption?
Town Attorney Buyoucos responded, the surviving widow would be
eligible, it does not matter how the deed is recorded in the County
Clerks Office.
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that she had heard some of the
County Board's comments on the fairness of the legislation. She
went on to say that this is an entitlement program, not a need
program. It's like exemptions on your income tax, etc. We should
either justify an exemption for all veterans and then notify then
via the Newsletter or we should do nothing at all.
Mr. DeLibro responded, it's a social comment. I tell people there
is a lot of injustice not all people went to war. A man seventy
years old called today and asked if his name would be published if
he applied for the exemption. He stated that he informed the man
that the exemption was not on need, it was for service to his
country.
Councilman McPeak questioned if he was correct in his thinking that
if all the percentages were applied toward a property with a
$60,000 assessment, then the exemption would be $30,000?
Mr. DeLibro responded, you are correct. On a $200,000 property
assessment in the County, 25% of the statutory exemption would
allow an exemption of $40,000.
RESOL'UI' N No. 206
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. , on January 7, 1985, to
consider the adoption of a local law with respect to veterans'
exemptions. (See legal notices appended to these minutes) .
® (Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
REPORT OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES
County Representative Mary Call stated that the issue of the
Veterans' Exemption had already been discussed. She went on to say
that a site for possible location of the proposed new Jail was
still under consideration. She noted that she had not heard of any
ZL
r
I TORq Of 11HACA .
N9XIC E OF PC IC FM RXN
I
NOVICE OF A PUBLIC HFARzQG oLq TEE S=,CT OF A PROPOSED INCRFAsg IN
.
-EXEI'=CVS FW4 RFA , PFC7P= TAX, PEMUTT'ED UNDER CWTI'ER 525 OF
THE NEW YORK LEGISLATUMS LAWS OF 1984, AND TO MgSII7 R 4j-iE-IIQR THE
TOM aAM SHOUID TAIL NO ACTION OP 'PD ADOL--P EITFIER of Two Pp oPO
r
IMF, LAws By IXDUC]NG' THE MA IMU q L- 2TION PER,91TTEQ BY THE LAWS
OF N-W YORK STATE, SUBSTAAY-M LLY AS DESCRIBED I�Fi THIS NMICE.
1- CLPREiT E EMPTIONS. Under Section 485 of the New York State
Real Property Tax Law, certain Honorably Discharged war Veterans
IM
(including certazn m,e, rs of their familip-s) have teen eligible
for marry years for Partial eX- r aticns fry real property taxes
I
(except School Taxes) for qualifying residential property_ The
amount of the exenp-Lion is, in general, equivalent to the total of
Eligible Fund-8 (such as bonus, pension, inzuzance rronieS, and so
forth) aotually applied to the purchase of or paynarkt for tje
PMPertY. The mart e rcpt,-on is generally Five Thousasxd
Dollars. Certai i disabled v+ete,rars are entitled to re These
prosrisicros are still in effect.
2. I FZi ALTERUNMI EXEIFrICN. This su�mer, I1e1•7 lark State adopted]
Chapter 525 of the 1984 Session Laws (about July 27, 1984) which
ra&e sweePing changes to the New York Real Property Tax Law by
adding a new Section 458--a under which a qualifying veteran fay
qualifying residential property is entitled to the following
e.xer tions: 15% of assessed value (up to $12,000.00 maximun) ;
combat veterans receive an additional 10% of assessed value
($8,000.00 rrax nnun) : disabled Veterans azo entitled to an
additional pez entage (up to $40,000.00 maxjmml and the-27e is no
time limit on the duration of the disability e eruption) .
3. The Town has several choices.
Choice A. If the Town aecidcs to grant this now exemption, no
action is required. The new exemption %All go into effect as
provided by the law and will be in effect for a period of ten
years as described in Section 458-a.
I
Choice B. lhdier the 1984 Amendnent, the Town has the
additianal option of adopting the new � �-rr�tierrs, but it may
reduce the maxim= exemptions authorized by the 1984 Lair (see
paragraph 2, move) by adopting a local law reducing such
ma imurii exewtior, to $9,000.00, $6,000.00 and $30,000 ,00,
respectively, or to $6,000.00, $4,000.00 and $20,000.00,
respectively.
Choice C. If the Town wishes to retain the present exerfpticn
and decides net-to grant the new exelyPtion, it must adopt a
local law in January, 1985, substantially to that effect.
I
3
4. Nkv:imum exemptions must be multiplied by the latest
equalization rate in accordance with provisions in the Law to
arrive at the appropriate maximtu-ii.
5. This Law. is of concern to non-veterans as well as veterans.
Its adoption may result in a significant increase in property taxes
paid by non-veteran property owners. The Town rust act promptly to
consider what course to take.
6. PUBLIC HEARING The Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on
January 7, 1985, at 7:00 o'clock, P.M. , at the Town Mall at 126
East Seneca Street, in the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New
York, to consider the adoption of one of the following proposed
local laws all of which relate to Veteran's Exemptions described
above but each of ��hich is a separate law, separately introduced
for this hearing:
Cption A. Adoption of a proposed local law under which the
Town elects not to have the Veteran's Exemption of new (1984)
Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law apply to the Town,
or
Option B. Adoption of a proposed local law which will adopt
the exemptions but which will reduce the exemptions provided
by Subdivision 2; paragraph (a) , (b) , and (c) of such Section
458-a to $9,000.00, $6,000.00, and $30,000.00, respectively,
or
4
OptiQrn C. Adoption of a proposed local law which reduces the
extrnpticns provided by Subdivision 2, paragraph (a) , {b) , and
(c) of such Sect ion 458-a to $6,000 .00, $4,080 .00 and
$20,000.00 respectively.
NOM 1: if the T;wm takes no action, the new exemptions pl ovided
by such Section 485-a will Amply as set forth in that
Section.
NC71T 2- The hearing will begin at 7:00 o"cl c, P.M. , as stated
above. The hearing for each proposed local 1,-*j will begin
with aornsideration of the proposed local law described in
Option A, above, and Taill be folla,:ed by consi&�ration of
the proposed local law described in Option B, above, to be
follcnvred, by comAderatim of the proposed law described
.-Ln Option C, above_ However, consideration of anyone of
the proposed local laws may necessarily involve discussion
of the other prcpor;�als.
7. RFFERRAES TO TAWS. bi thzs notice, the 7.tmn has attempted to
sr rite accurately, briefly and concisely the proposed looal laws
and sam asps af the 1984 State raw as it und,errtands and
intezpxets them. however, for accurate rcadirng or the relevant
law, which h}clude-s some nattcrs not included in this notice, the
.public is referred to Npw York Real Rzoperty Tax Law ec:tion 485
and to Chapter 525 of tie 1984 New York Session Laws referred to
5
move. Some relevant materials, and the proposed local laws will be
available at the To;m Clerk's Office.
Jean H. S�gartwood
Town Clerk
PUBLISH : December 28 , 1954
TUwn E and 4 December 10, 1984
sites in the Town of Ithaca being ozx5idered, so its fair to say
the Jail will not be locates in the Taman of Ithaca.
Ids. Call noted that the Board is still working on the sale of the
old hospital property.
She asked if the Town had areceived their Official Reapportiormnant
Maps?
Town Clerk ,lean Swartwood responded that the Tom had not received
their Official Reapportionment Maps, as of this date, however, she
had picked up a oopy today because of the need to reapportion the
4th Election District in the Tom of Ithaca.
REPORT OF CONMXT=S
Codes & Ordinance Cuttee
Cu)uncilman gamer reported that the Codes & Qrdinance CcnvLttee had
met in late Ncvei h r oz early Decem-her to consider a local late on
Flood Damage Prevention. The local Lars was 5n such disarray that
it was put on the word processor, mining the model law and the
law that the Village of GXoton adopted. The local law should be
ready for adoption in January. The committee has also drafted a
local ordinance on fire ala:u s.
Parks and Recreation Ccrarti.ttee
Councilwoman Rafferisperger that the oamittee had met and reviesw d
the progress of the work cunpleted this year and the work proposed
for next year. She went on to say that the committee will have a
report at the year end meeting.
Public Safety & Ycuth Ccnmittee
Supervisor Desch reported that the joint City/Town Fire Ccmittee
had held a lengthy meeting, Chairman Kiley has appointed three
subcanmittees which acre expected to improve the progress of our
work.
PJgK I' OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Highway Superantenderit's Report
lligh,zy Superintendent Robert Parkin reported that the work on the
shoulders had been cmpleterl on the Tmm roads that have been paved
in 1984. We used the County's grader and shoulder machine.
Ditches on Coy Glen have been cleaned. Yield and dead end signs
have been installed an Lois bane, dead end and stop sign, on Lisa
Place and dead end and stop sign on Lexington Drive also, east and
west signs on the Lex=gton Drive name sign. No shoulder signs
have been installed on Burris Road.
We have pluxaed snow twiee and cindered four times. Also, cutting
brush and trees oontiinues, The road to the Nortb View Water Tank
has been opened up and we have almost corrpleted the first creak run
gravel Lift on the Burns Road.
Town aigineer's Lbport
Town Engineer Larreno� Fabbroni presented to the Bcard his written
report for the period of November 9 through Deceit r 10 , 1984.
(Copy attached) _ He noted that by Christmas, rust of the houses on
Bundy load would be hooked up to water. Clean up will be firnished
z
PLANNING,AND ENGINEER I N- REPORT
Lawrence F. Fabbroni, P.E.
` . Town Engineer
NOVEMBER 9, 1984 through DECEMBER 10, 1981E
Water Y Inspection of Water Main & Sewer Main 1984 Improvements; all mains
and Installed
Sewer - Pressure testing and acceptance of waterm ins
PerniiLs for water hookups
Sewer main improvements Inspected; urfaceilaneous remaining before
hookups permitted
- Award of Water Main Phase I1 1984 Improvements
- Preparatlon of Contract Documents for Phase' LI
- Scoping of gas and wat.ermains on Elm St . and Hailer Blvd. to
determfne exact field layout, for Please 11
- Camp i et Ian of open traverse bemenn Rte. 79 and Bundy Rol. for-
field layout for Phase II
Review of Payment Requests W S 5 Maim 1924 Improvements
- Signed Easements for Phase II
- Oter service Burns Rd. layout and easements
Parks Removal of deep shaft stairway and landing for reuse at Lop of
Forest Flame Walkway
Winterization of Paris sites
Snow removal Town walkways
Meeting with City concerning schedule of acquisition o F ''Old
Kni ght'a Meatmrketl' site
Burns Finalization of design for Phase II
Rood - Final grade and slope stakes north side Phase I
w Gravel lift placed north side Phase I
Develop- - Final Site Plan Approval for Drive-In Bank, l=ast Hill Plaza
meat - Sketch Plan review, 22-lot Subdivision Proposal off Dove Drive,
Reviews Ralph R. Varn
- Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance and FrelimInary
Subdivision Approval , Hungerford Heights Subdivision, off Dove
Drive, Ralph R. barn
Sewer - brief SKIS subcc mittee on contract progress and change orders,
Trea went progress payments and requests Contracts 3A, iA
Plant - Monitor compliance wfth MBE, Labor rates, and GPM Contraws 3A, bA
- Monitor pile driving (1, 750 piles in place); monitor steel
placement and concrete placement primary and secondary
digester tank walls 114 complete*, influent building walls 1/9
complete, digester bu`c1ding base slab conplete
= Preparation of Contract Dccumsnt5; Contracts I and 2
Pre-Construction meeting Contracts i and 2 (Contract 1 to start
immedfatel ; Contract 2 to substantially start in May)
Trans-- - Forest Horne Drive - technical assistance to Improvement Assoc,
partation Pine Tree Load relocation - feasibility meeting with County aad
Come I l
Y Dialogue with State on Route 79 imrovements as they relate to
Ewing property, Burns Rd. relocation, and quick property
(Eastern Heights access)
.Blaze trail for Pine. Tree Associates Snyder Hill Fed. access
- Consideration of curl-de-sac revision Sugarbush Lane
Drainage - Repair of Plantation access to Fa11 Creek - Forest Home
Planning & Engineering Report 11191$4 thru 12JI0184 Page
Planning - Affordable MusEng Conferince: Presentation made for Planning
Board 1214
Y Billboards: Leading uses in billboard control researghed.
CCn uter Projects:
Created font programs for So1Con Point
Color video and tape backup tested
Working w1th TC3 re: spring internships
Load Use Inventory relational database begun
Zoning, high ay and activity information to be added.
Computerized map Index being cross-correlated
Programs under consideration:
1 Utility for data transFer between surveying and
engineering programs.
2 Topo contour screen graphics with p1ottIng.
3) Station and offset plotting program.
4 3-D topo projection.
- Comprehensive Dian: Working drafts reviewed with Planning Board
- Cornell University:
---Cornell to sent! state E=AF for file in re: ecoto icology lab.
SE R review of Cogeneration Plan c mpieted
- East Mill Plaza: Site plan for Tompkins County Trust reviewed
- Fire Master Plan Committee:
Draft false alarm legislation
Draft master plan ontlIne
General staff support
Prepared graphic summary of fire station. response pattern .
-- Flood Zone Leislation:
-- Reviewed effect of proposed changes to Local Law.
- IC Union: EnO ronRmenta l and Me to plan review begun.
Lake Shore West; ProJect followup with architect.
- Prue Tree Associates:
Discussions with Pine Tree Associates concerning access
Drafted restrict Eve covenants for Totem Attorney review
- SE R Law
Drafted recommended amendments
Compiled law In booklet. form
- Six Mile Creek Overseer Comrrri ttee:
-- Preparing topographic base Pep with graphic scale
Staff work to connAtee In re: master planning
Subdivision Review; Ralph Varn, Dove Drive
- TV Dishes: Wearched and drafted ZO amendment
Veterans: Rev1ewed State Laos; evaluatIng Town liabilities
-
Wetlands:
Prepared submission for assumption of regulatory authority
ZoN y Ordinance:
Worked in cormf i ttee to prepare 1984 a endmew
Added Local Laws to Ordinance
Topical index being developed
Prepared list of Changes to Zoning Map
t
LPF/FML/N`•li=
12110184
Town Hoard 5 Decr 10, 1984
in the spring. Ile stated that he did not expect work on Phase IT
of the project to start before the end of January or the early Part
of February.
He went on to add that there had been quite a mixture of staff
paroblans. Genevieve Miller had lost her husband, one of the
highway rren was ill, plus 25% of the staff had been called for jury
duty and that he was the proud father of an ne4v daughter.
Councilwoman Raffensperger questioned what was involved with the
Cornell University Fcotoxicology Lab expansion?
Supervisor Desch responded that it was the Fish Hatchery, they
built a small addition on the present structure.
Supervisor's Report
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant
Supervisor Desch reported that the bid opening scheduled for
Decemb r 6 was rescheduled to December 13 at 3:00 P.m. , due to a
number of interpretive questions at the last minute. This change
will have no impact on the schedule for the laid opening on the
$12.5 mill ion in notes scheduled in New York for 11:00 a.m. , on
vkdnesday, Decemba r 12. He stated that he and Dominick afterillo
will be attending the bid opening and signing the notes on necerrber
19 in New York City also. The 'r'oan's share again will be about
$5,204,040 . We expect a rate of less than 6%, but will be lucky on
the portion that we invest to get a 3 point spread. The last issue
we achieved a 4 paint spread which was rather unusual.
(P.S.) Actual 'T'ow'n rate is 6.18% on this issue. City rate is
6.21%.
Association of Tbi,uis
The SLTervi8or suggested that the delegates to the Association of
Terns be limited to four this year. Last year the participants
were Gloria Howell, Bob Bartholf, Shirley Raffensperger and Jean
ward. Priority would go to Gorge Kugler, Marc Cramer and
Henry Mcrk.
Zoning Revisions
Supervisor Desch stated that there were several zather urgent
administrative type revisions to the Zoning Ordinance that he
xecanvrends the Ward consider as sin as possihle, preferably at
the January 7 meeting. They are -�n your packet of information and
he stated that he would like to consider them at separate hearings,
so that each one can be considered on its own merit. He remarked
that the Board should discuss each one latex, at this reeting, so
that the Board m�m�rs would }mow the impetus behind each one.
Year End Meeting
The Supervisor went on to state that at 'the mmient it appears that
we can get everything done by starting the year end meeting at
10:30 A.M. He suggested that the 'Town hold off sending a
Newsletter until February or March, since we covered the 1985
budget rather thoroughly in the last Newsletter.
Objectives
upervisorr Desch stated that it was time to discuss what cur
objectives should he fox 1985. lie has a preliminary list and would
L
Town Pbard 6 Deader 10, 1984
encourage Town hard members to briny their ideas to the January 7
meeting.
Water & Sewcr Irr)ro 4ee nts
The Supervisor noted that there were a lot of harpy people on west
Hill nor that much of the first phase of water and sewer is
available for ccmeetion.
The contract for Iahase 1I has been signed and Lar'ayette will be
starting soon after the first of the year, depending on the
weather.
Forest Home Abandonment
There is no fuxther word cn the date for the RLW public hearing on
this matter.
SET TDE FOR ANN ML PMETING
RESOLUTION No. 207
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Ootiunci] n Kuglex,
RESOLVED, that the '1'o� Board of the 'Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct the year end bu8bie5s at 10:30 A.M. , can Decemt r 31 , 1984,
at the Town Eall, 126 East Seneca Strcet, Ithaca, New York.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffenspergex, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
VETERANS I EXMMUTICiN
'zTcffim Attorney James BWoucos stated that the notice for the
newspaper for the public hearing on the veterans' em�nption had
been prepared listing the threc categories, (a) deny the exemption,
(b) grant the a:educed e eaptian in the reduced amounts of $9,000,
$6,000, $30,000 or $51000, $4 ,000, $20 ,000, (c) no action on the
exemption legislation. The hearing notice could say the hearing ors
(a) will begin at 7:00 P.M. , (b) hearing to be held upon the
ccupletion of (a) and (0 the same, hearing to be held upon the
cmpletion of (b) .
SurviepZ Desch questioned why the hearings could not be held
concurrently. The hearings oQUld ccuunence with trio local law
described in paragraph (a) .
RESOLUTION NO. 208
Mnti.am by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Ccuncilwgman Raffensperger,
WHEREAS, Supervisor Desch and Councilwoman Raffensperger have
introduced a local law pursuant to the authority of Subdivision 4
of Section 458-a of the Real Property 'Fax Law, stating that the
Town of Ithaca elects not to have the exemption of such Section
458-a apply to the '1 n,
NCW 'THEREFORE DE IT RF.SDLVW, that the Toim Board of the TcPi%n of
Ithaca will meet and conduct a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. , on
January 7, 1984 to consider the adoption of said local law.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffenspe-rger, Cramer, McPeak, Hcw�211 and Barthclf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
Town Board 7 Decx�idoer 10, 1984
RESDLUTTON NO. 209
Motion by Councilman McPeak; saconded by 0ounci.lrran Kugler,
WHMKEAS, CouncihTan McPeak and Councilman Kugler have introduced a
local law pursuant to the authority of Paragraph (d) of Subdivision
2 of Section 458-a of the Real Property 'T'ax Taw, stating that the
amount of exemption provided by Elaragraphs (a) , (b) and (c) of such
Subdivision 2 is hereby reduced* as follows:
(a) $ 9,000
(b) 6,000
(C) $30,000
MCU T ERF2URE BE IT RE.9DLVED, that the Town Board of the Tom of
Ithaca will met and conduct a public hearing on January 7, 1985,
following the Qcmpletion of the public hearing to consider a local
law decrying the exemption.
(Desch, Kugler, l ffenspe;er, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Nayn - pane) .
RESOLUTION NO. 210
Motion by Councilman Baxtholf r seconded by Councilwoman Florell,
WHEREAS, Councilman 8artholf and Councilwman HowEll have
introduced a local law pursuant to the authority of Paragraph (d)
of Subdivision 2 of Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law,
, tatinq that the amount of the exmption provided by Paragraphs
(a) , (b) and {c) of such Subdivision 2 is hereby reduced as
fol]was
(a) 6,000
(b) 4,000
(c) $20,000
NOW 11 ORE BE IT RE9DLVED, that the TUV-M ward of the Town of
Ithaca will meet and conduct a public hearing on January 7, 1985,
following the campletion of the public hearing to consider the
reduction of the exemption to $9,000, $6,000 and $30,000_
(Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Czaner, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Days - none) .
REAPPOINTMPI' - ZCDNINO BOARD OF APPEA1Z
RE90LUTICU ND. 211
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Cramer,
WHERMS, the To?�.n of Ithaca onirng Hoard of Appeals recaTmends the
reappointment of Edward N. Austen to the Zoning Board of Appeals,
NCAq T11MEF'01M BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby approves the reappointment of Edgard N. Austen to the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ord of Appeals for a five year term
beginning January 1, 1985.
FIR
Tcwn Board $ Decewber 10 , 1984
(Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howe II and Bartholf
voting Aye. Mays - none) .
CHATMNTAN - ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
RESOLUTION NO. 212
1gctizn by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilman Kugler,
Wl-EL�, the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals reccmnends the
reappointment of Henry Aron as Chairman of the Zoning Board of
Appals,
NCW TE ERCPORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tc&m Eoaxd of the Town of
Ithaca hereby approves the reappointment of Henry Aron as Chairman
of the Towm of Ithaca Zoning 8aard of Appeals for the year 1985.
{Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Afire. Mays - none) .
REAPPOINTMENT - PLANNYUG BOARD
FtZOLUrION NO. 213
Mti--n by Councilwoman Howell, seconded by Cciunci.lnan Kugler,
WHEPEAS, the TtAm of Ithaca Planning Board reaamiends the
reappointment of Mantgcrrery May to the Planning Board,
NMI SORE BE IT MOLVED, -that the Town Poard of the Town of
Ithaca hereby approves the reappointment of MDntgcrriery May to the
Town of Ithaca Planning Board for a seven year terns begii-ming
January 1, 1985.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, 14cwell and Bar-Lholf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
CI TFMAN - PLANNENG WARD
RES0L=0N NO. 214
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman mpeak,
Wfi=S, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board areconmends the
reappointment of MOntgcuety May as Chairman of the Planning Board,
NCH THEREFDRE BE IT RESOLVED, that the T Board of the Tcwn of
Ithaca hereby approves the reappointment of Montgcnery May as
Chairman of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board for the year 1985.
(Desch, Kugler, Paffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
N0FMfWT TRANSIT CDNTRF M
Town Engineer Fabbroni noted that the ward menbers had in their
packets, a resolution pertaining the the Northeast Transit and
asking far a subsidy of $3,000, the saner as the last four years,
and errp. �ring the Supervisor to sign a five-year zt-ract. He
went on to say that a systjtm that carried 100,000 passengers a year
deserves mare than a contract written on a twelve =nth basis.
Also, this will allow the carrier to upgrade his equipnt nt,
Town Eoard 9 Decor 10, 1984
Mr. Fabbroni went on to say that the system has shown a potential
of carrying 104,000 passer- gers. He noted that THAN officials
estimate there are three or four thousand passengers who now use
TOMTRAN that would be usirxj the Northeast Transit, were ' ARAN not
in existence.
Councilman MQPeak asked what type of equipuent does Swartout and
Ferris use?
pawn Engineer Fabbroni responded, largely school buses. They will
now be able to move to remodeled transit vehicles which are
carpatible to 'IOMTR N buses but not new 'like TOMTPAP. However,
they will be more comfortable than the present type.
Supervisor Desch noted that the results of a survey of riders
shy lack of auiifort.
Councilman McPeak asked about estimates of ridership.
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded that at peak times the ridership
is over capacity. The use suns to be there. In off-peak tirtK�s it
is runs 50 or less. He stated that the ridership was amazingly
steady.
Supervisor Desch remarked that if the Nw7theast Transit system had
not been in existence that probably other runs would not have t
started.
RESOLUTION NO. 215
Motion by Councilman Crarcer; seconded by Councilman Kugler,
WI-SEAS, the Northeast Transit Committee has recc intended that the
contributing entities enter into a five-year contract with Swaxtout
and Ferris to provide transit service in the northeast quadrant of
the Ithaca urban-suburban area, and
WHEREAS, a 1985 Budget has been recommended to all participants
that wi11 continue rnaximn subsidy by the Town of Ithaca at
$8,000.00, the sage level as the previous four years, and
WHERMi S, Northeast Transit has carried over 85,000 passengers per
year whkb, along with 3,000 carried by TCMTRAN IIYr and 10,000 by
Cornell Langmuir (annual adjusted) , represents a s'tbstantial
increase in transit reliability and service, and
WHEREAS, Swaartout and Ferris will upgrade equipment and capacity at
an hourly rate ccnpetitive with rates paid by the County TCVfnRAN
IDT to Cornell and hourly Qosts of Ithaca Transit changed to the
Hospital service,
NCW T HERMRE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca authorizez participation in Northeast Transit for 1985 at a
naxim3rn subsidy of $8,000.00 , and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the To;An Supervisor be authcucized to
sign the Northeast Transit C:ontraQt including provisions for a
five-year term and appropriate recognition of the annual budget
requirements of the Town.
(Desch, Kugler, Ra.ffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Hartholf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
PUBLIC HEARING - FLOW DAMAGE PREVENTION
Term Board 10 Decetnbebr 10, 1984
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider the adoption of a local law relating to Flood Die
Prevention having been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor
opened the public! hearing.
Supervisor Desch suggested that the hearing be adjourned until
January 7, 1985 at 6.30 P.M. , when the wording, of the local law,
will he in final form.
RESOLUTION NO. 216
Motion by Supervisor Desch: seconded by Counci lean Cramer,
RESOLVED, that the Town Ord of -the Tc&%7n of Ithaca hereby adjourns
the public hearing on the consid,ezaticn of the adoption of a local
Law relating to Flood Damage Prevention until 6:30 P.M. ,, Qn January
7, 1984.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramtr, tMIcFeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
CONCFPTL7AL PIAN FOR BURNS RaAD I1
Towm Engineer Iawrenoe Fabbroni stated that he was proposing the
realigrwnent of the existing Burns Roan northeast end that connects
to mute 79. The present road goes from a 7 grade to a 16% grade,
snakeing itself around to the end. The prcporyed new realignment
would put the road east of the 100' wide utility right-of-way with
a 12% grade and a straightened alignnaant. The existing
intersection with Rrutc 79 has a steep climb to the road with is
slippery ixi any weather. Also, there is a problem with site
distance. Large vehicles cannot stop without going into the
roadway.
He went on to say that the proposed realignment would require us to
approach the landowner to discuss the alicient and thou we would
consider abandoning same rights on the existing part. Mz. Fabbroni
{,rent on to say that he ;,7as asking the Boa-rd's permission to
approach the one land owner and then NYSEG.
Councilman Bartholf asked, what if the landcwnex says no?
Mr. Fabbroni responded, we are back to square one.
Councilman Kugler asked who would maintain the old road?
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded, it would be are abandoned road
except for certain rights-of-ways.
Supervisor Desch remarked, from a safety standpoint, theme should
be no access from the top to the abandoned road.
Town Engineer Fabbroni remarked that in ab,-A-Boning the road, we
must make sure the property owners have access.
Supervisor Desch hated that the project was budgeted to move
forward next year.
Councilman rauxr !r questioned if there was any way to get away from
a 12% grade.
Mr. Paul Hartman suggested the read might go along side of the
power right-Of-Way.
T M Beard 11 Decenber 10, 1984
FAST MILL PLAZA TRAFFIC CIQK_'LrLATION
Town Engineer Lawronce Fabbroni showad the 13(a d members a map of
the East Hill Plaza, Pine Tree road, Judd Falls Road area. He
stated that the circulation of traffic at the East Hill Plaza has
been looked at after each addition at the Plaza, The Planning
Board has asked for ire long range thoughts because of the
proposed bank along with future activities and the traffic
congestion on Judd Falls Road.
When the P & C was remodeled, the entrance from Judd Falls Road was
designed to be the major access with controlled movement through
islands. The end zesult was to force people to owme out and weave
through traffic on Ellis Hollow load and thence onto Pine Tree
Road. The reccmendation now before the Town Board is to relocate
Pine Tree Road to a point oppz�)site Sunnerhill Lane. This would
separate the roads by 800' . People pulling out in a 35 MPH speed
zone, plus traffic from Pine 'tree Road is too much to contend with
in the 2001 we now have. Traffic safety needs to be carried out.
Councilwwan Raffensperger noted that whether you send traffic out
to Sumyierhill bane and then to Judd Fills Road you will still have
to turn. The original plan was not to build a route across cams,
only make it safer. Mrs. Raffensperger asked, why not make what we
have safer?
Mr. ktartmarr noted that there wa$ mre access to the lower ca us
down Tower Ptoad
Both GomcJ_I%Kx Uzi Faffensperger and Mr. Hart nan suggested several
possible alternatives, including a right angle through the Cornell
intersection by aligning Pine 'Free Road with ,Judd Falls Pnad,
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that in 1988, this intersection
with the Barnes house was characterized as a clangorous
intersection. Mrs. Paffensperger suggested using sinple
restrictions,
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded that you would just be adding to
the confusion.
Mrs. laffensperger remarked that the biggest problem was the
service statiorn by Pine Tree Fwd.
Supervisor Desch questioned the possibility of eliminating one exit
onto Ellis Hollow Road, if the aligrffa nt was develcped.
Mr. Hartn m asked if any of the roads in question were state roads?
Town E ineer Fabbroni responded that all of the read were county
roads.
Mr_ klar then questioned the possibility of installing signals,
Ta,m Engineer Fabbroni responded that so far, the County has
installed no signals on any of their roads.
Supervisor Desch zemarked that them is a need to slow down traffic
on Ellis Hollow R,,ad,
Town Engineer Fabbrc`i stated there there needs to be an
iq=van nt of -the aligrrrent, we- just can't block off a driveway,
it won't help the traffic problem.
Councilwornan Raffensperger asked why don't t try signals, blacking
off a driveway, etc. , before we go to the expense of building a new
Torn Hoard 12 December 10, 1984
road. As a professional, how do you take the major traffic and
make it turn left?
Town Engineer Fa rani responded that the major traffic has to turn
left now. Hines r, instead of all of the traffic nceding to make a
decision in 298' they would be able to go 1080 ' down RUi.s Hollow
Road before they would needed to consider turning.
Supervisor Duch asked the Town Engineer to cQire back tic the Town
Board with the cost fez the realignment design.
APPROVAL OF TOWN EGAM MINCES
RESDLUTICON NO. 217
Motion by Councilman Kugler, seconded by CQLmcilwaman Howell,
RESOLVED, that the Tovm Board of the Town of Ythaea hereby approve
the mirrutes of the nay 7, 1984, May 21, 1984, 1 ay 31, 1984, .Tune
11, 1984, July 24, 1984, August 1, 1984, August 22, 1984, Septerab�r
10, 1984, September 27, 1984, October 9, 1984 and November 8, 1984
Town Board Minutes, as presented by the Town Clerk.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffen8perge_r, Cramer, McPeak, [Qwell and Bart.holf
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
RESOLUTION ND. 218
Motion by Ccuncilwcman Raffenspergeri seconded by Supervisor Desch,
RESOLVED, that the ToTim Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the fiT1i mutes of the July 9, 1984 and August 7.3, 1984 Tovin Board
Minutes as r�_--vieed.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Days - none) .
EWLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE
Supervisor Desch noted that a year ago, the Town Board adopted a
policy of requiring employees enrglled in the State-vide Option Plan
to pay one--half of the increase in prenium5. At the same time, the
eriplo ees were offered the option of electing the GHI Campnahensive
Plan, with the. Tcr rm assun ng 100% of the premiums because the rates
were lower. lawever, the GHI Caanprehensive Plan has now increased
their premiums and he went on to say that he felt it was now time
for eWloyees who opted for the GH1 Plan to also pay one-half of
the increased premiums. Supervisor Desch stated that this noon,
the Ccmission had approved the revised policy on the evloyees
health insurance costs.
Councilrraan Baictholf questioned retired employees on the list of
persons covered and the difference in the rates.
Supervisor Desch responded that retired employees were included,
however, there are three different plans, therefore, the difference
in premiums,
RESGLUTION N0. 210
motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilor n Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts
the policy of requiring Town of Ithaca employes to pay one-half of
Tim Ford 13 Decenkpar 10, 1984
aIJ future increases in health insurance, regardless of whether
they are enrolled on the Statewide Option Plan or the GfII
Comprehensive Plan, effective January 1985.
(Desch, Kugler, Raffenspexger, Cramer, McPeak, iiowell and Bartholf
voting Aye. Days - none) .
AS90CIATION C7 TOMS MEETING
S'pervisor Desch again stated that he wt uld be unable to attend the
Association of ' wins meeting this year. lie asked CcuncihTatn Kugler
and Councilman Cramer if they swished to attend. Both declined.
Coutnci.h= McPeak was not sure if he wDuld be able to attend as he
was planning a trip to California.
CQuncilwm n Howell, Councilmen Ba-rtholf and Town Clerk Jean
Swartwcod will represent the Town of Ithaca at the Association of
TUi� ns meeting in New York City. Couzc111i"k7n McPeak to decide at a
later date.
11(M OF ITHACA ANTS
1 SOLMON NO. 220
Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Comcilwoman
Raffen$perger,
RESMVM, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the T wn of Ithaca Warrants dated Decenber 10, 1984, in the
following amounts:
General Fund - Torun Wide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ 60,678.46
General Fund - Outside Village. . . . . . . . . .. .$ 71684.05
Highway Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .$ 72,612.14
Water & Sewer rand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$134,417.98
Capital Projects Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 29,911.79
Parks Reserve �. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1,449.31
Lighting Districts Fund. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 407.85
Federal Revenue Sharing Fund. . .. . . . . . . . . . .$ 562.75
Eire Protection Fund.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 ,439.25
(Desch, Kugler, Raffensperger, Cramer, McPeak, Howell and Bartholt
voting Aye. Nays - none) .
BOLTCN POINT WARRANTS
RE! [ i�()N N0. 221
Motion by Supervisor Desch, seconded by Councilman Kugler,
RESOLVED, that the Bolton PO].nt Warrants dated Decenbeu 10 , 1984,
in the Operatiiq Account are hereby approved, in the amount of
$50,206.07 after review and upon the reccm nendation of the Southern
Cayuga Lake Int,.,ermuni.eipal Water O=Lissian, they are in order for
payment.
[Desch, Kugler, Rafferisperger, Cram , NlcPeak, Howell and Barthgl.f
voting Aye. Nays - none.
ADJflM�
The meeting was duly adjourned.
I
Town Poaxd 14 Dew 10, 1984
Town 4CIkL