HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2012-04-23Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, April 23,2012 at 4:30 p.m.
215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Review Draft Agenda for Regular Meeting
3. Town Official's Reports
4. Presentation of Results of the Recreation Survey by Cortland College Students
5. 4:45 p.m. Public Hearing re.: Danby Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement
Project subject to Permissive Referendum
6. 4:46 p.m. Public Hearing re.: Northview Water Tank Replacement Water
Improvement Project subject to Permissive Referendum
7. Consider Adoption of a Bond Resolution Subject to Permissive Referendum re.:
Proposed Reconstruction of Harris B. Dates Drive
8. Consider Adoption of a Bond Resolution Subject to Permissive Referendum re.:
Proposed Reconstruction of the Town Hall Parking Lot
9. Report from Committees
a. Budget Committee
b. Codes and Ordinances Committee
c. Comprehensive Plan Committee
d. Planning Committee
e. Personnel and Organization Committee
f. Public Works Committee
g. Records Management Advisory Board (RMAB)
10. Discussion Items
Review and Discuss Stream Setback Law Comments
Discuss Support for Proclamations etc.
Discuss Time Warner Cable Review/Audit
Discuss Scheduling an Education Session on Brownfields
Discuss Scheduling a Lunch with Department Heads
11. Consider Consent Agenda Items
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes March 26'*' and April 9^^
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Appoint Planning Board Member - VanderMaas
d. Appoint Zoning Board of Appeals Member - Fogarty ; i
12. Review of Correspondence
13. Consider Adjournment
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TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Debra DeAugistine, being duly sworn, say that I am the First Deputy Town Clerk of the Town
of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York that the following notice has been duly posted on the
sign board of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca and the notice has been duly published in
the official newspaper, Ithaca Journal:
a ADVERTISEMENT
n NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing Notices:
Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement
Danby Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement
Location of Sign Board Used for Posting:
Town Clerk's Office
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
April 11, 2012
ij^rW 12, 2012
Date of Posting:
Date of Publication:
Cs^^a DeAugis'tr
First Deputy Town Clerk
STATE OF NEW YORK)
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) SS:
TOWN OF ITHACA)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
2012.
day of
Notary Public
PAULETTE TERWfLUGER
Noteiy Pubte, Stale of New Yoiic
NO.01TE6156809in Tompkina Counly
Explree December 4,20
TOWN OF ITHACA
NOTICE OF PUBUC
HEARINGS
The Town Board will hdd
(xdilic hearings at Its Study
Session Meeting held on
23. 2012 at 215 N.
Tioga St. regarding pro-
. posed Water Improvement
, Projects subject to Petmis-
j sive Referendum
, 4;4^.in. Town of Ithaca
. Ncf^ew Road Tank Re
placement Water Improve-
f ment
s 4:46 p.m. Tovrn of Ithaca
i. Danby Road Tank Reptace-
ment Water Improvemettl
y Rease contact the Town
d Clerk with questions or vls-
e it our website
y www.town.lthBCB.ny.u9
r- Paulette Terwitllger
g Town Cierk
4/11/2012
Study Sessionof the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, April 23, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.
215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Minutes
Call to Order at 4:30. Mr. Horwitz was not present
Presentation of Results of the Recreation Survey by Cortland College Students
Mr. Engman gave the history of the project explaining that Ms. Hunter had learned that SUNY
Cortland students had done a needs assessment for the Town of Dryden and she and Rich
DePaolo worked with the college to develop a survey and the class is here tonight to present their
findings.
Ms. Kendra Liddicoat, the teacher of the class, started the presentation with 14 other students
presenting their slides.
The highlights of the class’ recommendations were to increase the number of trails and connect
them when possible as well as increasing the off-season use of the trails. They also suggested
improving the availability of information on our trails, parks and recreation options on the web
and through outreach efforts. They suggested that we increase youth recreation opportunities
and promote a carry-in/carry-out policy at the parks to help with cleanliness. The students were
surprised more people did not indicate a need for more lake access and swimming facilities and
noted that the demographic of the responses were upper-middle age and future studies or surveys
should target the youth and/or younger demographic.
Questions and Comments from the Board
Mr. Engman was surprised about the trail maintenance comment and wondered if they said what
in particular they meant. Ms. Liddicoat responded that the student who gathered that data was
not present but the end report would have more detail.
Ms. Hunter asked what additional recreation opportunities people indicated they wanted and
whether they listed a variety or a few. A student answered that respondents listed multiple ideas
with 40 out of the 300 respondents listing something in that field.
Mr. DePaolo felt that some of his basic assumptions were totally different; he expected requests
for lake access and such. He was also surprised with the demographics of the respondents and
felt that it begs the question of how much weight we give the information and wondered whether
they were clear on the difference between City properties and Town properties. Ms. Liddicoat
thought the results were good and stated that they included a map and took pains to differentiate
between City and Town but she did wondered how the surveys were sent out. Ms. DeAugistine
th
responded that she used the tax database and selected every 4 line. Ms. Leary commented that
that would eliminate renters which may skew the results. Ms. DeAugistine responded that if we
were to do it again, we would remove the name of the owner and address them to Resident.
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 2 of 21
Ms. Liddicoat added that it is also important to remember that the demographic that did respond
is the group who supports and funds the recreational park and trails. She was also surprised at
the number of good comments that were received because people usually take the chance to
complain, not compliment. She went on to say that she had a number of calls and responses
from people who had moved and the survey was forwarded to them and even one who’s relative
had recently died and she was apologetic for not responding in a timely manner. Those types of
actions are not the norm.
The class noted that the Town of Camillus has a great website for educating and directing
residents to recreational opportunities and strongly suggested that the Town look at their site and
do more public outreach/education.
The Board thanked the students for their time and effort and stated that they look forward to
seeing the final report.
Public Hearing regarding Danby Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement Project
subject to Permissive Referendum
Mr. Engman opened the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. There was no one wishing to address the
board and the hearing was closed.
TB RESOLUTION NO.: 2012-082: PUBLIC INTEREST ORDER – DANBY ROAD
TANK REPLACEMENT WATER IMPROVEMENT
At a study session of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, held
at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23 rd day of
April, 2012, at 4:45 o'clock P.M., Prevailing Time.
PRESENT: Herb Engman, Bill Goodman, Pat Leary, Tee-Ann Hunter, Eric Levine, Rich
DePaolo
Moved by Bill Goodman; seconded by Herb Engman
In the Matter of A Proposed Water Improvement in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New
York, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, to be known as the Town of Ithaca Danby
Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement.
WHEREAS, a plan, report and map, including an estimate of cost, have been duly
prepared in such manner and in such detail as has heretofore been determined by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, relating to the creation and
construction, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, of water system improvements to be
known and identified as the Town of Ithaca Danby Road Tank Replacement Water
Improvement, and hereinafter also referred to as the “Improvement,” to provide such water
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 3 of 21
Improvement including extensions, to the present Town water improvement, such water system
Improvement to be constructed and owned by the Town of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, after said plan, report and map, including estimate of cost, were prepared by
a competent engineer, duly licensed by the state of New York, and filed in the office of the Town
Clerk, the said Town Board did, on April 9, 2012, duly adopt an Order reciting the proposed
Improvement, a description of the boundaries of the proposed benefited area, the maximum
amount proposed to be expended for the Improvement, the proposed method of apportioning the
costs of such Improvement, the proposed method of financing to be employed, the fact that a
plan, map and report describing the same are on file in the Town Clerk's office for public
inspection, and specifying that said Town Board shall meet at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga
Street, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23rd day of April, 2012 at 4:45 PM Prevailing
Time, for the purposes of conducting a public hearing on such proposal to provide said
Improvement, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, copies of said Order were duly published and posted according to law, and
said Town Board did, at the time and place specified in said Order, duly meet and consider such
proposal and held a public hearing in which it heard all persons interested in the subject thereof,
who appeared at such time and place, concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board now desires to authorize the Improvement based on the
evidence offered at such time and place, and
WHEREAS, at its study session on April 23, 2012, the Town Board has determined
approval, construction and implementation of the Improvement are a Type II Action pursuant to
the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated
pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, because the Action constitutes
"replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site,"
and thus approval, construction and implementation of the Improvement are not subject to
review under SEQRA;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board that it be and hereby is
determined as follows:
(1) The notice of hearing was published and posted as required by law and is otherwise
sufficient.
(2) That all of the property within the proposed benefited area is benefited by the
proposed Improvement.
(3) That all of the property benefited is included within the proposed benefited area.
(4) That the proposed method of apportioning the costs of the Improvement should not be
changed.
(5) It is in the public interest to authorize, establish, and make the Town of Ithaca Danby
Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement as hereinafter described, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve, authorize and
establish the Town of Ithaca Danby Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement in the area of
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 4 of 21
the Town described as follows and as more particularly shown and described in said plan, report
and map presently on file in the office of the Town Clerk:
Replace an existing 500,000 gallon steel water tank with a 500,000 gallon water tank on the
same site located above Danby Road, and other related ancillary facilities, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the area hereby determined to be benefited by said Town
of Ithaca Danby Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement is all of that portion of the Town
outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that all of the allocable costs of said Improvement shall be
borne wholly by property within the Town of Ithaca water improvement benefited area, being the
entire area of the Town outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum proposed to be expended by the Town of
Ithaca for the Improvement, including costs of rights of way, construction costs, legal fees and
other expenses, is $ 650,000, which shall be financed as follows: : at the option of the Town, by
financing through the issuance of bond anticipation notes, and upon maturity of a bond
anticipation note, the issuance of bond anticipation renewal notes or serial bonds of said Town of
Ithaca to mature in annual installments over a period not to exceed 20 years, or directly by the
issuance of such bonds, such notes and bonds to be paid from assessments levied upon and
collected from the several lots and parcels of land in said Town of Ithaca water system benefited
area which are deemed benefited by said Improvement, so much upon and from each as shall be
in just proportion to the amount of the benefit which the Improvement shall confer upon the
same, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Order is subject to a permissive referendum in the
manner provided in Town Law Article 7 and Town Law Section 209-q, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the estimated expense of the aforesaid Improvement does
not exceed one-tenth of one per cent of the full valuation of the taxable real property in the area
of said Town outside of villages and, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision
13(a) of Section 209-q of the Town Law, the permission of the State Comptroller is not required
for such improvement, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to subdivision 6(d) of Section 209-q of the Town
Law, the Town Clerk is hereby directed and ordered to cause a certified copy of this Order to be
duly recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Tompkins within ten days of the date
this Order becomes effective pursuant to Town Law Section 91, which when so recorded, shall
be presumptive evidence of the regularity of the proceedings and action taken by the Town
Board in relation to the aforesaid improvement
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll call, which
resulted as follows:
Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine, DePaolo
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted.
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 5 of 21
Public Hearing regarding Northview Water Tank Replacement Water Improvement
Project subject to Permissive Referendum
Mr. Engman opened the public hearing at 5:35 p.m. There was no one wishing to address the
board and the hearing was closed.
TB RESOLUTION NO.: 2012-083: PUBLIC INTEREST ORDER – TOWN OF ITHACA
NORTHVIEW ROAD TANK REPLACEMENT WATER IMPROVEMENT
At a study session of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, held
at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23rd day of
April, 2012, at 4:46 P.M., Prevailing Time.
PRESENT: Herb Engman, Bill Goodman, Pat Leary, Tee-Ann Hunter, Eric Levine, Rich
DePaolo
Moved by Pat Leary; seconded by Bill Goodman
In the Matter of A Proposed Water Improvement in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, to be known as the Town of Ithaca
Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement.
WHEREAS, a plan, report and map, including an estimate of cost, have been duly
prepared in such manner and in such detail as has heretofore been determined by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, relating to the creation and
construction, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, of water system improvements to be
known and identified as the Town of Ithaca Northview Road Tank Replacement Water
Improvement, and hereinafter also referred to as the “Improvement,” to provide such water
Improvement including extensions, to the present Town water improvement, such water system
Improvement to be constructed and owned by the Town of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, after said plan, report and map, including estimate of cost, were prepared by
a competent engineer, duly licensed by the state of New York, and filed in the office of the Town
Clerk, the said Town Board did, on April 9, 2012, duly adopt an Order reciting the proposed
Improvement, a description of the boundaries of the proposed benefited area, the maximum
amount proposed to be expended for the Improvement, the proposed method of apportioning the
costs of such Improvement, the proposed method of financing to be employed, the fact that a
plan, map and report describing the same are on file in the Town Clerk's office for public
inspection, and specifying that said Town Board shall meet at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga
Street, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23rd day of April, 2012 at 4:46 PM Prevailing
Time, for the purposes of conducting a public hearing on such proposal to provide said
Improvement, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, copies of said Order were duly published and posted according to law, and
said Town Board did, at the time and place specified in said Order, duly meet and consider such
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 6 of 21
proposal and held a public hearing in which it heard all persons interested in the subject thereof,
who appeared at such time and place, concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board now desires to authorize the Improvement based on the
evidence offered at such time and place, and
WHEREAS, at its study session on April 23, 2012, the Town Board determined approval,
construction and implementation of the Improvement, which is an Unlisted Action pursuant to
the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated
pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, will not result in any significant
adverse environmental effects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board that it be and hereby is
determined as follows:
(1) The notice of hearing was published and posted as required by law and is otherwise
sufficient.
(2) That all of the property within the proposed benefited area is benefited by the
proposed Improvement.
(3) That all of the property benefited is included within the proposed benefited area.
(4) That the proposed method of apportioning the costs of the Improvement should not be
changed.
(5) It is in the public interest to authorize, establish, and make the Town of Ithaca
Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement as hereinafter described, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve, authorize and
establish the Town of Ithaca Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement in the area
of the Town described as follows and as more particularly shown and described in said plan,
report and map presently on file in the office of the Town Clerk:
Replace an existing 200,000 gallon steel water tank with a 500,000 gallon water tank on
the same site located above West Northview Road , install new concrete base, and other related
ancillary facilities, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the area hereby determined to be benefited by said Town
of Ithaca Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement is all of that portion of the
Town outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that all of the allocable costs of said Improvement shall be
borne wholly by property within the Town of Ithaca water improvement benefited area, being the
entire area of the Town outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum proposed to be expended by the Town of
Ithaca for the Improvement, including costs of rights of way, construction costs, legal fees and
other expenses, is $ 550,000, which shall be financed as follows: at the option of the Town, by
financing through the issuance of bond anticipation notes, and upon maturity of a bond
anticipation note, the issuance of bond anticipation renewal notes or serial bonds of said Town of
Ithaca to mature in annual installments over a period not to exceed 20 years, or directly by the
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 7 of 21
issuance of such bonds, such notes and bonds to be paid from assessments levied upon and
collected from the several lots and parcels of land in said Town of Ithaca water system benefited
area which are deemed benefited by said Improvement, so much upon and from each as shall be
in just proportion to the amount of the benefit which the Improvement shall confer upon the
same, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Order is subject to a permissive referendum in the
manner provided in Town Law Article 7 and Town Law Section 209-q, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the estimated expense of the aforesaid Improvement does
not exceed one-tenth of one per cent of the full valuation of the taxable real property in the area
of said Town outside of villages and, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision
13(a) of Section 209-q of the Town Law, the permission of the State Comptroller is not required
for such improvement, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to subdivision 6(d) of Section 209-q of the Town
Law, the Town Clerk is hereby directed and ordered to cause a certified copy of this Order to be
duly recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Tompkins within ten days of the date
this Order becomes effective pursuant to Town Law Section 91, which when so recorded, shall
be presumptive evidence of the regularity of the proceedings and action taken by the Town
Board in relation to the aforesaid improvement.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll call, which
resulted as follows:
Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine, DePaolo
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted .
TB RESOLUTION NO.: 2012-083: PUBLIC INTEREST ORDER – TOWN OF ITHACA
NORTHVIEW ROAD TANK REPLACEMENT WATER IMPROVEMENT
At a study session of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, held
at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23rd day of
April, 2012, at 4:46 P.M., Prevailing Time.
PRESENT: Herb Engman, Bill Goodman, Pat Leary, Tee-Ann Hunter, Eric Levine, Rich
DePaolo
Moved by Pat Leary; seconded by Bill Goodman
In the Matter of A Proposed Water Improvement in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, to be known as the Town of Ithaca
Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement.
WHEREAS, a plan, report and map, including an estimate of cost, have been duly
prepared in such manner and in such detail as has heretofore been determined by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, relating to the creation and
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 8 of 21
construction, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, of water system improvements to be
known and identified as the Town of Ithaca Northview Road Tank Replacement Water
Improvement, and hereinafter also referred to as the “Improvement,” to provide such water
Improvement including extensions, to the present Town water improvement, such water system
Improvement to be constructed and owned by the Town of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, after said plan, report and map, including estimate of cost, were prepared by
a competent engineer, duly licensed by the state of New York, and filed in the office of the Town
Clerk, the said Town Board did, on April 9, 2012, duly adopt an Order reciting the proposed
Improvement, a description of the boundaries of the proposed benefited area, the maximum
amount proposed to be expended for the Improvement, the proposed method of apportioning the
costs of such Improvement, the proposed method of financing to be employed, the fact that a
plan, map and report describing the same are on file in the Town Clerk's office for public
inspection, and specifying that said Town Board shall meet at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga
Street, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23rd day of April, 2012 at 4:46 PM Prevailing
Time, for the purposes of conducting a public hearing on such proposal to provide said
Improvement, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, copies of said Order were duly published and posted according to law, and
said Town Board did, at the time and place specified in said Order, duly meet and consider such
proposal and held a public hearing in which it heard all persons interested in the subject thereof,
who appeared at such time and place, concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board now desires to authorize the Improvement based on the
evidence offered at such time and place, and
WHEREAS, at its study session on April 23, 2012, the Town Board determined approval,
construction and implementation of the Improvement, which is an Unlisted Action pursuant to
the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated
pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, will not result in any significant
adverse environmental effects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board that it be and hereby is
determined as follows:
(1) The notice of hearing was published and posted as required by law and is otherwise
sufficient.
(2) That all of the property within the proposed benefited area is benefited by the
proposed Improvement.
(3) That all of the property benefited is included within the proposed benefited area.
(4) That the proposed method of apportioning the costs of the Improvement should not be
changed.
(5) It is in the public interest to authorize, establish, and make the Town of Ithaca
Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement as hereinafter described, and be it
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 9 of 21
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve, authorize and
establish the Town of Ithaca Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement in the area
of the Town described as follows and as more particularly shown and described in said plan,
report and map presently on file in the office of the Town Clerk:
Replace an existing 200,000 gallon steel water tank with a 500,000 gallon water tank on
the same site located above West Northview Road , install new concrete base, and other related
ancillary facilities, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the area hereby determined to be benefited by said Town
of Ithaca Northview Road Tank Replacement Water Improvement is all of that portion of the
Town outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that all of the allocable costs of said Improvement shall be
borne wholly by property within the Town of Ithaca water improvement benefited area, being the
entire area of the Town outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum proposed to be expended by the Town of
Ithaca for the Improvement, including costs of rights of way, construction costs, legal fees and
other expenses, is $ 550,000, which shall be financed as follows: at the option of the Town, by
financing through the issuance of bond anticipation notes, and upon maturity of a bond
anticipation note, the issuance of bond anticipation renewal notes or serial bonds of said Town of
Ithaca to mature in annual installments over a period not to exceed 20 years, or directly by the
issuance of such bonds, such notes and bonds to be paid from assessments levied upon and
collected from the several lots and parcels of land in said Town of Ithaca water system benefited
area which are deemed benefited by said Improvement, so much upon and from each as shall be
in just proportion to the amount of the benefit which the Improvement shall confer upon the
same, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Order is subject to a permissive referendum in the
manner provided in Town Law Article 7 and Town Law Section 209-q, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the estimated expense of the aforesaid Improvement does
not exceed one-tenth of one per cent of the full valuation of the taxable real property in the area
of said Town outside of villages and, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision
13(a) of Section 209-q of the Town Law, the permission of the State Comptroller is not required
for such improvement, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to subdivision 6(d) of Section 209-q of the Town
Law, the Town Clerk is hereby directed and ordered to cause a certified copy of this Order to be
duly recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Tompkins within ten days of the date
this Order becomes effective pursuant to Town Law Section 91, which when so recorded, shall
be presumptive evidence of the regularity of the proceedings and action taken by the Town
Board in relation to the aforesaid improvement.
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 10 of 21
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll call, which
resulted as follows:
Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine, and DePaolo
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted
Consider Adoption of a Bond Resolution Subject to Permissive Referendum regarding
Proposed Reconstruction of Harris B. Dates Drive
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2012- 084: BOND RESOLUTION (Subject to Permissive
Referendum) In the Matter of the Proposed Reconstruction of Harris B. Dates Drive, in
the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, pursuant to Town Law and the Local
Finance Law.
At a study session meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, held at Town Hall, in Ithaca, New York, on the 23rd day of April, 2012, at 4:30 P.M.,
Prevailing Time.
The meeting was called to order by Herb Engman and upon roll being called, there were
PRESENT: Supervisor Herb Engman, Councilpersons Rich DePaolo, Bill Goodman, Tee-Ann
Hunter, Patricia Leary, and Eric Levine
The following resolution was offered by Pat Leary, who moved its adoption, seconded by Eric
Levine, to-wit:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING, SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE
REFERENDUM, THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HARRIS B. DATES
DRIVE IN AND FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA, TOMPKINS COUNTY,
NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $400,000, AND
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $400,000 BONDS OF SAID TOWN
TO PAY THE COST THEREOF.
WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital project hereinafter
described, including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review
Act, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, the capital project hereinafter described has been determined to be a Type II
Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the
implementation of which as proposed, said regulation provides will not result in any significant
adverse environmental effects; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, as follows:
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 11 of 21
Section 1. The reconstruction of Harris B. Dates Drive in and for the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, including curbing, landscaping and other right-of-way
improvements and other incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, is
hereby authorized at a maximum estimated cost of $400,000.
Section 2. The plan for the financing of the aforesaid maximum estimated cost is by
the issuance of not exceeding $400,000 bonds of said Town, hereby authorized to be issued
therefore pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the
aforesaid specific object or purpose is fifteen years, pursuant to subdivision 20(c) of paragraph a
of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. It is hereby further determined that the maximum
maturity of the serial bonds herein authorized will exceed five years.
Section 4. The faith and credit of said Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,
are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds as
the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each
year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds becoming due and payable in
such year. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property in said Town, a tax
sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same become due and payable.
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize
the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the
bonds herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the Supervisor
of said Town, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and
shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said Supervisor, consistent with the
provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 6. All other matters except as provided herein relating to the bonds herein
authorized including the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, within the
limitations prescribed herein and the manner of execution of the same, including the
consolidation with other issues, and also the ability to issue bonds with substantially level or
declining annual debt service, shall be determined by the Supervisor, the chief fiscal officer of
such Town. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in
Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such
recitals, in addition to those required by Section 51.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the
Supervisor shall determine consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 7. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested
only if:
1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said Town is
not authorized to expend money, or
04 23 2012 TBS
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2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of
this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or
proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the
date of such publication, or
3)Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 8. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes
of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies
are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set
aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein.
Section 9. Upon this resolution taking effect, the same shall be published in full or
summary form in the official newspaper of said Town for such purpose, together with a notice of
the Town Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 10. This resolution is adopted subject to Permissive Referendum.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll call,
which resulted as follows:
Ayes: Engman, Goodman, Leary, Levine, Hunter and DePaolo
The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Consider Adoption of a Bond Resolution Subject to Permissive Referendum re.: Proposed
Reconstruction of the Town Hall Parking Lot
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2012-085: BOND RESOLUTION (Subject to Permissive
Referendum) In the Matter of the Proposed Reconstruction of the Parking Lot at the
Town Hall Building, in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, pursuant to
Town Law and the Local Finance Law.
At a study session meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, held at Town Hall, in Ithaca, New York, in said Town, on the 23rd day of April, 2012,
at 4:30 P.M., Prevailing Time.
The meeting was called to order by Herb Engman and upon roll being called, there were
PRESENT: Supervisor Herb Engman, Councilpersons Rich DePaolo, Bill Goodman, Tee-Ann
Hunter, Patricia Leary, and Eric Levine
The following resolution was offered by Pat Leary, who moved its adoption, seconded by
Bill Goodman, to-wit:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING, SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE
REFERENDUM, THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PARKING LOT AT
THE TOWN HALL BUILDING IN AND FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA,
04 23 2012 TBS
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TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED
COST OF $350,000, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $350,000
BONDS OF SAID TOWN TO PAY THE COST THEREOF.
WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital project hereinafter
described, including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review
Act, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, the capital project hereinafter described has been determined to be a Type II
Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the
implementation of which as proposed, said regulation provides will not result in any significant
adverse environmental effects; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. The reconstruction of the parking lot at the Town Hall Building, in and for
the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, including incidental improvements and
expenses in connection therewith, is hereby authorized at a maximum estimated cost of
$350,000.
Section 2. The plan for the financing of the aforesaid maximum estimated cost is by
the issuance of not exceeding $350,000 bonds of said Town, hereby authorized to be issued
therefore pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the
aforesaid specific object or purpose is ten years, pursuant to subdivision 20(f) of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. It is hereby further determined that the maximum
maturity of the serial bonds herein authorized will exceed five years.
Section 4. The faith and credit of said Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,
are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds as
the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each
year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds becoming due and payable in
such year. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property in said Town, a tax
sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same become due and payable.
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize
the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the
bonds herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the Supervisor
of said Town, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and
shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said Supervisor, consistent with the
provisions of the Local Finance Law.
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 14 of 21
Section 6. All other matters except as provided herein relating to the bonds herein
authorized including the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, within the
limitations prescribed herein and the manner of execution of the same, including the
consolidation with other issues, and also the ability to issue bonds with substantially level or
declining annual debt service, shall be determined by the Supervisor, the chief fiscal officer of
such Town. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in
Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such
recitals, in addition to those required by Section 51.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the
Supervisor shall determine consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 7. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested
only if:
1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said Town is
not authorized to expend money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of
this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or
proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the
date of such publication, or
3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 8. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes
of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies
are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set
aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein.
Section 9. Upon this resolution taking effect, the same shall be published in full or
summary form in the official newspaper of said Town for such purpose, together with a notice of
the Town Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 10. This resolution is adopted subject to permissive referendum.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll
call, which resulted as follows:
Ayes: Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo
The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Consider Setting a Public Hearing regarding Conifer Village at West Hill
Ms. Ritter explained that they have received preliminary site plan and subdivision approval and
the approval from the Public Works Committee on the concept of the utilities and roads and they
04 23 2012 TBS
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are ready to request rezoning for the project. She explained the additional language to the
Multiple Residence Zone being proposed. The Planning Board recommendations were
submitted to the Board and she asked if there were any questions about those. The second
whereas of the Planning Board resolution details the changes suggested. Mr. DePaolo noted that
this is the time to ask questions and make any changes. Ms. Ritter added that Dan Tazman was
the lead person from the department and turned it over to him for specific questions.
Mr. DePaolo had a question about terminology such as “as practicable” and “wherever possible”
which he believe gives developers too much wiggle room because a developers definition of
those words is usually financially based where ours is not.
Mr. Tazman explained that one of the early provisions by the Planning Board was to use the
existing land forms as much as possible by terracing in the hopes that they did not level out the
entire pad which is the practice. However, because the building is L-shaped, there was no choice
but to level the land and not terrace. Discussion followed and Mr. Tazman noted that in the
future we would want to ask them to design their building not using their standard template with
one massive building but using multiple smaller buildings.
Mr. DePaolo asked about suggestion (e) and the primary entrance and what the effect would be.
Mr. Tazman responded that with traditional design the focus is towards the street and in this
development, due to topography, the main entrance is at the back with handicap accessibility at
the rear and sides.
Ms. Hunter asked about walkability and accessibility and staff explained that there will be 3
sides accessible to handicap and grade-appropriate.
Mr. DePaolo asked about calling trails sidewalks etc. Mr. Tazman explained that everything will
be paved and the initial discussion about having nature trails did not work because of the
topography of the land and type of nature/trees on the slope.
Ms. Hunter asked about the deadline for the Conifer Grant and if they do not get into this grant
cycle, would there be time to work with them on keeping to the original intents such as
terracing? Ms. Ritter responded that the Planning Board approved their Site Plan submission and
they have 36 months to build and construct under that Plan.
th
Ms. Leary moved for a public hearing to be held at 6:05pm on May 7; Mr. Engman seconded.
Unanimous
Report from Committees
Public Works Committee
– Mr. Goodman reported that the Committee discussed the draft
Road Preservation law and Mr. Nahmin reported on the Town of Caroline efforts and he is going
to a meeting in Cortland put on by TCCOG regarding truck weight limits.
Discussion Items
04 23 2012 TBS
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Review and Discuss Stream Setback Law Comments
Ms. Ritter said she has all comments from county, Bruce Brittain, Evan Monkemeyer, and the
submitted comments from the last meeting.
Mr. Goodman stated that he and Ms. Ritter had discussed the comments and most seemed easy to
implement with another one or two that might need further discussion. He went through the
comments and adjustments individually.
Discussion followed on Mr. Monkemeyers concern about the categorization of his culvert as a
stream. The recommendation is to leave it as is because a change can be considered and there is
a caveat about exempting existing culverts. The map can be changed to update new data.
The County’s GML letter was discussed and their suggestion that we should extend the setback
and the definition of where you measure from. Ms. Ritter explained the measuring. Ms. Ritter
thought our law was actually more restrictive than the County’s and the committee did a lot of
research and field trips in determining the 35’ setback. The suggestion is to pass the law as
presented and see how it goes.
Ms. Hunter asked about the rational behind smaller setbacks on smaller streams and if it had to
do with stabilization. Ms. Hunter responded that the erosion is the biggest concern and the
smaller setbacks will encourage compliance and help with stabilization.
Mr. DePaolo asked about the irregular lots that have different exemptions. Mr. Goodman
responded that we are meeting with the resident that asked that question at the last meeting but in
order to exempt the small lots and keep with the benefits sought and allow smaller-lot owners to
do something with their yards.
The Board agreed with the suggested changes. Mr. Engman reminded the Board that a super
majority is required to pass the local law without incorporating the County’s suggestions.
th
Mr. Goodman moved setting a public hearing for May 7 at 6:10 pm with Ms. Hunter seconding.
Unanimous.
Discuss Support for Proclamations etc.
Mr. Engman summarized that this discussion is about both proclamations and, for want of a
better term, cause resolutions. He did talk to the Mayor and the Chair of the County Legislature
since the last meeting and confirmed that they are the ones who do proclamations so that would
be one way of handling proclamations, but cause resolutions would still have to be done by the
Town Board. The question remains how the Board wants to handle these types of things. He felt
that the Board generally only felt these types of resolutions were an issue when we were
ambivalent about the topic.
Ms. Hunter wondered about items that we have no jurisdiction over and limited information on
as well as limited staff time to spend learning about the topic. She felt the Board is not making
informed decisions and if we were to continue to do these on a routine basis, a Cause Committee
04 23 2012 TBS
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could vet them and provide enough information to make a decision on. She added that certain
issues such as fracking that have a direct impact on our community are our concern, but there are
other issues that are more sweeping and the jurisdiction of the State Legislature and she did not
feel we should get into the practice of bringing these things up for consideration on a monthly
basis.
Ms. Leary felt that individual board members have the right to bring resolutions to the full board
and felt that when she has she has tried to give board members advance background. She thought
that if board members did not feel they had enough information they could vote against it. She
reiterated that a board member should retain the right to bring something to the full board for
consideration. Ms. Leary noted that when it is an issue that might affect a town residents, a
person can express an opinion to the state legislature, and we as a board have the right to also.
She agreed that sometimes they seem to come up a lot but then there can be months where there
are none. She felt that as long as it is not a burden on our time we should not say we are never
going to do it and did not feel we should have a hard and fast rule against them.
Mr. DePaolo responded that we won’t know if they’re a burden until we have them in front of us
and end up taking 2 or 3 sessions discussing them like we did with the living wage. He felt there
was another layer to it because by presenting a resolution, you’re essentially forcing your
colleagues to take a position on something that has not been discussed prior and he suggested
that a possible solution might be to use one of our meetings to give fellow members a heads-up
that you are working on a particular issue and you would like the board to potentially consider a
statement of support for xyz which gives people the opportunity to think about it and discuss it
without being presented with a resolution that has to be acted on in a short period of time and
particularly when it is an issue that has some controversy and a lot of loose ends. If there’s a
sense that there’s going to be controversy, it’s in the best interest for the board to have a heads
up. He did agree that people should have the right to bring resolutions to the board but thought
it should be done differently.
Mr. Goodman state that he felt it would be fine if we hold ourselves to some process of
introduction so people can ask questions and think about it more. He spoke about his previous
experience in the City of Buffalo and how many were done there and another option would be to
abstain or be absent so she would not be forced to vote against a resolution. He added that a lot
of these are symbolic and people may not put a lot of weight on it. He also talked about a
resolution at the County level that did go to a committee which watered it down and the
legislature beefed back up and now it is going to have a public hearing so he could see how it can
take some time. He could see how it may be good if citizens get involved but he felt it would be
good to try and give our colleagues enough time to think about it.
Ms. Leary added that the original Minimum Wage resolution did not start out controversial but
focused on the legislation already proposed and she did not think it would be controversial but
then the local movement to raise it more is what took more time. She felt it was worth our
attention when another local government is involved in it also and it might make other local
groups think more of us in line with the City and County if we weigh in also.
04 23 2012 TBS
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Mr. Engman asked if the Board was comfortable with the basis of what was discussed and the
sense of the board was that they were.
Discuss Time Warner Cable Review/Audit
Mr. Engman revisited the idea of having a review/audit which TCCOG is encouraging all
municipalities to do in preparation for the franchise renewal. Some municipalities have not had a
contract for 20 years and have no idea what they are supposed to be getting. Discussion
followed. Mr. Solvig noted that they have stopped sending detailed financial reports and other
municipalities have recovered significant monies and Mr. DePaolo added that finding out about
any issues would help in negotiations and in establishing whether or not they have honored their
current agreement.
Mr. DePaolo asked if the company we were considering had experience with the public access
component and Mr. Engman said he assumed they did the City audit but that he would check.
The Board seemed in favor of going ahead with the review/audit.
Discuss Scheduling an Education Session on Brownfields
Mr. Engman talked about the several locations in the Town that has contamination and his
concern that he knows nothing about them. He felt that we should invite someone, probably the
DEC to come in and teach us about them. He would like to schedule it for a study session. The
Board agreed.
Discuss Scheduling a Lunch with Department Heads
Ms. Drake stated that the lunches for Town Hall and Public Works and the Department Heads
would like to schedule one. The Board had no objections.
Discuss Sustainability Planner
Mr. Engman reported that we got an offer from the Park Foundation for $40,000 to support a
planner through 2013. They didn’t totally reject the idea of helping to pay for a community
involvement process on West Hill for shurettes, but it is a very expensive proposition and they
felt it was premature because we didn’t know if we were doing it for sure. They also said that
$100,000 is a bit steep so we could probably get something but not at that level. He noted that
we have spent about $2,000 in actual support for the sustainability planner and if we are going to
get through 2013 we would have to invest the rest of our commitment of $20,000 to finish it up.
He added that the Town of Dryden did not feel their approach worked and they would change to
doing what we just did while ours would change and we would ask the planner to finish the
Community Action Plan but also do some work with the Planning staff and helping integrate
sustainability into the land use planning and resulting changes in zoning and local laws.
Ms. Leary asked about focusing on getting the Green Building Code off the ground and Mr.
Engman felt that would be included in the realm of responsibilities.
04 23 2012 TBS
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Mr. Engman would like to re-advertise the position and see what kind of response we got. The
Board had no objections.
Consider Consent Agenda Items
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2012-086: Consent Agenda
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or
adopts the following Consent Agenda items:
a.Town of Ithaca Abstract
thth
b.PULLED Approval of Minutes of March 26 and April 9
c.Appointment of Planning Board Member
d.Appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Member
MOVED: Tee-Ann Hunter SECONDED: Rich DePaolo
VOTE: Ayes: Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine, DePaolo
Motion passed unanimously
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -086a: Town of Ithaca Abstract
WHEREAS
, the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town
Board for approval of payment; and
WHEREAS
, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED
, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said
vouchers in total for the amounts indicated.
VOUCHER NOS. 2005 - 2072
General Fund Town wide 61,816.97
General Fund Part Town 7,796.73
Highway Fund Part Town 43,898.80
Water Fund 17,560.50
Sewer Fund 10,943.66
Snyder Hill Road Reconstruction 14,344.19
Forest Home Lighting District 57.27
Glenside Lighting District 22.74
Renwick Heights Lighting District 30.31
Eastwood Commons Lighting District 41.44
Clover Lane Lighting District 5.22
Winner’s Circle Lighting District 7.86
Burleigh Drive Lighting District 18.35
West Haven Road Lighting District 72.75
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 20 of 21
Coddington Road Lighting District 42.32
TOTAL 156,659.11
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2012-086c: APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD
MEMBER
WHEREAS, there is a vacant Planning Board member position; and
WHEREAS, an interview committee interviewed the individuals interested in the vacant
position;
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the governing Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints _Eric
VanderMaas_of_ 324 Forest Home Drive, Ithaca, New York, as a member to the Planning Board
to fill a term beginning April 23, 2012 and ending December 31, 2018, as this position is a six
year term appointment.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2012-086d: APPOINTMENT OF ZONING BOARD OF
APPEALS ALTERNATE MEMBER
WHEREAS, there is a vacant Zoning Board of Appeals alternate member position; and
WHEREAS, an interview committee interviewed the individuals interested in the vacant
position;
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the governing Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints _Yvonne
Fogarty of_ 238 Bundy Road, Ithaca, New York, as an Alternate member to the Zoning Board of
Appeals to fill a term beginning April 23, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012, as this position
is a one year term appointment.
Minutes of March 26, 2012
Minor changes approved. Bill Goodman moved, Rich DePaolo seconded. Unanimous
Minutes of April 9, 2012
Changes will be submitted and they will be up for approval in May.
Review of Correspondence
None
Adjournment
On a motion by Eric Levine, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Submitted by
04 23 2012 TBS
Page 21 of 21
Paulette Terwilliger
- \
5/4/2012Kif-ii..-Town of Ithaca Parks IKlBIand Trails Needs AssessmentConducted by Uie SUNY Cortlnnd Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department: Michael AiigustynEric BaconRaena BlumenthalAmber Busby-LuettgerJacob CalhoTjnDaniel CaphtoElijah CooperJames CunninghamRichard EspositoMay Fa u Ik fSean GibbonsHeather HillLaurynKaznowskiT3der MerrinmCaitlin PohlNicholas PrechelDana RobertsDaniel SchiavoKathryn WardKatherine WrykKendra Liddicoat ^Literature ReviewLiterature ReviewFive areas of the litoratin e were examined:• Demographics• Motivations• Constraints ^• Current Trends• Aquatic ThemesTown of Ithaca Demographics• Total population 19,930 in 2010• 25.7% between the age of 5 and 19• 16.7% between theageof2Qand24 lL• 31.3% between the age of 25 and 55• 22.3?^ over the age of 55• 79.9% of the population is Caucasian(U.S. Geitsus Bureau 2irj(l)
Literature ReviewAquatic Themes• While nssessiTig the rtxrreabfjnal netfcls tor theTown of Ithacaresidents, it is important to Imk.at aquatic themes. Stvimnimg andother aquatic activities are popular amongst a great number otpeople. UTiile these activities are enioynble, there are certain risksand reperoissions tiial accompany them (Kiiudman McLi-Uiin.. (CJrr ti J'ickcns, (lvIccJ',--.:!, .vini-ialunga. Mi.Tgai), _ ,:- Kohinsuri, .'.'Li:!:;.• Trends• The trends discussed for tliis ^dy include recreation and aquaticactivities, outdoor adventure education, sports facilities, and theTow-nof Yarmouth, MA, whidi has attributes similar to those ofIthaca, NY (IVoodwarJ. {Attarian, 2u02). f.-\gcnci- Spotlight.. : 2011). V ;;V ' .'vLL'MethodsSurvey DevelopmentLHcnUureRcviewConsulted with Rich DePaoki, 1 ee-Aiui Hunter andHerb Engman to develop, revise and review surveyFinal survey': 32 dose- and open-ended questions ;Submitted toSUNY Corlland IRB and grantedapprovalLiterature ReviewMotivations• It H-as concluded■diatdtizons holdparks and rcCTealion in.high iftlar^ard but are generally luluctant to take part iii thdr ■?management ('_riiS'jv-.• Also a trend tn healfliier lifestyles has more pe^iple visiting parksandtrailsforexeraseit.n'^b ,2" •»Constraints• Time was the biggest constraint for many people.• I,ack of available parks to visit• Overcrowding ;MethodsSamplingTarget popii]a(ion;!Town of lthackiresideiK«5Towmof tlhara randomly selected 1,070 re5ndence.s from a ,database containing4,000 residences, to receive a mail survey ^Serond mailing with a stamped return envelope and remindednoteReceived 3.36 usable surveys for analy.sis(respon.se rale = 34%)
Data Analysis•!;QuantiJatrve data"!• SPSS ' "Vf-S'SQualitative data• Categories and tiiemesTown of Ithaca MapKM9080z «0§ 50^ «;? «100A^e Groups• 321 Valid Responses:"- Ageranges50-S9and60-69 were highestrespondents• Lotvcsl ranges were 18-!^and 90+- Survey results are NOTan accuraterepresentation of thepopulation of the Town ;of IthacaACE
People Represented byAge Group18 and under 17%19 and over 83%5/4/2012What best describes your currentemployment status?toir i—tf'»M'ltwe «g><tw—ILength of Time Lived in Ithacaor Own?Nearly all respondents own their homes.
Areas of IthacaNortheast/Forest Home (and Cayuga Heights) were the stronglyrepresented in tin; Stiinple, but %ve recei% cd siir\'evs froju residents of all areas.• Study did not effectively capture views of students,young professionals, and families with children.• Respondents were predominantly long-timeresidente who owned their homes.o Have greater investment in the community,o Will likely continue to reside in the Town. :Jo Have insights based on yean? of experience withIthaca parks, trails, and recreation programs.How often do you visitTown of Ithaca parks?Season1 DailyWeeklyMonthlyNever ■'!Winter274576Spring398084Summer49■7168FaU368280
5/4/2012How often do you visitCity of Ithaca parks?Have you visited to City ofIthaca parks in the past yearWinterSpringSummer4Use of Town and City Facilities'requency of Visits to LocalState Parks and Forests• Residents visit parks liiostlTequently in fliesimmier.• Residents visit parks least frequently in thewinter.• Town parks and trail are visited frequently bymore people in all seasons tlian City parks.• Tlie majority of Town residents do visit Cityparks at some point during the year.Robert H. Treoun SUIe ParkTaughannock Falls State ParkBultmnilk Falls Stale ParkHammoiKl Hill Slate ForestAlas H. Tteman State Marine ParkShindagin Hollow State ForestDanby State ForestWatkinsGIen State ParkYellow Bam Slate ForestMyers PointConnecticut HillFinger Lakes TrailsHnger Lakes Forest Hector
^5/4/2012Use of College Recreation FacilitiesnUse of Ithaca City School FacilitiesT;V r*i r* r*t ••86.3% L:='ii.SHow are Town of IthacaParks and Trails Used?ParVTrailUaeTvpe •. Frequency •Walking259PicnickingsoBiking70Running54Winter Sports41Other40Commuting22Team Sports10Results: The three most frequent uses ofiiarks and trails in the Totvii ofWuica aretvalkiiig, picuicking, and bikitig. Walking was byfar the most frequently choscitresponse for use type, with 259 n-spomteiiis sailing they use the parksftrail forwalking. Riiimiiigcame in as a dose fourthfor frequency ofuse.Participation in an Ithaca YouthBureau Program within the last yearMost respondents had not used lYB programs.
5/4/2012Adequate Lake Access?If^33.2%Importance of New RecreationalFacility and Program OfferingsBuild new recreation facilities for spedBc 2.49 1.15activities (such as pools or tennis courts).Provide additional spaces for unstructured 3.06 131outdoor recreation (such as trails).Provide new programs for youth. 337 1.18Provide new programs for adults. 2.90 1.06Provide new programs for seniors. 3.06 1.14ron>iBifaiTOWiTiraImportance of New RecreationalFacility and Program OfferingsAdditional RecreationActivities DesiredWalking 1/Biking 11XC Skiing 6Hiking 5Bike Commuting 4Indoor Track 4Horseback Riding 3Bird Watching 2Walkingtrails, especially along lake.Used for rollerbladingas well.Groomed trails were also mentioned.Used for snowshoeing as wellIf better cortnection traUs existed andmore bike lanes were painted on road.For running and walkingduring winter.Traits specifically for diis acb'vity in anatural setting.Mostly alonga nature trail
'5/4/2012Additional RecreationActivities DesiredAdditional RecreationActivities DesiredWater Aciivides|[Acil*lrjr1 Numbrref PrapW{COftismK jCanoe/Kayak7• Better accewto Csyuge Uike.Sailing5• Better to Oyvg» Lake.General Boating2» w«»aifDcnentkned.General Swimming9• NethlAg spetUlc nwlkawlLake Swimming6• Nothing epecifk mmtlaneci.Pool Swimming6• Wllhowimltfiw separate ^omdiildceivIndoor Pool4• For vwimming during thewinter.hi ^Enough 8Tennis 7DogParic 4Park For Picnics 4Golf 4Programs For Children 3BasketballCourts 3Prof^ams and facllltiesaivsuindcnl lo meettheir needs.Improveand add courts, 1 oientinnofracquetball.Or dog acrommodatioiisalong walkingtrails.Especially for the senior population.1 indoordrivingrange.l outdoorcourse, 2outdoor driving ranges.Not sufficient programs in town or atschool.Neither indoor nor outdoor specified.Stocking fish in a pond.Desired Improvements in Parks,Recreation Facilities and TrailsImprovements on Parks,Recreation Facilities and TrailsIII• Residents in the Town ot' Ithaca seemed much moreconcerned with addingor connecting trails thantiiey did witli otherfacilides in Ithaca.• Residents also made it clear that they would like tosee better maintenance of trails and parks
5/4/2012Best Method for ReceivingInformationHow important are recreationand leisure to quality of life?During a typical week, how muchphysical activity do you get?Personal Benefits Gained from Visiting:Town of Ithaca Parks and TrailsCv't-e hcKtu*- Kn«(* o<)i«ug«to^»|CDCRecommended0«N>t| * tnml MO. nwM oOMi 4> t*u gat•«>*«•• >fThe second most popular answta- was being in nature and in= natural settings, these settings provide a serse ot relaxation andpeace.i'hc ll-jfoJ mi 'vin til > i, , i u n%wi:r dealt • ith Iti- b- ii ;l'jh-i.'f monU'l h'.-iiilh imd sexisi- (4 v.-iU-twing,The forth mcist common answer was being around people fromthe communit)'; whetiier tnends, family or meetmg new people."i! wiifi-i •• huge J;jfe-e>ia- r-' tuy i:<i- .iv.:! heuilh Aiv-i nuiai I ninn'cnuliiig jwi'h: '>u.v'hr ;;,i C'u-ndl, u-helhei u>oi!lt/i!r<-hukuih, Iliini-e tUiiV - ^iipi ifintilfcspiuitfihepiidi.""Exercise helps me to hc.sptntiially. vicrrfallif and pltysicallyhealth}/. Being in f/icwoei/sorejd on Cajpiga Lake is liken miniwimfiViH without Icmnnn town.''
5/4/2012Limitations to Participationrii-jImyT:;-TransportationPhysical/Mental HealthInaccessible FacilitiesNot Feeling Welcome •259. 12No One to Participate With 186 A 85Limitations to ParticipationContinuedLack of Information ,;133 11^LackofSkill ^Concerns About Safe^ 52Lack of Appropriate |ib^ ^^9 65Recreation^ FacilitiesDistance 491 - '175How much more; would you hewilling to pay in local taxes?tm ««f ll»#« mra»«ijn«s*Donating and VolunteeringMore rtisidents would beswillinj^to donate money to support localrecreation projects than tlioscwho would not Ix- willing todonate monev.More reslderi&would notK»wiiling to volunteer their time topick up garbage or perfonnmamtenancealong frails thanthosewho would bewilling.
I5B •— W«40u.n XtimiMTefStTctiply DiMf/cc l^ulral ARm? SlrtmplyDicaf^Ttf Artpp3.8S = Mean frnTiiqcinwr) ^Results: hi rvayonse to the publieheing asked iflln-y helievtil their recreation iitctU ivereiitingmct, ano;'nwliehifnsinaioritv<225tnspiuiiiriltliattliiyiigwnrstroi^lliaS'ee. Wien looking nl Ihtnumitaenageiofllsrtiiiln>el, U canIfSi'enilial theutvragen-sptui^irfallsIttireenagrreanilsironglui^rer.Conclusionsi hnii was cited as a common constraint toparticipation in recreation.• Matches literature.• Reinforces the importance of keeping parks and :trails open and offering programs at a variety' oftimes.• Lack of time may also have biased whoresporided to our survey.Respondents requested better maintenance ofparks and trails and some were willing tovolunteer to pick up trash.Conclusions andRecommendations-\ConclusionsResidents need better access to informa tiojiabout parks and trails. Some thanked us forIhe maj) and expressed surprise that the parksand trails existed.Most respondents preferred to accessinformation via the u'ebsite, a percentage thatwould likely be higher if more students,younger residents, or short-term residents hadresponded.
5/4/2012ConclusionsIthaca residents place a high value on recreation!Ithaca residents are active and many visit Townand Cit)' parks and trails weekly.Walking, biking, running, and picnicking werepopular activities and residents would like moretrails or more connected trails.Many respondents were willing to pay more intaxes or donate money for parks and trails.ConclusionsOverall, respondents are satisfied with theTown's current parks, trails and recreationprograms!RecommendationsRecommendationsTrads• Coimect• Biking & hiking optionsEncourage winter use, possibly through indoorprograms or facilitiesIncrease signage or education promoting acarry-in, carry^ut policy or improve trailmaintenance.Expand swimming & boating opportunities.Improve availability of informationIncrease youth programming or participationin current Ithaca Youth Bureau programs.
Miiinan.vV {"20(12]. iTcndsin ouickkv ad<.'cnluri.-«luciin'on./1we-/a;«>?iorf'W<if'orAWf.'OHon/<luUumiw. {.mjirn-iia-CR'sbvjl. (20(J8>. Parks ami rvvrcialioii:'nic-valna [irtipdsilK^n. P<jjfc;6: f<e».T^(7f(0H. 4i(10),fi2.Km?«lji)an.J-1—&Mi'Mlan,S. 1_ (20119;. J^uai'ssrfsrienct'-l''a'ied}x-;troanaRamCTt; practicesin reducmgsivimnung Kins—aiiascsfocis' bom Raiino, Wisconsin,-USA: Atiiiuticfu".ysf<i« H'MU Mwiisvi'iriil. •i2(2),1S7-I')6.doi;10.1080/14.6M9«1902k)74'i6McCnokJ. 3., .Aneralun}>d,S.S.. Moran, K. Kv & Robinson, E.£. /M09K Faklnga riskIK>iceptiona(>)'roacii loimpixivinglx'ach sivlmmingsalt'ty. liilemnticiallDiirmt^Bditmioni!Mcdidiw.Ort- H. D-, I'ickcns. J. B.. Hi. ("liow-i-Rtscf. i'. (21X).S). Public acc«vs in tjkcSuperior and aliribuic valuesoi proximaic rKin-shoicIincpriipciiy„/(innHi/»»/ iiirai I^hn Rc~ieanrli. 29(4). Olb-OiySidnis.S. C(2009). Leisuo'lime physical atUvity of park visitors: Retestingconsiraini modelsin adoption and malnlenanix-stages. Lxv.sHn' ^dciiccb, 3I(3),2R7-304.Town ol Yarmou ill Parks and Ri"crealion D<-parlmonl. (2011). P/(i1;s^rKcaw?/;iWi,-16{1), 8.U_S. Census Bureau. (201(1). Protile of general |)opulatlonand housingCharacteristics: 2010Icmographii' prolilo data. Retrieved fromhllp;//t'actfinder2.ct!nsiis.gov7l'.u'e»/tab!eservH'L"s/isf/pdges/prDductview.xhlnil?pid=DFC10_DP_DPDP] <:prodT\ [v=taWi'Wivuiward, Ik f PJyS). Whai's lini and why. (I'WS). l.ic. 2/« HI). 22.Assess the needs of college students andyounger residents, especially families.Study current lake use and accessibilitv.Assess Ithaca residents' social, cultural, andindoor recreation needs and preferences.