HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1987-10-05 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
October 5, 1987
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, held at the Town Offices at 126 East
Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, at 5:30 P.M. , on the 5th day of
October, 1987, there were:
• PRESENT: Noel Desch, Supervisor
Henry McPeak, Councilman
Shirley Raffensperger, Councilwoman
Marc Cramer, Councilman
Gloria Howell, Councilwoman
Patricia Leary, Councilwoman
ABSENT: Robert Bartholf, Councilman
ALSO PRESENT: Robert Flumerfelt, Town Engineer
John Barney, Town Attorney
Mary Call, Board of Representatives
Henry Theisen, Chamber of Coerce
Herbert D. Brewer, Chamber of
Commerce
Stuart Lewis, Chamber of Commerce
Richard L. Atkins, Atkins House Corp.
Bruce Brittain, Forest Home
Improvement Association
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Town Supervisor's Report
Parking on Shoulders of Coddinqton Road
Supervisor Desch stated that the Town had received a number of
communications about the hazards of joggers on Coddington Road as
well as traveling vehicles due to cars parking on the shoulders,
particularly near the Ithaca College entrance. "I would like to
consider ways to alleviate this problem by a no parking ban from
the City line to Rich Road. I believe with a little planning the
property owners and occupants have alternatives." It is critical
that we move forward next spring with a first phase of the South
Hill bikeway from Hudson Street to perhaps Northview.
NYS Dept. of Audit and Control - Audit of Bolton Point
Supervisor Desch noted that the State has colleted the audit of
Bolton Point and that he had met with the auditors. Their report
is expected to be forwarded to the Town in two to three months.
The comments were quite similar to the Town audit, nothing major.
Microphones
Supervisor Desch remarked that the staff had been struggling with
the recording system. He went on to say that the two microphones
had been sent back for repairs, we now have them back, but there
still is a problem picking up all the statements that should be
Town Board 2 October 5, 1987
considered for the minutes. Mike Ocello has come up with a
proposal to put a stand in the middle and then put three to five
microphones on it. The problem with that is the price, $2,400. It
is an issue that perhaps we need to go the next step with.
Town Engineer's Report
Town Engineer Robert Flumerfelt reported that on the Water and
Sewer Projects, Phase I contract was awarded to Vacri Construction
Corporation and that it was expected the contract would be signed
on the 8th. They should be able to get started about the third
week in October. We are currently staking out the manholes for the
sewer part of the project. We are preparing the plans for the next
phase. We hope to have that ready to go out to bid in early
• November and receive the bids in the latter part of November.
Hospital Access Road
The Town Engineer stated that the Hospital Access Road contract has
been made to the Hill Construction Company of Dundee. All the
parties involved in the project have committeed themselves to the
funds necessary. As soon as they sign the contract we should be
able to go ahead with this project.
Supervisor Desch noted that the Hospital has commi.tteed themselves,
in writing, to their $45,000.
Drainage Project
The Town Engineer stated that the drainage and paving project in
Roat, Orchard and Blackstone areas is about to start. A meeting
was held with the residents on September 22nd and our major
drainage improvements are centered around the Orchard and Roat
Street intersection with some minor development of swails and
replacement of worn out driveway culverts, then repaving of the
streets. Work should start there Tuesday.
Town Heating and Air Conditioning System
Town Engineer Flumerfelt reported that the consulting engineer on
the Town heating and air conditioning system renovation for parts
of this building, Bill Albern, reports that he will have his
specifications done by the end of the week so we will be able to
take bids on the replacement of these heating and air conditioning
units.
i
Cinder and Salt Spreader
The Town Engineer reported that bids have been taken on the salt
and cinder spreader, received bids from three companies. There
will be an item later on, recommending the award be made to Seneca
Supply.
Highway Facility Heating System
Town Engineer Flumerfelt noted that the heating contract work for
the Highway Facility is just about completed, start up is scheduled
for this Wednesday.
Councilman Cramer stated that the shoulders on Forest Home Drive
have been completed. The paving project on Salem Drive plus the
• shoulders and driveways have been done to Town specifications.
There are a few minor things. The Kay Street paving project is
complete with minor shoulder work completed today to the
satisfaction of the neighbors. He stated that he felt they were
ready to move onto the drainage problems, across the street. He
noted that the Highway Crew had done an excellent job and requested
the Board members drive the newly paved streets to see for
themselves.
Town Board 3 October 5, 1987
Building Inspector/Town Zoning Officer's Report
Building Inspector/Town Zoning Officer Andrew Frost distributed
copies of his draft Building Permit which he hopes to be able to
being using in the next twenty days when the new fee schedule
becomes effective. The packet included an instruction sheet, a
revised building permit application, a plot plan, a sample sketch a
comment sheet which will be revised, and canpensation insurance
information.
Town Planner's Report
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that in spite of the fact we had
a slight "lull" in August, as far as developer applications, it
does not seem to be getting any slower overall. There are a lot of
• applications for smaller projects caning in, people who want to get
started on their projects before winter. She went on to say that
one or two Codes & Ordinance Committee meetings have been held
since the last Town Board meeting. The Town Attorney and herself
have drafted sane draft amendments to clear up a few places, such
as front yard definitions, yard requirements and occupancy in
residence districts. Hopefully they will be meeting once or twice
a month. Some will be policy items. Paul Look has been assisting
her with base maps. Mr. Look, Eric Whitney and herself have met
with the staff at CLEARS who are still interested in devising a
geographic system on either US or MACK, using the Town as a pilot
project but trailoring it for specific municipal needs that we have
here.
REPORT OF COUNTY BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVE
Mary Call, County Board of Representatives reported that she would
like to quickly update the Board on the landfill search. It is
getting very close now. The Phase II report is in the hands of the
Committee and will be to the Board of Reps by the end of next week.
The Board will then begin to meet on this and it will became a
public document after the Board makes its decision. All of SEAR
requirements are underway. She went on to say that the piece that
was important to the Town was the piece on recycling. Recycling
will need to be, must be, a part of any solid waste management plan
that the County goes into. Probably what would happen is that they
would pick an entity like the Village of Cayuga Heights which has
its own collection and is a relatively small controlled population
and start with the Village or some other small municipality do
recycling on a small scale basis first. Eventually, it will
Probably be, if not mandated by the County, County wide, it will at
least be mandated to the extent you can.
Supervisor Desch asked Representative Call if it had been
determined that the County has satutory authority to do that?
Representative Call responded, we do not because we do not control
the flow of garbage which the City does and the Village does so
they can do this, they control the collection of garbage. She went
on to say that in regards to a large entity caning into the area
and buying a large track of land for a landfill, which would be an
interstate landfill as well as from other counties, we are
horrified by that and trying to figure out just exactly what they
are doing.
Councilman Cramer asked Representative Call if the Board had
received a resolution from the Village of Richford and the County
of Tioga regarding the SWI Proposal and the Village Board
resolution against the proposal?
County Representative Call responded yes and also there is an
Intercounty Committee consisting of herself and Frank Proto from
Town Board 4 October 5, 1987
this County and some Richford people and some Tioga County people
who will meet soon on this matter.
Councilman Cramer asked if the County Board had received any
response from DEC on the Landstram site and is there any pressure
the Town can place on behalf of the County?
Representative Call responded, if you have any connections,
anything will help. She went on to say that the County had
requested a deadline extension from the State. Region 7 has
apparently sent the application to Albany and it is somewhere in
Albany.
• BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked why the Town was supplementing the
Fire Contract?
Supervisor Desch replied, this is to make the total of the first
year contract. When we passed the budget last year we were unclear
where we would contract for fire protection, if you remember we put
$38,700 in other contracts, they money was there except for the
difference of $16,242. The final number was not determined until
after the first of the year.
RESOLUTION NO. 201
Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilwoman Howell,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the following budget amendments:
FIRE PROTECTION FUND
Transfer $38,700 from SF3410.493 Fire Protection Other Contracts
and $16,242.54 from Fire Protection Fund Balance to SF3410.491 Fire
Protection City of Ithaca Contract. Total of transfer $54,942.54.
HIGHWAY FUND
Appropriate $5,000 from Highway Fund Balance and transfer to
DB5130.460 Highway Fund Vehicle Maintenance.
GENERAL FUND TOWNWIDE
Transfer $500 from A1620.200 Town Hall Equipment to A1620.412 Town
Hall Maintenance.
Appropriate $2,000 from General Fund Townwide Fund Balance and
transfer to A1440.400 Engineer Contractual.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
RESPONSE TO AUDIT REPORT
Supervisor Desch presented to the Board the following response to
the State Audit report:
Overdrawn Appropriations
To prevent the occurrence of overdrawn appropriations, budget
amendments are presented to the Town Board for approval as
necessary throughout the year.
Town Board 5 October 5, 1987
Employee Retirement System Benefits
The Town of Ithaca Personnel Manual has been revised requiring that
all persons hired by the Town of Ithaca be given the opportunity to
join the New York State Retirement System. If membership is
optional and the employee declines membership a signed statement to
that effect is kept on file.
Department Approval of Claims
No invoices are paid without verbal approval of the department
head. In the future all vouchers will be signed by the cognizant
department head prior to payment rather than accepting verbal
approval.
Monthly Gas Allowance
• The Town's crossing guards are no longer give a gasoline allowance
but are reimbursed for mileage within their payment for services.
Civil Service Certification of Payrolls
The payrolls are certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the Town
in a timely manner. Tompkins County Personnel Office has not been
interested in certifying Town payrolls for many years. The Town
will confirm whether such is still the case.
Town Justice Court
The Justice Court administration has taken the necessary steps to
implement a monthly reconciliation of accounts and assure timely
payments to the proper jurisdictions and/or persons.
Supervisor Desch stated that action had already been taken on three
of the items before the State report had been received. No action
is necessary on the part of the Board.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT - EAST SHORE
DRIVE
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Planner if there was anything that
stands out in Part I that the Board should be directed to?
Town Planner Susan Beeners replied, as the proposal stands now, we
are looking at the proposed rezoning of the Bowman parcel which is
about 15,600 square feet for the Chamber's Tourist Information
Center and Visitors Convention Bureau. The Chamber request
described in their letter dated September 14, 1987, included other
similar non profit offices. The building is rather modest in size,
such that the other uses that might be possible there, is a
contingency for the future. The Environmental Assessment Part I
Points out sane interesting facts as shown on a diagram. Surface
coverage as proposed is not significantly different than what is
there presently. She went on to point out Item No. 11 in Part I,
that asks if the project would require relocation of any projects
with facilities, she stated that she has been told by members of
the Chamber that they have offered for salvage the existing
building.
Councilman McPeak questioned, they are expecting to move the
buildings fra . the site?
Town Planner Beeners responded, at this time it being proposed to
have them relocated for a worthy cause. She went on to say that,
there is sane concern by the Citizens to Save Stewart Park group as
far as the question as to whether the Chamber facility would
encroach into Stewart Park and also whether the parcel that the
Chamber would like to have rezoned to Special Land Use District is
too small. She stated that in her review she has tried to touch on
those concerns as well as general site feasibility. The City of
Town Board 6 October 5, 1987
Ithaca has endorced the granting of a license subject to final site
plan approval by the Board of Public Works. We have had in this
general area a number of changes that have been represented some
degree of intermunicipal cooperation, with the development of the
Youth Bureau and the annexation of certain lands to the City and
certain lands to the Town in this area. She stated that in this
area there is a great amount of public use lands and a great amount
of land that is devoted to transportation that adjoins this site to
the South and to the East. Rather than see this as a small
residential zone she saw it as instead as an addition to public
land use area, as a transitional area. To the North we have a
couple of run down properties that may not return to residential
development, then you have seasonal residences and land devoted to
sewage disposal, a marina and a considerable amount of vacant land.
The residences that are down there are half owner occupied and half
rental.
Supervisor Desch remarked that the Board was looking at a
conditional negative declaration, a conditional negative
declaration being based on the recommendation of A, B, C, D, E, and
F.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked the Town Planner to clarify for
her, this is a Special Land Use District, how large is it?
Town Planner Beeners responded about 15,600 square feet, about 1/3
of an acre.
Councilwoman Raffensperger questioned, all of which is to be used
by the Chamber?
Town Planner Beeners responded, by the Chamber and the visitors to
the Convention Center and Tourist Bureau.
Councilwoman Raffensperger remarked, period.
Town Planner Beeners responded period, but as she understood it
from the Chamber's proposal they would like to have other tourist
related non-profit offices as a future possibility. She stated
that the Chamber offices, Convention Center and Tourist Bureau is
what we are looking at for the current proposal.
Councilman Raffensperger noted that the Town Board had referred
this to the Planning Board, do we have a recommendation from the
Planning Board?
Town Planner Beeners responded, you don't as yet. The Planning
Board examined a sketch plan for the possible rezoning of the
adjacent Wells parcels in combination with the Chamber. The
Planning Board felt that at this time they would prefer only to
look at having the Chamber rezoned. They will be looking at it in
a public hearing Tuesday night. She stated that in the meantime
she had an inquiry from the landowner adjacent to the North as to
whether or not his land could be rezoned at the same time. You
will receive a formal resolution after they have their public
hearing. The Town Board as lead agency is the one who has to make
the environmental significance determination and if a conditional
negative determination is made a 30 day public comment period is
required prior to any further action on this Board's part. She
stated that since she has had the Chamber discussing this
development with her since about June, she felt it was best all
around to be a little more expedient in this and start the
conditional negative declaration public comment period at this time
because it would save a months time for the Chamber if this Board
is interested in the idea and also it would open up the proposal
for more public comment.
Town Board 7 October 5, 1987
Councilwoman Raffensperger replied that her concern was that the
Board is being asked to make a negative declaration of
environmental significance on a project on which the Town Board has
not had a public hearing and the Planning Board has not had a
public hearing. She stated that she was not opposed the project,
she was opposed to that kind of a sequence.
Supervisor Desch replied, that's why its called a conditional
negative declaration.
Councilwoman Raffensperger replied, usually a conditional one means
its conditional upon those conditions attached to the negative
declaration, not that we can change our minds, that our negative
declaration is conditional.
Town Attorney Barney responded, that is correct. On the
environmental aspect of it a conditional negative declaration you
do not have to have a public hearing. Its just an accident the way
the meetings came together this month, normally you meet the second
Monday and the Planning Board meets the first Tuesday and the
Planning Board would have met, and you would have had a full scale
recommendation for this Board next Monday. If we waited then this
would not have come to you before November and if you saw fit to
grant a conditional negative declaration action could not then be
taken until December because of the 30 day waiting period. The
Town Attorney went on to say that the Board was not obligated by
the finding of a negative declaration to take any action. The
actual action on the rezoning will cane after the Planning Board
approval or disapproval or recommendation, and after a full scale
public hearing on the rezoning.
Councilwoman Raffensperger remarked, we have had special meetings
before. She stated that she had a great deal of concern because
the negative declaration of environmental significance is a very
important phase in the decision making and to do without the
Planning Board recommendation, which we asked for, for any public
hearing, bothers her.
Supervisor Desch remarked, it doesn't mean that during the 30 day
comment period, if sufficient comment is made, that you can't
change that determination.
Town Attorney Barney replied, that is true. That the reason for
the 30 day comment period. If during the 30 day comment period
there are ccRunents that are made such that you look at it and say
wait a minute, we now have heard from people and they don't think
that a negative declaration is appropriate here, even a conditional
negative declaration, you can change that. There is no reason for
a 30 day comment period if you couldn't change it. You have three
choices with the environmental significant, one is the findings
that there is a possibility of a positive environmental
significance, the second is to say there is no environmental
significance period, and the third is to say there is possibly
environmental significance but the mitigating measures that are set
forth as conditions eliminate those environmental concerns or
reduce them to nonsignificance.
• RESOLUTION NO. 202
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Cramer,
WHEREAS:
1. This action is the Consideration of a Conditional Negative
Determination of Environmental Significance with respect to a
request for the rezoning of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.
Town Board 8 October 5, 1987
6-18-2-10, located at 904-906 East Shore Drive, from Residence
District R-15 to Special Land Use District (Limited Mixed Use) for
the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Visitors and Convention
Bureau, and Tourist Information Center.
2. This is an Unlisted action for which the Town of Ithaca Town
Board has been legislatively designated to act as lead agency for
environmental review. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, the City
of Ithaca, the Tompkins County Planning Department, and the New
York State Department of Transportation are involved agencies in
coordinated review.
3. The Town Planner has recommended that a conditional negative
determination of environmental significance be made by the Town
Board, and has recommended that such determination be filed and
that a thirty-day public comment period be held, pursuant to SEQRA.
THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board,
legislatively acting as Lead Agency in the environmental review of
the proposed Special Land Use District (Limited Mixed Use) for the
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Visitors and Convention
Bureau, and Tourist Information Center, make and hereby does make a
conditional negative determination of environmental significance
for such District, subject to the following conditions and
requirements:
a. Concurrence of potentially involved agencies as to the
designation of the Town Board as Lead Agency in the
environmental review of the proposed District, as such
agencies were notified on September 15, 1987 and were
requested to concur no later than October 15, 1987.
b. The filing of the conditional negative determination of
environmental significance pursuant to Part 617 of the
implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 (State
Environmental Quality Review Act) of the Environmental
Conservation Law, to include a 30-day public comment
period, prior to any final consideration of the proposed
rezoning by the Town Board.
C. The review by the Planning Board of the general site plan
and the consideration of a recommendation by the Planning
Board to the Town Board with respect to the requested
rezoning.
d. The granting of a license by the City of Ithaca to the
applicant for use of City lands for access and parking.
e. The requirement that no more than 10 employees will
occupy the premises at any one time.
f. The requirement that no activities will be conducted
between 10:30 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.
g. The requirement that no activities will be conducted
which will cause disturbing noise, odors, or glare to any
• adjacent landowners.
h. The compliance of the developer and all subsequent
landowners with all conditions and requirements that may
be set forth in any legislation rezoning the subject
property.
(Desch, McPeak, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye. Nays - none.
Abstaining - Raffensperger) .
Town Board 9 October 5, 1987
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT - EAST SHORE DRIVE
RESOLUTION NO. 203
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Cramer,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7:30 P.M., on November 11, 1987 to
consider the establishment of a Special Land Use District - East
Shore Drive.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
•
FALL CLEAN - UP DAY
RESOLUTION NO. 204
Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby sets the
date of November 2, 1987, as Fall Clean-up Day in the Town of
Ithaca.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS FOR WESTWOOD HILLS PROJBC<r
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Attorney if he had had a chance to
check over the covenants?
Town Attorney Barney replied that he had sent some comments over to
Mrs. Holmberg and that he could see some of his comments have been
incorporated into the latest draft.
Supervisor Desch asked if these were strictly comments or other
features?
Scott Reynor replied that the current draft is substantially the
same with the additions supplied by Mr. Barney on the definition of
a family and the enforcement by the Town of Ithaca and a few
modifications. Other than that, it is the same document the Town
Board has seen before.
Supervisor Desch questioned, you don't have the problem of dealing
with association lands, coRMn lands like you do with the other
project covenants, as there is no association.
Town Planner Beeners replied this is correct, there is no
association, no common lands. This is basically what the Planning
Board looked at except it incorporates the revisions that the Town
Attorney suggested.
• Supervisor Desch asked if the Planning Board had adopted a
resolution of recommendation, at this point?
Town Planner Beeners replied they did not, there was a presentation
and review. We have not really gotten to the formal
recommendation.
Town Board 10 October 5, 1987
Councilwoman Raffensperger remarked, we have seen so many of these
lately, with all kinds of nice names, why does this one not have a
rental provision in it?
Town Attorney Barney replied that the only reason we have not put
it in is that these are detached single family houses that don't
have the same kind of multiple residence potential that some of the
other clusters have. He stated that he did not suggest it in his
comments and he was not sure if the Board wanted it or not. They
are three lots attached like to a single driveway.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked how many units are covered by
this?
• Mr. Reynor replied, twenty-one. He stated that his feeling was
that if a professor purchased a home then went on sabatic leave for
a year, that person should not be prevented from renting.
Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that there were other proposals to
be considered tonight that have rental provisions, and she wondered
why there were not in this particular project.
Town Attorney Barney replied that this time it was a semi-rational
decision.
Mr. Reynor stated that their marketing rationale is for a more
traditional neighborhood that disfavors rentals.
Councilwoman Raffensperger questioned page 4, noting that when she
first read it she thought it meant any homeowner in the community
and the Town of Ithaca and it really means it can be enforced by
the Town of Ithaca too, right?
Town Attorney Barney remarked that it could be made more clear by
inserting the word "by" in two more places, "by any homeowner or by
-the Town of Ithaca".
Supervisor Desch remarked that it would be hard to market these for
rental with the restriction of three people.
Town Attorney Barney remarked that rental, in other covenants, does
Provide for a provision that no unit will be rented for more than
one year in any thirty-six month period or for no more than
twenty-one months in a five year period.
Councilwoman Leary asked why does the definition of a family have
no more than three unrelated persons living together as a household
unit, why can't you just leave it at three unrelated persons why do
you have to get into how they are living.
Town Attorney Barney replied that there was no particular reason,
that was the McMinn type language which we are trying to use.
Requiring the resemblance of a single family occupancy whether its
made up by the normal blood related, adopted type of family or by
three persons that are living together, the thought is that they
should live similar to the other in the sense that they have one
principal economic unit and that sort of thing.
Councilwoman Leary remarked that she really didn't agree with that.
She stated that she did not like getting into asking people how
they are living together or why they are living together.
Supervisor Desch asked if anyone had any thoughts about this
aspect?
Town Board 11 October 5, 1987
Town Attorney Barney asked Councilwoman Leary where she would draw
the line in terms of physical facilities that you would permit.
This is not designed so much to get to the intrapersonal
relationship so much as if you have a house which is a single
family house it's not three mini apartments.
Councilwoman Leary replied that she did not see where it talks
about physical layout.
Town Attorney Barney replied, single housekeeping unit, basically
one kitchen, one living roan without a hot plate or refrigerator in
every bedroom.
RESOLUTION NO. 205
• Motion by Councilwoman Howell; seconded by Councilman Cramer,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the Covenants for Westwood Hill Project as presented.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell, and Leary voting
Aye. Nays - none) .
BLACK OAK LANE COVENANTS, BY-LAWS AND RESTRICTIONS
Edward King, Attorney for the project, stated that he and John
Barney had had a long discussion this morning. He stated that he
had underlined all the changes that Town Attorney Barney had
suggested in his letter to the Board, dated 10/5/87.
Town Attorney Barney asked if the Board wanted to delegate to the
Town Attorney the authority to highlight the changes or did they
want him to continue, as before, line by line. He stated that he
could quickly summarize.
Supervisor Desch questioned page 26, Article 13, the last three
lines, he stated that he did not find any reference to Building
Permits in this section and this bothered him. It implies that
construction would have to be approved.
Town Attorney Barney replied that any action taken on the
Declaration is subject to matters of law, including construction,
it doesn't need to be specifically stated.
Town Attorney Barney continued saying that on page 35, he had
suggested that the definition of a family be included. Page 35
also includes some period of time as far as easements are
concerned. Page 36, the Town has the right but not the obligation
to enforce the Declaration has been inserted. The period of the
Declaration has been extended from twenty years to thirty years and
any material changes will be subject to Town approval. The right
to annex, on page 37, has been reduced to ten years. He went on to
say that this was about it, as far as what was not discussed by the
Board.
The Town Attorney remarked, going back to the items we have
discussed, almost all of them have been taken off with the
exception of three items. We still have the quorum requiring
presence of the Class B member. He stated that he was not quite so
concerned about this now as Mr. King had fixed it so that the Class
B member ceases to exist after five years from the date of the
Declaration.
Supervisor Desch asked if the wording of the management contract
had been changed, in the latest draft?
Town Board 12 October 5, 1987
Town Attorney Barney remarked that this was the third point. He
then noted on page 14 of the first draft, give the developer the
priviledge to maintain, among other things, model units, equipment,
all of that sort of thing related to construction on the common
area indefinately. He stated that he had originally suggested that
we should put sow sort of time limit on this. Mr. King feels five
years might be a little short, so he suggesting some new language
in a letter. He then asked Mr. King if he had received his letter.
Mr. King replied that he had seen Mr. Barney's letter and it still
disturbed him that you are effectively suggesting termination after
a certain period. This could prevent us fran going forward with
construction if the units south of the glen are not developed in
six years for economic reasons.
• Mr. Barney replied that his language did not do that, the language
he suggested related to phasing. He said that his language
provided that the rights would terminate within three years of the
completion of that phase. In effect we are saying you have three
years to continue operating but at the end of that three years your
equipment should be off of the phase.
Mr. King replied that the problem there is the way this is set up,
there are two phases that have no common land associated with them.
That would mean he would have to come and stand on land he wants to
develop, if his right to put anything on common land around it had
terminated. He went on to say that in looking at the thing it
occurred to him what we could do instead, suppose that if the five
years had elapsed since the completion of the last phase, so that
if he wishes to continue construction of another phase, he must
then give notice to the Homeowners Association and let them have a
public hearing. The problem is, is that the entire Phase I is the
entrance into the whole project.
Town Attorney Barney asked, how long should the people in Phase I
be subject to having a tractor right next door their house or a
model unit in their apartment building?
Mr. King inquired, why couldn't he maintain a model unit?
Town Attorney Barney replied, traffic. At sane point it should
end. The way it is drawn right now, he can construct forever and
he can put equipment on the property forever and he can have a
sales unit there forever.
Mr. King, speaking to the Town Attorney, stated that he saw his
language as just terminating his right to build, he has lost his
land and the value of it.
Town Attorney Barney replied, he is conveying it to someone else,
the Homeowners Association, and he is reserving the right to
continue to use it and of course, what is fair under those
circumstances.
Mr. King replied that he felt a public hearing would be sufficient.
. Town Attorney Barney replied, but that does not bind him.
Supervisor Desch asked if it would be possible to distinquish the
common areas that he would need to use from the common areas that
he would not need to use?
Mr. King replied that he could be limited to a reasonable use of a
reasonable small area, you could say that.
Town Board 13 October 5, 1987
Supervisor Desch remarked, you are talking about three phases. How
many units in each phase?
Mr. King replied there are five phases, four units in Phase I, four
units in Phase II, three in Phase III, three in Phase IV and five
in Phase VI. But with them goes all of Phase I land, everything to
the South back down behind the glen. That is a completed Phase and
if you say five years after that you can't use any common land for
anything, he could find himself in a bad situation. Phase IV has
very little land with it.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked what Phase IV was, open land?
Mr. King replied no, there are units on this also.
Supervisor Desch asked why would the developer need that access
except for ingress and egress to any of the common areas above the
line of those phases?
Mr. King replied that there might be situation where he would need
to store materials.
Supervisor Desch asked why, if he is doing Phase III it is natural
to store the material back where Phase VI is supposed to go.
Mr. King replied, but suppose he develops Phase V first and conveys
all that land.
Attorney Barney remarked, let the Homeowners Association make the
decision. The way this reads, he has the total control. If, in
his opinion, he decides to store material in front of my $100,000
condo, I should have some control.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked if it could be said that after a
certain period of time, that can be done only with the consent of a
majority of present homeowners.
Mr. King replied, there again you give perhaps a small number of
unit owners the right to say, this project is all through, buddy.
Town Attorney Barney replied no, it just says you can't put
equipment up on Phase I.
Mr. King stated, suppose you say Phase V is completed, so there is
no land left for common land. The Homeowners Association should
not have the right to just cut him off from further construction.
The shouldn't be able to say you just can't do it. That is why
that language is so strong, there have probably been cases where
the unit owners would rather have a small development and they say
thanks for all your land, now go away.
Supervisor Desch asked, is your big problem with common areas or
are you equally troubled with the description, maintain on his
units lots?
Town Attorney Barney responded, of course his unit lots are really
• the outside walls. It's the common areas, suppose you complete
Phases I and II these people buy in and made arrangement to have a
lawn and all of a sudden there is dirt and machinery surfacing
eight or nine years after they bought their unit. You kind of
expect it when you are buying into a new unit in a new area where
construction is going on, on a regular basis. He went on to say
that at some point you say that belongs to the Homeowners
Association and they get control over it, not the developer having
the privilege of using it indefinately.
Town Board 14 October 5, 1987
Supervisor Desch commented, with the exception of the last phase it
should be easy to build the other phase by containing the
construction material within the unit lots of that phase.
Mr. Barney added, or with the phase itself which includes more than
the unit lots. The only one that might be a problem is if he chose
to construct Phase VI and Phase III, then decided to do Phase IV he
would have a problem. But if we put this provision in and he knows
it is there it may effect a bit the way he does his project so that
he is not trespassing, in effect, on land that he has conveyed to
the Homeowners Association.
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Planner if there was any
restrictions on the phasing of the project and which one should
scome first?
Town Planner Beeners replied, no. Six has not received approval.
But there is no order or conditions on phases.
Supervisor Desch remarked that it seems reference to the common
areas outside of the particular phase should be removed.
Town Attorney Barney stated that his proposed language, which the
Board had not seen, was three years from the completion of the
phase or ten years from the date of the declaration.
Town Attorney Barney went on to say that there was one other area
where he and Mr. King had not agreed and that was the termination
of the management agreement. He stated that he had suggested that
we provide that if the manager or party to the management agreement
was either the developer or a person affiliated with the developer
that the agreement could be terminated by a two-thirds vote of the
residents without the manager or developer having a vote and that a
subsitute management agreement could be put into place by the same
vote. Mr. King thought about that and came back with a response
that said that for voting purposes on management agreements the
developer would have one vote per lot as opposed to his prior three
votes per lot. However, when you work that out coupled with the
two-thirds voting requirement it still means there has to be 13 lot
owners voting to terminate the management agreement before you can
terminate it because there are 19 lots and you need to have
two-thirds of them in favor of it. It would mean that the
developer would still have, technically, control until there were
only six lots remaining. I indicated that I was going to point
this out to the Board tonight and suggest that we go with the
language I had proposed. When the management agreement is with
someone affiliated with a Class B member, the vote on it will be
done without the Class B member voting.
Mr. King felt this would be okay with his client.
Supervisor Desch asked if the third hand-out incorporated all the
changes?
Town Attorney Barney replied that the third hand-out included all
the changes.
• Supervisor Desch went on to say that due to the fact we have one
unresolved area plus the need to review what we had handed out, he
asked the Town Attorney what he recommended.
Town Attorney Barney replied, that if Mr. King was willing to
accept his recommendation of three years. from the completion of a
phase, our ten year outside limit from filing the Declaration that
he would recommend that the Board approve it tonight. There is a
time problem on their part they need to get it approved because it
Town Board 15 October 5, 1987
is part of their Offering Documents which they have to submit to
the Attorney General.
Supervisor Desch asked, are you saying that once a phase is
started, any phase, that phase shall be completed in this
timeframe?
Town Attorney replied, no. What I'm saying is for purposes of
trespass on to a common area the developer can only trespass on the
common area of a finished phase for up to three years after the
completion of that phase. After that time he must put his
equipment and goods somewhere else, or for a period of ten years
from the date of the filing of the Declaration whichever is
• earlier.
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Attorney why he was being so
lenient with the three years?
Town Attorney Barney replied, in response to my argument with Mr.
King this morning.
Supervisor Desch replied, I shouldn't have asked you that way, is
three years the right number?
Town Attorney Barney replied, in looking at it from a buyers
standpoint, a buyer moves into a development they see people or
hear people hammering on the next door building and they see piles
of sand there for the concrete mixers and that sort of stuff and
it's not unreasonable to say you are going to have to live with
that for some period of time after you have bought into a new area,
but three years is probably long enough and at some point you
should be able to say at least it's going to move down to the next
area.
Mr. King remarked that he would like to suggest again that the word
terminate is too strong to use. Requiring him to get the
permission of the Association for storage on finished areas is more
reasonable as long as the language says such consent will not be
unreasonably withheld. He stated that he was afraid that in some
situations you just might be restricted from developing when
everybody knows what the plan was if he couldn't put up one more
unit because the Homeowners would say no to using land that he
needs to use to get the construction done. This is standard, how
could any project be assured completion without this kind of
language.
Town Attorney Barney replied that many of our projects sometimes
require completion and go one step beyond and require posting of
funds to insure completion, upfront. The Town Attorney then asked,
how about if we take my language and then add unless extended by
the consent Homeowners Association, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld?
Mr. King replied, let the developer tell them what he wants to
store where and let him get their consent which will not be
unreasonably withheld.
• Town Attorney Barney replied, it's more than just storage, that
paragraph covers a lot of things, the maintenance of a storage
office, the maintenance of a business office.
Supervisor Desch replied that it sounds like we need to look at
this more before we decide the wording. We need to know the period
that material will be laying around. He agreed there could be a
real problem for the people who bought early and want to be able to
see the pond and can't because of material laying around it.
Town Board 16 October 5, 1987
Mr. King replied that when you know there is going to be a building
put up there sometime and you know that it might be several years
down the road.
Supervisor Desch remarked that he was thinking of Eastwood Commons
as as example, there is a lot of discomfort on the part of the
people in Eastwood Commons about a building going up on Lot #33.
On the other hand, if you have a vacant lot that you don't own next
to you you always have the risk too.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked, didn't you just say you were
willing to have the time limit and to say that the developer must
present a plan to the Homeowners Association which they would
approve and may not unreasonably withhold?
Mr. King replied, if they wanted to put a derick in the pond they
could say no way. That's not unreasonable for them to say so.
Give them both an opportunity to talk it out and to adjust any
problems.
Councilwoman Howell remarked, the people who buy in that first
phase, they will see exactly what is going on from their phase and
know it will be going on for awhile. She went on to say that she
thought the Board could loosen up a bit but not too much. She
stated that she could understand what the Town Attorney was saying.
Mr. King replied that he thought the developer should give at least
15 days advance written notice to the Association detailing his
intent to resume construction and to store or rest materials and
equipment, etc., then if the Association so desires they can hold a
public hearing on the matter, the developer being required to
attend the meeting and explain what he proposes to do and at that
point the Association must approve.
Town Attorney Barney responded, may approve, and may not
unreasonably withhold their approval.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked if there was language in the
Declaration on the definition of a family?
Town Attorney Barney responded that there was language in his
letter this morning, he then asked Mr. King if it had been
incorporated into the document?
Mr. King replied no, not yet.
Town Attorney Barney asked if there was any problem in including
it?
Mr. King replied again, your definition of a family is one single
individual or others related by blood or marriage.
Town Attorney Barney replied that he had suggested two but may be
it should be three as these are more apartments than separate
detached homes but that's a decision for the Board.
Mr. King remarked, two or more persons related by blood or marriage
living together in a single housekeeping unit or a single person or
no more than two unrelated persons living in a single housekeeping
unit.
Councilwoman Howell asked how many bedrooms are there?
Mr. King replied some have three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Town Board 17 October 5, 1987
Supervisor Desch replied that it should be three according to the
scale of the units.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked if all the units had three
bedrooms?
Mr. King replied no, some have three and some have two.
Councilwoman Raffensperger replied that the two comes from
discussions we had a long time ago because if you have a two family
house you may have no more than three unrelated persons in two
units. So if you allow two in each then you are getting an average
of four for two units so you are slightly increasing it. This is
• where the number two came from a long time ago in some other
development.
Councilwoman Leary questioned, so you are saying average out two?
Supervisor Desch replied no, we need to decide either two or three.
Councilwoman Raffensperger said what she was saying was where it
came from. It relates back to what we have in the Zoning Ordinance
for a two family house.
Councilwoman Leary remarked, but this isn't a two family house.
Councilwoman Raffensperger responded no, it's a four family house
or a six family house.
Mr. King stated that he had suggested some language at the top of
page 5 of the first addendum, (page 35) this provision should not
be construed to limit occupancy by live-in care persons for sick,
elderly or infirmed owners.
Councilwoman Leary remarked, that's nice but you still are not
providing for the economic problem, the cost of these units and
since some of them have three bedrooms.
Councilwoman Raffensperger replied, if they have three bedrooms and
we said you could only have two unrelated persons, then with three
bedrooms they can go to the Board of Zoning Appeals and ask for a
variance.
Councilwoman Leary asked, why not say three people in a three
bedroom and two in a two bedroom, so people don't have to go the
Board of Zoning Appeals.
Town Attorney Barney asked if you could do this in an R-15 zone,
have a three bedroom apartment on one side and a three bedroom
apartment on the other side and then end up having that house
occupied with six unrelated persons?
Councilwoman Leary replied that she did not see any problem.
Town Attorney Barney replied that it was contrary to the Zoning
Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance does not permit that.
• Councilwoman Leary replied, but this isn't that, it isn't a two
family house.
Mr. King remarked that he did not expect too many young families
would be purchasing them at these kind of prices. You are going to
get elderly people and some of then are going to need help or
somebody living with them in dealing with the elderly we find more
and more want to stay in their home as long as they possibly can.
Many will stay home and burn the place down because of their
Town Board 18 October 5, 1987
infirmaties. He stated that he had seen many of them try to bring
younger people in to live with them to kind of help them out.
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that she had a little problem
with three because of the restrictions we have on two family houses
in the same zones in the Town.
Councilwoman Leary replied, that is why I said make it two in a two
bedroom unit and three in a three bedroom unit.
Mr. King stated that he could see an elderly couple and suddenly
there is only one and they need some help.
. Councilwoman Howell replied that's okay, nursing care is provided
for here.
Supervisor Desch asked Councilwoman Raffensperger if she was
comfortable with three unrelated persons in the case of a three
bedroom unit but not with a lower number of bedrooms?
Councilwoman Raffensperger replied that is right, not as an
average.
Supervisor Desch asked the Board what was their pleasure in terms
of the live-in assistance. He then asked Mr. King where the
wording was?
Mr. King replied, on page 5, "PROVIDED HOWEVER that this provision
shall not be construed to prvent or limit occupancy by live-in care
persons for sick, elderly, or inform Owners".
Town Attorney Barney remarked that he had difficulty with this.
You are allowing a variance to your Zoning Ordinance. Your Zoning
Ordinance specifies what you can do and in using Mr. King's
language in effect it is saying you can have the occupancy allowed
in the Zoning Ordinance plus you can have a live-in person if you
are old an infirmed. Our Zoning Ordinance makes no provision for
that and he was not sure the Board wanted to make an exception for
this particular project.
Supervisor Desch added, a person would need to come in for a
variance.
Mr. King remarked, suppose we just add some language that a
variance is possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 206
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilwoman Howell,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the Covenants, By-Laws and Restrictions for Black Oak Lane project
subject to the modifications proposed by the Town Attorney, and
FURTHER, subject to the inclusion of the definition of a family to
Provide for two unrelated persons in an apartment, except in the
• three bedroom apartments which will allow three unrelated person.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROPRIATION OF FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING
MONIES
Town Board 19 October 5, 1987
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider appropriation of Federal Revenue Sharing monies having
been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public
hearing.
Supervisor Desch stated that the reason this is being done, at this
time, is because the statutory period during which the money can be
spent is running out and, therefore, in order not to lose those
funds we must reallocate them to whatever we might choose to
reallocate them to.
Councilwoman Raffensperger asked if this, in fact, does not mean
that we are reducing our commitment to the Inlet Valley Park in the
future?
Supervisor Desch responded, this is correct.
As no one present wished to speak for or against the reallocation,
the Supervisor closed the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 207
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilwoman
Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the following proposed use of Federal Revenue Sharing
Funds:
Transfer $12,658 from B7140.402 Parks Construction for Inlet Valley
Park to B8020.400 Planning Contractual $3,658 for aerial photos and
B8020.200 Planning Equipment $9,000 for computer/word processing
equipment and programs.
Appropriate unexpended fund balance in Federal Revenue Sharing
which consists of accumulated interest plus small allocation
received in 1987 totaling $10,797.39 plus September interest as
follows:
A1990.400 General Fund Townwide Contingency $5,000 to reimburse
Contingency used for Unallocated Insurance.
A1450.200 General Fund Townwide Elections Equipment $2,500 for
voting machine.
A1670.200 General Fund Townwide Engineering Equipment for computer
equipment $3,297.39 plus September 1987 interest.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA
TRAFFIC CONTROL LAW TO ADD STOP SIGNS AT TWO INTERSECTIONS IN
FOREST HOME AND THE RELOCATION OF A YIELD SIGN AT
• PENNSYLVANIA/KENDALL AVENUE INTERSECTION
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Traffic Control
Law to add stop sings at two intersections in Forest Home and the
relocation of a yield sign at Pennsylvania/Kendall Avenue
intersection having been presented by the Town Clerk, the
Supervisor opened the public hearing.
Town Board 20 October 5, 1987
Supervisor Desch stated that it will be necessary to adjourn the
hearing on the matter of the stop signs, but asked Mr. Bruce
Brittain to share any comments he had received from the Forest Hume
Civic Association with the Board. Mr. Bruce Brittain replied,
basically that there are two intersection in Forest Home,
presently, that are dangerous intersections expecially for
pedestrian traffic. We thought that by adding stop signs it would
increase pedestrian safety and also add a little control to those
intersections. The proposal was well received by the Forest Hume
Improvement Association.
Mr. King asked if this involves a stop sign at the bottom of Judd
Falls Road where it comes into Forest Home Drive, do the cars
coning west having crossed the bridge and coning up to Judd Falls
Road, do they have to stop there?
Supervisor Desch replied yes, that would be a three-way stop.
Mr. King stated that he drove throught there quite often and his
impression was that that might cause quite a lot of confusion as to
who goes first.
Supervisor Desch remarked that there is also a problem with
stacking and who get across the bridge.
Mr. King felt that the people coning west should have the
right-of-way and those coning down Judd Falls Road would stop as
they always have and from Beebe Lake they would stop. So that you
have one with a clear right-of-way otherwise they will be standing
there looking at each other wondering who is going to go.
Supervisor Desch remarked that it was a problem for pedestrians if
you only have two out of three.
Town Engineer Flumerfelt added, plus having the impression that it
is an all-way stop intersection but this way one approach would
still have clear sailing through there so there would be a danger.
Councilwoman Howell remarked that the County had tried this on
Mitchell Street and Judd Falls Road and it didn't work.
As no one else wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public
hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 208
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwunan Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adjourn
the public hearing to consider a local law amending the Town of
Ithaca Traffic Control Law to add stop signs at two intersections
in Forest Hone and the relocation of a yield sign at
Pennsylvania/Kendall Avenue intersection until 8:00 P.M., on
November 16, 1987.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell, and Leary voting
• Aye. Nays - none) .
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
RESOLUTION NO. 209
Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilwoman
Raffensperger,
Town Board 21 October 5, 1987
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the September Financial Report.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
NEW FIRE STATIONS
Supervisor Desch remarked that there was not to much to tell the
Board except that the project is 100% over budget, in other words,
its a million two per station instead of $600,000. He stated that
he had a copy of Mr. Egners report which he gave to Councilwoman
Leary to take with her and then give to Councilwoman Howell who
pass it on. We have to reduce the budget, it may mean program cut
backs plus design cut backs. He asked the Board members for their
comments. Supervisor Desch felt that the original estimate
probably did not have a lot of creditability to it but on the other
hand spending $123 a square foot for fire station is out of line.
Councilwoman Howell remarked that we don't need anything fancy we
need something functional.
WATER ACCOUNT REFUNDS
Councilman McPeak asked if there was a time limit for hooking to
the sewer, as in the case of Mr. Duffy?
Supervisor Desch responded, until we formally adopt a resolution,
we can't take any action.
Councilwoman Howell stated that she felt it should be in the
Newsletter that that Town is going to start requiring people to
hook to the sewer where available.
RESOLUTION NO. 210
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Supervisor Desch,
WHEREAS, Gary Duffy, 340 Warren Road was charged for public water
on his September water bill, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Duffy is not connected to the public sewer,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize that a refund in the amount of $10.58 be
made to Gary Duffy, 340 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York, Account
Number 3661.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell, and Leary voting
Aye. Nays - none) .
RESOLUTION NO. 211
• Motion by Councilman Cramer: seconded by Councilwoman Howell,
WHEREAS, the June water bill of James R. Houck, 113 Clover Lane
showed a water bill, in the amount of $873.86 for the month of
June, and
WHEREAS, upon calling Bolton Point, the Houcks were told to call in
a new meter reading and a new bill would be issued, and
Town Board 22 October 5, 1987
WHEREAS, the Houcks did not receive a corrected bill and the
$873.86 was added to their September bill, making the bill $963.03,
and
WHEREAS, when the Houcks finally received a corrected bill, $7.12
penalty was added to the corrected bill,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize a refund of $7.12 be made to James R.
Houck, 113 Clover Lane, Ithaca, New York, Account Number S838.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
rACCEPTANCE OF BIDS ON MATERIAL SPREADER
RESOLUTION NO. 212
Motion by Councilman Cramer; secondec by Supervisor Desch,
WHEREAS, on September 29, 1987, three bids were received for a new
cinder/salt spreader ranging in amounts from $6,465 to $7,943, and
WHEREAS, Seneca Supply Corporation is the lowest bidder, in the
amount of $6,465, meeting all of the Town's specifications,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the bid of Seneca Supply
Corporation in the amount of $6,465 be accepted and that the order
for purchase of the spreader be placed immediately.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW ON IMPORTATION
OF SOLID WASTE
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Attorney if he had had a chance to
look at this, at all?
Town Attorney Barney replied that he had read the material that the
County provided. He stated that he had not looked into it in any
great detail, at this time.
RESOLUTION NO. 213
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:30 P.M., on November 16, 1987, to
consider a local law prohibiting the importation of solid into the
Town of Ithaca.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell, and Leary voting
Aye. Nays - none) .
•
PRESENTATION OF TOWN OF ITHACA TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR 1988
Supervisor Desch presented the following 1988 Budget message for
the Town of Ithaca:
The 1988 budget differs from previous years in a number of ways
with respect to the chart of accounts as well as program changes.
We have, for example, incorporated a portion of the sales tax into
Town Board 23 October 5, 1987
the part-town portion of the budget. We have also expended the
chart of accounts to enable us to better track certain
sub-accounts.
For ease of understanding I will try to explain the highlights of
both the revenue and expenditure changes.
Revenues
While the annual sales tax figure for the Town of Ithaca is about
$1,100,000, our first year will consist of only three quarterly
payments the first of which will come on May 1, 1988. If needed we
could retain the three quarters or $810,000 and issue a revenue
anticipation note to cover our cash needs until May.
• However, in my judgement it is better for Town taxpayers to
experience a transition over 2 - 3 years in the decrease in the
Town rate and the increase in the County rate rather than a far
more dramatic change in either rate. Therefore, the Town budget
identifies a need for $557,733 in sales tax revenue enabling us to
return at least $252,000 to the County. These numbers are based on
no increase over 1986 revenues which we know represent a safe
figure. The County in other words will get back perhaps 10 - 15%
more than the $252,000 by the end of 1988.
We have for a number of years very carefully looked at the
distribution of town-wide and part-town services. The 1988 budget
shifts portions or all of certain services to the part-town budget
since this is where we provide most of the service. The shift
involves the crossing guards, a portion of shared services and
unallocated insurance. The total amounts to about $80,000.
The required tax levy will, therefore, be substantially less for
town-wide and part-town taxes with the exception of the fire
protection district levy which reflects the increase relating to
the new fire contract with the City.
The only other significant revenue change is the increase in zoning
fees relating to the change in building permit fees.
Expenditures
In the town-wide budget the major increase is in the joint youth
project representing the extent to which I feel we should go with
the City in our negotiations. It reflects an increase of $8,000 or
10% in one year. At this stage of our negotiations it is not
apparent that the City can justify a higher figure. The increase
to $350,000 is not only outrageous but unfounded. It would add
$1/$1000 of assessed value by itself and represent a tax rate
increase of 76%! It may well mean that we will need to set up our
own program. The major decreases involve the transfer to part-town
of a portion of the unallocated insurance, the crossing guards and
a part of shared services to the extent that these services involve
activities outside the Village of Cayuga Heights.
In the part-town budget there are a number of personnel additions
namely an assistant town planner ($20,000) , an assistant building
inspector at half-time for one-half year ($10,000) , and
• engineering/planning/zoning clerk for one-half year at full-time
($6,000) and a parks maintenance person to start April 1st
($7,200) .
There will also be a project inspector but this probably will be on
a contract basis and charged directly to the water/sewer capital
project.
On the equipment side we have included an additional computer and
funds for the next phase of the copying machine replacement.
Town Board 24 October 5, 1987
The parks projects focus on the construction of the Gradview Park
($18,000) and a start on Deer Run and Woolf Lane parks. This is
less than the amount requested by staff but in my judgement is
representative of the work level that can be accomplished. Note
that the Inlet Valley project is not included. This does not mean
that there is no longer a commitment to the project, it means that
any activity is unlikely in 1988. Federal Revenue Sharing funds
committed for this purpose had to be reallocated in 1987 so we did
not lose them. If the situation changes, a budget amendment could
be made to appropriate funds from the part-town fund balance.
In the highway budget the major change is the continuing commitment
to roadway improvements. The 10 year plan for 1988 calls for
repaving of Winston Drive and Poole Road and resurfacing of
® Homestead Circle, Compton Road and Brandywine Drive.
The result of the East Ithaca Traffic Study will also tell us what
the specific needs are for Judd Falls Road and Caldwell Road.
These projects have been our top priority for three years and can
be accomplished in keeping with an overall plan for the area.
Approximately $35,000 is included for the Park Lane extension
project. The Town responsibility is the same as stated in the
past, the construction of the drainage and the hauling away of
excavated materials and hauling in of the gravel. The utility
company and the developer (Frandsen) will pay for the relocation of
the gas main.
In the fire protection budget the expense shown is in keeping with
the second year cost identified in the fire contract with the City.
The amount includes the necessary 5% downpayment on the Town share
of the cost of the new fire stations now required by local finance
law prior to financing of capital project.
The water and sewer funds reflect no change in the benefit
assessment rates particularly as they relate to the new water and
sewer project. The $10/unit increase will take place in 1989 after
the project is completed. The increased revenue reflects the
growth in usage in the system. The budget also includes the
necessary 5% downpayment required for the water and sewer
financing.
Tax Rates
The town-wide part of the budget reflects a 6.5% increase in the
rate for such services. The overall part-town decrease including
fire protection reflects a 12% decrease and overall for those
taxpayers outside the Village of Cayuga Heights there would be a 90
decrease if this budget is adopted.
Care should be taken that we not mislead Town taxpayers into
thinking that the bill they receive on January 1, 1988, which
includes Town and County taxes, will be lower. It will be higher
depending upon the amount of the County levy of which they will
experience nearly the full increment for the first time. This, as
we have said a number of times, is as it should be. The County
Board and not the Town Board should be called upon to defend its
own budget.
The Supervisor then went through the budget, page by page, pointing
out the changes that he spoke about in his budget message.
Supervisor Desch called the Board's attention to a letter from
Mayor Gutenberger, dated September 29, 1987 requesting another
Assistant Fire Chief position which was not included in the rooster
that was frozen as part of the six year fire agreement. They have
written to us stating that they would like us to include that our
1988 budget. Also, they would like to add the position of Account
Town Board 25 October 5, 1987
Clerk/Typist. The remainder of the letter talks about contractual
items that in essence are already contractual items and included in
the budget. He went on to say that in his own view, he could not
justify to the Board a recommendation that we agree to pay for our
share of the addition of these new people. We had many many months
of discussions about the support level that was required and both
City and Town, at that time, came to the conclusion that additional
personnel were not needed. Other than the question of the Training
Officer which is not covered in way of this, at this point.
Councilwcman Raffensperger asked if this Assistant Fire Chief is
the Training Officer?
• Supervisor Desch replied, no. Long term, this Assistant Fire Chief
will probably not be the Training Officer. The person filling the
fifth Assistant Fire Chief position will not be the training
officer. The feeling during the discussions was that there should
be a County role in the training of fire fighters in Tompkins
County. By approving this it doesn't particularly help our case.
Supervisor Desch went on to say that any changes the Board would
like to incorporate into the budget should be submitted by October
19th. If not, after this date the Tentative Budget will become the
Preliminary Budget.
BOLTON POINT TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR 1988
Supervisor Desch presented the following 1988 Budget Message for
the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission:
The coming year promises to be a very challenging one not only in
terms of monitoring our finances but also in providing services to
an "exploding" service area. I believe the decisions we have made
this year will go a long way in meeting the demands that these
challenges will place on our staff. In fact it is highly likely
that we will find 1988 a most enjoyable year.
Although the expense side of the budget is shown to be an increase
of 1,668,550.00/1,550,464 or 7.6%, it is very probable that the
revenue side will increase proportionately or perhaps slightly more
rapidly primarily because of some large users such as Lansing
Schools, Lansing State Girls School, Village of Lansing commercial
growth, i.e., motel, restaurants, etc. and very substantial
residential growth in the Town of Ithaca. Caution, however,
dictates that we monitor our first quarter cash flow carefully
before purchasing equipment items, particularly items over $500.
It is significant to note how little I have decreased the
department recommendations (i.e., $18,670) . This not only shows
that the requests in my judgement are both modest and defensible.
Some of the replacements that we have deferred can no longer wait.
Personnel
The cost of living and merit pool has been set at 6% at the
recommendation of the Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee
will then make specific salary improvement recommendations prior to
• final budget adoption. We have discussed the issues relating to
our employee salaries in relation to the market and in relation to
their level of responsibility. In 1988, I believe we should take
another close look at this whole arena in conjunction with
completion of work on the Personnel Manual.
The appropriations shown represent both a shift in the locations of
salary line items and the additions of people. Specifically, Ray
Thomas moves from Transmission/Distribution to Administration and
we have added the position of Distribution Meahanic Trainee. The
Town Board 26 October 5, 1987
personnel line item under administration also is increased to show
the full year of Gail Zabawsky and Pam O'Dell's salary.
Equipment
Both the Administration and Distribution Departments have asked for
new computer capability. I have not included the total request
since I believe further study will show that the requirements can
be met with a combined system or perhaps with Distribution gaining
use of the system now used for Utility Billing. There is also a
desire by the Town of Ithaca Engineering and Accounting Departments
to interface with Bolton Point.
The department requests for twelve sets of Westinghouse contacts
for the plant pump controls at $1,000/set. This is little doubt
• that some of these contacts will soon cause problems. However,
beyond the purchase of perhaps two sets of each of the two sizes, I
would like to investigate the feasibility of resilvering the points
at a far lower cost. This probably can be done at one of the
Cornell Research facilities providing we have an inventory of at
least one set of spares.
With regard to the leasing of Trucks, we need more time to see if
there is a way to achieve Fleet Status by pooling the rolling stock
of the five member municipalities. This could achieve major
savings to some, if not all, of the members.
Failing the development of a sound leasing plan, we have included
enough money to continue with the one truck per year replacement
program. This should suffice even though we are slightly behind
schedule since no truck purchases have been possible this year.
The growth in the system coupled with meter deficiency problems
uncovered by the start up of the new billing program dictate that
we continue the testing of large meters and the purchase of a
larger number of meters than have been possible in the past.
Contractual Expenses
Electricity costs are projected to increase 4% with the additonal
increment shown attributable to increased production of water.
Under Distribution the cost of electricity at the Snyder Hill Road
pump station is included per agreement a year ago since this will
become a pump station that serves more than one municipality now
that the Town of Dryden District is approved.
The Administration budget includes a change in the chart of
accounts to separate out the costs involved with Gail's operation
(.401 - .439) and Don's operation (.440 - .458) . This will enable
us to monitor the full cost of the various services each division
provides.
The one notable increase is in account .411 Printing and Postage.
This is primarily a separation out from Data Processing of the
meter read cards, bills, permit forms, etc.
Revenues
We gain $25,125 in debt reduction which is particularly helpful as
• it has been in the past. It is also a pleasure to report we have
made our 11th bond payment. It's nice to be on the down side of
the schedule. Also of significance is the fact that there is only
one more year when the debt reduction of about $25,000 does not
occur, namely 1990.
I am quite confident that the connection charge revenue will met
$80,000 (320 units) from the Lansing Districts. I am hopeful that
the rate of construction progress will continue and that this
revenue will benefit us early in the year. Similarly, but on a
Town Board 27 October 5, 1987
broader scale, I forsee a very major upturn in the consumption due
to remarkable high levels of growth in all sections of the economy
in our service area. The projections I cone up with for 1989 are
even higher from what we see at the Planning Board levels in all
five municipalities, i.e., :
Dryden - Monkey Run District (NYSEG immediate - Armory later)
Town of Lansing - Lucente District - Village Circle
Village of Lansing - Fisher property
Town of Ithaca - New water improvements plus several large
subdivision proposals.
These could easily add $150,000 in new revenue each year. Any 1988
cash flow problems should be short lived and, if necessary, revenue
anticipation notes could be issued to avoid a water rate increase.
Conclusions
As we look all around us both locally, nationally and
internationally we have reason to be very pleased and proud of the
service that we provide. Of the utmost importance is the
willingness of everyone associated with Bolton Point to deal head
on with problems that occur and to strive for perfection even
within sometimes rather limited resources.
The year ahead, we expect, will be another enjoyable chapter in
this venture that started as a seed in Walter Schwans' mind 17
years ago.
Supervisor Desch highlighted his budget message, remarking that
there was a chance that a rate increase might be necessary in 1988.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING LOCAL LAW N0. 1 OF
THE YEAR 1981, CHANGING THE REFERENCE FROM THE STATE FIRE
PREVENTION CODE TO THE NEW YORK STATE UNIFORM FIRE PREVENTION AND
BUILDING CODE, EXPANDING THE ENFORCEI= AND ADMINISTRATIVE
PROVISIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE STATE
OF NEW YORK UNDER THE UNIFORM FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODE AND
CHANGING VARIOUS DEFINITIONS AND REQUIRE,4ENTS RELATING TO
CONSTRUCTION UNDER SUCH LOCAL LAW
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider a local law amending Local Law No. 1 of the year 1981,
changing the reference from the State Fire Prevention Code to the
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, expanding
the enforcement and administrative provisions in accordance with
regulations prcanulgated by the State of New York under the Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code and changing various definitions
and requirements relating to construction under such local law
having been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the
public hearing.
Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that she had a question on
Section 7.2 which says that all other buildings, structures,
premises, and uses within the Town of Ithaca to which the Building
Code applies shall be periodically inspected. . . . . she noted that we
have never had before, periodic inspection of all buildings in the
Town so she was raising the question that if this is required, do
we have the staff to do it? If you say you are going to do it and
then don't, isn't there a liability in that?
Town Attorney Barney stated that he did not see a major liability
in that if it does not cone to terms. The regulations that we are
Town Board 28 October 5, 1987
working under stated that we should provide for periodic
inspections and the model ordinance provides for it at specific
intervals be it annually or bi-annually. We talked about it and
concluded because of our staffing situation it would be
inappropriate to say we are going to do this every year or every
two years, therefore, periodically seemed a safe term to use. He
went on to say that it does give the Building Inspector an
opportunity, if he suspects a problem.
RESOLUTION NO. 214
Motion by Councilwcman Raffensperger; seconded by Councilman
• McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby make a
negative determination of environmental significance pertaining to
a local law amending Local Law No. 1 of the year 1981.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
LOCAL LAW NO. 14 - 1987
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Cramer,
LOCAL LAW NO 14. - 1987
TO AMEND TOWN OF ITHACA LOCAL LAW NO. 1 FOR THE YEAR 1981 CHANGING
THE REFERENCE FROM THE STATE FIRE PREVENTION CODE TO THE NEW YORK
STATE UNIFORM FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODE AND AMENDING THE
ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Local Law No. 1 of the Town of Ithaca for the year 1981 entitled "A
Local Law to Adopt the New York State Fire Code" is hereby amended
as follows:
1. Section 1 of said local law is amended to read as follows:
"Section 1. livability.
This local law shall provide the basic method for
administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code (hereinafter referred to as
the "Building Code") in the Town of Ithaca, and shall
establish powers, duties, and responsibilities in connection
therewith."
2. Section 3 of said local law is amended to read as follows:
"Section 3. Administration.
The Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer
(hereinafter "Building Inspector") is hereby designated to
administer and enforce the Building Code within the Town of
Ithaca. In the event the Building Inspector is not available,
the Town Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca is authorized to
administer and enforce the Building Code and to issue permits
thereunder."
3. Section 5.1 is amended to read as follows:
"5.1 The Town Board may adopt rules and regulations for the
admininstration and enforcement of the Building Code. Such
rules and regulations shall not conflict with the Building
Code, this local law, or any other provision of law."
Town Board 29 October 5, 1987
4. A new Section 5.A. entitled "Building Permits" is added to
such local law to read as follows:
Section 5.A.1. Building Permits.
No person, firm, corporation, association or other
organization shall commence the erection, construction,
enlargement, alteration, improvement, repair, removal, or
demolition of any building or structure, nor install heating
equipment, without having applied for and obtained a Building
Permit from the Building Inspector. No permit shall'be
required under those circumstances set forth in the Town of
Ithaca Zoning Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as the
"Zoning Ordinance") under which no permit is required."
• 5.A.2. Applications for Building Permits may be obtained from
the Building Inspector. A completed application must be
delivered to the Building Inspector and must include:
(a) The signature of the applicant or authorized agent;
(b) A description of the site on which the proposed work
is to be done;
(c) A statement of the use or occupancy of all parts of
the land and of the proposed building or structure;
(d) A brief description of the proposed work;
(e) The estimated cost of the proposed work with
appropriate substantiation as may be required by the
Building Inspector;
(f) The full name and address of the owner and applicant
and, if either be a corporation, the names and
addresses of responsible officers;
(g) A set of plans and specifications for the proposed
work;
(h) A site plan showing the location of the proposed
work on the site and showing the property lines of
the site;
(i) The fee required pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance;
(j) A statement that the work shall be performed in
compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, the Building
Code, and other applicable state and local laws,
ordinances and regulations;
(k) Such other materials, information, or items as may
be reasonably required by the Building Inspector in
order to determine whether the proposed work will be
in compliance with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations, including the Zoning Ordinance, the
Building Code, and this local law.
• The Building Inspector may waive the requirement of plans and
specifications and may waive such of the other requirements in
those circumstances where the work to be done involves minor
alterations or where such required information is not
otherwise necessary.
5.A.3. At the option of the Building Inspector the Building
Inspector may require that the plans and specifications be
accompanied by a certification from a registered architect or
Town Board 30 October 5, 1987
licensed professional engineer of this state that such plans
and specifications comply with the applicable provisions of
the Building Code and all local ordinances and requirements.
5.A.4. The applicant shall notify the Building Inspector of
any changes in the informaltion contained in the application
during the period for which the permit is in effect. A permit
will be issued when the application has been determined to be
complete and when the proposed work is determined to conforom
to the requirements of the Building Code, the Zoning
Ordinance, and any other applicable laws, rules or
regulations. The authority conferred by such permit may be
limited by conditions, if any, contained therein.
• 5.A.5. All work performed pursuant to such permit shall be in
accordance with the information and representations made in
the application for a permit and there shall be no deviations
therefron without the prior approval of the Building
Inspector. Such approval may be withheld until sufficient
information is provided to the Building Inspector in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Building Inspector to
demonstrate that the proposed deviation is in compliance with
the Building Code, the Zoning Ordinance, this local law, and
all other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
5.A.6. A Building Permit, when issued, shall be prominently
displayed on the property or premises to which it pertains.
5.A.7. A Building Permit, once issued, may be suspended or
revoked if the Building Inspector or other appropriate officer
determines that the work to which it pertains is not
proceeding in conformance with the application, with the
Building Code, with The Zoning Ordinance, with any other law,
rule, regulation or ordinance, or with any condition attached
to such permit, or if there has been a misrepresentation or
falsification of a material fact in connection with the
application for the permit.
5.A.8. A Building Permit shall expire one year from the date
of issuance or upon the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy
(other than a temporary Certificate of Occupancy) , whichever
occurs first. The permit may, upon written request, be
renewed for successive one-year periods provided that (i)
the permit has not been revoked or suspended at the time the
application for renewal is made; (ii) the relevant
information in the application is up to date; (iii) a renewal
fee of the greater of $15.00 or 5% of the original Building
Permit fee. At the option of the Building Inspector, where
the work disclosed by the application may reasonably be
expected to take longer than one year, the Building Inspector
may issue an initial Building Permit for a term of greater
than one year, but in no event greater than three years, the
term to be length of time it would be reasonably anticipated
to complete the work set forth in the application."
5. There is added to such local law a new section to be Section
5.B. entitled "Building Construction Inspection" to read as
follows:
Section 5.B. Construction Inspections.
5.B.1. Work for which a Building Permit has been issued shall
be inspected for approval by the Building Inspector prior to
enclosing or covering any portion thereof and upon completion
of each stage of construction including but not limited to,
Town Board 31 October 5, 1987
building location, site preparation, excavation, foundation,
framing, superstructure, electrical, plumbing, heating, air
conditioning, fire protection and detection systems and exit
features. It shall be the responsibility of the owner,
applicant, or his agent, to inform the appropriate inspector
that the work is ready for inspection and to schedule such
inspection. To facilitate such inspection and to insure
compliance with appropriate zoning and building code
requirements, the Building Inspector may require submission at
the appropriate stage of documentation to substantiate such
compliance including, without limitation, the following items:
(a) As built survey maps by a locensed surveyor showing
• the location of the foundation relative to property
boundary lines and dimensions of the structure;
(b) Appropriate certifications from an engineer relative
to water, sewage, structural integrity, and such
other items as the Building Inspector may deem
reasonably appropriate certifying that the stated
items are in accordance with all applicable laws,
rules and regulations;
(c) Certificates from appropriate electrical inspection
agencies such as New York Board of Fire Underwriters
certifying that the electrical work is in compliance
with all applicable laws, codes, rules and
regulations.
5.B.2. The Building Inspector or his designee shall have the
power to order, in writing, the remedying of any condition
found to exist in, on, or about any building, structure or
premises in violation of the Building Code, the Zoning
Ordinance, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation,
and shall have the authority to state the time period within
which such condition mlust be remedied. Such orders may be
served upon the owner or his authorized agent personally or by
registered mail sent to the address set forth in the
application for any permit submitted to the Town of Ithaca or
to the owner's or agent's las known address. If such
condition is not remedied within the time set forth, among any
other remedies that may be available to the Town of Ithaca,
the Building Inspector or his designee may revoke the Building
Permit for such construction and no further construction shall
occur until a new permit has been issued.
5.B.3. The Building Inspector or his designee shall have the
right of entry, at all reasonable hours, to any building,
structure, or site where work or activity is contemplated or
being done under the provisions of this law, or to any
building or site alleged to be unsafe to life or health, upon
the exhibition of proper evidence of their position at the
Town. Interference with such authorized entry is an official
capacity shall be punishable as a violation of this local
law."
• 6. A new Section 5.C. entitled "Certificates of Occupancy" is
added to said local law reading as follows:
"Section 5.C. Certificate of Occupancy.
5.C.1. Except as set forth below in Paragraph 5.C.2., a
building or structure for which a Building Permit has been
issued shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part until
the Certificate of Occupancy shall have been issued by the
Building Inspector or such other person designated by the Town
of Ithaca. Such Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued
Town Board 32 October 5, 1987
when, after final inspection, it is determined that the
construction and other work has been completed in compliance
with the Building Code, the Zoning Ordinance, and other
applicable laws, rules and regulations.
5.C.2. A temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued by
the Building Inspector pending final completion of the work
provided the use or occupancy of the building shall not
present a danger to any person or property. Such temporary
certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will
protect the safety of the occupants and the public and may
also require a performance guarantee acceptable to the Town of
Ithaca Town Board that all improvements to be made by the
applicant in ccopliance with the Building Code, the Zoning
Ordinance, this local law, and other applicable laws, rules
and regulations, will be made. A tmeporary Certificate of
Occupancy, at the discretion of the Building Inspector, may be
renewed an indefinite number of times.
5.C.3. A Certificate of Occupancy may be issued for any
building or individual dwelling unit at any other time after
inspection thereof by request, determination of compliance and
payment of the prescribed fees."
7. The title to Section 6 - "Permits" is amended to read "Section
6. Use Permits."
8. Section 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and the first sentence of 6.4 are
amended to read as follows:
"6.1. Upon payment of the fee, as prescribed in the schedule
of fees adopted by the Town Board, Use'Permits shall be issued
by and bear the name and signature of the Building Inspector
and shall specify:
Activity or operation for which such permit is issued.
Address or location where activity or operation is to be
conducted.
Name and address of permittee.
Use Permit Number and date of issuance.
Period of Use Permit validity.
At the option of the Building Inspector a Use Permit may be
combined with a Building Permit if such ccmbination is appropriate.
6.2. Use Permit shall not be transferable and any change in
activity, operation, location, ownership, or use shall require
a new Use Permit.
6.3. Use Permit shall continue until revoked or for a period
of time designated at the time of issuance. An extension of
the Use Permit time period may be granted provided a
• satisfactory reason can be shown for failure to start or
complete the work or activity authorized within the required
time period.
6.4. Use Permits shall be obtained for the following."
9. Section 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 are amended to read as follows:
"6.5. Consolidated Use Permits. When more than one Use
Permit is required for the same property or premises, a sing
Town Board 33 October 5, 1987
Use Permit may be issued lising all materials or operations
covered. Revocation of a portion or portions of such
consolidated Use Permit, for specific hazardous materials or
operations, shall not invalidate the remainder.
6.6 Location of Use Permits. Use Permits shall be kept on
the property or premises covered by the Use Permit or carried
by the Use Permit holder.
6.7. Revocation of Use Permits. Use Permits may be suspended
or revoked when it is determined there is a violation of a
condition under which the Use Permit was issued, or there has
been misrepresentation or falsification of material facts in
• connection with the Use Permit application or a condition of
the Use Permit."
10. Section 7, "Inspection" is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 7. Fire Safety Inspections.
7.1 The Building Inspector shall conduct periodic inspections
of areas of public assembly as defined in Part 606 of Title 9
of the Official Compliation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of
the State of New York, or any successor part of said
regulations, at least once per year. Such inspections may be
made at any reasonable time.
7.2. All other buildings, structures, premises, and uses
within the Town of Ithaca to which the Building Code applies
shall be periodically inspected for compliance with the
provisions of the Building Code as they apply to fir
prevention and safety.
7.3. An inspection of a building or dwelling unit may be
performed at any other time upon (a) request of the owner or
authorized agent; (b) receipt of a written statement
specifying grounds upon which the subscriber believes a
violation of the Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, or other
law, rule or regulation exists, or (c) other reasonable and
reliable information that such violation exists.
7.4. If entrance to make an inspection is refused or cannot be
obtained the Building Inspector or his designee shall have the
right to make such inspections as are set forth above in this
local law or, in the alternative, may apply for a warrant to
make an inspection to any court of competent jurisdiction."
11. Sections 8.1 and 8.2 are amended by deleting the phrase "State
Fire Prevention Code" where it occurs in each of those sections and
inserting instead the words "Building Code."
12. Section 8.4 of said local law is amended to read as follows:
"8.4. Violation orders may be served by personal service, by
mailing by registered or certified mail sent to the address
set forth in the application for any permit submitted to the
Town or to the property address, or by posting a copy thereof
on the premises that are the subject of the notice of
violation and mailing a copy on the same day as posted,
enclosed in a prepaid wrapper, addressed to the last known
address of the owner as set forth in the Town of Ithaca
records, or if none, in the most recent tax roll available to
the Town of Ithaca.
13. Sections 9.1 and 9.2 are amended by deleting the words "State
Fire Prevention Code" where they appear and inserting instead the
words "Building Code."
Town Board 34 October 5, 1987
14. Section 12. "Review Board' is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"Section 12. Bariance and Review.
12.1 A request for a variance from the requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance shall be processed in accordancw with the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
12.2 A request for a variance from the provisions of the
Building Code and an appearl to review determination of or
failure to render a determination by the Building Inspector
based upon the Building Code shall be processed with the
appropriate Board of Review as provided in Title 19 of the New
• York Official Compliance of Codes, Rules and Regulations, Part
440, or any successor rules, regulations or statutes."
15. This local law shall take effect upon its filing with the
Secretary of State or twenty days after its adoption, whichever is
later.
Supervisor Desch called for a roll call vote.
Councilman Cramer, Voting Aye
Councilwoman Howell Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye
Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
Local Law No. 14 - 1987 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA
ZONING ORDINANCE DELETING EXEMPTION OF AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS FROM
THE ORDINANCE, EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF AN ALTERATION TO ANY
BUILDING, ADDING REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY,
AND INCORPORATING REFERENCES TO THE NEW YORK STATE UNIFORM FIRE
PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODE
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
deleting exemption of agricultural buildings from the Ordinance,
expanding the definition of an alteration to any building, adding
requirements to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, and
incorporating references to the New York State Uniform Fire
Prevention and Building Code having been presented by the Town
Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
As no one present wished to comment for or against the proposed
amendments, the Supervisor closed the public hearing.
LOCAL LAW NO. 15 - 1987
• Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilwoman
Raffensperger,
LOCAL LAW NO. 15 - 1987
TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE IN CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS AND
TO REFLECT THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW YORK UNIFORM FIRE PREVENTION AND
BUILDING CODE
Town Board 35 October 5, 1987
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as readopted, amended,
and revised effective February 26, 1968, and subsequently amended,
be further amended as follows:
1. Article XIV, Section 75, first paragraph is amended to read as
follows:
"Section 75. Permit to Build. No principal building or
accessory building, nor any other structure, including but not
limited to, tanks, power and pump stations, swimming pools,
and signs (except as permitted by the Town of Ithaca Sign
Law) , in any district shall be begun, erected, constructed,
enlarged, improved, renovated, repaired, or altered, without a
• permit to build issued by the person designated by the Town
Board, except that no building permit shall be required for
repairs, alterations, or renovations, to existing buildings
provided that the repairs, alterations, or renovations:
1. cost less than $10,000.00;
2. do not materially affect structural features of the
building;
3. do not affect fire safety features such as smoke
detectors, sprinklers, required fire separations and
exits;
4. do no involve the installation or extension of
electrical, plumbing, or heating systems; and
5. do not include the installation of solid fuel
burning heating applicances and associated chimneys
and flues.
No such permit shall be issued, except pursuant to written order of
the Board of Appeals, where the proposed construction, alteration
or use would be in violation of any provision of the Ordinance. No
such permit shall be issued, except pursuant to written order of
the appropriate authority granting variances where the proposed
construction, alteration or use would be in violation of any
Provision of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code or any successor statute.
2. Article XIV, Section 76, first paragraph, is amended to read
as follows:
"Section 76. Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of
Occupancy shall be required for all work for which a
building permit is required to be issued under this Ordinance
or under any other Ordinance or Local Law of the Town of
Ithaca or under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code or any successor statute. Further, a
Certificate of Occupancy shall be required for all buildings
which are converted from one general occupancy classification
to another and such classifications are defined in part 701 of
Title 9 of the Official Compliation of Codes, Rules and
. Regulations of the State of New York, or any successor rules
or regulations. The issuance of building permits and
Certificates of Occupancy shall be governed, in addition to
the requirements of this Ordinance, by the requirements of the
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any similar
or successor statutes, and in accordance with the requirements
of any laws, ordinances, rules or regulations of the Town of
Ithaca including, without limitation, Local Law No. 1 of the
year 1981 as the same has been subsequently amended.
Town Board 36 October 5, 1987
3. This local law shall take effect upon its filing with the
Secretary of State or twenty days after its adoption, whichever is
later.
Supervisor Desch called for a roll call vote.
Councilman Cramer Voting Aye
Councilwoman Howell Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye
• Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
Local Law No. 15 - 1987, was thereupon declared duly adopted.
NEWSLETTER
Supervisor Desch remarked that the only item missing from the
Newsletter was the requirement to hook up to the sewer. He went on
to say that in the case of hooking up to the sewer there are so few
and that we know who they are that we can write them letters.
Councilwoman Howell replied, we don't have to put it in the
Newsletter, just write them a letter so that they are aware of it.
RESOLUTION NO. 215
Motion by Councilwoman Howell; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the 28th Town of Ithaca Newsletter.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
COMPUTER ACQUISITION
Eric Whitney, Assistant Engineer remarked that after several
telephone calls, and being told that certain things can't be done,
he stated that he felt they had put together a package where they
could communicate with the old display writers and use their
printer.
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Planner to comment on the
Transportation Package.
Town Planner Susan Beeners replied that the Transportation Study is
being done to be on McIntosh, and that study will be available to
us in the Spring. Eric Whitney has talked about the possibility of
being able to have someone take the information from this MCZRANS
Study and reprogram it so it will be usable on the IBM, otherwise
we would need to look at getting a little MAC to run that program.
Supervisor Desch asked if this was included here?
Town Planner Beeners replied no, that is not included in here.
Councilman Cramer stated that he had no problem with the basic
configuration but that he did have a question for the Town
Attorney. He went on to ask, when you have a $13,000 budget,
Town Board 37 October 5, 1987
shouldn't this be advertised and submitted to all potential
venders?
Town Attorney Barney replied, unless you want to purchase each item
separately.
Eric Whitney remarked that the IBM convenience kits would be
through IBM, the Autocad would have to come through the only
Autocad representative in the area, and the two computers happen to
be a quote from the same vender as the Autocad is. There is no
clone 100% compatable with IBM software.
• RESOLUTION NO. 216
Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
WHEREAS, two additional computers and supporting software are
needed. The Engineering Department needs another unit for use in
field note reduction and computer-aided drafting and design. The
Town Planner needs a computer for word processing to take advantage
of planning software developed by Cornell University and Tompkins
County, and to aid in the development and updating of planning
maps, and
WHEREAS, the cost of meeting the above-noted needs is estimated as
follows:
1. Hardware for Engineering Department - $4,000
2. Hardware for Planning Department - $4,000
3. Software for Engineering Department - $3,000
4. Software for Planning Department - $1,000
5. Installation - $2,000
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca, to authorize purchase and installation of computers and
software as listed in the supplement to this Resolution.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO. 217
Motion by Councilman Cramer; seconded by Councilwoman Howell,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated October 5, 1987, in the following
accounts:
• General Fund - Town Wide... ... .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ...$ 37,035.24
General Fund - Outside Village... . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .$ 14,750.62
Water & Sewer Fund. . . . .. . . ...... .. ..... ........ . .$215,132.15
Highway Fund. . . . . .. ... ... . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . .. ... .$ 48,267.96
Lighting District Fund. ... . . . . . . . . .. .. . . ...... . . .$ 439.80
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell, and Leary voting
Aye. Nays - none) .
Town Board 38 October 5, 1987
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO. 218
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Cramer,
RESOLVED, that the Bolton Point Warrants dated October 5, 1987, in
the Operating Account are hereby approved, in the amount of
$59,299.21 after review and upon the recommendation of the Southern
Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, they are in order for
payment.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
• Nays - none) .
EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTION NO. 219
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adjourns
into executive session to discuss pending litigation.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Cramer, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
OPEN SESSION
RESOLUTION NO. 220
Motion by Councilwoman Howell; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
back into open session.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Crag, Howell and Leary voting Aye.
Nays - none) .
ADJOURZE NT
The meeting was duly adjourned.
Clerk
•