HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2013-04-08 Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, April 8, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
215 North Tioga Street,Ithaca, NY 14850
Minutes
Board Members Present: Herb Engman, Supervisor; Bill Goodman, Deputy Town Supervisor;
Pat Leary, Tee-Ann Hunter, Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, and Rod Howe
Staff Present: Susan Ritter, Director of Planning, Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement;
Mike Solvig, Director of Finance, Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Paulette
Terwilliger, Town Clerk and Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town
Agenda Item 1
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance—Mr. Engman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Agenda Item 2
Report of Tompkins County Legislature—None
Agenda Item 3
Report of Ithaca Common Council—None
Agenda Item 4
Persons to be Heard and Board Comments
Angela Meneto—Ms. Meneto noted that she lives on West Hill and talked about the
Comprehensive Plan stating that it has its reasonable points at its high levels,but the devil is in
the details and she has concerns about the traffic issues and the basic geography where you have
to go over an inlet to get anywhere and if expansion should happen, the impact on fire and
ambulance service and how they would respond through traffic. She also talked about elder
housing and stated that she works a lot with the elderly and Ithaca is not well situated for the
elderly. Seniors need access to pharmacies and groceries rather than a hospital. She added that
she has also written to Ms. Ritter and a few of the Board members.
Ms. Terwilliger noted that a resident, Tom Hohn, had submitted a letter to the Board this
afternoon and copies were in front of them. The letter will become part of the minutes as an
attachment.
Board Comments
Mr. Engman mentioned that he was saddened that the City of Ithaca decided to rebuild their
water plant instead of collaborating with Bolton Point for water because these types of
opportunities for intermunicipal cooperation only come around once a century. He felt there was
enough blame to go around between both Bolton Point and the City and their inability to agree
on a compromise to join Bolton Point There were some legitimate issues but others that he didn't
understand, such as a stated concern for redundancy because Cornell supplies the needed
redundancy and would continue to. Quite simply, it is much cheaper to produce water when you
have one water plant for 60K people instead of 2 water plants for 30K each. It is also much
easier to get clean water from the lake where a lot of the sediment has already been naturally
filtered as opposed to muddy water. The current budget for building their own plant is $37M and
those who have been through this before think it will be much closer to $40-$50M.
Agenda Item 5
5:30 p.m. Public Hearing Regarding a Request from Ithaca Beer for a Waiver or
Reduction in Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Fee
The public hearing was opened at 5:43p.m. There was no one wishing to address the Board and
the hearing was closed. Mr. Engman drew the Boards attention to the code governing the
request, the memo and recommendation from the Codes department and the draft resolution with
3 options.
Mr. DePaolo asked if Mr. Mitchell had sent any materials in with the request with his reasoning
and Mr. Goodman asked about the timing and reason for the dust control equipment and Mr.
Bates responded that he has not received any additional information from Mr. Mitchell and he
explained that different areas of the building came on-line with different iterations of the
Certificate of Occupancy and a different type of hammer mill was installed that created dust that
required mitigations according to code. The project has gone through many changes and in
design and installation and numerous inspections. Mr. Engman asked about the criteria
regarding whether the delay was self-created and Mr. Bates responded that with all of the
changes he has implemented from the original design and specifications, he felt the delay was
self-created.
Mr. DePaolo moved the option denying the request based on the lack of any evidence presented
that this is a hardship or due to any extenuating circumstance despite our personal feelings for
the project or the person. Mr. Goodman added that one of the criteria is significant financial
hardship and this does not seem significant and he probably should have come before the Board
in July and asked for a longer-term Certificate of Occupancy which we had the authority to issue
at that time but not retroactively.
TB Resolution No. 2013- 053: Deny Request From Ithaca Beer, LLC for a Waiver or
Reduction in Fee for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
Whereas a resolution was duly adopted by the Ithaca Town Board for a public hearing to be
held on April 8, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. regarding the request for a waiver of a Temporary Certificate
of Occupancy Fee pursuant to Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 125, Titled, Building Construction
and Fire Prevention, Sec. 125-7 B(9),(a) [2] [a-e],and(b) in order to refund the Ithaca Beer fee,
and
Whereas said public hearing was duly advertised and held on said date and time at the Town
Hall of the Town of Ithaca and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak
on behalf of or in opposition to the request for a reduction or waiver of fee;
TB 4/8/2013 pg 2
Now therefore be it
Resolved that the Ithaca Town Board does hereby find that the request does not meet the criteria
listed in the Code referenced above and therefore cannot grant a reduction or waiver of the fee
for issued Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pat Leary
Vote: Ayes—DePaolo, Leary, Engman, Goodman, Levine, Hunter and Howe
Agenda Item 6
5:30 Public Hearing Regarding a Proposed Water Improvement in the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County,New York,pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law,to be known as the
Town of Ithaca Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement
Ms. Brock has a change to Part 2, c 1 to add the definitive statement that traffic impacts are not
expected to be significant.
TB Resolution No. 2013-054: SEQR—Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement
Project
Whereas this action is the replacement of sections and relocation of the existing route to
increase efficiency known as the Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement Project and
Whereas this is an unlisted action for which the Town of Ithaca Town Board is acting in
an uncoordinated environmental review with respect to the project and
Whereas the Town Board, at a public hearing held on April 8, 2013 reviewed and
accepted as adequate the Environmental Assessment Form(EAF), Parts I and 11 for this action
submitted by the Town Engineer, along with other application materials;
Now therefore be it
Resolved: that the Town of Ithaca Town Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance, in this uncoordinated environmental review, in accordance with the
New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above referenced action as proposed
based on the information in the EAF Part I and for the reasons set forth in the EAT Part 11.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Tee Ann Hunter
Vote: Ayes—Howe, Hunter, Levine, Leary, DePaolo, Engman and Goodman
Public hearing was opened at 5:59 p.m. There was no one wishing to address the Board on this
topic and the hearing was closed.
TB 4/8/2013 pg 3
Adoption of Public Interest Order
Mr. Weber gave the history of the need for the project in the phasing that we are, noting that
there have been a number of breaks in the southern end of this line and we have broken it into
two phases to get the problems fixes and later to piggyback on the County's repair project to
save some money on this project.
TB Resolution No.2013 -055 : Adoption of a Public Interest Order for the Town of Ithaca
Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement
In the Matter of the proposed Water Improvement in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New
York,pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law,to be known as the Town of Ithaca Coddington
Road Water Main Water Improvement
Present: Herb Engman, Supervisor; Board Members Bill Goodman, Pat Leary, Eric Levine, Tee
Ann Hunter, Rich DePaolo and Rod Howe
Motion made by Bill Goodman, seconded by Rod Howe
WHEREAS, a plan, report and map, including an estimate of cost, have been duly
prepared in such manner and in such detail as has heretofore been determined by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, relating to the creation and
construction,pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town Law, of water system improvements to be
known and identified as the Town of Ithaca Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement,
and hereinafter also referred to as the "Improvement,"to provide such water Improvement
including extensions, to the present Town water improvement, such water system Improvement
to be constructed and owned by the Town of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, after said plan, report and map, including estimate of cost, were prepared by
a competent engineer, duly licensed by the state of New York, and filed in the office of the Town
Clerk, the said Town Board did, on March 11, 2013, duly adopt an Order reciting the proposed
Improvement, a description of the boundaries of the proposed benefited area, the maximum
amount proposed to be expended for the Improvement, the proposed method of apportioning the
costs of such Improvement, the proposed method of financing to be employed, the fact that a
plan, map and report describing the same are on file in the Town Clerk's office for public
inspection, and specifying that said Town Board shall meet at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga
Street, in Ithaca,New York, in said Town, on the 8th day of April, 2013 at 5:30 PM Prevailing
Time, for the purposes of conducting a public hearing on such proposal to provide said
Improvement, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, copies of said Order were duly published and posted according to law, and
said Town Board did, at the time and place specified in said Order, duly meet and consider such
proposal and held a public hearing in which it heard all persons interested in the subject thereof,
who appeared at such time and place, concerning the same, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board now desires to authorize the Improvement based on the
evidence offered at such time and place, and
TB 4/8/2013 pg 4
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on April 8, 2013, the Town Board determined
approval, construction and implementation of the Improvement, which is an Unlisted Action
pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, will not result in any
significant adverse environmental effects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board that it be and hereby is
determined as follows:
(1) The notice of hearing was published and posted as required by law and is otherwise
sufficient.
(2) That all of the property within the proposed benefited area is benefited by the
proposed Improvement.
(3) That all of the property benefited is included within the proposed benefited area.
(4) That the proposed method of apportioning the costs of the Improvement should not be
changed.
(5) It is in the public interest to authorize, establish, and make the Town of Ithaca
Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement as hereinafter described, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve, authorize and
establish the Town of Ithaca Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement in the area of the
Town described as follows and as more particularly shown and described in said plan, report and
map presently on file in the office of the Town Clerk: The proposed project will install 14,100
L.F. of new 8"water main on Coddington Road from Hudson Street, City/Town Line, to Burns
Road. This will result in the replacement of the existing water main and related ancillary
facilities. The project will be divided into two phases; Phase 1 will replace 9,640 L.F. from the
Northview Water Tank to Burns Road and Phase 2 will replace 4,460 L.F. from Hudson St. to
the Northview Water Tank. This work will be constructed in 2014 and 2015 prior to the
County's reconstruction of Coddington Road, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the area hereby determined to be benefited by said Town
of Ithaca Coddington Road Water Main Water Improvement is all of that portion of the Town
outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that all of the allocable costs of said Improvement shall be
borne wholly by property within the Town of Ithaca water improvement benefited area, being the
entire area of the Town outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum proposed to be expended by the Town of
Ithaca for the Improvement, including costs of rights of way, construction costs, legal fees and
other expenses, is $2,300,000, which shall be financed as follows: temporary financing under a
bond anticipation note, and upon maturity of the bond anticipation note, the issuance of serial
bonds of said Town of Ithaca to mature in annual installments over a period not to exceed 20
years, such bonds to be paid from assessments levied upon and collected from the several lots
and parcels of land in said Town of Ithaca water system benefited area which are deemed
benefited by said Improvement, so much upon and from each as shall be in just proportion to the
amount of the benefit which the Improvement shall confer upon the same, and be it
TB 4/8/2013 pg 5
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Order is subject to a permissive referendum in the
manner provided in Town Law Article 7 and Town Law Section 209-q, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, It is hereby determined that the estimated expense of the
aforesaid Improvement exceeds one-tenth of one per cent of the full valuation of the taxable real
property in the area of said Town outside of villages and, therefore, in accordance with the
provisions of subdivision 13(a) of Section 209-q of the Town Law, the permission of the State
Comptroller is required for such Improvement. The Town Clerk be and hereby is authorized and
directed to file a certified copy of this Order in the office of the State Department of Audit and
Control, at Albany,New York, together with an application in the form prescribed by said State
Comptroller for the approval of the State Comptroller to the providing of the aforesaid
Improvement, within 10 days after the adoption of this Order. The Town Supervisor be and
hereby is authorized and directed to execute said application on behalf of the Town, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to subdivision 6(d) of Section 209-q of the Town
Law, the Town Clerk is hereby directed and ordered to cause a certified copy of this Order to be
duly recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Tompkins within ten days of the receipt
of notification of the approval of the State Comptroller, which when so recorded, shall be
presumptive evidence of the regularity of the proceedings and action taken by the Town Board in
relation to the aforesaid Improvement
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll call,
which resulted as follows: Engman, aye; Goodman, aye; Hunter, aye; Howe, aye; Levine, aye;
Leary, aye; DePaolo, aye.
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Agenda Item 7
Consider Setting a Public Hearing Regarding a proposed Local Law Amending Chapter
230 of the Town of Ithaca Code, entitled "Streets and Sidewalks" to add an Article related
to Road Preservation
Ms. Hunter asked if this came out of a committee and Mr. Goodman responded that it has gone
through Public Works Committee. Ms. Hunter asked if this would allow for the widening of
roads at any point and Mr. Goodman responded that it would not, this would be to return the road
to its current configuration and rebuild to the Town's standards. If in some instance a request
was made to widen a road that question would have to come before the Town Board and is not
associated with this particular law; this law would not require us to allow that. Ms. Brock noted
that if a road-use agreement is used, that is subject to approval by the Town Board which would
be another opportunity for full board input and approval or denial.
Mr. Engman noted that this covers the Town for large projects that may not be in the Town itself,
but the Town gets a lot of traffic from the project as a through way to it. Mr. DePaolo had a
question on process, noting that the superintendent of highways is doing the negotiation and
crafting of an agreement and the Board comes in at the end and he asked about the thinking
TB 4/8/2013 pg 6
behind that. Ms. Brock noted that this was drafted along the County's version and she had added
approval of the Town Board and Mr. Weber added that he felt his role would be in the technical
aspects of the negotiations and agreement.
TB Resolution No. 2013- 056: Setting a Public Hearing Regarding a Local Law Amending
Chapter 230 of the Town of Ithaca Code, Entitled "Streets and Sidewalks" to add an
Article related to Road Preservation
Be it resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will hold a public hearing at the Town
Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca,New York on the 13th day of May, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. for the
purpose of providing full opportunity for citizen participation and input in the preparation of a
proposed local law amending the Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 230, entitled"Streets and
Sidewalks,"by adding a new Article related to Road Preservation.
Resolved, that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed local law may be
heard concerning the same; and it is further
Resolved, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca is hereby authorized and directed to
publish a notice of such public hearing in the Ithaca Journal and to post a copy of same on the
signboard of the Town of Ithaca.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes—Goodman, Howe, DePaolo, Engman, Leary, Levine and Hunter
Agenda Item 8
Discuss and Consider Authorization for Engineering Services Agreement for Engineering
Evaluation of Bar Screen and Biosolids Dewatering Equipment and other miscellaneous
improvements to the Influent Building
Ms. Brock noted that the contract is not in final form yet but if the Board was comfortable
authorizing the Supervisor to sign the contract subject to the approval of the Attorney for the
Town the resolution could be changed slightly to reflect that. The Board was in favor of those
changes to allow the process to move forward.
TB Resolution No. 2013 - 057: Authorization for Services Agreement for Engineering
Evaluation of Bar Screen and Biosolids Dewatering Equipment and other Miscellaneous
Improvements to the Influent Building at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
Whereas, Capital Project 416J - Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant for Various
Miscellaneous Plant Improvements was authorized by the Ithaca Town Board on May 12, 2008
for $1,504,950; and
TB 4/8/2013 pg 7
Whereas, $1,447,624.36 has been spent on Capital Project 416J, leaving an authorized balance
of$57,325.64; and
Whereas, to continue improvements to the influent building, Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility (IAWWTF) staff recommends evaluating equipment to replace the bar screen, to add a
leachate storage system and a biosolids dewatering system; and
Whereas, a professional services agreement to perform the evaluation for an amount not to
exceed$44,500 is being prepared; and
Whereas, the Special Joint Committee (SJC) recommended that the municipal owners enter into
a professional services contract with GHD Consulting Services, Inc at its March 13, 2013
meeting, contingent on attorney approval of the agreement, and on approval of all IAWWTF
owners; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board hereby approves an amount not to exceed $44,500 from
Capital Project 416J to fund the proposed agreement with GHD Consulting Services, Inc.; and
Further Resolved, that each owner's share of the cost according to each municipality's
percentage of ownership interest in IAWWTF is as follows:
Municipality Percentage Project Cost
City of Ithaca 57.14 $25,427.30
Town of Ithaca 40.88 18,191.60
Town of Dryden 1.98 881.10
$ 44,500.00
and
Further Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to
execute an agreement with GHD contingent upon approval by all IAWWTF owners and subject
to the approval of the Attorney for the Town.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes—Goodman, DePaolo, Leary, Levine, Engman, Howe and Hunter
Agenda Item 9
Consider Bond Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of$1,500,000 Joint Serial Bonds of the
Town of Ithaca, the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, and the Towns of Lansing
and Dryden, all in the County of Tompkins,New York, to Pay the Cost of Water System
Improvements for the Burdick Hill Road Tank Water Improvement Area
Ms. Hunter asked about the projections of the Town's bonding and Mr. Solvig stated that we are
in line with our projections and later this year, as part of the budget process and the Capital
Improvement Plan, we will be talking about how the calculations work out.
TB 4/8/2013 pg 8
TB Resolution No. 2013- 058: BOND RESOLUTION-In the Matter of the Proposed
Water System Improvements for the Town of Ithaca Burdick Hill Road Replacement Tank
Water Improvement Area,in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, pursuant
to Town Law and the Local Finance Law.
At a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New
York, held at the Town Hall, in Ithaca,New York, in said Town, on the 8th day of April, 2013,
at 5:30 o'clock P.M., Prevailing Time.
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Herb Engman and upon roll being called,
the following were
PRESENT: Supervisor Herb Engman
Councilperson Bill Goodman
Councilperson Rich DePaolo
Councilperson Rod Howe
Councilperson Tee-Ann Hunter
Councilperson Patricia Leary
Councilperson Eric Levine
ABSENT: None
Moved by Rod Howe, seconded by Pat Leary
BOND RESOLUTION DATED APRIL 8, 2013.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,500,000 JOINT
SERIAL BONDS OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA, THE VILLAGES OF
CAYUGA HEIGHTS AND LANSING, AND THE TOWNS OF LANSING
AND DRYDEN,ALL IN THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS,NEW YORK, TO
PAY THE COST OF WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOWN
OF ITHACA BURDICK HILL ROAD REPLACEMENT TANK WATER
IMPROVEMENT AREA.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, in
conjunction with the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, and the Towns of Lansing and
Dryden, has determined and agreed to participate in the provision of a joint water project for
construction of a new replacement water tank at Burdick Hill Road and to contract joint
indebtedness therefor in accordance with Section 15.00 of the Local Finance Law pursuant an
Agreement of Municipal Cooperation for Construction, Financing and Operation of an Inter-
Municipal Water Supply and Transmission System(the "Intermunicipal Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the capital project hereinafter described has been determined to be an Type
11 Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the
implementation of which as proposed, it has been determined will not result in any significant
environmental effects; and
TB 4/8/2013 pg 9
WHEREAS, all other conditions precedent to the financing of the capital project
hereinafter described, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing of such capital project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, if
the within resolution in substantially identical form is adopted, approved and made effective by
the other participants in the aforedescribed Intermunicipal Agreement as follows:
Section 1. For the specific object or purpose of paying the cost of water system
improvements within the Town of Ithaca Burdick Hill Road Replacement Tank Water
Improvement Area consisting of the construction of a new replacement water tank at Burdick
Hill Road, there are hereby authorized to be issued$1,500,000 joint serial bonds of the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, together with the Towns of Dryden and Lansing and the
Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, all of the County of Tompkins,New York,pursuant to
the provisions of Section 1 of Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of New York as
amended and of Title IA of the Local Finance Law.
Section 2. The maximum estimated cost of the water system improvements for the
Town of Ithaca Burdick Hill Road Replacement Tank Water Improvement Area is $1,500,000,
which improvements are hereby authorized at said cost, and the plan for the financing thereof is
by the issuance of the $1,500,000 joint serial bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond
resolution. The total amount of joint indebtedness to be contracted for said improvements is
$1,500,000 and the amount initially estimated to be allocated and apportioned to the Town of
Ithaca is $792,300.
Section 3. For the purposes of Section 15.10 of the Local Finance Law relating to the
allocation of joint indebtedness, the amount of joint indebtedness to be apportioned and allocated
to each of said Towns and Villages, shall be in the same proportion as the consumption of water
in each of the Towns of Dryden, Ithaca, and Lansing and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and
Lansing shall bear to the total consumption of water for the entire joint water distribution facility,
which is estimated to be, and for purposes of determining gross indebtedness of each of said
municipalities in their respective debt statements pursuant to Section 15.10 of the Local Finance
Law and therefore the amount to be allocated for the purpose of ascertaining each of the
respective municipalities' debt contracting powers, shall be as follows:
Dryden $ 57,450 3.83%
Ithaca $ 792,300 52.82%
Lansing (Town) $ 226,650 15.11%
Cayuga Heights $ 133,350 8.89%
Lansing (Village) $ 290,250 19.35%
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to be in conflict with or to supersede the provisions of
Section 5 of this resolution relating to the annual apportionment of the amount of principal and
interest on the bonds herein authorized to be issued as among said Towns and said Villages, nor
TB 4/8/2013 pg 10
the manner of collection and payment of the amounts of annual debt service provided to be
apportioned annually by said Section 5. The Supervisors of said Towns and the Treasurers of
said Villages are hereby authorized to act jointly to make application to the State Comptroller for
the allocation and apportionment of said joint indebtedness in accordance with the provisions of
this section and to perform all acts and furnish all information required in connection with such
application.
Section 4. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the
aforesaid specific object or purpose is forty years, pursuant to subdivision 1 of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. It is hereby further determined that the maximum
maturity of the serial bonds herein authorized will exceed five years.
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law and this section,' the
power to authorize the issuance of and to sell joint bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the
issuance and sale of the joint serial bonds herein authorized, including renewals thereof, is
hereby delegated to the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, the chief fiscal officer of said Town
acting on his own behalf and on behalf of the chief fiscal officers of the Towns of Dryden and
Lansing and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing. Such joint bond anticipation notes
shall be of such terms, form and contents and shall be sold by said Supervisor in such manner as
may be prescribed by a bond anticipation note certificate, as authorized by Section 30.00 of the
Local Finance Law; provided, however, that any bond anticipation notes so issued shall be the
joint indebtedness of said Towns and said Villages and shall be executed in the names of the
Town of Dryden, the Town of Ithaca, the Town of Lansing and the Village of Cayuga Heights
and the Village of Lansing, and shall be signed by the Supervisor of the Town of Dryden on
behalf of said Town and shall have affixed thereto the seal of the Town of Dryden, attested by
the Town Clerk of said Town; shall be signed by the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca on behalf
of said Town and shall have affixed thereto the seal of the Town of Ithaca, attested by the Town
Clerk of said Town; shall be signed by the Supervisor of the Town of Lansing on behalf of said
Town and shall have affixed thereto the seal of the Town of Lansing, attested by the Town Clerk
of said Town; shall be signed by the Treasurer of the Village of Cayuga Heights on behalf of said
Village and shall have affixed thereto the seal of the Village of Cayuga Heights, attested by the
Village Clerk of said Village, and shall be signed by the Treasurer of the Village of Lansing on
behalf of said Village and shall have affixed thereto the seal of the Village of Lansing, attested
by the Village Clerk of said Village. The chief fiscal officer of the Town of Ithaca to whom is
hereby delegated the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell such joint bond anticipation
notes, shall file an executed copy of each such bond anticipation note with the finance board of
each of the aforesaid municipalities prior to the issuance of the bond anticipation note or notes
authorized by such certificate.
Section 6. The faith and credit of said Town of Dryden, Tompkins County,
New York; said Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York; said Town of Lansing, Tompkins
County,New York; said Village of Lansing, Tompkins County,New York, and said Village of
Cayuga Heights, Tompkins County,New York, are hereby jointly pledged for the payment of the
principal of and interest on said joint bonds as the same become due and payable. The principal
of said joint bonds and the interest thereon shall be apportioned annually among said Towns and
said Villages in accordance with the Intermunicipal Agreement hereinabove referred to in the
recitals of this resolution, on the ratio which the consumption of water from the system in each of
TB 4/8/2013 pg 11
said municipalities bears to the full consumption from the entire inter-municipal water
distribution facility, such ratio to be annually determined in accordance with the aforesaid
Intermunicipal Agreement, the share of said principal and interest to be borne by the aforesaid
Towns, shall be annually assessed, levied and collected within said Towns as follows:
a) From the several lots and parcels of land in each of the Water District No. 1, and
Snyder Hill, Monkey Run, Hall Road, Turkey Hill and Royal Road Water
Districts of the Town of Dryden, in the manner provided by law.
b) From the several lots and parcels of land in the Town of Ithaca Burdick Hill Road
Replacement Tank Water Improvement Area newly created in proportion as
nearly as may be to the benefit which each lot or parcel of land therein will derive
therefrom.
C) From the several lots and parcels of land in the Consolidated Water District
(including Consolidated Water District Extensions#1 and#2), in the Town of
Lansing at the same time and in the same manner as other Town charges.
The Village of Cayuga Heights shall annually levy and collect a tax sufficient to pay the share of
said principal and interest to be borne by said Village, as the same may become due and payable,
and the Village of Lansing shall annually levy and collect a tax sufficient to pay the share of said
principal and interest to be borne by said Village, as the same may become due and payable.
If not paid from the aforesaid sources, all the taxable real property in said Town of
Dryden, and all the taxable real property in said Town of Ithaca, and all the taxable real property
in said Town of Lansing, and all the taxable real property in said Village of Cayuga Heights, and
all the taxable real property in said Village of Lansing shall be jointly subject to the levy of an ad
valorem tax, without limitation as to rate or amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest
on said bonds as the same become due and payable.
Section 7. The validity of such joint serial bonds and joint bond anticipation notes
may be contested only if-
1) Such joint bonds are authorized for an object or purpose for which said Towns
and said Villages are not authorized to expend money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of
this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or
proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the
date of publication, or
3) Such joint bonds are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 8. Upon the adoption of this resolution by each of the aforesaid Towns and
the aforesaid Villages, and the publication thereof with the notice provided for herein, the Clerks
of each such Town and each such Village shall file with the Clerk of each of the other Towns
and of the Villages a certified copy of this resolution and a printer's affidavit or affidavits, as the
case may be, of publication thereof with the required notice or notices, as the case may be.
Section 9. Pursuant to Section 15.00(m) of the Local Finance Law, the powers and
duties of advertising such joint bonds for sale, conducting the sale and awarding the bonds, are
TB 4/8/2013 pg 12
hereby delegated to the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, who on
his own behalf and on behalf of the chief fiscal officers of the Towns of Dryden and Lansing and
the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing shall advertise such bonds for sale, conduct the sale,
and award the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the interests of the aforesaid
Towns and Villages; provided, however, that in the exercise of these delegated powers, he shall
comply fully with the provisions of the Local Finance Law and any order or rule of the State
Comptroller applicable to the sale of municipal bonds. The receipt of said Supervisor shall be a
full acquittance to the purchaser of such bonds, who shall not be obliged to see to the application
of the purchase money. All other matters except as provided herein relating to the joint serial
bonds herein authorized including the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment
dates, within the limitations prescribed herein and the manner of execution of the same shall be
determined by the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca on behalf of the chief fiscal officers of the
Towns of Ithaca, Dryden and Lansing and the Villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights. Such
bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in Section 52.00 of the
Local Finance Law, and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals, in addition to
those required by Section 51.00 of the Local Finance Law, as said Supervisor shall determine
consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law. Such joint serial bonds shall be in fully
registered form and shall be signed in the name of each Town and Village by the manual
signature of each respective chief fiscal officer and a facsimile of the corporate seal of each
Town and Village shall be imprinted thereon and shall be attested by the manual signatures of
each respective Town or Village Clerk. It is hereby determined that it is to the financial
advantage of each of the Towns and Villages not to impose and collect from registered owners of
such joint serial bonds charges for mailing, shipping and insuring bonds transferred or exchanged
by the fiscal agent, and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00 of the Local
Finance Law, no such charges shall be so collected by the fiscal agent.
Section 10. Any obligation issued under authority of this resolution shall contain on its
face a recital in substantially the following form: "This obligation evidences the joint
indebtedness of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, the Town of Dryden,
Tompkins County,New York, the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County,New York, the Village
of Lansing, Tompkins County,New York, and the Village of Cayuga Heights, Tompkins
County,New York."
Section 11. Upon this resolution taking effect in and with respect to this Town, and the
adoption and taking effect of similar resolutions of the respective Town Boards and Village
Board of Trustees of the aforesaid Towns and Villages, the same shall be published in full in the
Ithaca Journal, the official newspaper, together with a notice of the Town Clerk in substantially
the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 12. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll
call, which resulted as follows:
Supervisor Herb Engman Voting Aye
Councilperson Bill Goodman Voting Aye
TB 4/8/2013 pg 13
Councilperson Rich DePaolo Voting Aye
Councilperson Rod Howe Voting Aye
Councilperson Tee-Ann Hunter Voting Aye
Councilperson Patricia Leary Voting Aye
Councilperson Eric Levine Voting Aye
The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Agenda Item 10
Consider Acceptance of Grant Award from NYS Dept. of Transportation for the Safe
Routes to School Grant for Speed Indicator Signs, PIN 375566
Mr. Weber noted where the indicators would be placed.
TB Resolution No. 2013- 059: Consider Acceptance of Grant Award From NYS
Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes To School Grant for Speed Indicator
Signs, Pin 375566
Whereas, the Town Board on September 10, 2012 authorized(TB Resolution No. 2012-170)
applying to New York State for funding through the Safe Routes to School grant program for the
purchase and installation of Speed Indicator Signs in the School Zone on Warren Road; and
Whereas, the NYS Department of Transportation has awarded the Town of Ithaca $42,000
towards the purchase and installation of Speed indicator signs; and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca's local match in funds would be up to $10,500, and monies have
been set aside in the 2013 the Town of Ithaca Budget, Account A 3310.200; and
Whereas, this project is a Type II Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental
Quality Review Act, because the Action constitutes "installation of traffic control devices on
existing streets, roads and highways" and thus approval and implementation of the project are
not subject to review under SEQRA;
Now therefore be it
Resolved, the Town of Ithaca accepts the funding awarded by NYS Department of
Transportation, and the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, is hereby authorized to enter into and
execute a grant agreement with the State that requires the Town to pay the expenses of the
project upfront, with the State reimbursing the Town in the amount of$42,000, and with the net
Town expenditures not to exceed$10,500.
Moved: Tee-Ann Hunter Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes—Hunter, DePaolo, Engman, Goodman, Howe, Leary and Levine
TB 4/8/2013 pg 14
Agenda Item 11
Consider Setting a Public Hearing Regarding the draft Comprehensive Plan dated
December 5, 2012 and for accepting public comments on the associated draft Scoping
Document dated March 19, 2013
TB Resolution No. 2013-060: Setting a Public Hearing for the Draft Comprehensive Plan,
dated December 5, 2012 and for accepting public comments on the associated Draft
Scoping Document dated March 19, 2013
Whereas, at a meeting held on January 28, 2013 the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan
Committee recommended to the Town Board the Draft Comprehensive Plan, dated December 5,
2012, which would replace the 1993 Comprehensive Plan; and
Whereas, the Town Board, at a meeting on February 25, 2013, determined that the adoption of
the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan may have a significant impact on the environment, in
accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, and authorized the
preparation of a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement; and
Whereas, at a meeting held on March 11, 2013 the Town Board reviewed a preliminary draft
Scoping Document that was prepared by staff and requested that staff make several
modifications and revise the preliminary draft for consideration at the March 25, 2013 Town
Board meeting; and
Whereas, at its meeting on March 25, 2013 the Town Board determined that the Draft Scoping
Document for the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan, dated March 19, 2013, was adequate to
proceed with the public scoping process;
Now therefore be it resolved:
That the Town Board will hold a Public Hearing at the Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca,
NY on April 22, 2013 at 6:30 P.M. for the purpose of hearing public comments on the 12/05/12
draft Comprehensive Plan to assure full opportunity for citizen participation in the preparation
of the proposed Plan. The Town Board will also accept public comment on the 3/19/13 Draft
Scoping Document at this meeting; and
Be it further resolved, that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed
amendments to the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan may be heard concerning the same; and
Be it further resolved, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca is hereby authorized and
directed to publish a notice of such public hearing in the Ithaca Journal published in the City of
Ithaca, Ithaca,New York, and to post a copy of same on the signboard of the Town of Ithaca,
said publication and posting to occur not less than ten days before the day designated above for
the public hearing.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes—DePaolo, Howe, Hunter, Levine, Leary, Engman and Goodman
TB 4/8/2013 pg 15
Agenda Item 12
Consider Authorization to Award Contract—Town Hall Parking Lot Renovations
TB Resolution No. 2013- 061 : Authorization to Award Contract for the Reconstruction of
the Town Hall Parking Lot Proiect
Whereas: On April 3, 2013, the Town Clerk received sealed bids for the Town of Ithaca
Reconstruction of Town Hall Parking Lot Project,which Project consists of the excavation and
removal of existing asphalt; placement of new road base and sub base; removal and replacement
of 2 drainage structures and stormwater pipe; installing conduit and electrical wire and replacing
3 existing roadway lighting fixtures and repointing of 1300 square feet of brick wall and
Whereas: The Director of Public Works has reviewed the bids and qualifications of the bidders
and has determined that Nelson& Streeter Construction Co. Inc, 70 Sagetown Road, Pine City,
NY 14871, is the lowest responsible bidder with its low bid of$120,101.00 for the total Project,
and
Whereas: At the October 15, 2012, Town Board meeting, the Town Board adopted a 2013
Ithaca Town Budget which included monies for the construction of improvements to the Town
Hall Parking Lot identifying the maximum amount of$250,000.00 to be expended by the Town
of Ithaca for this improvement, and
Whereas, at its regular meeting on April 8, 2013, the Town Board has determined approval,
construction and implementation of the Project are a Type II Action pursuant to the regulations
of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the
State Environmental Quality Review Act, because the Action constitutes "replacement,
rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site," and thus
approval, construction and implementation of the Project are not subject to review under
SEQRA;
Resolved: that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the award of the contract for
the Town of Ithaca Reconstruction of Town Hall Parking Lot Project to Nelson& Streeter
Construction Co. Inc, subject to final approval of the contract documents by the Town Engineer
and Attorney for the Town, and be it further
Resolved: that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute such contract upon such approval;
and be it further
Resolved: that the Director of Public Works is authorized to approve change orders to such
contract upon receipt of appropriate justification provided that the maximum amount of such
change orders shall not in the aggregate exceed $15,000.00 without prior authorization of this
Board, and provided further that the total Project cost, including the contract, engineering, legal
and other expenses, does not exceed the maximum authorized cost of the Project.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote Ayes—DePaolo, Levine, Hunter, Engman, Goodman, Howe and Leary
TB 4/8/2013 pg 16
Agenda Item 13
Discuss and Consider Authorization to send a Request for Proposals (RFP) out for an
Engineering Study of our Northeast Water System Improvements
Mr. Weber explained that he would like to ask for funds to have consultants come to us with
ideas on how to provide service in the Northeast because we have known issues with the supply
and he would like to get options in an open and transparent way so residents know we have
looked at all options and not simply arbitrarily decided on a course of action including
appropriate size and elevations to serve our customers. Mr. Engman thought it would be good to
have an independent evaluation. His estimate is that we need to raise the elevations 20-30 feet
and he this study would validate that conclusion in a transparent process. We have problems
with psi in different areas and we are not providing a good level of service. Mr. Weber added
that the estimate is $75K but they are hoping it would come in lower than that.
Ms. Hunter asked if we could do this work in-house and Mr. Weber responded that we could
although it is a manpower issue and there have been concerns in some areas and this process
would be transparent so residents knew we were not driving toward one outcome and not
considering different scenarios. This would be a request for proposals and would not commit the
Board to funding a study if it came in too high. Ms. Hunter asked if given that, there was a
reason we had to have the estimated amount in the resolution.
Mr. Goodman was concerned that this would set a precedent for other areas to request a study for
supply issues in their areas and Mr. Weber felt that it would not because other known areas with
issues are going to be much more involved and require infrastructure where this is a replacement
of tanks. He also felt there is a lack of work out there and he hopes some companies might do
the study to keep their staff busy.
Mr. Solvig noted that at this point we just want the Board to understand what we are doing
because there is no cost associated with sending out an RFP. Ms. Hunter made a friendly
amendment to the resolution taking out the amount simply authorizing the distribution of the
RFP.
TB Resolution No. 2013 - 062: Authorization to send a Request For Proposals out for an
En2ineerint! Study of our Northeast Water System Improvements
Whereas the Public Works Committee discussed the need for an engineering study of our
Northeast Water System Improvements and recommended referring same to the Town Board at
their February 12, 2013 meeting and
Whereas the Town Board has discussed and considered the need for said study at its April 8,
2013 meeting
Now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes sending out a Request
for Proposals for the Engineering Study.
TB 4/8/2013 pg 17
Moved: Tee Ann Hunter Seconded: Pat Leary
Vote: Ayes—Hunter, Leary, Howe, Levine, DePaolo, Engman, and Goodman
Agenda Item 14
Consider Recommendation to the County for Appointment to the Environmental
Management Council—Micic
TB Resolution No. 2013 - 063: Recommendation to Tompkins County Legislature for
Appointment to the Environmental Management Council—Vladimir Micic
Be it resolved,that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby recommends and
requests that the Tompkins County Legislature appoint Vladimir Micic for the term January 1,
2013 through December 31, 2014 to serve as a Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
Representative on the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes—Goodman, Howe, Engman, Hunter, Leary, Levine, and DePaolo
Agenda Item 15
Consider Appointment of Ethics Board Member—Stewart
This item was pulled because Ms. Stewart is Chair of the Democratic Committee. Ms. Brock
checked the Ethics Law and a member cannot hold the Chair of a political party.
Added—Consider Resolution of Support—Fair Housing Month—April 2013
Ms. Hunter made a friendly amendment that the reference to the "Board of Realtors"be removed
because we do not know about their support and our support should not be linked with theirs.
She added that we have removed the reference in the past.
TB Resolution No. 2013 - 064: Support for Fair Housing Month—April
Whereas this year marks the 45th anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fair Housing
Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which enunciates a national policy,
together with the New York State Humans Rights Law, of Fair Housing without regard to race,
color, creed, sex, disability, familial or marital status, national origin, age, blindness, hearing
impairment, sexual orientation, military status, use of a hearing service or guide dog, and
handicap, and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens; and
Whereas the Town of Ithaca is committed to highlighting the Fair Housing Law, Title
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, by continuing to address discrimination in our community,
to support programs that will educate the public about the right to equal housing opportunities,
TB 4/8/2013 pg 18
and to plan partnership efforts with other organizations to help assure every American of their
right to fair housing.
Now,therefore be it
Resolved that the Town of Ithaca does hereby resolve that April 2013, being Fair
Housing Month, begins a year-long commemoration of the U.S. Fair Housing Law in the Town
of Ithaca and urges all citizens to wholeheartedly recognize this celebration throughout the year.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Bill Goodman
Vote: Ayes—DePaolo, Goodman, Hunter, Levine, Engman, Howe and Leary
Agenda Item 16
Continue Review of the draft Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2
The review began with page 14. —Dan Tasman was present for questions and comments
Mr. DePaolo wanted to change some wording to encourage developers to contribute to the
connections for multi-modal transportation. He noted that we are always hoping that developers
would consider contributing to connections and this would make it clear. Ms. Leary disagreed
and felt that the fact that they are building housing is a contribution and Mr. DePaolo wanted it
stated that we prefer developers to consider the bigger picture; we can't require it, but this is the
time and the vehicle to state it clearly.
This segued into a larger discussion on whether these types of changes are word-smithing or a
review of the document. Board members who were not on the Comp Plan Comm and are not
sure a reference or explanation is somewhere else in the document need to ask if they are and
that is not word-smithing. Proposing specific changes would help keep everyone moving along
and bring clarity to the concept behind the change.
A major discussion for the Housing and Neighborhoods sections revolved around the definition
and use of the term"affordable housing" and the need to be clear that the focus is for
"affordable" in the sense that it is housing matched to income levels that is affordable to any
given income level. Someone earning $l OOK a year finds one price range affordable and
someone earning $150K finds another and so on. The largest need not being met is the slightly
over median income to moderately over median income. In some sections the word"project"
should also be removed because of the connotation that now carries.
Ms. Leary was concerned that the lady in the beginning of the meeting did not get that we are
also concerned about mixed uses and needs and aging in place which the Comp Plan members
thought was clear, then something needs to be added to make that come through.
There was a fairly lengthy discussion on wood burning as it relates to air quality and wording
was changed to consider all types of wood burning and consider enacting regulations.
TB 4/8/2013 pg 19
Discussion on the pest control and invasive species and the clarification that the section referred
to town-owned land and NR 6 F was removed regarding extracting water from Cayuga Lake and
substitute wording will be discussed at the next meeting.
Agenda Item 17
Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2013 - 065: Adopt Consent Agenda
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or
adopts the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Minutes of March 25, 2013
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Bolton Point Abstract
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes: Goodman, Howe, Levine, Leary, Engman, Hunter and DePaolo
TB Resolution 2013—065a: Approval of Minutes of March 25, 2013
WHEREAS,the draft minutes of the March 25, 2013 meeting of the Town Board have
been submitted for review and approval;
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board hereby approves the submitted minutes,
with changes, as the final minute of the March 25, 2013 of the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes: Goodman, Howe, Levine, Leary, Engman, Hunter and DePaolo
TB Resolution No. 2013 -065b: Town of Ithaca Abstract
WHEREAS, the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town
Board for approval of payment; and
WHEREAS, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said
vouchers in total for the amounts indicated.
TB 4/8/2013 pg 20
VOUCHER NOS. 3546 - 3587
General Fund Town wide 22,138.62
General Fund Part Town 8,689.32
Highway Fund Part Town 3,601.34
Water Fund 10,448.66
Sewer Fund 320,940.20
Forest Home Lighting District 159.46
Glenside Lighting District 42.82
Renwick Heights Lighting District 61.18
Eastwood Commons Lighting District 146.10
Clover Lane Lighting District 17.23
Winner's Circle Lighting District 57.41
Burleigh Drive Lighting District 58.41
West Haven Road Lighting District 176.99
Coddington Road Lighting District 105.50
TOTAL 366,643.24
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes: Goodman, Howe, Levine, Leary, Engman, Hunter and DePaolo
TB Resolution No. 2013-065c; Bolton Point Abstract -r - ^ ^
WHEREAS, the following numbered vouchers for the Southern Cayuga I^ke \
Intermunicipal Water Commission have been presented to the governing Town Boardibf .. ..
approval of payment; and
WHEREAS, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said
vouchers.
Voucher Numbers:
Check Numbers:
1613-1662
14492-14541
Burdick Hill Tanks Project
N. Trip Rd T-main Project
Operating Fund
TOTAL
Less Prepaid
TOTAL
Moved: Bill Goodman
23,079.28
0
39.691.12
$ 62,770.40
$ 5,370.37
$ 57,400.03
Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes: Goodman, Howe, Levine, Leary, Engman, Hunter and DePaolo
TB 4/8/2013 pg21
Agenda Item 18
Report of Town Officials
Conservation Board is holding a public meeting regarding the South West Glen Conservation
Area on May at 7pm for public information
Social Mixer at Ithaca Beer for Staff and Officials
Review of Correspondence
Ms. Hunter asked about the IC President's appraisal and Mr. Engman responded that he did
attend and it was interesting but confidential but he thought it was overall positive with some
suggestions on how they could interface more with the community.
Meeting was adjourned upon motion and a second at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully^bmitted by
Paulette Terwilliger
TB 4/8/2013 pg22
Hello, My name is Tom Hohn. I live on Hayts Road, which happens to be on West Hill,
about a half mile from the hospital. Across our street is some of the best farmland in
Tompkins County. We have lived on Hayts Road for 4.5 years now, and in that short time
have noticed a large increase in traffic. We also petitioned the state to reduce the speed
from 55 to 45, but were rejected. There have been several accidents on Hayts Road,
including a near miss with my 5 year old daughter because of a blind spot, of which there
are several. I sincerely feel that if Hayts Road had been this crowded 5 years ago when
we began building, we would not have chosen to build there.
From Monday through Friday, I drive my two children to downtown Ithaca to catch the
bus to school in the morning. We either drive down Hayts Road or take Bundy Road to
catch 96. Most mornings there is a long wait to make that right hand turn onto 96. And
there are times when the line of cars looks endless, so I take a chance and cut in quickly,
much to the annoyance of the car I cut off. As we proceed down 96, the line of cars from
the octopus is almost always backed up to Incodema, a factory about a third of a mile
from 13. There are times when the line is backed up to Vinegar Hill Road.
Over the years, we have had to become more creative in our route to dovmtown Ithaca.
We often take Vinegar Hill Road to 79, then down to 13. We have more and more often
taken a right turn out our driveway, gone left on Sheffield Road which takes us all the
way to Bostwick Road, then left down the hill, right on 13A, left at 13, then right on Sand
Bank Road, follow that a few miles and left on West King Road, then two or three miles
to school! This way takes a half hour, but anything to avoid the traffic on 96.
The one glaring omission in the Comprehensive Plan is how to address the traffic, which
will certainly increase dramatically. Our road will see an even bigger increase, and as
there are only two roads (96 and 79) which feed downtown from West Hill, I can
understand why the Comprehensive Plan chose not to include a traffic assessment plan; it
is next to impossible to adequately provide any other source of access to Ithaca.
The suggestions the Town has considered, such as building nodes or noduals in each
newly established development where residents can shop, or assuming those in a certain
development will not drive to Ithaca, but utilize local services should not be taken
seriously as they do not work, which can be seen in countless failed developments around
the country. One of the board members actually said that we would get used it. Although
we have been living on Hayts Road for almost 5 years now, we still have not "gotten used
to it."
I know some sort of development is inevitable in West Hill. However, it needs to be done
intelligently, sensitively, and responsibly, with a strong commitment to maintain a sense
of community. For this reason, I strongly support the Minority Report. If development
were to take place according to the Comprehensive Plan, and if we were looking to build
or buy a place in West Hill, the traffic would prevent us from doing so.
RECEiVED
APR OS20i3
TOWN OF ITHACA
TOWN CLERK
Planning Department Report
For Januarv/Februarv/March 2013
Submitted to the Ithaca Town Board for April 8,2013 meeting
PLANNING BOARD
Town of Ithaca Salt Barn. 106 Seven Mile Drive - received preliminary and final site plan approval for a
new salt storage shed at the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility. The proposal includes demolishing
the existing salt storage building {24' high with an 800 ton capacity) and adjacent shed and replacing
them in the same location with a new larger salt storage shed (40' high with a 2,000 ton capacity).
Hawk's Nest at Sor/nawood Apartment. 123 King Road East (Multiple Residence Zone) - sketch plan
proposal for a 3-story, 49 two-bedroom, apartment building to be located on the east side of the
existing Springwood Townhomes. The project also proposes to include a three-bedroom maintenance
manager apartment, on-site manager/concierge office, library, common living rooms, club space,
outdoor recreational community area, walking trails, and 62 new parking spaces.
Petrlllose 2-/ot subdivision. 103 Wiedmaier Court (Medium Density Residential Zone) - received
preliminary and final subdivision approval to subdivide the existing undeveloped 38,470 -f/- square foot
lot into two lots (approx. 23,410 sq. ft. and 15,060 sq. ft.) for construction of two new two-unit
residential buildings.
Rubin 2-iot subdivision. Troy Road (across from 136 Troy Road) - received preliminary and final
subdivision approval to subdivide off a 6 +/- acre parcel from the northern end of the existing 68 +/• acre
undeveloped property.
Holochuek 2'lot subdivision. Trumansburg Road - received preliminary and final subdivision approval to
subdivide off a 0.443 +/- acre parcel from the Holochuek Homes property and consolidate it with the
adjacent parcel owned by the Seventh Day Adventists Church (1219 Trumansburg Road).
Herttaae Park Townhomes 3-lot subdivision (129 and 135 Kendall Avenue) - received preliminary and
final approval to subdivide off a portion of land from the east side of 129 Kendall Avenue and from the
west side of 135 Kendall Avenue, which will then be consolidated to create a new 9,356 +/- square foot
lot between them.
Carroll Subdivision modlfleatlon (651 and 655 Five Mile Drive) - request was adjourned until additional
information couid be provided. The request involved moving several lot lines to create a 0.747 +/- acre
lot containing the existing house at 655 Five Mile Drive, a 0.689 +/- acre lot containing the existing house
at 615 Five Mile Drive, and a 3.824 +/- acre lot containing the existing cell tower.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
The Comprehensive Pian Committee concluded their work, foilowing the Committee-sponsored public
hearing on the draft Plan on January 28*^ and submitted the draft Comprehensive Plan to the Town
Board for consideration. The Board is now reviewing the draft Plan and conducting the necessary steps
for the State Environmental Quality Review. At their meeting on February 25^, the Board established
itseif as the Lead Agency, discussed and compieted the SEQR Long Environmental Assessment Form, and
determined that the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan may have significant impact on the
environment and authorized the preparation of a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement. At
their meeting on March 11^ the Town Board reviewed a preliminary draft Scoping Document prepared
1
by staff and requested that staff make a number of modifications. A revised draft was prepared and at
the March 25*'^ meeting the Town Board determined that the document was adequate to proceed with
the pubiic scoping process. The Board tentatively scheduled a public hearing on the Comprehensive
Plan and agreed to include acceptance of public comments on the draft Scoping Document during that
hearing. The pubiic hearing was tentatively scheduled for April 22"*^; to be formally scheduled at the
Board's April 8^ meeting.
PLANNING COMMIHEE
The Planning Committee, at its January meeting, reviewed and requested revisions to the draft Scenic
Resources Inventory and Analysis report. The revisions included modifications for clarity/accuracy and
grammatical corrections, as well as the replacement of several photos to reflect current conditions (i.e.
photos of S. Hill with Ithaca College Athletic and Events Center). The Committee recommended that the
report be forwarded to the Town Board at their next available meeting, subsequent to staff
incorporating the revisions.
At the February meeting, the Committee met with representatives involved with the County-sponsored
housing proposal for the Biggs property. Representatives attending included P. Christopher Dirr from
The NRP Group, John Spence from Better Housing for Tompkins County, and Ed Marx from T. County
Planning Department. The representatives provided a presentation describing three alternative
development scenarios, each Involved a different number of units with different offerings. Each of the
alternatives involved a conversion to home ownership for the rental units, with two of the alternatives
being income qualified rentals only (30% AMI to 90% AMI) and the third option offering rentals and
some homeownership. The Committee made no recommendation and suggested that the presentation
be reported to the Town Board at the next meeting.
CODES AND ORDINANCE COMMIHEE
The Committee discussed revisions to the Town Code pertaining to Rules and Regulation for Clustered
Subdivisions. Planning staff had recommended a number of revisions after identifying several problems
with the law, including inconsistencies with the intent of ciustering, discrepancies with other zoning
requirements, as well as some outdated aspects. The Committee agreed to work immediately on the
simpler changes to the law, but to leave the more complex changes until the Committee has completed
revisions to the Sign Law. The agreed upon changes to the duster regulations included eliminating
requirements that certain buiiding structures/appendages be detailed on the subdivision piat (i.e.
chimneys, iightning rods, radio and television antennas, etc); eliminate restrictions on the occupancy of
unrelated persons (refer to zoning regulation restrictions instead); eliminate height requirements (refer
to zoning regulations instead); add provisions concerning building placement, spacing, and setbacks (to
clarify/differentiate ciustering from the zoning regulations) and additional minor wording changes. The
Committee will look at the definition and requirements for open space set-aside and the number of
permitted dwelling units at a future time.
The Committee continues to make progress on revisions to the Town Sign Law, most recently looking at
provisions pertaining to prohibited and exempt signs.
CONSERVATION BOARD
The Board continues progress on several on-going projects, including: development of a white paper to
make the case for the judicious use of herbicides on Town-owned property to control invasive plants;
research and discussion on how other water supply entities are addressing water conservation through
equitable rate structuring; and public outreach via maintaining and monitoring the Board's Facebook
page
The Richard B. Fischer Environmental Conservation Award will be given to Cornell University's Natural
Areas Program. A tree planting ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 11th starting at 11AM, at a
location along the East Ithaca Recreation Way, across from the McDaniels Nut Grove kiosk. The Natural
Areas Program is being awarded for their "active and continuing contribution to the improvement of the
Town's natural environment; commitment to sustainability, preservation of recreational access to
nature, and dedication to teaching citizens about nature stewardship in and around Ithaca".
The Scenic Resource Committee completed work on the East Shore Drive Park informational
display/sign. The display was delivered and is being stored at the Public Works Department with an
expected installations dates sometime in late April or early May. An unveiling ceremony is being
organized.
The Board is organizing a public information meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 2"**, for the
Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone proposal. Planning staff will be assisting with the
notification of landowners and adjacent neighbors. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an
opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and. offer initial comments.
AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE
At the January meeting the Committee focused on forestry issues, agricultural aspects of the draft
Comprehensive Plan, and GPS registration of farmstands and ag tourism locations to promote local
agriculture. At the February meeting, the Ag Committee prepared a resolution to the Town Board to
communicate their concerns about the draft Comprehensive Plan and specifically the proposal to lower
the allowable density for the division of land within the Ag Zone (from acreage divisible by 7 acres to 15
acres). At the March meeting the Committee discussed the upcoming State grant opportunities (for
purchase of development rights and forest management plans), health Insurance for farmers, and
farmland valuation regarding recent increases in ag land assessments.
OTHER DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
• Gateway Trail - the Gateway Trail Committee selected Fischer Associates (from Rochester) as
the consultants to develop the design for the trail. Fisher Associates will be working on the
project with the local firm ofTrowbrldge, Wolf, and Michaels Architects, LLP. A contract
agreement, that Includes the scope of work and cost estimate. Is still being worked out with the
consultant.
• Indian Creek Farm aarleultural conservation easement aoolleation - staff continues to work on
securing a conservation easement for the Indian Creek farm. This work Is associated with the
Town's purchase of development rights (PDR) for this agricultural property (via NYS grant
money).
• State Route 96B Pedestrian Corridor Study - staff submitted two applications to secure funding
for a pedestrian corridor study along State Route 96B; to assess pedestrian needs (sidewalks.
crossings, traffic controls) along the stretch of road from the City/Town line to King Road
(east/west) and develop a preliminary design and cost figures. One application will compete for
State funds amongst other local projects from the ITCTC's allocated Transportation
Improvement Plan (TIP) funding. The other application was submitted directly to NYS DOT and
will be competing statewide for funding through the Highway Safety Improvement Program.
Both applications commit to Initiating the project In the Fall of 2013, with a consultant on-board
and public Informational meetings to start In Jan/Feb 2014.
• Recent Meetings Attended
25"' Annual Planning Svmooslum - Planning staff attended this one-day conference sponsored
by the Onondaga County Planning Federation. The one-day conference Included a range of
planning topics including the Economics of Smart Growth, Community Design Tool, Making Land
Use Sustainable, and Land Conservation Options.
2013 Tomoklns Countv Agricultural Summit - Planning staff attended this one-day conference
that focused on a range of agricultural topics (Estate Planning, Purchase of Development
Rights/Conservation Easements, Agricultural District law and Local Laws (How they Relate) and
T. County Farmland Valuation Update.
• Staff attended weblnars
Using Design Guidelines to Control Strlo Development - this weblnar described tools for
controlling strip development and to help maintain community character. Case studies of
design guidelines being used to control strip development Included KIttery and Scarborough,
Maine, Salem, New Hampshire, and Cape Cod In Massachusetts.
Submitted by Susan Hitter, Director of Planning
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Works Department
Months of January/February/March Board Report
April 8, 2013 Town Board Meeting
Roads:
We experienced a more normal winter weather pattern. We responded to approximately 56
snow plowing / salting events.
We used up the remaining mixed salt, which was stored at the Town of Newfield's salt barn,
and reordered salt for mixing four times.
Work was done for our new sign shed in the pole barn and in the old part of the annex where
seed, fertilizer, hydro-seeding mulch and other supplies will be stored.
Christmas tree collection was completed in January.
Stone was stockpiled for 2013 projects.
We arranged to demo several different mini-excavators in order to evaluate them before going
out to bid.
Sign work, cold patching, and shoulder patching were performed in between snow removal
events.
Brush and limbs were trimmed back throughout the Town.
A plugged culvert at the intersection of Drew Road and Woodgate Road was cleaned out and
repaired.
Catch basins, culverts, and ditches throughout the Town were cleared of leaves and debris to
accommodate stormwater and snow melt.
Arranged for the City of Ithaca's tree trimming crew to trim Town Hall parking lot trees on
Aurora and Buffalo Streets.
Our night crew ended their shift for this winter on March 22"''.
Our Laborers continued cleaning of the Public Works Facility, twice weekly.
Interviews for seasonal Laborers were completed and selections made for the season. The first
three start April 8^.
^Training included a Dig Safely New York Seminar, Chainsaw Safety Seminar, and Pavement
Maintenance Seminar.
Bids for a new tractor/mower, mini-excavator, tractor & trailer, and water equipment van
were accepted. Our new leaf vacuum and wood chipper were delivered.
Annual hearing tests at the Ithaca College Clinic began.
Parks, Trails, and Preserves:
• Weekly site inspections were performed.
• Work was performed on a drainage ditch along the bikeway between Honness Lane and
Mitchell Street to correct a chronic run-off problem.
• The old rail fence at Grandview Park was removed and replaced with boulders to control
parking.
• Hazardous tree removal at various park and trail sites proceeded as weather allowed.
• Met with representatives from the Cal Ripken League to discuss some field modifications.
• Met with the Conservation Board representatives to finalize details for us to install their first
scenic view sign for East Shore Park.
• Met with the Forest Home Park Planning Committee several times.
Miscellaneous parks and grounds maintenance supplies were stored in the annex. Seeding
supplies were palletized and shelved.
The compost pile was turned monthly.
A plugged culvert on South Hill Trail was cleared with the jet-rod and repaired.
Tutelo Park's Valentino Field was over-seeded.
Tudor Park's Playground layout and design were completed.
Met with State Parks representative to discuss Black Diamond Trail scope to assist with more
culvert installations, ditching, and grading work.
Met with the Fischer Award winner and Conservation Board representative to finalize the
planting site and type of tree. We will be planting three locally-sourced Eastern Redbug trees
along the Game Farm section of our East Ithaca Recreation Way adjacent to Cornell's natural
area.
Water:
Water repair parts were moved from various existing areas to the new annex addition.
Water main repairs were made at: 426 Winthrop Drive, 118 Rich Road, 611 Winston Court,
Lake Street, 108 Sapsucker Woods Road, Across from 136 E. King Road, 173 Snyder Hill Road,
Winners Circle, 1060 Danby Road, Stone Quarry Road, Birchwood Drive, Danby Road below
South Hill Business Campus.
Leaking water valves were repaired at: Route 96B, Penny Lane, Orchard Hill Road, Behind
Winston Court Apts., Middle PRY on Stone Quarry Road.
Sewer:
A total of 122 Dig Safely New York mark-outs were completed.
Weekly sewer pump station checks were completed.
Sewer main blockages were repaired at: 113 Roat Street and 231 Coy Glen Road.
We used or sewer vacuum and camera to investigate the Town Hall parking lot catch basins.
Engineering:
Inspected 23 simple SWPPPs
Current Development Inspections Underway:
o Longview Patio Homes - water/sewer, SWPPP
o Ecovillage TREE - water, SWPPP
o Montesorri School - SWPPP
o Belle Sherman Estates - SWPPP
o Ithaca Beer - SWPPP
o Cayuga Medical Lab Addition - SWPPP
o Cornell Softball Field - SWPPP ^
o Holly Creek Townhouses - water, SWPPP
o Cleveland Estates - sewer, water, SWPPP
o Westview Subdivision - SWPPP
o Holochuck Dump Remediation - SWPPP
• Maps and Plans Prepared for:
o Salt Storage Building
o Danby Road Water Main
o Town Hall Parking Lot
o Whitetail Drive Reconstruction
o Coddington Road Water Main Replacement
• Development Review:
o Petrillose 2-Lot Subdivision
o Auble Fill Site
• Prepared scope of engineering services for N ortheast Water Study
• Attended Stormwater Coalition Meeting
• Attended Planning Board meetings
• Attended DSNY Seminar
April/May Projects:
Brush and Leaf pickup is the week of April 15 -19
Three seasonal Laborers start April 8^
Continue cold patching and shoulder patching
Continue brush and limb removals
Hazardous tree removal at several sites
Assist NYS Parks with one crew and equipment for two weeks
Valentino Field preparation. Opening day is Monday, April 22"'^.
Begin regular gounds maintenance program
Spring cleanups and lawn repairs
Demolition of old salt barn
Install plantings at pole bam addition; Harris B. Dates Drive; Bolton Point's transmission main
project (Ciao & YMCA); and Richard Fischer award tree.
Topsoil mixing and screening
Tub grind brush pile in early May
Install scenic view sign at East Shore Park
Install access path to new playground at Tutelo Park
Annual workplace training program
Sign maintenance
Weekly site inspections for parks and trails
Weekly sewer pump station checks
Haul materials for the stock pile
Vehicle and equipment maintenance