HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1991-09-09 TOWN OF ITHACA
TOWN BOARD MEETING
September 9 , 1991
At a Regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca ,
Tompkins County , New York , held at the Town Hall , 126 East Seneca
Street , :Ithaca , New York , there were :
PRESENT : Shirley Raffensperger , Supervisor
John Whitccmb , Councilman
Patricia Leary , Councilwoman
David Klein , Councilman
Frank Liguori , Councilman
Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman
Karl Niklas , Councilman
ALSO PRESENT : John Barney , Town Attorney
Dan Walker , Town Engineer
Floyd Forman , Town Planner
Fred Noteboom , Assistant Highway Superintendent
Scott McConnell , Highway Superintendent
Andrew Frost , Building Inspector/ Zoning Officer
Linda Nobles , Assistant Budget Officer
Pam Stonebraker , SPCA Director
William Grover , 1486 Trumansburg Road
Stephanie Schaaf , 134 Bundy Road
M . Hagaman , 1485 Trumansburg Road
David Auble , Town Resident
Pat Driscoll , 214 Texas Lane
Lee Schafrik , 1491 Trumansburg Road
Krys Cail , West Hill Neighborhood Association
Celia Bowers , 1406 Trumansburg Road
William Collins , 109 Burleigh Drive
David Heatt , 111 Burleigh Drive
Betsy Nicholson , 138 Burleigh Drive
Kerttu Bollinger , 140 Burleigh Drive
Evan Bollinger , 140 Burleigh Drive
Irma Daels , 147 Burleigh Drive
Peter Daels , 147 Burleigh Drive
Lois B . Stout , 115 Burleigh Drive
Edward Olmstead , Ithaca Fire Department
PLEDGE OF' ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance .
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Supervisor ' s Report
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that Tcupkins County is proceeding
- with a planning phase of the relocation of the intersection of Pine
Tree Road. and Judd Falls Road as a safety improvement . A recent
letter to the Ithaca Journal , suggested that the problem there
could be solved by closing the service station exit directly north
of the Fine Tree Road , has occasioned a number of inquiries .
Unfortunately that solution is not open to the Town , as that action
is in the hands of the service station owner and Cornell University
and they are not willing to close that entrance . We will have a
Town Board Minutes 2 September 9 , 1991
report from Tompkins County Planning at the October meeting of the
Town Board on their present plans for the relocation of that
intersection .
The Supervisor remarked that American Community Cablevision has
proposed a new franchise agreement with the Town of Ithaca .
Councilwoman Valentino , in the past , has been reviewing all ACC
matters . She stated that she would like to ask her to look at the
new proposal and , after consultation with the Town Attorney , report
to the Tcwn Board for direction on any substantive changes , either
proposed :by ACC or to be proposed by the Town . If any other member
of the Town Board would like to be included in this initial
r analysis , please let her know .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that Tompkins County has notified
the Town that a design for replacement of the lower bridge in
Forest Home will be sufsmitted as an item in the 1992 Tompkins
County Public Works operating budget , with replacement of the
bridge in 1993 . The Forest Home Improvement Association is , of
course , concerned with this plan . She stated that she and the Town
staff have and will continue to meet with Forest Home and the
County on. the matter and update the Board on the status of the
proposal .
The Supervisor noted that copies of the ACC Franchise proposal and
copies of correspondence with the County on the Forest Hone bridge
are in the Board members folders .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that work on the 1992 Town budget
is proceeding , with the tentative budget to be considered by the
Town Board on October 3 . The budget hearings will be held on
November 7 . She stated that she planned a newsletter to go out
after the October meeting to provide information on the budget
preceding the public hearing , as was done last year . The
Supervisor asked the Town Board to please get any other items for
the newsletter to her as soon as possible , no later than September
23 .
Town Engineer ' s Report
Town Engineer Dan Walker reported on the 1989 Water and Sewer
Improvements on West Hill , the contractor has completed site
restoration work for the sewer main , with the exception of tree and
shrub replacements . Due to the concerns of residents the topsoil
was tested to determine compliance with contract specifications ,
and final grading and seeding was delayed pending the test results .
The final. tests indicated that the topsoil met the contract
specifications and , therefore , was used by the Contractor for the
final seeding work . Several of the landowners involved expressed
concern that the quality of the topsoil did not meet their
expectations , and they had doubts that a suitable lawn would result
from the contractors restoration . The topsoil specification does
allow a significant silt and clay percentage , which is typical of
soil cond_Ltions in many areas of the Town , and this specification
has been used for many past projects . The suitability of the
specifications will be evaluated by the Town Engineer for future
projects due to the concerns expressed .
Mr . Walker went on to say that to ensure quality control and
resident ,satisfaction with the finished project , it is standard
procedure for the Town Engineering staff to communicate directly
with each landowner affected by a project and address concerns that
they have ., For the West Hill Sewer Project , the landowners have
been contacted and their concerns have been noted on an individual
check sheet . A final inspection will be scheduled and each
Town Board Minutes 3 September 9 , 1991
resident will be contacted and a final check off sheet will be
completed. . A final engineers inspection will be completed prior to
the final. payment , to ensure contract compliance . Satisfaction of
some of -the extraordinary concerns by the landowners , may exceed
the contract requirements for the project . If additional work is
required the Town Engineering staff will address each case
individually . He noted that the water main along Route 96 and
Dubois Road has been installed and final pressure tests and
chlorination are pending .
William Grover , 1486 Trumansburg Road stated that he had something
he wished to show the Board members . Mr . Grover then showed the
Board soil that was taken from his lawn , asking the Board if they
would want that on their lawn .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that she had been out and looked at
the yards and she knew Councilman Whitcomb and Town Engineer Walker
had also been out to inspect the project . She felt that frankly ,
one of the difficulties is that we did delay the entire project to
have the topsoil tested and she felt that the specifications that
have been used for all of the Town projects over many years , do not
carefully enough specify what quality of topsoil should be used .
She went on to say that she had just written a letter to one of the
residents there and have urged the residents to be patient about
what has been done to this point . We have removed the soil , we
have removed the seed and we have removed what was hay and not
straw and required the contractor to replace it . She felt it would
now be reasonable to see what we get from this process and if it is
not satisfactory either because the contractor has not met his
specifications we will require him to do it but if not , the Town of
Ithaca has made a commitment to restore the properties and we will
do that whether or not the contractor does it or the Town has to do
its
Mr . Grover remarked that Mr . Walker was out to his house a week ago
on Monday and there was a list of things . One was the repair of
the culvert where they knocked it down . Do you realize that after
you (Mr . Walker) left they took a bunch of rocks that they dug up
out of the dirt , rounds rocks , and instead of putting them over the
culvert they put them against the wall and it ' s like a house of
cards . They didn ' t replace it , they didn ' t repair it , they were
supposed to grade all across the front to the same specs that you
have on your drawings which is 1 , 023 feet he thought . He stated
that he dropped a string from the manhole over toward his driveway ,
a level line , it ' s nine to ten inches below, from the manhole to
his driveway . They were supposed to lower the foot drain that was
up in the air , the trouble is they put in two pieces of foot drain ,
one is about ten foot long and the other about two foot long . The
only part they lowered was the two foot section , they didn ' t lower
the rest of it , that is still up in the air . Water won ' t run up
hill . The shoulder of the road , which he used to be able to mow,
is now avmost straight down and he can ' t mow it any more . They
were supposed to grade the ditch all the way to the culvert on the
far end . Down by Mrs . Wilson it ' s ten inches high yet . Water will
just get in there and set , it won ' t run . He went on to say that as
soon as the Engineering staff turns their backs the contractor does
as he pleases . There is no body there to watch them .
Town Engineer Walker replied that they have not done the final
inspection yet and that he had already scheduled an appointment to
meet with .mr . Grover Tuesday morning .
Mr . Grover continued saying that in back of Mr . Hagaman they put
down grass seed and the ground is so hard you can ' t put a shovel in
it a half an inch . Just big clumps of clay . They put grass seed
down almost two weeks ago and there isn ' t a sign of anything coning
Town Board Minutes 4 September 9 , 1991
up and you look for grass seed you can ' t find it because they put
it on so thin . The same way over at Schafrik ' s , in back of Mrs .
Hardy ' s , in back of Fendricks , it ' s all the same thing .
Councilman Whitcomb asked if the residents had been able to hook
into the system yet or has it been delayed pending our acceptance
of the whole project?
Town Engineer Walker replied that it has not been turned over to
the Town by the contractor yet , we have not accepted it .
Councilman Whitcanb remarked , at the point he turns it over to us
are we then saying the project has been done to our satisfaction or
can we still withhold some funds pending the outcome ?
Mr . Walker replied that the Town would still have saw retainage as
far as the site restoration , we have not released the funds on
this .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that one of the difficulties is
that we have to permit our contractor to complete the restoration
work across the whole area of the so called improvement because if
we did not do that then when the other contractors come in to
connect the laterals then we would have a fight between the
contractors as to who ' s fault it was whatever deficiencies there
were in that area . So we had to give the Town ' s contractor the
ability to finish the restoration work in those areas before we
permitted another contractor to cane in . Additionally , there was a
section of sewer which did not meet the test for some period of
time . We did not want restoration work to go on and then have the
contractor have to dig it up because of a problem as to who would
be required to pay for the restoration again . It has been a longer
process than we wanted and partially do to the fact that the
residents have not been pleased with the contractor . The Town is
required to accept the lowest responsible bidder , we can ' t pick and
choose . She stated that she did not know that the Town would be
able to make everyone absolutely happy but the Town was committed
to restore! the property to the condition it was when the residents
gave the easements . She stated that she had pointed out to all the
people that the Town appreciates that . At this point she stated
that she really did believe that everybody was just going to have
to wait and see if the grass grows . She felt the Town was having a
little bit of bad luck with it being so dry too , but if it does not
grow the Zbwn will see to it that the grass is restored in those
areas .
Mr . Grover replied that right now where the ground is so hard it
has opened'. up , just cracked open , where ever they have put this
stuff .
Supervisor Raffensperger responded that she had seen it but she
really did think that people will have to be a little patient and
wait and see what happens with the latest maneuver of having the
contractor cane and take out sane of the soil , put down new grass
seed and put down straw instead of hay and see whether or not it is
a better job than the residents think it is at this time .
Councilwomen Leary questioned the definition of responsible . As
asked if the Town didn ' t have some say in the quality?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that the Town did not have any
reason , even now , to think that this wasn ' t a responsible
contractor „ He is meeting our specifications for restoration . If
the specifications are inadequate then she felt it would be
necessary to change them for future projects . This did not occur
to us as the same specifications have been used by the Town for
Town Board Minutes 5 September 9 , 1991
years and, years but we are now looking at them to see if we should
require a higher standard of topsoil , a different mix of grass
seed , all the things that are required in restoration .
Councilman Niklas asked if the soil had been tested?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that the soil had been tested and
met the Town specifications .
Councilman Klein asked what the specs call for?
Town Engineer Walker replied , basically it says it will not contain
less than 6 % organic material , between 7 and 27 % clay , 28 to 50 %
silt and less than 52 % sand .
Supervisor. Raffensperger remarked that she felt that members of the
Town Board who had expertise in this area might like to be of
assistancE! to the Town Engineer in reviewing the specifications .
Mr . Hagaman , 1485 Trtmiansburg Road remarked , they promised us a two
week job , three an a half months ago . We still have mud , dirt ,
it ' s been a horrible suer of mess and slowness . Dan Walker ' s
staff has been wonderful in terms of cooperating and being helpful .
He stated that he never heard anybody swear , get mad . It was his
backyard and he stated that you can ' t mow, you can ' t have a picnic ,
you can ' t walk through it because it ' s mud , they didn ' t put on
enough grass seed . He stated that his question today was , we have
already wc-tited three an a half months , now what they have put on
isn ' t evert enough grass seed to even . . . . . you can ' t even find the
grass seed . Who will pay for more grass seed? If the Town will
pay for more grass seed we will be glad to put it on .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that one of the costs of the
cooperation has been delay . She stated that she went out one
morning and walked around and that was when she had seen the hay .
So we made them take off all the hay , start all over again . It was
in a attempt to be cooperative with the residents . We hoped it
will be going before it rains , which she hoped would be pretty
soon . She asked if anyone was watering the new grass seed .
Mr . Grover replied that Mr . Hagaman was but he was not .
Councilman Niklas remarked that unless it is watered everyday the
grass seed will not germinate .
Mr . Grover replied that he was 200 feet from the road .
Councilman Niklas replied , the bottom line is that somebody has to
water or the grass will not grow .
Mr . Grover remarked that he wanted something done with that dirt ,
he did not want it on his lawn . He went on to say that if you have
to take it off and drop me off some he would spread it himself .
Councilwoman Leary asked the Supervisor if it wasn ' t the
responsibility of the contractor to water it so the grass will
grow .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she did not think that was
part of the requirements . She asked Councilman Liguori if he
didn ' t think the restoration job that was done on Trtmiansburg Road
was a good job .
Councilman Liguori replied that he felt you had to go through a
spring season before you really get what you would call a really
good grass cover .
Town Board Minutes 6 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Niklas suggested that the Town go to the experts at
Cornell in Agronomy for a proper seed mixture and topsoil .
Councilwoman Leary questioned if it was necessary for the Town to
stick with a contractor to the very end , when they are not
performing satisfactorily?
Town Attorney Barney replied that the most fun for lawyers is a
construct:�on claim . If you take a contractor off a job , number one
you have :bought a lawsuit right off the bat , Number two you have
conflicting claims that go on for years as to whether or not the
contractor- did or did not perform , you have to pay another
contractor to come in and he know you are in a bind and he will hit
you with a somewhat higher price than you might otherwise have to
pay . You are much better off working with the contractor you have
in place than trying to get another one .
Town Engineer Dan Walker continued with his report noting that on
South Hill- , Troy Road , final site work and a final inspection has
been completed and final payment is recommended .
The Town Engineer noted that construction has started on the 1989
Water and Sewer Improvements in Inlet Valley with the placement of
the pump station structures . Water main installation has been
completed on Seven Mile Drive and Bostwick Road . The Contractor
has aggre"sively attacked the project with two crews in an effort
to complete the project this fall .
Mr . Walker went on to say that the Engineering Department has
received Several requests from residents of the Drew subdivision
for a public water supply due to problems with water quality and
quantity . The residents have been told that a formal written
request to the Town Board would be needed prior to the Town Board
authorization for a feasibility study .
Town Engineer Walker continued noting that site work on the Ithaca
College road relocation and Science Building is continuing on the
site and the Engineering Department is providing periodic site
review to monitor sediment and erosion control and sanitary sewer
construction . The Engineering Department is also providing
1nformatioiz on utilities and the various inter=lcipal agreements
are being evaluated and updates of the agreements are in the
development stage .
He went on to say that the Mitchell Street sidewalk design has been
completed ,and reviewed by the County Highway Depar went . Work in
the right--of-way has raised some questions regarding drainage .
Re-alignment of a portion of the sidewalk to a less desirable
location has been made necessary because of a refusal to grant an
easement frcm the East Lawn Cemetery Association .
Highway Superintendent ' s Report
Fred Noteb0cm , Assistant Highway Superintendent read the Highway
Superintendent ' s Report and the Parks and open Space Manager ' s
Report , as follows :
Highway Superintendent ' s Report
The Highway Department worked 1351 hours in August , of those 13 . 25
of these hours were overtime . Six hundred and three man hours were
spent mixing stabilized gravel for shoulder material and shimming
roads in preparation for surface treating roads . Actual surface
treatment (oil and stone ) required a total of 180 man hours . Next
Town Board Minutes 7 September 9 , 1991
week the loose stone will be swept froxn these roads to reduce the
hazards and canplaints . Two hundred and one-half hours were spent
replacing,/ installing culvert pipes . one was replaced on Elm
Street , Ext . , requiring 140 hours , and Culver Hill Road a
replacement was placed . A culvert pipe was installed on Salem
Drive to serve as an overflow pipe to prevent flooding across the
road and onto Frank Clifford ' s lawn , which has been occurring on a
regular basis . The remaining time was spent repairing catch
basins , mowing right-of-ways , fixing trucks and general maintenance
at the Highway facility , except for 16 man hours which were spent
clearing a back lot sewer easement on Muriel Street , so that the
City crew could get equipment access to open a plugged sewer line .
There is :Mill final clean-up to be done in these back lots , which
will be dome in September .
Projects that are to be done prior to the end of the summer
construction season are .
Park Lane - ccnpletion of ditch protection , subgrade ,
placement of sub base , base and top . ( 2 weeks ) .
Whitetail Drive - on the section between King Road and
Saranac , remove the surface , rework the base and pave with new
asphalt top . This is to be done with the assistance froxn the
Deer Run Developer . ( 1 week) .
Rose Hill Road - mill off to 3 " of pavement and resurface with
new asphalt top . ( 1 week) .
orchard Hill Road , Lisa Place - patch holes and areas where
surface has been removed to make plowing possible . ( 1 week) .
Brush pick-up - October 21 - 25 . ( 1 week) .
Leaf pick-up - November 11 - 22 . ( 2 weeks ) .
Park Lane , Joanne Drive , Regency Road - place shoulder
material . ( 1 week) .
Penny Lane - place bollards for traffic control . ( 1 day) .
Miscellaneous repairs of ditches and shoulders to prevent
drainage damage and driving hazards . (On-going) .
Parks and Open Space Manager ' s Report
Lawn edges adjacent to the four sections of Northeast Ithaca
Walkways were dressed off with topsoil and reseeded . A total of 56
man hours were spent . This marks the completion of the project .
Mowing of the parks and trails , along with the second mowing of all
water tank:S and pump stations , required a total of 100 man hours in
August .
All shrubs and trail canopies were trimmed back , taking . a total of
100 man hours .
Safety and maintenance upgrades of the Hungerford Heights play
structure were completed , except for the wood sealer application
and addition of more 1A gravel for the base of the structure . A
total of 79 man hours were required .
Numerous routine maintenance tasks , totaling 236 man hours , were
performed in August . Park furniture staining , weed control , site
Town Board Minutes 8 September 9 , 1991
inspections , garbage removal , yard waste management and
recreationway user counts were the main tasks undertaken in August .
September park projects include construction of Mitchell Street
Walkway , Tudor play structure upgrades , wood sealer application on
all play structures , continue regular grounds maintenance , several
lawn restorations and tree planting jobs for Engineering Department
and finish park furniture staining .
Building Inspector/ Zoning Officer ' s Report
Andrew Frost , Building Inspector/ Zoning Officer reported that they
had issued 19 building permits for the month of August . He noted
that the number of building permits for one- family residents so far
this year was 36 as opposed to 26 for the same period last year .
Twenty certificates of occupancy were issued , 10 complaints , mostly
occupancy „ were investigated and 118 field visits were made . Also ,
two sign permits were issued .
Town Planner ' s Report
Town Planner Floyd Forman reported that the Planning staff in
cooperation with the Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC ) and
Stuart I . Brown Associates continued work on the comprehensive
plan . Work during this time period focused on revising the
inventory chapter . At the August 20th CPC meeting , the goals and
objectives were approved . Staff began to identify and assemble the
actions which will accomplish these goals and objectives . Stuart
Brown Associates will further develop and refine these
recommendations . The Comprehensive Planning Committee held one
meeting during this period on August 20th .
Mr . Forman noted that the Planning Board met on August 22nd and
September 3rd , The August 22nd meeting was an informal meeting at
Bob Kenerson ' s home to discuss planning issues . At the September
3rd meeting , the subdivision of the remaining industrial land owned
by Mr . Mancini was approved with conditions . A sight ed with
Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club was also approved
conditions .
The Town Planner stated that the Planning staff worked with the
Conservatil:)n Advisory Council (CAC) to conplete a draft Open Space
Inventory and Map . The Planning staff also continues to work with
Andy Frost and John Barney to support the efforts of the Codes and
Ordinances Comni.ttee (COC) . The Committee met on September 4th .
The major focus of the COC continues to be consideration of
revisions 'to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance and other land use
regulation: . Staff prepared the following recommendations for
changes to the Zoning Ordinance : regulations to change the
intensity of use schedule for business zones , develoFanent of a
section on landscaping and screening and revisions to the section
on special. permits . COC also discussed other land-use related
environmental protection mechanisms which the Town of Ithaca could
consider iii the coming months
Mr . Forman noted that the Planning Department has added two persons
to the staff . Francesca Forestieri and Kerry Whitehead are Cornell
students , hired under the CIVITAS program . They will each work
approximately 10 hours per week . Staff also met with three of
Cornell ' s vice presidents to discuss topics of mutual interest .
Staff met with John Majeroni , Director of Real Estate for Cornell
University to address problems with East Hill Plaza . At this
second meeting , we discussed in more detail planting plans and
plans for the channelization of traffic at the Plaza .
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Town Board Minutes 1 9 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Whitcomb asked when the approved Goals and Objectives
might be available to the public ?
Town Planner Forman replied that it made more sense to release the
goals , objectives and policies all at once . If you simply release
the goals and objectives you will create more questions than you
will answer . It takes the policies to fill out the goals and
objectives and answer some of the questions .
Report of Town Committee ' s
Comprehensive Planning Committee
Councilman Klein stated that they did appreciate the comments that
the Committee received back on the Goals and Objectives . He felt
they were much improved over when they started . He noted that the
Planning Consultant had not put in much time the past month because
the staff has been doing a lot of work and basically the main
objective for the CPC were the goals and objectives .
Councilman. Liguori noted that back in 1963 , NCR built a small brick
structure just south of their main building , kind of a sales and
service center . It is now up for sale and Digicomp , a local
electronic firm , is interested in purchasing it . In sane of the
initial investigations , no building permit was found to cover the
1963 construction . Also , the zoning map does not seem to include
that parcel of land within the Industrial Zone of NCR . He hoped
that this could be resolved simply . He went on to say that his own
guess was , and he had spoken to Ben Boynton who was Supervisor at
that time , he claims it did come before the Board and at that time
everybody assumed it was part of the NCR Industrial Zone . Nobody
can explain why there wasn ' t a permit issued . He felt every body
would agree it was a good firm and it should be resolved .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that the Town Clerk had worked
many hours towards trying to follow up the clue from Ben Boynton in
the Town Board minutes and it could be guaranteed that it was not
there . Now we on the latest clue that there may have been a
variance . So now she will go through the Board of Zoning Appeals
minutes to see if we can find it there . Additionally the Building
Inspector :Ls going to go back up and remeasure and try to get some
metes and bounds of the two zones and to determine precisely where
the line between the Industrial and Residential zone is but that
doesn ' t look particularly good , it looks like it really is in a
residential zone . We would be pleased to find a variance but we
are digging .
Councilman Liguori remarked that the property was originally owned
by Morse Chain and was sold to NCR in 1960 .
Codes and Ordinance Committee
Councilman Niklas remarked that there were several items on the
agenda that: came from Codes and Ordinance and he would discuss them
as they come up on the agenda .
Conservation Advisory Committee
Councilman Whitcomb remarked that the much fabled CAC Open Space
Inventory is nearly done and plan on adopting it later this month .
He asked , what kind of public presentation would the Town Board
like the CAC to have ? We are going to present the Open Space
Town Board Minutes 10 September 9 , 1991
Inventory to the Town Board , hoping that the Town Board will adopt
it as the Open Space Index for the Town . Should the CAC hold the
public information meeting , is a public hearing required or should
we just forward it to the Town Board and let the Town Board take it
from there ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that the purpose of having a
public information meeting is to see if there are members of the
public who have input that might be valuable to the CAC so it
seemed to her that it would be reasonable at a regular CAC meeting
to advertise that the CAC will be doing this and would appreciate
input from the public on it . So that , when it comes to the Town
Board it has had some public comment .
Counci]lnal Niklas replied that he felt this was a good idea . He
stated that he was going to suggest that CAC publicly present this
to a Special Town Board where we could get input from. the public
and also members of the Town Board could be there informally to
listen .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked , we will invite the Town Board members
to the CAC meeting .
REPORT OF COUNTY BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES
No representatives from the County Board were present at the
meeting .
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that five additional items had been
added to the Agenda this evening consisting of setting a date for a
public hearing to adopt a local law amending the Town of Ithaca
zoning Ordinance regarding abandonment of non-conforming uses , set
date for public hearing to adopt a local law amending the Town of
Ithaca zoning Ordinance relating to permitted uses in Business
District "'D " , authorize Justice Wallenbeck and Justice Blye to
attend Magistrates Association Annual meeting and advanced training
seminar , discussion of Department of Labor conference and set date
for public hearing to consider a supplement to agreement of
municipal cooperation for construction , financing , and operation of
an intermunicipal water supply and transmission system which she
noted translates to zebra mussels and probably a short executive
session .
PRESENTATION BY SPCA OF 1992 CONTRACT
Pam Stoneb:raker , Director of the SPCA stated that she would like to
take a few minutes to explain the services provided to the Town of
Ithaca in fulfilling the dog control contract . First of all , the
SPCA does employ two full time and two part-time animal control
officers . They are required to attend peace officer training and
are certified by the State . These officers respond to calls
concerning stray , injured and vicious dogs . A twenty-four hour
emergency service is available for injured and aggressive dogs .
During our operating hours the animal control officers issue
appearance tickets for violations of the Town of Ithaca ' s dog
control ordinance as well as issuing tickets for failure to license
dogs . The SPCA is responsible for providing the Town with
effective dog control which prevent property damage and traffic
accidents caused by dogs running at large . It protects the health
of the community by insuring that dogs have received their rabies
vaccinations . The SPCA runs a modern shelter which is State
inspected . The SPCA helps the Town to raise substantial revenues
through impoundment fees , dog licensing fees and fines paid in
response to appearance tickets . In 1990 , $ 705 was collected in
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Town Board Minutes 11 September 9 , 1991
impoundment fees and approximately $ 2 , 883 in dog licensing fees .
She went on to say that during negotiations over the past two years
the SPCA has been asked to calculate the percentage of the dog
control program in each town . 16 . 9 % of all tickets issued were
within the Town of Ithaca and 17 . 5 % of all dogs impounded came from
the Town ,. This combined percentage 17 . 3 % of the SPCA ' s total dog
control budget . This year the proposed amount for the SPCA
contract is $ 14 , 365 which represents a 5 % increase over last year
to help offset the SPCA ' s rising operating costs .
Ms . Stonebraker remarked that she just wanted to remind the Board
that last. year they had talked about the possibility of the Town
raising the local licensing fee . Currently it is $ 3 . 00 and we
talked about raising it to $ 5 . 00 . Based on the dogs licensed last
year the Town could bring in another $ 1 , 900 more .
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that the Town was in the process of
enumerating the dogs and felt this would help the Town .
JULY FINANCIAL REPORT
RESOLUTION N0 . 204
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the July Financial Report , as presented .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
CHANGE ORDER # 3 - WEST HILL SEWER
Town Engineer Dan Walker stated that he did not have a change order
and it wasn ' t Change Order # 3 for the West Hill Sewer it was Change
Order for Contract # 3 but we still don ' t have every thing agreed to
from the contractor so he did not want to present that but what he
did want t-.o present was the three contracts that were in process
right now . One being the Troy Road contract which is Contract # 1 ,
Contract # 2 is the Inlet Valley project and Contract # 3 is the West
Hill project . Normally we just put these contracts through with
the standard warrants but he wanted to report to the Board . He
went on to say that for Contract # 1 we have done final inspection
on the Troy Road tank and accepted the tank , it ' s in operation now ,
so we are recommending final payment on that project . The payment
for this month which is also the final payment is $ 48 , 180 . 49 . The
second one is the West Hill contract , we are recommending a payment
this month of $ 13 , 077 . 700 On the Inlet Valley contract , to date we
have in place over 2 , 000 feet of water main and the two pump
stations so we are recommending a payment of $ 390 , 637 . 12 .
Supervisor Raffensperger felt they should be approved as part of
the warrants .
RWCM1ENIDA71I0N OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE CONCERNING THE 1992 SALARY
POOL
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that the reason the Personnel
Committee is recommending the $ 500 incentive increase is because in
a year when the Town does not feel it can give salary increases
that are similar to those given in past years it was felt the lower
paid employees not be disadvantaged by a straight percentage
increase *
NINE i.� i��wYrwewrnwu�r�urmnw��i
Town Board Minutes 12 September 9 , 1991
RESOLUTION N0 . 205
Motion by Councilwoman Valentino ; seconded by Councilman Niklas ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the following Employee Salary Increases for the 1992 Fiscal Year ,
as recommended unanimously by the Personnel Committee :
1 ) the total Salary Pool for 1992 increases will be 4 . 75% of
the current salary base
2 ) each employee should receive a $500 incentive increase ,
1 / 2 to be paid the first pay period in May and 1 / 2 the
first pay period in September 1992
3 ) additional monies ( up to 4 . 75 % pool limit) will be
available for distribution by Department Heads on a merit
basis ( as has been done in past years ) , and will be added
to the current salary base beginning January 1 , 1992 .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none) .
ADDENDUM TO THE ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE ALTERNATE
ALIGI ENT OVER CITY PROPERTY OF THE SOUTH HILL RECREATION WAY
Supervisor Raffensperger reminded the Board that this item comes
about because of the necessity to have an alternative alignment
over City property , than was originally approved because NYSEG will
not give the Town a license for a sufficient period of time to meet
the requirements of the grant . This alternative alignment will be
used only if it is necessary .
RESOLUTION N0 . 206
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is in the process of acquiring the
necessary rights-of-way to construct the South Hill Recreation Way ,
and
WHERE , a portion of the Recreation Way will go over property
presently owned by New York State Electric and Gas Corporation
(NYSEG) for which NYSEG is willing to grant only a revocable
license for use of said land by the Town of Ithaca , and
WHEREAS , tine Town of Ithaca has executed an agreement with the City
of Ithaca which would provide the Town of Ithaca an alternative
route for -the Recreation Way should NYSEG revoke its license to the
Town , and
WHEREAS , the Town Board , acting as Lead Agency for environmental
review of the South Hill Recreation Way , has , on April 10 , 1989 ,
made a negative determination of environmental significance for the
project , and
WHEREAS , this action is the consideration of an addendum to the
environmental assessment for the proposed South Hill Recreation
Way , assessing the potential environmental impacts of constructing
the South Hill Recreation Way over the alternative alignment across
lands of the City of Ithaca , and
WHEREAS , this is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca
Town Board is acting as Lead Agency for environmental review , and
Town Board Minutes 13 September 9 , 1991
WHEREAS , The Town Planning Department in preparing this addendum
has completed an assessment of potential environmental impacts
should the Town of Ithaca in the future construct the South Hill
Recreation Way over the alternative alignment across lands of the
City of Ithaca and has recommended that a negative determination of
environmental assessment be made with regard to said construction ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board make and hereby
does make a negative determination of environmental significance
for the alternative alignment of the South Hill Recreation Way
across lands of the City of Ithaca .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none) .
APPROPRIATE PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE POSTING OF SIGNS
Councilman Niklas remarked that Item 2 on page two was the pivotal
issue , "the posting shall occur at least seven and not more than 30
days before the first meeting of the Board at which the matter is
to be heard as set forth above " . Codes & Ordinances got comments
from CAC and had a long discussion with staff particularly the
Planning Department . We honestly could not find an appropriate
hallmark in the process of developers coning to the Town , making
application that would permit us to identify a greater minimum
number , (4reater than seven . So basically he stated that he then
asked the Town Board to consider this as an agenda item because if
the Board is satisfied with the way that sentence reads now then he
would request that the Board set a public hearing . All of the
other comments were addressed at various meetings of COC . At the
last COC meeting , Eva Hoffmann report to him that CAC was sensitive
to the fact that even though their recommendation was a larger
period of time just the mechanics of how the Planning staff deals
with developers really doesn ' t permit a greater latitude than seven
days .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked that the whole purpose of it was to
give the public some greater notice of what was going on and having
to read in the legal section of their paper five days before a
public hearing was being held on the subdivision of a property . He
went on to say that we know that in the City they have had some
kind of sign ordinance for some time and the signs seem to be
posted for quite a while before the project is considered . He
asked if the Committee had consulted with the City?
Councilman Niklas replied that they had received a copy of the City
legislation and we got a look at how they word those signs . The
issue really is not that , the issue is simply the mechanics of when
staff knows that this particular developer and the site plan would
go before the Town Planning Board . We really don ' t have that much
extra time , extra warning as to when that will happen . We looked
at alternatives but couldn ' t find a viable alternative . Usually if
there is any controversy involved in a subdivision it will usually
go to a :second public hearing .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked that he was a bit confused because he
thought the Town had greater latitude than seven days after a
developer made application to the Town for subdivision approval .
The cloak really doesn ' t start running until you deem the
application is complete and you have 45 days for a SEQR review. So
why is there only seven days before the first public hearing ?
Town Planner Forman replied that the one constraint we are under is
staff time and how best to allocate it . What we have been doing
presently and also what has been going on from the past , we try to
Town Board Minutes 14 September 9 , 1991
complete the review approximately a week ahead of time so that we
can get information out to the Planning Board so it will help them
make an intelligent decision . We get the review done approximately
seven days in advance and for someone to call up 30 days in advance
won ' t do them any good .
Town Attorney Barney remarked that the sign was going to say when
the first: hearing would be held and mechanically the determination
as to the date of that hearing is frequently not made until quite
close to the hearing date . If you had a requirement that it had to
be posted 30 days in advance of the hearing , he did not think
anybody knew today what the schedule was going to include 30 days
from now. This time limit applies not only to big things but also
applies too variances , two lot subdivisions , we are using one sign
that will_ be posted for any application for which there will be a
public hearing . He also did not think that the Building Inspector
made a decision on what would be heard at the next ZBA meeting
until after he finishes the one two weeks before .
Councilman Niklas remarked that if the Town Board was looking for a
recommendation from Codes and Ordinances he felt that Codes and
Ordinances , as a committee , was satisfied that the spirit and
recommendations of the CAC will be met if this piece of legislation
is enacted into law. It is a minimum of seven days and in other
circumstances it might be possible for staff to get this sign up
before . This is really a policy decision as to the minimum number
of days .
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca meet and hold a
public hearing on the proposed local law as presented by the Codes
and Ordinance Committee .
Councilman Liguori asked , who is this targeted for , the immediate
neighborhood , isn ' t it? The chances are very good that the people
in the immediate neighborhood are going to see it in a week .
Councilman Whitcomb replied , but the adjacent property owners would
be notified anyway .
Councilman Niklas replied , yes .
Councilna n Whitcomb replied what is the point of the sign if it is
only going to be posted seven days ahead of time ?
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that she read it at least seven
and not more than thirty . She did not anticipate that everyone
would wait until just seven days before the public hearing .
Councilman Niklas remarked that he thought the one great benefit
that he saw was that someone who has always had to read the legals
to find out what was happening with the Town Planning Board . He
felt a very ugly sign posted on the highway was a very visible
warning to the community that something was going on . And also , he
thought that if there were items that were controversial , once
again the Town Planning Board has provided public hearings on
additional days . He stated that he has been convinced by staff
that to do otherwise and until staff really does know what the site
plan is really going to look like and very frequently they don ' t
until a week before it goes before the Town Planning Board , they
could be barraged for information that simply isn ' t available . We
are trying to provide staff with an efficient working environment
and not waste the taxpayers dollars .
Town Board Minutes 15 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Klein remarked that he felt the seven days , as proposed ,
was adequate .
Councilman Whitcomb replied , except it really doesn ' t give us any
more notice than they would get by reading the legals .
Councilman Klein replied , he thought the intent was to provide
another way of giving a notice because not everybody reads the
legals and this would have a greater town-wide impact .
Councilman Whitcomb stated that he remained unconvinced by staffs
arguments and he would like to amend the motion to 14 days rather
than seven .
RESOLUTION NO . 207
Motion by Councilman Whitcomb ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the amendment to the appropriate period of time for the posting of
signs from 7 days to 14 days , and
FURTHER FESOLVED , the the Town Board will meet and hold a public
hearing at 7 : 00 P . M . , on October 3 , 1990 to consider said local
law .
( Raffensparger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE RE-ENACTMENT OF LOCAL LAW # 11 , 1991 ,
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING
TO PROCEDURES FOR SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS AND FOR MODIFICATIONS OF
SITE PLANS
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider the re-enactment of Local Law # 11 , 1991 , a local law
amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance relating to procedures
for site plan applications and for modifications of site plans
having been presented by the Town Clerk the Supervisor opened the
public hearing .
Town Attorney John Barney stated that the proposed local law was
before the Board several weeks ago . Immediately following the
public hearing the Board adopted several changes to the law as it
was proposed . Most notably was the extension from 24 months to 36
months under the sunset provision . We went ahead and adopted it
but it occurred to him later that perhaps to avoid any possible
questions as to the validity of enactment it would be wise to adopt
it in the final version and that it why it is before the Board
again .
David Aub.le asked for more of an explanation of what happened .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that what actually happened was
that there were people here who suggested that we ought to alter
the amendment as it was proposed to increase the number .
Town Attorney Barney remarked , section 10 , paragraph 3 . Originally
this was proposed it was suggested that if the work had not
materially commenced , he thought , within twenty- four months was the
original draft . He stated that he believed Mr . Hilker was here and
requested it be changed to something like five years . The Board
agreed to a three year period . Under the procedure for adopting a
local law you are supposed to have the local law on the table in
the form in which it is presented to the public and then adopted .
Town Board Minutes 16 September 9 , 1991
While you can make minor changes in it , if you make any significant
changes you really should re-publish and readopt . He felt later
that it was enough of a change to readopt .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that the other change was the
last section which says this law will take effect 20 days after
adoption . As no one else wished to speak , the Supervisor closed
the public hearing .
LOCAL LAW # 13 - 1991
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
LOCAL LAW # 13 - 1991
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING
TO PPLCEDURES FOR SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS AND FOR MODIFICATIONS OF
SITE PLANS
Section 1 . 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 IX , Section 46 , the opening paragraph , is amended to
read as follows :
" Section 46 . Procedure Related to Establishment of a Zoning
District . When an application is submitted to the Town Board
for establishment of a Residence District R5 , Multiple
Residence , Business ' A ' , ' B ' , ' C ' , ' D ' , and ' E ' , and any other
Special Land Use Districts , the establishment of which may be
permitted under this Ordinance , all hereinafter referred to as
' Districts ' , the applicant shall proceed as follows :
2 . Article IX , Section 46 , subdivision 1 , is amended to read as
follows :
"The applicant shall submit a general site plan to the Town
Board which shall show ( unless one or more items are waived by
the Town Board) property lines , including metes and bounds ,
adjacent public streets , topography , size and location of
existing or proposed structures , and the applicant shall
suhn-it such other plans and information deemed reasonably
necessary by the Town Board for adequate study of the proposed
plan „ Upon its review of the general site plan , the Town
Board may refer the matter to the Planning Board for further
review and recommendation " .
3 . Article IX , Section 46 , subdivision 2 , first sentence , is
amended to read as follows :
i
"Upon referral of the matter to the Planning Board by the Town
Board , the Planning Board may require such changes in the
general site plan as are necessary to meet the requirements of
this ordinance and may make any other recommendations which it
deems necessary to promote the general health , safety , morals ,
and the general welfare of the community" .
4 . Article IX , Section 46 , subdivision 3 , is amended to read as
follows :
" 3 . Whenever a District is created pursuant to the provisions
of this Article , the owner shall be bound by the general site
Town Board Minutes 17 September 9 , 1991
plan as approved and adopted by the Town Board" .
4 . Arti "le IX is further amended by renumbering former section
46 -a to be 46-b and adding a new section 46-a reading as follows :
"Section 46-a . Procedure Relating to Special Approvals . In
those circumstances where site plan approval by the Planning
Board is a pre-condition to the granting of a Special Approval
for a use , the applicant shall proceed as follows :
1 . The applicant will submit a site plan which shall
show ( unless one or more items are waived by the Planning
Board) property lines , including metes and bounds ,
adjacent public streets , topography , size and location of
existing or proposed structures , and such other plans and
information and any other features deemed reasonably
necessary by the Planning Board for adequate study of the
proposed plan .
2 . The Planning Board may require such changes in the
site plan as are necessary to meet the requirements of
this Ordinance and may make any other recommendations
which it deems necessary to promote the general health ,
safety , morals , and the general welfare of the community .
The Planning Board shall then adopt a resolution
recommending either approval , approval with
modifications , or disapproval of the proposed plan .
Before any such resolution is adopted , the Planning Board
shall hold a public hearing which shall be heard by the
Planning Board within thirty ( 30 ) days of the filing of
the completed application for the Special Approval with
site plan with the Planning Board , and such hearing shall
be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in
the Town of Ithaca at least five ( 5 ) days before such
hearing . The Planning Board shall make its determination
within thirty ( 30 ) days after the hearing and forward the
same to the Chairman or Clerk of the Board of Appeals .
3 . The owner and applicant shall be bound by the final
site plan as approved by the Planning Board" .
6 . Article IX , former section 46 -a , now renumbered 46 -b , is
amended by deleting subdivision 1 and inserting a new subdivision 1
to read as follows
" 1 . After a Residence District R5 , Multiple Residence ,
Business , Light Industrial or Industrial District , or any
other Special Land Use District , has been established by the
Town Board and whenever a specified development or changes in
the general plan are proposed , or whenever a site plan is
required by any other provision of this Ordinance , a site plan
for the proposed use must be submitted and approved by the
Planning Board before a building permit may be issued . If the
original site plan submitted in connection with the initial
creation of the District or the granting of the Special
Approval was of sufficient detail and contained sufficient
infoiznation as to constitute , in the Planning Board ' s
discretion , a final site plan , such original site plan shall
suffice . Otherwise , the applicant shall submit a detailed
site plan (hereinafter referred to as ' final site plan ' ) in
accordance with this Ordinance . This final site plan shall
show (unless one or more items are waived by the Planning
Board) property lines , including metes and bounds , adjacent
public streets , topography , including existing and proposed
contours , size , and location of structures , area and location
of parking , off-street loading and access drives , proposed
Town Board Minutes 18 September 9 , 1991
sign;) and lighting , proposed landscaping and any other
features deemed reasonably necessary by the Planning Board for
adequate study of the proposed plan " .
7 . Article IX , former section 46-a , now renumbered 46-b , is
further amended by amending subdivision 4 , opening paragraph ,
second sentence , by adding thereto the following after the words
" site plan approval " :
" and shall hold a public hearing on said application for
modification of the site plan and shall make its decision on
same within the time limits set forth with respect to an
original site plan application " .
8 . Article IX is further amended by adding a new section 46-c
reading as follows :
"Section 46-c . Waiver of Requirements Related to Site Plan .
The '.Cown Board in those circumstances where a site plan is
required for Town Board review , and the Planning Board in
those circumstances where a site plan is provided for Planning
Board review , may waive one or more items (e . g . , topography)
otherwise normally required to be shown on the site plan when
the applicable board determines that the circumstances of the
application do not require a full site plan for adequate
consideration of the applicant ' s proposal .
90 Article IX is further amended by adding a new section 46-d
reading as follows .
" Section 46-d . General Considerations
The Planning Board ' s review of a general , preliminary , or
final_ site plan shall include as appropriate , but shall not be
is to , the following considerations :
1 . Adequacy , arrangement , and location of vehicular
access and circulation , including intersections , road
widths , pavement surfaces , off-street parking and loading
areas , and traffic controls .
2 . Adequacy , arrangement , and location of pedestrian
and bicycle traffic access and circulation , control of
intersections with vehicular traffic , and appropriate
provisions for handicapped persons .
3 . Adequacy , location , arrangement , size , design , and
general site compatibility of buildings , lighting , signs ,
open spaces , and outdoor waste disposal facilities .
4 . Adequacy , type , and arrangement of trees , shrubs ,
and other landscaping constituting a visual and/or
noise-deterring buffer between the applicant ' s and
adjoining lands , including the retention of existing
vegetation of value to the maximum extent possible .
5 . In the case of a residential property , and in the
case of other properties where appropriate , the adequacy
and utility of open space for playgrounds and for
informal recreation .
6 . Protection of adjacent properties and the general
public against noise , glare , unsightliness , or other
objectionable features .
�e
Town Board Minutes 19 September 9 , 1991
7 . Adequacy of storm water , drainage , water supply , and
sewage disposal facilities .
8 . Adequacy of fire lanes and other emergency
provisions .
90 The effect of the proposed development on
environmentally sensitive areas including but not limited
to wetlands , floodplains , woodlands , steep slopes , and
water courses , and on other open space areas of
importance to the neighborhood or conununity .
10 . Compliance with the Zoning Ordinance , subdivision
regulations , if applicable , and any other applicable
laws , rules , requirements , or policies .
10 . Article IX is further amended by adding a new section 46-e
reading aS follows
" Section 46-e . Other Provisions
1 . No building permit shall be issued for a project with
an approved final site plan until the applicant has
furnished to the Town Engineer an irrevocable letter of
credit in an amount to be approved by the Town Engineer .
Such letter of credit shall insure that all items on the
site plan that may be deemed necessary to provide for
adequate traffic flow, utilities , and other
infrastructure items are constructed in accordance with
the approved final site plan and any other pertinent
specifications and requirements . The Planning Board may
waive the requirement or may accept other evidence or
promise of completion of required facilities for the site
plan if , in its discretion , it determines that there is
no need for the letter of credit .
2 . No final certificate of occupancy or certificate of
compliance shall be issued until all improvements shown
on the final site plan as approved by the Planning Board
are installed or until a sufficient performance
guarantee , such as a letter of credit , has been provided
to the Town for improvements not yet completed . The
sufficiency of such performance guarantee shall be
determined by the Town Engineer after consultation with
the Building Inspector or other persons designated by the
Planning Board . The Planning Board may waive the
:requirement for such performance guarantee if , in its
discretion , it determines that the guarantee is not
needed .
3 . Unless work has materially commenced in accordance
with the final site plan within one year from the
:issuance of the building permit authorizing such work , or
within thirty-six months of the date the Planning Board
gave final site plan approval , whichever is earlier , not
only the building permit but the site plan approval (both
_Final and preliminary) shall expire and the permissible
uses and construction on the property shall revert to
those in effect prior to the granting of any site plan
approval . Notwithstanding the foregoing , if final site
plan approval was granted prior to July 8 , 1991 , the time
for work to materially commence shall be extended to July
8 , 1994 or one year from issuance of a building permit ,
whichever is earlier . The Planning Board , upon request
of the applicant , after a public hearing , and upon a
finding that the imposition of the time limits set forth
Town Board Minutes 20 September 9 , 1991
above would create an undue hardship on the applicant ,
may extend the time limits for such additional periods as
the Planning Board may reasonably determine . An
application for such extension may be made at the time of
filing of the original application or at any time
thereafter up to , but no later than , six months after the
expiration of the time limits set forth above .
For the purposes of this section , work will not have
If commenced" unless , at a minimum , ( i ) a
building permit , if required , has been obtained ; ( ii )
construction equipment and tools consistent with the size
of the proposed work have been brought to and been used
on the site ; and ( iii ) substantial excavation (where
excavation is required) or significant framing , erection ,
or construction (where excavation is not required) has
been started and is being diligently pursued .
Section 2 . It is the intention of this local law to re-enact and
readopt Local Law No . 11 of the year 1991 with any changes therein
that were made during the course of consideration of said local law
in July of 1991 .
Section 3 . If any provision of this law is found invalid by any
court of competent jurisdiction , such invalidity shall not affect
any other provisions of this local law which shall remain in full
force and effect .
Section 4 . This law shall take effect 20 days after its adoption .
The Supervisor called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Klein Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman Liguori Voting Aye
Councilman Niklas Voting Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Voting Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
, Local Law No . 13 - 1991 was thereupon declared duly adopted .
PUBLIC HEA)UNG TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF A LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING
A NEW WATER RATE SCHEDULE IN THE TGM OF ITHACA
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider the adoption of a local law establishing a new water rate
schedule in the Town of Ithaca having been presented by the Town
Clerk , the Supervisor opened the public hearing .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that the Board had all received a
lot of material which has cone primarily from Bolton Point . The
Bolton Point Commission passed the schedule as has been distributed
to the Board , dated 8 / 14 / 91 . The proposal tonight is for the Town
of Ithaca :rate schedule which includes the Bolton Point schedule ,
and as you have seen includes a ten cent municipal increment which
several of the municipalities have wished to increase . You will
note that you also received the old schedule where there were about
20 different rates that large users were very much advantaged by
the previous system and that Bolton Point has now proposed a system
which in a period of three years , by the first of January , 19941,
have a flat, rate system for all consumers of water . In other words
I
Town Board Minutes 21 September 9 , 1991
it doesn " t matter how much you use you pay the same amount per
gallon if you are a small user or a large user . This is the first
step in the process .
Celia Bowers , 1406 Tr mtiansburg Road stated that she felt it was an
excellent idea because if you charge a flat rate to encourage
conservation , if you charge a lesser rate for those who are using a
lot , you encourage waste .
As no one else present wished to speak , the Supervisor closed the
public hearing .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked that he assumed the average
residential user would experience a decrease in his water bill as a
result of this after it is fully enacted?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , there is a chart which shows but
from 9 , 000 to 20 , 000 gallon per quarter there would basically be no
change at the end of the three years . There would be a 1 . 6 %
increase in that year . In these three years , the people who use
the most grater receive the biggest increases , per the chart .
FOCAL LAW NO . 14 - 1991
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Whitcomb ,
LOCAL LAW NO . 14 - 1991
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND LOCAL LAW N0 . 21 1976 , BY ADOPTING A NEW WATER
RATE SCHEDULE FOR WATER RATES , CHARGES , AND OTHER FEES CHARGEABLE
TO CONSUMERS OF WATER IN THE TOWN OF ITHACA
Section 1 . Local Law No . 2 for the year 1976 , adopted August 23 ,
1976 , as subsequently amended , is hereby further amended by
deleting and repealing the water rate schedule set forth in this
local law . The textual materials relating to master meters , etc . ,
presently in the current water rate schedule as amended shall
continue to in full force and effect . The new water rate schedule
reads as follows :
Gallons per Bolton Point Municipal Combined Rate
Quarter Rate Increment payable in
- Town of Ith .
0 - 10 , 000 $ 2 . 15 / 1000 $ 0010 / 1000 $ 2 . 25 / 1000
gallons gallons gallons
10 , 001 - $ 1995 / 1000 $ 0010 / 1000 $ 2 . 05 / 1000
150 , 000 gallons gallons gallons
Over $ 1 . 60 / 1000 $0010 / 1000 $ 1970 / 1000
150 , 000 gallons gallons gallons
Minimum
Quarterly
Charge $ 21 . 50 $ 1 . 00 $ 22 . 50
Section 2 . This local law shall take effect January 1 , 19920
The Supervisor called for a roll call vote .
Town Board Minutes 22 September 9 , 1991
Councilman- Klein Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman Liguori Voting Aye
Councilman Niklas Voting Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Voting Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law No . 14 - 1991 was thereupon declared duly adopted .
FILL PER ETS AND DEPOSIT OF MATERIAL ON OTHER SITES
Councilman Niklas remarked that if the Board recalled he thought
this was raised at a couple of Town Board meetings ago when
Councilman Whitcomb questioned the Building Inspector/ Zoning
Officer ' s Report . That was , the question of fact that we had
granted permits to remove fill from a particular site and that was ,
he thought , Ithaca College . He went on to say that the real
question was whether or not we were really very happy with where it
was dumpal . There is noting in Section 70 of the current law
regarding whether or not the material is going to be dumped on an
improved site . We wanted to get a policy decision from the Town
Board before Codes and Ordinances proceed with amending Section 70 .
Essentially there is a loop hole right now in the way the law is
crafted and that is that the Town doesn ' t really have any control
over where the material is dumped if it is taken off site . The
real question is , does the Town want to have control , does it want
to approve of these sites before the material is dumped or whether
or not we are really happy with the way the law is right now .
Andrew Frost , Building Inspector/ Zoning Officer stated that as the
law reads it basically provides for exemptions from going to the
Town Zoning Board for special permit or the Town Planning Board
where amounts exceed 25 , 000 cubic yards . Essentially if someone
has a building permit they are exempted from getting any fill
permit when the total amount of material moved from one place to
another place on the construction site is less than 700 cubic yards
which is :33 some odd 18 ton truck loads of dirt . Or where the
amount of material removed from the construction site to an
off-site location or brought from the construction site from an
off-site location is less than 500 cubic yards .
Councilman Niklas remarked , one modification which we could kick
around at COC , we could specify an approved off-site location . And
then craft that legislation as to how that approval is gained and
what it means . We really need to get a feeling before COC spends
the time and effort to do this .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that her impression was , when the
Board passed this legislation , that is what we thought we were
doing . The reason that the question arose is because we received
complaints on South Hill because there was fill being taken from a
site where there was a legal building permit and being dumped and
we had no control over it .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked this law , as written , only takes care
of half of the problem . It takes care of the problem of fill
generated on site but it doesn ' t take care of the problem of what
happens to it after it leaves the site .
Town Attorney Barney remarked that the law was originally drafted
to take care of some problems on Elmira Road and it deals with
those prob=lems but it does not deal with the problem of a massive
movement of dirt .
Town Board Minutes 23 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Niklas remarked that he felt it was a good law as it was
but it could be made better . He asked for a straw vote from the
Town Board as to if they wished COC to start tidying up this . The
Board felt this was a good idea .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked that COC might consider that 50 cubic
yards was a little too small of an amount before a permit was
needed .
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCILS AND
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION COMMISSIONS FALL
CONFERENCE
Councilman Whitcomb noted that there was another CAC member who was
interested in attending besides himself . He noted that the
registration was $ 30 each plus room and board .
RESOLUTION N0 . 208
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger , seconded by Councilman Niklas ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Councilman John Whitcomb and a member of the Conservation
Advisory Council to attend the new York State Association of
Environmental Management Councils and New York State Association of
Conservation Commissions Fall Conference , October 25 , 26 , 27 , 1991
in Rochester , New York .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REVISING THE SCLIWC RULES AND
REGULATIONS
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider revising the SCLIWC Rules and Regulations having been
presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the public
hearing .
Town Engineer Dan Walker stated that the original rules and
regulations were drafted in 1980 and are now a little out of date .
Basically the changes are to update the rules and regulations , to
make them consistent with the current laws that have been enacted
and also , with design standards in the industry . The main law that
was critical was the backflow prevention law that was passed in
1980 and adopted by the municipalities in 1991 .
As no one attending the meeting wished to speak for or against the
revisions , the Supervisor closed the public hearing .
Councilman Liguori noting page 4 , item 4a under "Quantity and
Pressure " , the last line , that says each one of us must have a
pressure regulator on his water system , no exemptions , it says we
have to haire it . He stated that he felt it was wrong . He did not
know if it was a miss-typing or what it was but it says that if he
only has :50 pounds pressure he still had to have a pressure
regulator . If he has 100 pounds pressure he has to have a pressure
regulator . He again said that he felt this was completely wrong .
It shouldn ' t be that way . They can recommend it but to require
everybody to have a pressure regulator is 100 percent cop out .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she had asked the question
and the answer that was given to her which made scene sense and the
rest of the Commissioners seemed to feel was logical , is that
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Town Board Minutes 24 September 9 , 1991
requiring this protects the Commission from suits if the pressure
fluctuates and causes damage within a house . Then the Commission
can say , we said to you you had to have a pressure regulator you
did not have one , therefore , it is not the responsibility of the
Commission that low pressure , high pressure or fluctuating pressure
has caused damage to your house .
Councilman Liguori replied that that was what he had said , it was a
cop out . They spend half of that paragraph as a disclaimer anyway ,
he thought .
Councilman Niklas asked why the Commission didn ' t just disclaim
responsibility if a customer does not have one . This suggests that
if a customer is found not to have one . . . . . . .
Town Engineer Walker replied , the Commission controls the system
that the Town owns , if someone is not protected by a pressure
regulator , the pressure surges to 150 pounds per square inch and
you blow the shower head off in someone ' s house and it causes a lot
of damage , the Town is going to pay that bill , not Bolton Point .
This is a Town system , Bolton Point administers these rules and
regulations . If anyone is going to pay these bills it is the Town .
Councilman Niklas replied , but that doesn ' t answer my question .
His question was , why doesn ' t the Town or Bolton Point simply put
in a disclaimer , we are not responsible if a pressure regulator is
not installed .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that we are usually told by the
Attorneys that disclaimers don ' t count .
Town Attorney Barney replied , they are not always totally
effective .
Councilman Liguori asked if he didn ' t have a regulator , later on in
here ( the ]pules and Regulations ) they can turn my water off?
Councilman Niklas asked how much a regulator cost?
Town Engineer Walker replied that he was not sure but probably
$ 150 .
Councilman Klein asked if it was cannon in most residential
systems ?
Town Engineer Walker replied , most systems have them on if they
have high pressures . He went on to say that we do have potential
for high pressures here given . . . . . . . the way the system is built we
try to regulate pressures and keep then between 50 and 75 pounds .
But , given the nature of the topography here and the emergency
interconnections we have it is possible under emergency situations ,
if there is a fire some place they can open pressure regulating
valves that are higher up on the system and increase system
pressure . That is the purpose of putting pressure regulators on
individual homes .
Councilman Niklas remarked that the real question was whether or
not asking someone to install a pressure regulator at the price of ,
let ' s say , $ 150 which has the potential of preventing their home
from flooding when you are not around if there is an emergency , is
an unreasonable request .
Councilman Liguori replied , it ' s not a request it ' s a demand .
Councilman Niklas replied that he was being kind , is it an
unreasonable demand?
Town Board Minutes 25 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Liguori replied , if they walk into someones house
tomorrow and don ' t see a regulator they have the authority to
disconnect the service .
Councilman Klein questioned the sale of existing homes . He asked
if this would become something that buyers are going to insist that
every house have one?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she would think that any time
that there were plumbing inspections of any kind that this matter
would arise . She felt this was fair to say and if that is the sale
of a house it could be then . For example , if there is a broken
pipe or if there was damage to a house because there was not a
pressure regulator , obviously the matter would arise .
Town Engineer Walker added that he thought that most banks and
lending institutions , if they require a house inspection , would
probably ask questions about regulators if they are aware of what
could happen within the systems .
Councilman Klein asked if this was town wide or just certain areas
that are more subject than other ?
Town Engineer Walker replied that it could be a problem town wide
as we are extending pressure zones like on the West Hill area for
instance , 'we have a hydrophenumatic station that feeds a small area
up there . There may be in the future a tank at a higher pressure
zone that would feed that area and may be one above that at some
time in the future . Since most of the Town is down in the valley
he felt 80 % of the houses were at some risk .
Councilman Niklas speaking to the Town Supervisor noted that in the
past when a Town Board member has had some concern about a local
law that :has essentially been drafted by Bolton Point we have
communicated back to the Water Commissioners that concern to see
whether or not some compromise or reconsideration is in order . He
went on to say that since the Town Supervisor is the Board ' s
representative did she have a sense that the Bolton Point Water
Commissioners would be willing to consider Councilman Liguori ' s
concerns ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she did not think the
Commissioners would be willing to remove the requirement but she
was not positive . She went on to say that her impression , and she
had raised the question , and that was that there was not going to
be an affirmative policing of the individual water services in the
Town to make sure they have the pressure reducing devices . That it
is seen primarily as protective of those circumstances in which you
have those fluctuations that may cause damage . She stated that she
was just reporting to the Board the discussion as it was conducted
at the Comunission .
Councilwamul Leary remarked that if pressure regulators are so
important :>houldn ' t they be part of the system and , therefore , paid
for by Bolton Point?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , nothing is really paid for by
Bolton Point . Each municipality pays for it so if you are saying
should the Town of Ithaca pay for it , that ' s a question . You can
frame it that way but it is not really realistic to pretend that
the Commission pays for anything . It doesn ' t , it pays for it with
our money .
Councilman Liguori asked , how many in the room have a pressure
regulator?
Town Board Minutes 26 September 9 , 1991
David Auble was the only person who replied that he had just had
one installed because the pressure change on South Hill was causing
leaks . The bill was around $ 150 installed .
Town Engineer Walker added that all new installations were required
to have pressure regulators , any new construction .
Councilman Klein questioned page 22 on the penalty for failure to
read the water meter , he asked if the Intermunicipal Agreement
provides further details of these charges ? We had quite a bit of
discussion on that , would we still have control ? He thought Bolton
Point was coming back with an alternative .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied yes . We discussed an alternative
at the noon meeting today which would have a service charge which
was reflective of the actual cost of reading the meter which was
what this Board asked for . That will probably be coming to you in
a couple of months .
Councilman Klein replied , so that is the provision to allow
something like that but we would have control over the agreement .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , yes .
Councilwoman Leary remarked that this was a very bad time to impose
another cost on families and it kind of goes against the grain just
that Bolton Point is covering its behind , legally , by requiring
this .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that again she felt it was very
important to make it very clear who ' s behind is being covered .
Whether or not you agree with that is something else , but it is
true that -the Commission has no liabilities , the Town of Ithaca has
the liabilities for our system .
Councilman Niklas remarked , and don ' t forget we pay for those
liabilities with taxpayers dollars .
Councilwoman Leary replied taxpayers dollars or not , one way or the
other people are going to pay for it . Is it better to spread it
out over the whole town or just have . . . . .
Councilman Niklas remarked that it was his understanding too that
we are not talking about covering the Town ' s derriere it is good
practice to prevent these kinds of accidents from happening . He
guessed it " s a real question of , you have insurance policy because
you know there are possibilities of accidents . He thought what he
was understanding from our Town Engineer was that this is a $ 150
insurance policy so that when you are on vacation and Bolton Point
increases the pressure that the gaskets in your house don ' t rupture
and you don i t cone home to a flood .
Councilman Liguori replied that he had a pressure reducing valve on
his system for years , which is not compressable . If those valves
leak two drops of water by those valves , the pressure on each side
suddenly becomes exactly the same because there is no pressure tank
to cushion it . He stated that he had found that they were
absolutely useless .
Councilman Klein remarked that from an engineering aspect are we
talking about something that ' s useless or something that is
reasonable ? if there is a $ 150 cost but it is a useless gadget ,
that kind of . . . . . . .
Councilman Niklas asked , are we criticizing the pressure gauges or
the engineer ' s rational for having them?
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Town Board Minutes 27 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Liguori remarked that it shouldn ' t be dealt on too long
and as :far as he was concerned , let ' s just forget it . But , it
shows how we decide to make the public spend money for no good
reason . It ' s been the law for the last ten years .
Several of the Councilpersons replied that it was not the law
before it was only recommended .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , the wording changes from
recommended to required . The Supervisor went on to say that if the
Board would consider passing these Rules and Regulations so that
the great bulk of them might go into effect for all the
municipalities she would be glad to go back to the Commission and
discuss with them the Boards concerns about this particular part of
it . And , ask if they would like to consider an amendment to these
Rules and Regulations having to do with the pressure reducing
valves . She stated that she was a little bit concerned about
turning down the whole package which has actually been in the works
for at least nine months , but she would be very glad to take that
concern back to them .
Councilman Niklas asked , even if it is passed you would still go
back and discuss it with them?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied yes , that she would go back and
discuss with them the Boards ' concerns and ask them if they would
like to consider going back to " recommending " the installation .
Councilman Niklas stated that he had a legal question . He asked if
the Commission agreed to do that would the Board need to hold
another public hearing?
Town Atto3:ney Barney replied yes .
Councilman Niklas wondered if the alternative would be not to vote
tonight and to get their reaction so that it would not have to be
amended .
Councilman Klein replied that he thought Supervisor Raffensperger ' s
point was that there are a lot of other changes that need to be
enacted .
RESOLUTION N0 . 209
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Supervisor Raffensperger ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the revisions to the Rules and Regulations of the Southern Cayuga
Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission .
Supervisor Raffensperger called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Klein Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman Liguori Voting Aye
Councilman Niklas Voting Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Voting Nay
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
(Councilman Liguori stated that he voted yes because he only wanted
to see the one little change . Councilwoman Leary stated that she
voted yes but she doubted that once the Board passes it they will
Town Board Minutes 1 28 September 9 , 1991
change it: . Councilman Klein stated that he voted yes but obviously
on the b<<sis of their caning back with some reconsideration )
PUBLIC FLARING TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING BUPLEIGH DRIVE LIGHTING
DISTRICT
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider establishing Burleigh Drive Lighting District having been
presented. by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the public
hearing .
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that the Town had received a
petition from the residents of Burleigh Drive sometime ago , asking
the Town to look into establishing a lighting district for that
area . Because the petition that came in did not meet the legal
requirements of a petition , instead of requiring the residents to
circulate a different petition , the Town took a different legal
procedure to bring about the establishment of a lighting district .
Because of opposition from some of the neighbors , the Board in
August asked the Town Engineer to go back to NYSEG and see whether
or not there could be a redesign of the lighting .
Town Engineer Dan Walker stated that he had spoken to NYSEG and
they would not recommend any modification to the design for
lighting -the street . They have special shields that they can put
on the individual lights .
David Heath , 111 Burleigh Drive stated that he was infavor of the
lights . He was infavor because there have been a lot of burglaries
in the neighborhood and he felt the lighting would discourage this .
He stated that he did go out for walks occasionally and it was dark
on Burleich Drive , when it is dark .
William Collins , 109 Burleigh Drive stated that he would like to
speak agaM' st the lighting district . He stated that he liked to
exercise too , but he liked to walk around in the dark . What he
meant was that he liked to look at the moon and he liked to look at
the stars and he did not particularly like to look at street
lights . Ike stated that his real concern was that he did have
children and their bedrooms were on that side of the house and he
was concerned about the light shining and keeping the awake . He
felt that if the light could be shielded and keep the light out of
the windows that would lessen his concerns . He went on to say that
in general he was not convinced that there was a need for the
lights .
Betsey Nicholson , 138 Burleigh Drive stated that she bought the
home a year ago and she had bought the home because the
neighborhood felt safe . She stated that her home was broken into
in December , she came home at nine o ' clock and someone had damaged
the back door and she was faced with all the repercussions of
having a break in . She stated that she would very much welcome
having three or four street lights shining in all her bedroom
windows . She was definitely for the lighting district and would
make her feel more secure this winter .
Peter Dael.s , 147 Burleigh Drive stated that he was one of the
people who did not sign the petition because he had just moved
there but he would like to support the idea of putting lights there
because they were very surprised as to how dark it was at night .
There are wooded areas and for older people or people who like to
walk in the evening it would be more convenient and safe to have
lights .
Town Board Minutes 29 September 9 , 1991
Lois Stout , 115 Burleigh Drive stated that she was here at the
first public hearing and she was one of the three who were opposed
to it . Pier neighbors who were strongly opposed are not here this
evening . In the particular area where they are she did not see any
particular need for lighting . She went on to say that they had the
lights we have the light across and if they have a light at each
intersection which they have and they put a light at Uptown Road ,
which is a necessity that would be enough . She stated that she was
opposite the church which had ample lighting and they have some
lights themselves . This is being imposed on everybody .
As no one else wished to be heard , the Supervisor closed the public
hearing .
Councilman Klein asked if the Town or NYSEG would be determining
where the shields would be placed?
Town Engineer Walker replied that he felt the NYSEG engineer should
meet with the people who had the concerns and put shields on those
fixtures . As they are installing the lights they would have to
install the shields . We could schedule this with the NYSEG
engineer .
Councilwoman Leary asked how would going from an unlit area to a
brightly lit area or a moderately lit area , how would that be more
dangerous for traffic than having either unlit or bright .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that from what she understood ,
ones eyes do not adjust to this and so your ability to see as you
go from bright to dark your eyes don ' t change so fast .
RESOLUTION' N0 . 210
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Klein ,
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING BURLEIGH DRIVE LIGHTING
DISTRICT AFTER PUBLIC HEARING
WHEREAS , on June 10 , 1991 , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca ,
duly adopted a resolution directing the Town Engineer of the Town
of Ithaca to supervise the preparation of a map , plan , and report
for providing the facilities , improvements , or services in a
portion of the Town of Ithaca wherein a lighting district was
proposed to be established ; and
WHEREAS , after the Town Engineer duly filed said map , plan and
report in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca , the
Town Board did , on July 8 , 1991 , duly adopted an order reciting a
description of the boundaries of the proposed district , the maximum
amount proposed to be expended for the 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 the Town Board shall
meet at the Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , on
the 12th day of August , 1991 , for the purpose of conducting a
public hearing on such proposal , to establish the lighting district
and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof
concerning the same , and
WHEREAS , as order specifying the time and place of an adjourned
public hearing was duly adopted on August 12 , 1991 specifying
September 9 , 1991 as the date for such adjourned hearing ; and
Town Board Minutes 30 September 9 , 1991
WHEREAS , copies of said Orders were duly published and posted
according to law , and said Town Board did , at the time and places
specified in said Order , duly meet and consider such proposal and
heard all persons interested in the subject thereof , who appeared
at such time and place , concerning the same ; and
WHEREAS , the evidence offered at such time and place requires that
the Town Board make the determinations hereinafter made ;
NOW THERF,FORE BE IT RESOLVED , by the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca , in the County of Tompkins , 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 and property owners , within the
proposed Lighting District are benefited thereby .
3 . That all of the property and property owners benefited are
included within the proposed Lighting District ,
4 . It is in the public interest to establish the proposed
Lighting District as hereinafter described .
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town Board does hereby approve
the establishment of a Lighting District as hereinafter described
to be known as the Burleigh Drive Lighting District , the boundaries
of said District to be as follows .
Commencing at the intersection of the center line of Burleigh Drive
with the Easterly boundary line of the Village of Cayuga Heights ,
which point is just north of the northwest corner of Town of Ithaca
tax parcel No . 72- 1- 1 . 99 ; running thence south along the Cayuga
Heights boundary line and in part along the west line of tax parcel
72- 1- 1 . 199 to a point 200 feet south of the center line of Burleigh
Drive ; running thence easterly , northeasterly , and northerly on a
line parallel to the center line of Burleigh Drive and 200 feet
distant therefrom to the north line of the Town of Ithaca , running
thence westerly along the north line of the Town of Ithaca and the
north line of tax parcel 72-1-1 . 185 200 feet to the center line of
Burleigh Drive ; continuing thence westerly along the north line of
the Town of Ithaca 200 feet to a point ; running thence southerly
southwesterly and westerly on a line parallel with the center line
of Burleigh Drive and 200 feet distant therefrom to the center line
of the westerly portion of the loop road known as Lexington Drive ,
which point is westerly from premises reputedly owned by the Church
of Latter Day Saints being Town of Ithaca tax parcel 72-1- 1 . 170 ;
thence southerly along the center line of Lexington Drive 200 feet
to the center line of Burleigh Drive ; thence westerly along the
center line of Burleigh Drive a distance of approximately 60 feet
to the east line of the Village of Cayuga Heights and the point or
place of beginning .
AND BE IT ]?UKPHER RESOLVED , that the following improvements in said
District be constructed .
Seven lunbiaries along Burleigh Drive between Uptown Road and the
Cayuga Heights Village Line , all as more particularly shown on the
street lighting plan and as set forth in the letter from New York
State Electric & Gas Corporation dated March 27 , 1991 , to the Town
of Ithaca ,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the proposed improvements ,
including costs of rights of way , construction costs , legal fees
and other expenses shall be financed as follows .
Town Board Minutes 31 September 9 , 1991
Each of the homeowners in said Burleigh Drive Lighting District
shall be assessed a proportionate share of the annual cost of
operating and maintaining said lighting system , the Town Board
determining that each lot owner is benefited substantially in
proportion to the frontage of each lot owner on the road and
therefore until otherwise determined by the Town Board , the cost of
the installation , operation , and maintenance of said lighting
facilities is to be borne by each lot owner in the Burleigh
Lighting District in proportion to the amount of road frontage each
lot owner has on Burleigh Drive ;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that this resolution is subject to a
permissive referendum in the manner provided in Article Seven of
the Town Law in Subdivision 3 of Section 209-e of the Town Law;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that within ten days of the adoption of
this resolution the Town Clerk shall post and publish a notice
which shall set forth the date of the adoption of the resolution
and contain an abstract of such act or resolution concisely stating
the purpose and effect thereof , such posting and publication to
occur in the same manner as provided for notice of a special
election , said notice to also specify that such resolution was
adopted subject to a permissive referendum ;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town Supervisor , the Town
Clerk , and the Town Attorney are hereby authorized and directed to
take such steps and - to prepare and file such documents as may be
necessary to effectuate the intention of this resolution .
The Supervisor called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Klein Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman Liguori Voting Aye
Councilman Niklas Voting Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Voting Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
The Resolui=ion was declared duly adopted .
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
David Auble , 380 Coddington Road stated that he wanted to ask about
a regulation that he just came across in the Town office . He went
on to say that perhaps he was misinformed but he thought that there
was an understanding that Local Law # 1 - 1991 , regarding the
amortization of non-conforming uses would be on the agenda tonight
but he did not see it .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that it was one of the items added
to the agenda , to set the date for a public hearing .
Mr . Auble asked if there would be any discussion or explanation of
that regulation?
It was determined that the agenda item Mr . Auble was talking about
what not an issue on amortization .
Krys Cail , President of the West Hill Neighborhood Association
stated that. they had a meeting about three weeks ago . We have been
closely following the public works project up on Route 96 and there
has been scu a differences of opinion about how the project is being
Town Boar3 Minutes 32 September 9 , 1991
carried out We had a small group of people , since it was in the
summer , that came to our executive committee meeting to discuss it
and she had had scene contact with other people who are impacted
along the area that has been dug up , up through there . There is
definitely scene differences of opinion , there are some people who
are more concerned and there are some people who less concerned .
Before she starts listing things that people have cane to her about
being problems , she wanted to thank the people who have been up
there and looked around and putting all that effort and energy into
it becausE! it ' s a lot of work being a public official . She went on
to say that there are some concerns about the level of
accountability of the contractor and people felt that before there
was a final payment and she did not know at this point if they were
too late with that , but before there was a final payment that we
read into the record some of the things that people have been
concerned about , were . She felt it was very important to take note
that this was a list that came up in their meeting and that these
things have not been collaborated . Obviously the people who are
noticing them are not professional engineers and this is how it
looks to the lay person , she felt . Ms . Cail went on to say that
some of these issues have already been brought to the Board ' s
attention . Basically she stated that she had a list of things that
people had concerns about , one that the Board has heard a lot about
was the topsoil and whether the same topsoil that went out was the
topsoil that came back . The other was whether footer drains that
were replaced ended up above or below the frost line . Whether the
slopes were maintained and about how . Whether hay or straw was
used to cover the mulch and how good the grass seed was and how
much of the grass seed was spread and what the damage to property
either trees or pavement . There is also some concern about a
manhole that sits up high . The whole point of this was just to let
you know that people were concerned about this so it was clear that
the Board knew about it , if in fact there should be some problems
caning across later on down the line if somebody ' s basement floods
or whatever . We suggested that some possible things to look at
might be asking Town Council about what legal recourse there was ,
and she did not know at what point , if there hasn ' t been a final
payment may be that can be dealt with before the final payment or
if something canes up later what could happen . Then , some question
about if there should be sane problems , at what point should it be
caught by which Town employee . In particular , consideration of
whether low bidder or not , this particular company is or is not
sanebody to hire again .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that earlier in the meeting this
had been discussed and that residents would be given a kind of sign
or check off sheet . Also , she stated that she had asked the people
here earlier to be a little patient to see if the grass was going
to grow . The contractor will be required to meet the terms of his
contract .
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that she had sent Mr . Schafrik a
letter today , addressing his concerns .
Lee Schafz•ik , 1491 Trumansburg Road stated that just for the
record , at this point , he was not happy . For the public record he
brought a sample of the original soil and what is now there in
place and you can see where grass seed was spread , where it has
cane up and where there is not grass seed and there never will be
because there is no seed there . It ' s a continuation .
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ETHICS LEGISLATION
Town Board Minutes 33 September 9 , 1991
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that the Town Attorney and
Councilwoman Valentino have been working on this and this version
reflects the input of the Board at the last discussion we had .
Town Attorney Barney remarked that the changes fran the last draft ,
except titles , are marked . He also tried to mark , by bold type ,
the deletions .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that she wondered , at this point ,
if the Board wouldn ' t benefit by more time to review this and she
would also like to see copies of it sent to Town employees since
they are , in some cases , covered by the legislation and ask them to
make ccmrKmts to the Board . She went on to say that she hesitated
to set a public hearing for a document that we really haven ' t had
more of an opportunity to review . The Board could set the public
hearing date in October . The Board felt this was reasonable .
CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF SEWER EXTENTION REQUESTS ON WEST HILL
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that it was her understanding
that the Board received a report fran the Town Engineer in August
when several of the Board members were on vacation .
Town Engineer Dan Walker reviewed the map , showing the proposed
area , with the Town Board . He noted that currently Woolf Lane was
served by :public sewers , public sewers on Dubois Road and a portion
of Orchard! Hill . There was also an extension of the sewer from
Bundy Road back to the new fire station . There is a stretch
between the fire station and Woolf Lane , along Route 96 , that does
not currently have sewer service . There are several residents who
have asked us to look into the possibility of extending the sewer .
There is an approved subdivision in this area . The best way to
provide service to the bulk of Route 96 would be through the back
lots because of the topography . A rough estimate would be 11 , 000
feet at a cost of approximately $40 . 00 per foot , that runs around
$ 430 , 000 , more like a half a million dollars with design costs .
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that in the past when the Town has
talked about extensions that for the big pieces of land it was the
intention -that whoever developed them would have to participate in
the cost of the sewer . You have a very different question when you
have Town residents who have lived there for saw time and
presently have problems . She stated that she would be interested
in having the Town Engineer develop a more modest proposal which
would acccrmiodate the requests that we have on Route 96 . She asked
if this would present a problem for the Engineering Department ?
Town Engineer Walker replied no but that he would like two months ,
if that was okay with the Board .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked that he would like to see any
extensions tied into the canprehensive plan as when water and sewer
is extended , so is development .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she felt this was true for
big development , if on the other hand we can service existing
residents who ' s septic systems are failing she felt this should be
accannodated .
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
Fire Chief Edward Olmstead stated that he talked to Supervisor
Raffensperger about attending a Board meeting every few months . He
went on to say that the big subject was the budget . We start
Town Board Minutes 34 September 9 , 1991
working on the City budget process in May or June and is submitted
to the Board of Fire Commissioners , in draft form, by the first
part of July . Then the Board takes action on it at their August
meeting . It then goes to the Mayor who then takes that document
and does whatever he wants to with it . Then he submits that budget
to Common Council . What ever has happened before that point , it
doesn ' t matter in terms of what Common Council does . They take the
Mayor ' s budget and then they start from there , about the third week
of October . If we don ' t agree with something the Mayor has done
then we can approach Common Council .
The Fire Chief went on to say that this year his department was
asked to :Dubnit three budgets . A zero percent increase budget , a
minus 3 % and a minus 6% . You have to add a negative 6% to all
those numbers because the trick with the zero percent budget must
include all the contractually negotiated increases . 85 % of our
budget is salaries . If you take a look at a zero percent budget
it ' s close: to a 6% decrease . He went on to say that the Board was
given a proposed budget from him which froze the operating
accounts , the equipment lines and the contractual lines for the
second year in a row . If you go back to 1989 , even though the
amount was greater than 188 , we were bringing the bunker program on
line and we added the retirement program for volunteers . What did
infact happen in 1991 is that the " 200 " and 11400 " lines were
identical in total amount to the year before and we are proposing
that again and we are having some difficulties . We brought two new
stations on line and we brought the bunkers back into the system .
Even though we have been able to bring some other accounts down ,
adding the square footage of all of the energy costs and some of
the things we can ' t control , we are having a tough year this year .
Training is being cut , volunteer incentives are being cut and we
are back to 1985 when we said let ' s not do it , let ' s put it off for
another year . The full budget proposed by the Board of Fire
Camlissioners is no increase in " 200 " and " 400 " and all positions
filled thilt are currently in place , no new positions . That
translates into a 5-3 / 4 % increase in the budget . Zero percent is
achieved by not filling existing vacancies , we have two vacancies
which are currently not filled , we have two announced retirements ,
which means those positions remaining empty which means we go back
to 1989 . In 1989 it was determined that we needed to add twelve
new positions over the next two budgets . We had four , we will have
those four taken away . We have funding for four retirements , the
zero percent budget eliminates those and the bad part about that is
that if somebody decides to retire beyond these two then we have
additional liabilities that we will have to pay , we don ' t have any
choice . The length of service awards program for the volunteers is
not funded in the budget , it is not yet in place . The Conference
of Mayor ' s is suing the State of New York over this legislation , it
looks like nothing will happen until next year . The Municipal
Training Officer who has left is filled in that zero percent
budget . The Vacancy Committee has denied us permission to fill
that position . Anything beyond what we have done in this budget
will require layoffs .
Chief Olmstead went on to say that he did not know where it was
going to go . The Board ' s perspective on this was simply that we
have enter(nd into an agreement of faith for several years between
the City , Town and the Board of Fire Commissioners . Anything we do
to not continue with that agreement is going to impact , the first
thing being employee benefits because as you reduce the number of
people you have working that means sam of the elective time off
types of things are simply not going to be filled . There is a long
term issue out there that if reductions were to continue , if we
were to continue to not fill retirements and he was looking beyond
the 1992 budget , there canes a time when service becomes a factor .
Town Board Minutes 35 September 9 , 1991
We will do everything we can to avoid that . Any cuts that we are
proposing are simply operational cuts that try to save money .
Councilman Whitcomb asked when the existing salary contract
expired?
Chief Olmstead replied , the end of 1992 . The negotiations for the
new contract will start about June of 1992 .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that the avenue that the Town had
contracting with the City , as she understood it , for services is
through the Board of Fire Commissioners because we have
representatives on it . She thought that as the material just came
in today and the Board has not had a change to look at it , she
suggested that the Town contact the Board of Fire Commissioners and
each individually had contact with members of Common Council and
she felt it would be good , if the Town Board members had comments
to pass them on . The Town ' s costs for 1992 are not affected by
this budget because we are on a lag , contractually , but what
happens in this budget helps to determine the service we get and
sooner or later we will bear the impacts of the current years
budget .
Chief Olmstead noted that the contract contains a 10% window and he
felt they were within that window . He asked the Board members to
contact him if they had any questions .
The Fire Chief noted that the final outcome on the fire insurance
rates for the area should be resolved soon as the people doing the
survey are coming back in October to finish their evaluation .
FAX MACHINE
Town Engineer Walker stated that the Building Department has had a
lot of requests fran people to send them information over Fax , the
Engineering Department could utilize a Fax for receiving UFPO
requests and things like that , the Planning Department could use a
Fax in conjunction with the comprehensive plan . He stated that he
had done some research into this and a plain paper Fax is the type
of device we would feel most comfortable with , it would be most
cost effective because of the type of problems you run into with
thermo paper . Xerox has a nice plain paper unit with the features
we would :need as far as automatic receiving capabilities . The
purchase price on that is $ 1 , 700 . There is a 36 month lease option
for $ 73 . 00 a month . The thermo paper version of that machine is
about $ 1 , 000 .
Councilwoman Leary asked the Town Engineer where he was getting his
prices from?
Town Engineer Walker replied , this is directly from Xerox . It is a
State bid price . He went on to note that there were machines
available for $ 500 .
Councilwomen Leary replied yes and perfectly adequate , perfectly
adequate .
Town Engineer Walker replied that he did not know if they were
adequate for the amount of use they were talking about .
Town Planner Floyd Forman remarked that when the crunch comes in
the next two months he would like to be able to communicate with
Ron Brand on an instant basis so that we can move material back and
forth . He guessed that at times they would be sending back and
forth forty pages , somewhere between 20 and 40 pages at a time , not
Town Board Minutes 36 September 9 , 1991
literally every day kind of thing but he hoped on a once a week
basis .
Councilwoman Leary replied that ' s fine but are they going to be
over size pages or something?
Assistant Planner George Frantz remarked that he thought the Fax
machines on the lower price scale used the thermo paper which is
really not adequate for maps and graphics .
Councilwoman Leary replied , even a thermo paper machine costs
$ 1 , 000 , according to the Town Engineer ,
Mr . Walker replied , for a commercial quality machine . Bolton Point
has a Fax machine that they got a year ago , and that was $ 1 , 000 .
Councilman Niklas remarked that if we were talking about a certain
period of time where a Fax would be desirable then we are not
really talking purchase , aren ' t we really discussing leasing?
Town Planner Forman replied that it seemed to him when the three of
them sat down to discuss it we principally discussed leasing and
leasing sE.emed to make the most sense given the way we could split
up the coat and given the fact that we could get a service contract
in with the leasing at the time and if we wanted the machine at the
end of of three years there was a minimal charge for the machine .
Councilman. Niklas asked what the lease rates were ?
Town Engineer Walker replied that the lease rates for the plain
paper machine were $ 73 . 00 a month for 36 month lease . It ' s about
$2 , 600 in total . If you buy the service contract with the purchase
it ' s $270 a year , the $ 73 . 00 a month includes the service contract .
Councilman Klein asked if the plain paper Fax ' s prone to breakdown
like the copiers ?
Town Attorney Barney replied that the plain paper machine was
relatively new but their experience with both machines was that
they very .rarely breakdown .
Councilman Niklas remarked that he had a question , other than cost ,
he asked how much of the desire to have a Fax machine is driven by
external pressure ? People asking you to supply information in a
short time . He stated that he very much resented having to jump to
meet someone elses schedule . Just because they have a Fax and
needed the material yesterday that he had to do that . He stated
that he was pressured to do that and he just insisted sending it
through the mail .
Town Planner Forman replied that he did not expect that to have any
kind of an impact on him . He stated that he didn ' t want anything
but conprehensive planning information . He expected developTent
reviews to be mailed in or brought in personally . This is only
when he needed something that will benefit the Town that he planned
to use the Fax . He felt that the Building Inspector and Town
Engineer could speak for themselves .
Councilman Whitcomb asked if Mr . Forman was using a Fax machine
now .
Mr . Forman replied that he felt uncomfortable using it with what
Race Office Equipment charged . He stated that the Town Attorney
had been good about letting them use his Fax but he didn ' t feel
comfortable overloading his system . But , he would like to
Town Board Minutes 37 September 9 , 1991
communicate quicker with the Consultant rather than sending things
through the mail .
Councilwoman Valentino asked about overnight mail ?
Mr . Forman replied that with overnight mail you are probably
talking about $ 10 . 00 a throw for whatever you do with overnight
mail .
Councilwoman Leary remarked that really she felt that the most
practical ,, inexpensive way to go was to get a Fax machine but don ' t
get plain paper , that ' s just extravagant . For the amount of faxing
you are talking about she still has a hard time justifying anything
beyond a nice basic $ 500- machine . With our budget situation the
way it is , you will still get the efficiency , you won ' t get all
kinds of bells and whistles , but the capacity you are talking about
she felt a $500 machine is perfectly fine .
Mr . Forman replied that bells and whistles he did not want but
again things that he has heard is that plain paper works better ,
it ' s easier to preserve things , afterwords you don ' t have to make
copies , your graphics come out. better when you are dealing with
maps that are going back and forth .
Councilwoman Leary replied yes , you have to make a copy but she did
not think it justified $ 2 , 500 versus $500 .
Councilman. Whitcanb asked , if after Ron Brand is released will we
be using the Fax machine any more ?
The Town Planner replied that he would be using it a lot less . He
went on to say , but understand that ' s one department you also have
Engineering and the Building Department ,
Councilman Niklas remarked that until we really see the figures
worked up , leased versus owned , contracts , the variety of machines
that are available and what they provide , what can we say other
than give us same options and let ' s see how econcan_ically reasonable
it is .
Town Planner Forman replied that part of his problem was that he
needed it :yesterday . If we study this for three months he would be
less likely to need it at this point than he does at this point .
Town Engineer Walker remarked that this was a firm proposal from
Xerox through the State contract . The only other charge that we
don ' t know about is a dedicated phone line . He felt that if the
Town went with the lease it should be in the $ 100 range per month .
Supervisor Raffensperger asked , if the Town were to lease a machine
would it have to keep it for three years or could it lease it for
one year?
Linda Nobles replied that normally if leased the rate goes up quite
a bit if you lease for a shorter period of time because they are
trying to get their money back .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that she thought it was the
consensus of the Board that it was not a waste of time to further
develop the cost including the phone line .
Councilwoman Leary remarked that the phone line is not that
expensive and it is going to be the same charge whatever machine
you get . The point she wanted to make was that you can pick up the
phone the Reliable Catalog and get it in two days . You can get a
$ 500 machine . It ' s not like a copy machine , like you need a huge
Town Board Minutes 38 September 9 , 1991
monster for a big volume . A very basic model is adequate , it ' s not
going to breakdown . May be it ' s not 1000 , you still have to make
copies but you will still have the speed and it won ' t break our
budget . You can get it soon and you won ' t have to go out to bid or
go to the State .
Councilman Whitcomb remarked , you have a certain amount of money in
your budgets for equipment , do you have enough money in your budget
currently?
The Town Planner replied , we are talking about splitting whatever
we do .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , yes they do as she had looked .
Even with the enormous cuts we made mid-year they still do have the
money individually . The Building Department , Planning and
Engineering . She stated that she had cane to realize that it is
not unrea:3onable to authorize either the leasing or purchase of a
Fax machine .
Councilwoman Leary asked the Engineer if he had even looked at the
inexpensive machines ?
Town Engineer Walker replied that he had looked at them .
Councilwoman Leary replied , how did you look at them?
Town Engineer Walker replied that he went to a couple of different
outlets . Chemung Electonics has one for $ 500 but he was not
impressed by the durability of the machine . Also , he had been in
an office where Fax machines were used a lot . He stated that he
had had a lot of trouble reading faxes from thermo papers and jams
in the machines , even more expensive thermo paper machines , and
this thincr will operate unattended . It will have to be reliable
enough to operate unattended .
Councilwoman Leary replied that she did not know what they sold at
Chemung Electronics but the one she was thinking about could
operate unattended , you can set it on a fine setting so that you
get clear :results and it ' s $ 500 and may be less now .
RESOLUTION NO . 211
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger , seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize -the three year leasing of a Xerox Fax machine and also to
expend the funds to provide the telephone line and equipment
necessary to install the machine .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and Niklas
voting Aye . Nays - Leary) .
DISCUSSION OF POLICY ON REZONING REVERSIONS
Councilman Niklas stated that at the last meeting he had expressed
the desire that at some point the Town should consider looking at
our outstanding projects that essentially required or for which
rezoning was requested , that have stood dormant for a reasonably
long period of time and to decide whether or not we should zone
them back to the original zones that they had . He knew that the
Town would be doing a lot of rezoning in terms of the comprehensive
planning once that document gets to the Town Board . On the other
hand , we have a lot ticking time bombs out there right now .
Town Board Minutes 39 September 9 , 1991
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that for years and years she had
felt that the Board ought to look at the ones that were zone site
specific .
Councilman Niklas replied that the real question now is whether or
not we , staff , Town Board members , COC or whatever , should take a
look at these things and make proposals to the Town Board to simply
rezone them. back .
Councilman Klein asked if the Board could have a list of these ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she felt the Board should ask
the Town :staff to try to come up with a list . She did not know how
many there were or how big the problem was .
Assistant Planner Frantz asked how far the Board wanted to go back .
Councilman Niklas replied , don ' t you think the really old ones are
the most dangerous ? The Board felt the list should go back to the
beginning . He felt that the time it took the Staff to come up with
a list would take less time than drafting legislation to provide a
sunset clause because of public hearing , etc .
CONSIDER AMENDING RESOLUTION CLARIFYING INTENT OF ENABLING
LEGISLATICN , CAC , REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Councilman Whitcomb noted that last month the Board had a multiple
choice resolution and the Board , all that was here , indicated the
choices that they would like to have . After the meeting he stated
that he had a discussion with the Town Planner and the Assistant
Planner and he had incorporated the Town Board ' s recommendation
into the resolution and in addition George and Floyd were more
specific on the things the CAC and the ERC should consider . This
defines the major projects .
Councilman Liguori asked if the CAC does an assessment or do they
accept the assessment that was released by staff or the Planning
Board or whatever?
Councilman Whitcomb replied that it was done both ways . They have
had the staff ' s report to look at as they have done their own
assessment . The way it was originally set up and what the Town
Board was looking for at the time , was to have CAC do a concurrent
review using the same materials that are available to staff . The
CAC would :Look at it from another standpoint .
Councilman Liguori replied that this was what he could never
understand . How come the standpoint is different whether staff
looks at it or CAC looks at it .
Town Planner Forman replied that hopefully they would come to the
similar re:3ults .
Councilman Whitcomb replied that staff is looking at it from a
planning standpoint the Environmental Review Committee is looking
at it from the standpoint of SEAR process .
Town Planner Forman disagreed stating that staff is looking at it
from SEAR as well and in some instances from a planning standpoint
and in some instances from an environmental review standpoint , as
well . We are just as concerned about preserving and protecting
wetlands ,
Town Board Minutes 40 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Niklas remarked , it ' s also fair to say that when you
have a large project you are pressured for time , having another
committee like CAC is of scene assistance .
Town Planner Forman replied , it can be . It is and it isn ' t . If we
are going to ship them the information and they are going to do the
review and they have the technical expertise , yes it can be very
helpful to the Planning Board . The problem was the way it had been
going on in the past was it was simply a drain on staff time . It
was simply taking a look at what staff had done and being critical
of it . Concurrent review can be helpful if we simply ship them the
information that we have and let them take a look concurrently .
Councilman Niklas asked the Town Planner if he approved of this
resolution , is this with staff consent ? Is this with advise and
consent?
Town Planner Forman replied that this was certainly with advise .
Let ' s give it a chance and see if it works .
Councilmut Whitcomb remarked that there was scmle confusion on the
part of the Environmental Review Committee on what projects they
should be reviewing . One of the of ERC members stated that they
thought they were supposed to review them all . They would not take
the initiative on their own to decide which projects were important
and which were no . So this is an attempt to define what are
important projects and what are not .
Councilman Niklas stated that he would like to vote to approve this
with the understanding that this is a working arrangement and that
we give it a chance to see how it works . And , if it doesn ' t work
either from staff ' s point of view , from CAC ' s point of view or from
the Town Supervisor ' s point of view that the Town Board be informed
so that we could reconsider this resolution .
RESOLUTION NO . 212
Motion by Councilman Niklas , seconded by Councilman Klein ,
WfE;REAS , the Town of Ithaca Town Board created the Conservation
Advisory Council (CAC ) by resolution on February 12 , 1990 , and
WHEREAS , the CAC was directed to "Review development applications
and make recommendations to Town boards . . . . " , and
WHEREAS , the CAC created an Environmental Review Committee (ERC ) to
perform this duty , and
WHEREAS , the ERC has been reviewing most projects that have come
before the Town , large and small , and
WHEREAS , the value of such review in relation to the amount of time
spent has come into question , and
WHEREAS , the CAC has requested clarification from the Town Board as
to its intent ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board ' s intent is that
the CAC assist the Town Board , the Planning Board and the Zoning
Board in environmental review of major projects or on projects as
requested by the Town Planner or Chair of the appropriate Board .
Such projects should include proposals for site plans , subdivisions
or special approvals on properties that are :
=,ubject to Type I Actions ,
Town Board Minutes 41 September 9 , 1991
within or contiguous to Critical Environmental Areas or
Unique Natural Areas ,
identified as having a high priority for protection or
preservation by the Open Space Index ,
within or contiguous to Environmental Protection Overlay
Districts (EPOD ' s )
(The CAC , at it ' s option , with concurrence of the Town Planner , may
also decline to perform a review on a specific project . ) , and
RESOLVED , that adequate staff time be allocated to the CAC to
assist with environmental review . Such time will be determined by
the Town Planner within the priorities set by the Town Board , and
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED , that as soon as practicable after development
applications are received by the Planning Department the CAC be
provided with all appropriate documents or written materials from
the applicant related to such review . The CAC is also requested to
complete the review at least 7 days before a project is to be
considered by a Board so that CAC recommendations can be included
in the Board ' s mailing .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) ,
WATER/ SEWER ACCOUNT REFUNDS
RESOLUTION NO . 213
Motion by Councilman Niklas , seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
( 1 )
WHEREAS , the water account at 344 Saranac Way has been over
estimated for eight quarters ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize a refund of $43 . 93 for water , $3 . 29 water
surcharge , $ . 68 sewer surcharge and $ 5 . 25 water penalty , total
refund of $ 53 . 05 be paid to Deer Run Investors , 90 Whitetail Drive ,
Ithaca , New York . Account Number V-4274 .
( 2 )
WHEREAS , -the water account at 336 Saranac Way has been over
estimated since September 1989 ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize a refund of $ 35 . 36 for water , $ 11 . 79 water
surcharge , $5 . 89 sewer surcharge , total refund of $ 53 . 04 be paid to
Deer Run Investors , 90 Whitetail Drive , Ithaca , New York . Account
Number V-4303 .
( 3 )
WHEREAS , the water account at 310 Salem Drive has been over
estimated for four quarters ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize a refund of $ 69 . 28 for water , $ 10 . 23 water
surcharge , $ 81 . 49 sewer and $ 4 . 84 sewer surcharge , total refund in
the amount of $ 165 . 84 be paid to Peter Ruthbart , 310 Salem Drive ,
Ithaca , New York , Account Number U-3071 .
Town Board Minutes 42 September 9 , 1991
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
ROOF AND LIGHTING REPAIRS FOR HIGHWAY FACILITY
Highway Superintendent Scott Mc Connell stated that the roof leaked
and the lighting needs to be improved . He went on to say that they
have had different inspectors come in and they all felt that the
maintenance area and shop garage is extremely underlit . The
proposal from Marion Electric will almost double the lighting in
the area . It will also cut down on the number of fixtures and it
would also cut down on the monthly bill . When it rains , Rich
Schoch ' s area and office leaks in six or seven places and he needs
to keep buckets around the areas . Also , there are areas in the
maintenance area and the garage that leak . The building is fifteen
years old and has had zero maintenance on the roof . The total cost
of the roof repairs is $ 4 , 642 listed under the alternate proposal
from Robert Hall Enterprises .
RESOLUTION NO . 214
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Klein ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Robert Hall Enterprises , 1368 East Maine Road , Johnson
City , New York , to repair the Highway Facility roof at a cost not
to exceed $ 4 , 642 , and
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Marion Electric Company , Burtt Place , Ithaca , New York to
make repairs to the lighting in the Highway Facility at a cost not
to exceed $ 2 , 200 for labor and $ 4 , 700 for material , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that the award of the above repairs be
conditioned upon the approval of the contract by the Town
Supervisor and the Town Attorney and the provision of a certificate
of adequate insurance by both contractors .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
AUGUST TOWN BOARD MINUTES
RESOLUTION N0 , 215
Motion by Councilman Whitcomb ; seconded by Councilman Niklas ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the August 1991 Town Board minutes as presented by the Town Clerk .
( Raffenspe_cger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none) .
REVISION 70 DOG ENUMERATION CONTRACT
RESOLUTION N0 . 216
Motion by Councilman Klein , seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
WHEREAS , at the April 1991 Town Board meeting , the Town Board
approved the appointment of Brian Mc Kelvey as Dog Enumerator for
the Town of Ithaca , and
Town Board Minutes 43 September 9 , 1991
WHEREAS , Mr . Mc Kelvey has , to date , enumerated 128 dogs and found
64 dogs to be unlicensed , and
WHEREAS , because of the hours spent and the numerous return trips
to obtain the necessary information , Mr . Mc Kelvey felt he could
not continue the enumeration at the price of $ 1 . 00 per dog , and
WHEREAS , another enumeration will not be taken for at least three
years , t1terefore , in the three years the Town will receive the
local fee that it would not ordinarily have received on the
unlicensed dogs ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize that Brian Mc Kelvey be paid $ 1 . 50 per dog
enumerated after the date of this resolution . Said enumeration to
be completed by November 1 , 19910
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SET DATE ]?OR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDING LOCAL LAW N0 . 6 ,
1987 TO PERMIT AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MANUFACTURED HOMES
ALLOWED IN COLLEGE VIEW PARK FROM 52 TO 65
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that some months ago the Planning
Board sent: to the Town Board a recommendation to amend Local Law
No . 6 to permit an increase in the number of manufactured homes
permitted in College View Park . At the time the Town Board decided
not to set the public hearing until after public water and sewer
were available to the site . Since it will be available this fall ,
College View Park would like to have the Board consider this
request for an increase in permitted numbers .
RESOLUTION NO . 217
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7 : 00 P . M . , on December 9 , 1991 to
consider amending Local Law No . 6 , 1987 , to permit an increase in
the number of manufactured homes allowed in College View Park from
52 to 65 .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that Item # 29 ( South Hill Trail
easement arrangements ) was deleted .
TEETER AND CIASCHI EASEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Town Attorney Barney noted that there were two easements out now on
the Inlet Valley Water Improvements , we have negotiated final
agreements on both of those . The Ciaschi easement is in the amount
of $ 6 , 700 and the Teeter easement in the amount of $ 7 , 500 . The
terms are slightly different in each but basically they are giving
us the easements . Ciaschi wants the right to move the line , at his
expense , if he develops in the future which allows him to do this
as long as the location is satisfactory to the Town .
RESOLUTION NO . 218
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
Town Board Minutes 44 September 9 , 1991
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the easement agreement between Joseph Ciaschi , Corners Community
Center , Inc . , and the Town of Ithaca with the property address of
Glenside .Road , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that if there are any minor changes to the
easement -they can be made by the Supervisor .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTIO14 NO . 219
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilwanan Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the easermmt agreement between Howard A . Teeter , 422 Floral Avenue
and the Town of Ithaca , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that if there are any minor changes to the
easement they can be made by the Supervisor .
( Raffensperger , Whitccmb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
TOMPKINS COUNTY PROPOSAL REGARDING CLEAN UP DAYS
The Supervisor noted that the Board had a copy of a letter that she
had received from Beverly Livesay , Chair of the Solid Waste and
Resource Management Committee . The moral of this letter is that it
is possible that Tompkins County will permit municipalities , for
the first time in sane years , to conduct clean up days either this
Fall or next Spring or both . Mrs . Livesay states that she is
willing to work with the Town on reduced disposal fees . The
Supervisor stated that she had discussed with Mrs . Livesay what she
means by reduced disposal fees and she thinks perhaps she can offer
to municipalities half price fees at the landfill .
Councilman Whitcomb asked why the County was doing this ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that because the landfill is going
to have to be closed by next April or May .
Highway Superintendent Scott McConnell went on to say that because
of the recycling program there is surplus space and they would like
to fill it . He went on to say that he had worked up a cost
schedule based on their current charge of $65 . 00 a ton . He noted
that the Highway Department had a full schedule of work planned for
the fall . He noted that he had not been through a clean up before
but he estimated a cost in tipping fee of $ 20 , 000 . Manhours and
equipment would be additional . It could cost $ 40 , 000 to $ 50 , 0000
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that she knew it would take a lot
of time but she was also aware of the fact that everybody in the
Town of Ithaca has been storing everything for the last three
years . We continue to get calls asking when the clean up will be .
Councilman Klein asked , if we don ' t take advantage of it what
opportunity will there be to get rid of this stuff?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , individuals will have to take it
out themselves or have it hauled out at $ 65 . 00 a ton .
Councilman Whitcomb asked what $ 50 , 000 was on the tax rate?
Town Board Minutes 45 September 9 , 1991
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , it is seven and a quarter cents
per thousand .
Mr . Mc Connell remarked that the Town will pay the manhours , no
matter what because the men will be working anyhow . We need to
prioritize what needs to be done whether it ' s done this Fall or
next Spring or both . He felt it was bigger than leaf and brush
pickup which took eight days last year .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that she had told Mrs . Livesay that
she did not see how the Town could come up with the money this Fall
but Mrs . Livesay stated that she would assure the Town of the
opportunity to do it this Spring .
Councilwoman Leary asked if the Town could somehow charge users
instead of taking it off the tax base ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , how could you do that ? We can ' t
have the Highway Department picking up ten dollar bills .
Councilwoman Leary replied , something like our own version of trash
tags .
Assistant Planner Frantz wondered about Town residents registering
and then receiving the 50 % discount when they took their items ,
themselves , to the landfill ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied but how are you going to get the
items to the landfill? That ' s the problem right now , people don ' t
have a way to get their material to the landfill .
The Assistant Planner then suggested that the Town rent dumpsters
and place them at the Highway Facilities .
Superintendent Mc Connell replied , you aren ' t talking about just
simple small junk you are talking about sofas , sofa sleepers ,
refrigerators , stoves , up to junk cars .
Town Planner Forman suggested that a flat $5 . 00 or $ 10 . 00 fee be
charged for whatever amount , just to get some money back for the
Town .
Supervisor Raffensperger asked the Board to think about this
because she felt that if she could work out a reasonable financial
system we should think about it for the Fall in case we lose the
opportunity for Spring .
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SETTING A FEE FOR THE
REQUIRED FIRE SAF= INSPECTIONS
RESOLUTION N0 . 220
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Niklas ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing for 7 : 00 P . M . , on November 7 , 1991 to
consider setting a fee for the required fire safety inspections .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
EXTENSION OF WATER SERVICE ON WEST HILL
Town Board Minutes 46 September 9 , 1991
Town Engineer Walker reported that it is about 900 feet to bring
the water to the Voorhees property on Trumansburg Road . For some
reason this property has been left out of every extension and would
cost between $ 25 , 000 to $30 , 000 . He went on to note that there was
a segment of water line between Dubois Road and the fire hydrant
that people keep hitting in front of the Town Clerk ' s house . That
segment was left out on purpose when the Indian Creek Development
was being proposed because they were going to pay for that segment
of water main .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that that was a considerable
amount of money to provide service to only one property .
The Town Engineer suggested a cost sharing agreement .
Councilman Liguori remarked that the persons name was Debbie
Hildreth , 1415 Trumansburg Road . She is almost out of water
according to what he hears and he felt this was a good idea .
The Supervisor suggested that the Town Engineer come back to the
Board with some more cost estimates and sane alternatives for the
Town Board to consider .
FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF WETLANDS CAMP
RESOLUTION N0 . 221
Motion by councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Town Planner Floyd Forman , Assistant Planner George
Frantz and. Candice Cornell to attend the Field Identification of
Wetlands Camp to be held in Salamanca , New York , on September 26 ,
1991 at a cost of $ 95 . 00 per person plus mileage .
( Raffensperger , Whitcanb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SET DATE FDR PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN
OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING ABANDONmFN_r OF NON-CONFORMING
USES
RESOLUTION N0 . 222
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Whitcanb ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7 : 15 P . M . , on October 3 , 1991 to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
regarding abandonment of non-conforming uses .
( Raffensperger , Whitcanb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN
OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO PERMITTED USES IN BUSINESS
DISTRICT "I) "
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that this was a proposal which comes
to the Board fran the Codes & Ordinance Committee proposing that
all uses in Business Districts ' A ' , ' B ' , and ' C ' be permitted in
Business ' I) ' which is presently just service stations .
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Town Board Minutes 47 September 9 , 1991
Councilman Niklas remarked that there were people on the committee
who wanted this to come forth to the Town Board and there were a
number of people who were much opposed to it including our new Town
Planner . He felt this was a policy decision and it seemed best to
bring it out of Codes and Ordinance and bring it before the Town
Board . Before the Town Planner came on board , there was a question
of the ZBA having to deal with an issue regarding the Andree
Gasoline station . At that point the ZBA had to essentially
interpret the law concerning what activities a gasoline station
ought or should not do . The ZBA felt uncomfortable doing this and
he thought that Bob Hines had drafted an opinion from the ZBA with
regards to the definitions of . . . . . not definitions but what they
considered to have as the modern activities of the modern gasoline
station . In any event , Codes and Ordinance has toyed around with
this notion and we have gotten feed back from the Town Planning
Board and the ZBA . But again , there was a split decision at COC
after the Town Planner got back onto the job . Really this is a
policy decision whether or not the Town Board wants to consider
this . He felt that the Board had as their option the setting of a
public hearing or not , or telling us it ' s premature . He felt that
the Town Planners argument would be that we are in the midst of a
comprehensive planning document , preparing one , and it is probably
premature to do this .
Town Planner Forman replied that his problem was one of the
things . . . . . . what he was trying to do to the Zoning Ordinance now
are things that he hoped would stand for the future . He stated
that he was not trying to change uses right now , for example
there ' s a use allowed * . , , there is a furrier use allowed in a
business zone but the likelihood of that occurring or the necessity
in the Tcmn of Ithaca in his opinion was nil . But , he was trying
not to do -that at this point , he was trying not to change uses . He
felt the '.Coven should be changing uses again as opposed to items
like requiring landscaping , we ought to be changing uses when we
take a look at the comprehensive plan and see what the Town needs
and how best to do it . He felt now was premature , now is not the
right time to say A + B + C should equal D . He felt now was the
time to leave uses as they are until we finish the comprehensive
plan and then take a thorough look at uses . It may very well be
that many of the uses that are allowed now won ' t be allowed in the
future , if you people concur .
Supervisor Raffensperger asked how the Board felt about the issue .
She went on to say that she did not think it was premature the
truth was she just didn ' t like it . She did not think it was
appropriate to have all of those uses in Business ' D ' because
Business ' D ' is usually fairly small and are carefully designed as
far as safety and traffic patterns , etc . , are concerned and she did
not think they were necessarily appropriate for all of the other
business uses .
Councilman Liguori asked what was "D " ?
Supervisor Raffensperger replied , service stations .
Town Attorney Barney noted that right now there are two "D " ' s in
the Town of` Ithaca . One is at East Hill Plaza and the other one is
opposite Sam Peters which is undeveloped at this point . The
rational , and he stated that he did not usually disagree with the
Supervisor , he sat through the struggle when the BZA tried to
define today what is a modern gasoline sales station . There are
very few gasoline sales stations today that sell only what we would
call petroleum products and products related to petroleum . Then
when you tzy to draw the line how far away from petroleum products
you go it got to be very very awkward . In view of the relatively
limited number of spaces in the Town of Ithaca where this could
Town Board Minutes 48 September 9 , 1991
occur and. in view of the modern trend to have gasoline stations
associated with , at a minimum , mini-marts and sometimes larger . It
seemed to make sense to say that if you are going to do it * . . . . if
you are going to have a gas station at all , why limit what goes on .
He felt that was the rationale that underlies the formalization of
this proposal .
David Auble asked if the Planning Board hadn ' t voted their approval
to the resolution .
Town Attorney Barney replied , both the Planning Board and the ZBA .
Mr . Auble: continued , saying that it seemed like hundreds and
hundreds of hours went into this and the objection to it seems to
be pretty . . . . . .when you consider all of the sort of cleaning up
that you seem to be doing with other legislation regarding zoning ,
it was hard for him to understand .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that if the Board wished to set a
public hearing that was fine . The position of the Board of Zoning
Appeals has been characterized in a way that she did not understand
considering the memo she has on November the 28th , 1990 , in a
resolution which was offered by Ed King and Robert Hines . There is
a great deal of discussion of precisely what she had said , the
inappropriateness of the use of all Business Districts ' D ' for all
retail sales . The talk about the inherit danger in the storage and
dispensing of volatile , flammable and explosive fuels , etc . It
seemed to her that what has been characterized as coming fra . the
Board of Zoning Appeals has been two different things because she
has this and it seems very different .
Town Attorney John Barney remarked that what the Board of Zoning
Appeals di_d . . . . . . they were trying to consider something in the
context of what our current ordinance provided and what was the
justification for creating . . . . . . .
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that she found this piece of
information which she got fran the Board of Zoning Appeals to be
convincing enough to her that she thought it was not particularly
wise time to make the change *
Councilman Niklas remarked that he wanted to add to the
Supervisor ' s confusion . He went on to say that at the COC meeting
which provoked having this put on the agenda , the most vigorous
proponent of this was Bob Hines .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that she did not understand .
Councilman Niklas replied we have witnesses , we have staff and we
have John :Barney and Cathy was there . He went on to say that Bob
was , he wouldn ' t say violently , but he would say strenuously
pushing that so much work had been done on this legislation that it
should go before the Town Board to make it ' s decision . He stated
that frankly he wasn ' t caning here as either an advocate or
distractor of this law he was merely doing what he thought a good
chairperson ought do and that was communicate the feelings of that
committees
Supervisor Raffensperger replied that certainly if the Town Board
wishes to :set a public hearing to consider this she would see that
all receive copies of this adopted resolution . It seems to be
extremely confusing as to the stance the Board of Zoning Appeals
took on this particular issue . She felt the Board should proceed
to decide if the Board wished to set the public hearing . She asked
if there was anyone who wishes to make a resolution to set a public
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Town Board Minutes 49 September 9 , 1991
hearing for November 7th at 7 : 15 P . M . As no one wished to make the
motion the Supervisor proceeded to the next agenda item .
Councilman Niklas remarked that he would take this to COC that
until the comprehensive planning documents are in place we are no
long to consider this as an issue .
Supervisor Raffensperger remarked that if somehow or another we
seem to have the luxury of time for other public hearings as we
proceed may be we can look at the issue again . But , she thought
that basically what has been said is that it is not an item very
high on the agenda for the Board to spend a great deal of time with
it at the present time .
MAGISTRATES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING AND ADVANCED TRAINING
SEMINAR
RESOLUTION, N0 . 223
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Niklas ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Justice Merton Wallenbeck and Justice Warren Blye to
attend the Magistrates Association Annual meeting and Advanced.
Training Seminar in Ellenville , New York , October 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 ,
1991 . A portion of the cost ( approximately $ 275 ) to be reimbursed
by the State of New York and Stop DWI Program .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none) .
DEPARTmwr OF LABOR CONFERENCE
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that there were two persons from
the Department of Labor in Ithaca last week who came and looked at
the basement and discussed the measures necessary to clean up the
asbestos . The problem seems to be relatively minor and we are
looking for authorization of the expenditure of up to $ 2 , 000 for
the necessary cleaning and rewrapping of the joints .
RESOLUTION N0 . 224
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Klein ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the expenditure of $ 2 , 000 for the clean up of the
asbestos and rewrapping of the joints in the basement .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A SUPPLEMENT TO AGREEMENT
. OF MUNICIPAL COOPERATION FOR CONSTRUCTION , FINANCING , AND OPERATION
OF AN INTER-MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that basically the Board was setting
a public hearing to consider participating in a joint borrowing of
up to $ 300 , 000 for the construction of the sodium hypochlorite
chemical feed system on Cayuga Lake at Bolton Point . This is to
cambate the Zebra Mussel . She stated that she had just received
the information at the noon meeting that we were going to do this
kind of an arrangement for borrowing money . But with Bolton Point
it is very difficult to figure out how you are going to do .
Town Board Minutes 50 September 9 , 1991
RESOLUTION N0 . 225
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
----------------------------------
In the Matter
of
A Proposed Water Improvement
in the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins ORDER CALLING
County , New York , Pursuant to PUBLIC HEARING
Article 12-C of the Zebra Mussel
Control Project Water Improvement
Area of the Town of Ithaca
-----------------------------------
WHEREAS , a map , plan and report has been duly prepared in such
manner and in such detail as heretofore been determined by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , and the
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission relating to
the creation and construction , pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town
Law and Articles 5 and 5-G of the General Municipal Law of water
supply improvements to be known and identified as the Zebra Mussel
Control Project Water Improvement ( and hereinafter also referred to
as Water Supply Improvement " ) to be constructed and owned jointly
by the Town of Ithaca , Dryden and Lansing ( for themselves and for
certain water districts located therein) and by the Villages of
Lansing and Cayuga Heights ( hereinafter collectively referred to as
the "Municipalities " ) ; and
WHEREAS , said map , plan and report have been prepared by Lozier
Engineers , consulting engineers , a competent engineer duly licensed
by the State of New York and are available for public inspection ;
and
WHEREAS , the area determined to be benefitted by said water supply
improvement is the entire service area of the Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water commission consisting of the Villages of
Cayuga Heights and Lansing and portions of the Town of Lansing and
Dryden and all of the Town of Ithaca outside the Village of Cayuga
Heights ; and
WHEREAS , the proposed Water Supply Improvement consists of the
improvements as set forth below and as more particularly shown and
described in said map , plan and report ( i ) sodium hypochlorite
chemical fired system at the Raw Water Pump Station on the shore of
Cayuga Lake at Bolton Point in the Village of Lan sing ; ( ii) a 400
foot long 6 " carrier pipe containing 1 " chemical feed and sample
lines secured to the existing 36 " raw water intake line ; ( iii )
four chlorine diffuser rings mounted around the existing intake
screens ; ( iv) a protective shroud mounted over the . intake screen
structure ; and (v) related incidental improvements and expenses ;
and
WHEREAS , the maximum proposed to be expended for the aforesaid
improvement is $ 300 , 000 . of which the Town of Ithaca ' s share as
initially calculated will be $ 155 , 607 . 00 ; and
WHEREAS , the proposed method of financing to be employed by said
Municipalities consists of the issuance of a joint obligation
statutory installment bond of said Municipalities to mature in
annual i,nsi+allwents over a period not to exceed eight years , such
bond to be paid from water rent revenue receipts collected fron all
users of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water System water
_ �®. i�tiruu�anfau�e�e�na���u�ni�nw111 lIA�II�IIIR1
Town Board Minutes 51 September 9 , 1991
supply facilities in just proportion to the amount of water
consumed ; and
WHEREAS , to the extent water rent revenue receipts are not
sufficient to pay the installments of said note , the Town of
Ithaca ' s proportionate share of the costs of the aforesaid
improvements shall be borne by the real property in the Town of
Ithaca outside the Village of Cayuga Heights (being the property
benefited by said improvement) by assessing , levying upon , and
collecting from the several lots and parcels of land within such
benefited area , outside of the Village of Cayuga Heights , in the
same manner and at the same time as other Town charges , an amount
sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said installment
bond , as the same becomes due and payable ; and
WHEREAS , the maximum estimated cost of said improvement is not
greater than one-tenth of one percent of the full valuation of
taxable real property in the area of the Town of Ithaca outside of
the Village of Cayuga Heights ; and
WHEREAS , it is now desired to call a public hearing for the purpose
of considering said map , plan and report and the establishment of
said Zebra Mussel Control Project Water Improvement and to hear all
persons interested in the subject thereof all in accordance with
the provisions of Article 12-C of the Town Law,
NOW THEREFORE , it is hereby ordered by the Town Board of the Town
of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , as follows :
Section 14, A public hearing will be held at Town Hall , 126 E .
Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , on the 3rd day of October , 1991 ,
at 7 : 30 o ' clock , P . M . , Eastern Daylight Savings Time to consider
the aforesaid map , plan and report and the question of creating
said Zebra Mussel Control Project Water improvement to determine
whether to enter into an agreement with the other Municipalities
for the joint acquisition and operation of such improvement , and to
hear all persons interested in the subject thereof and concerning
the same and to take such action thereon as is required by law .
Section 2 , The Clerk of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New
York , is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this
order to be published once in the Ithaca Journal and also to post a
copy thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Clerk no less
than ten nor more than twenty days before the day designated for
the hearing as aforesaid , all in accordance with the provisions of
the Town Law .
Section 3 . This order shall take effect immediately .
The question of the adoption of the aforesaid order was duly put to
a vote on a roll call , which resulted in the following :
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
councilperson Leary Voting Aye
councilperson Klein Voting Aye
councilperson Whitcomb Voting Aye
councilperson Liguori Voting Aye
councilperson Valentino Voting Aye
Councilperson Niklas Voting Aye
The order was thereupon declared duly adopted .
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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Town Board Minutes 52 September 9 , 1991
RESOLUTION N0 . 226
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Niklas
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
into Executive Session to discuss a matter of land acquisition and
a personnel matter .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
OPEN SESSION
RESOLUTION N0 . 227
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
back into Open Session .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTION N0 . 228
Motion by Councilman Niklas ; seconded by Councilwoman Valentino ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the Town Attorney , upon instructions from the Town
Supervisor , to institute condemnation proceedings with respect to a
parcel of land discussed in Executive Session .
(Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
TOWN OF IrB iACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION N0 . 229
Motion by Supervisor Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman Niklas ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated September 9 , 1991 , in the
following amounts :
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 102 , 759 . 73
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 34 , 354 . 78
Highway Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 58 , 664 . 81
Water & Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 142 , 692 . 53
Capital Projects Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 12 , 479 . 89
Lighting Districts Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 549 . 43
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye * Nays - none) .
BOLTON PODF2 WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO . 230
Motion by Councilwoman Valentino ; seconded by Councilman Liguori ,
Town Board Minutes 53 September 9 , 1991
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated September 9 , 1991 ,
in the Operating Account are hereby approved in the amount of
$ 570 , 289 „ 84 after review and upon the recommendation of the
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission , they are in
order foz- payment .
( Raffensperger , Whitcomb , Leary , Klein , Liguori , Valentino and
Niklas voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned .
wn Clerk