HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1992-01-13 TOWN OF ITHACA
TOWN BOARD MEETING
January 13, 1992
At a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, held at Town hall , 126 East Seneca
Street , Ithaca, New York, there were :
PRESENT : Shirley Raffensperger, Supervisor
John Whitcomb, 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
Scott McConnell, Highway Superintendent
Andrew Frost, Building Inspector/Zoning
Officer
Floyd Farman, Town Planner
Linda Nobles, Assistant Budget Officer
Betty F . Poole , Deputy 'Town Clerk
David Auble , 380 Coddington Rd.
Paul Jacobs, Coll,egeview Mobile Home Park
W . F . Albern, Sunnyslope Terrace
Hruce Orittain, 135 Warren Road
MEDIA PRESENT : Greg Williams , WHCU
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Supervisor Raffensperger led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance .
REPORT OF TOUN OFFICIALS
Supervisor' s Report
Supervisor Raffensperger reported that on January 6 , 1992 , the
Kendall Corporation met with her and the Town of Ithaca staff to
provide utilities and zoning information . The Kendall Corporation
is interested in finding a .:site in the Ithaca area . The site
decision will be made probably by the end of January. If a site is
picked in the Town of Ithaca, rezoning would probably be required.
in the meantime , if additional information is needed, it could be
discussed in executive session since it involves possible land
purchase .
She stated that she also met with the Forest Home Improvement
Association Executive Committee . The concerns expressed to her
included the County' s plan to replace the lower bridge in Forest
Home, the reconstruction of Judd Falls Road in 1992 by the Town and
the improvements planned for Caldwell Road. She did suggest
contacting Highway Superintendent Scott McConnell far more specific
information on particular plans for the Judd Falls load and
Caldwell Road project .
Town Highway Superintendent' s Report
Highway Superintendent Scott McConnell submitted his annual report
to the Town Board and highlighted various projects performed
throughout the year. (Copy of annual report available upon request
in the Town Clerk' s office )
Town Board Minutes 2
January 13 , 1992
Town Building Inspector/Zoning Officer' s Report
Town Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Andrew Frost presented his
monthly report as well as his annual report to the Town Board.
{ Copy of annual report available upon request in the Town Clerk' s
Officel He went on to commend his secretary, Dani Holford for her
commitment in following up on building permits .
Town Planner' s Monthly Report
'down Planner Floyd Forman presented his monthly report as his
annual report was presented in December 1991 .
He reported that activity for the period focused on measures to
implement the Comprehensive Plan ' s goals and objectives and
continuing the review process . The major focus was the proposed
Cornell Tennis Facility.
Town Engineer's Report
Town Encyineer Dan Walker offered his monthly report highlighting
the water and sewer improvements on West Hill as well as Inlet
Valley Phase I and II .
He further stated that the Engineering Department is developing a
comprehensive evaluation of existing water and sewer utilities and
the various needs for these utilities in unserviced areas . They
are also working with Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, MYSM ,
and Cornell University on a mapping system which would be the basis
for a comprehensive Ceographic Information System.
REPORT OF. TONN COMMITTEES
Conservation. Advisory Council
Councilman Whitcomb presented to the Board, the Conservation
Advisory Council ' s 1991 Annual. Report . (Cory of report available
upon request in the Town Clerk' s Office )
He briefly reviewed various accomplishments of the CAC , with
particular attention to the "Six Mile Creek Valley Report" , 1991
Open Space Report, and the 1991 Conservation Open Areas Inventory
and Map .
Codes and ordinances Committee
Councilman Niklas had no report however he distributed a revised
"DRAFT RESOLUTION" regarding the dissemination of information to
the public . It is labeled "draft" as he has no intention for the
Town Beard to consider the resolution at this time for a vote . He
requested any feedback from the members of the Board as well as
staff and would appreciate having this item placed on the February
10 , 1992 Town Board Agenda . He briefed those in attendance on the
basic policy and content of the draft .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that this item will be placed on
the February agenda as a di3cussion item.
Comprehensive Planning Committee
Councilman Klein reported on the current status of the committee
and stated that he hopes the process to be closed relatively soon.
CONSIDER CHANGE IN JOB TITLE FOR JOHN C AMANSKE_FROM PLANNER
TECHNICIAN To PLANNER I
Town Board Minutes 3
January 13, 1992
RESOLUTION 41
Motion by; Councilman Liguori Seconded by; Councilman Whitcomb
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has defined "Planner I" as a new job
title , and
WHEREAS , the type of work Mr. Czamanske performs fs Better
categorized by the new jab title , now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Hoard of the Town of Ithaca hereby
approves the change of Mr. Czamanske ' s job title from Planning
Technician to Planner I with no change in salary at this time .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE DELEGAT9 TO THE
ASSDCI TION OF TOWNS MEETING --
RESOLUTION 42
Motion by: Supervisor Raffensperger Seconded by! Counncilman
1piklas
9ESOLVED, that the Torn Hoard of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoint
Councilman Jahn Whitcomb to attend the Annual Business Session of
the Association of Towns of the State of New York as the Official
Delegate , to be held in New York City, on February 16 , 1992 and to
cast the vote of the aforesaid Town , pursuant to Section 6 of
Article III of the Constitution and By-Laws of said Association and
be it further
RESOLVED, that in the absence of the person ; so designated,
Councilwoman Catherine Valentino has been designated the Alternate
Delegate to cast the vote of said Town .
CARRIED UNARIMGUSLY
BUDGET TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION kS
Motion by: Councilman Niklaz Seconded by: Councilman Liguori
RESOLVE?, that the Town Board of the Town. of Ithaca hereby approve
the following 1991 year and budget transfers :
CAPITAL PROJECTS
FROM-. TO- AMOUP T
H8S40. 221 INLET VALLEY WATER H9953. �l I/F 11FE11 CTW 122111. 00
H9954 . 9 I/r XFER WATER $ 1406 . 50
H9955 - 9 I/F XPER SEWER $1406 . 50
H8120 . 221 INLET VALLEY SEWER H9953 . 9 I/F GTW 2210 . 00
H9954 . 9 I/F WATER $ 1406 . 50
H9955 . 9 I/P KFER SEVER $ 1406 . 50
118340. 222 WEST MILL WATER H9953 . 9 I/F XFER GTW 1036 . 00
H8120 . 222 WEST HILL SEWER ,19953 . 9 I/F XFER GTW S 1036 . 00
TOTAL------------$12 , 118 . 00
i
Town Hoard Minutes 4
January 13, 1992
H9953 . 9 I!F ]PER GTW A2801 I1F REV. FROM CAP.
PROJECTS $ 6 , 492 . 00
U9954 . 9 I1F %FER WATER x`2801 I!F REV . FROM CAP
PROJECTS S 2, 813. 00
M9955 . 9 I1F XFV R SEWER G2801 IIF REV . FROM CAP
PROJECTS $ 2 , 613 . 00
TOTAL---------------------$X2116 . 00
YEAR END BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Linda Nobles , Assistant Budget Officer stated that this was a
balancing process and there were various departments within the
Town which performed warp fox the Capital Projects and this now
reimburses their budgets for the services. This is done by taking
the amount from the individual capital projects account, then in to
an inter-fund transfer account and finally to the various funds
affected .
RESOLUTION
Motion by: Supervisor Raffensperger Seconded bye Councilwoman
Valentino
RESOLVED, that the mown Bo2krd of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the following budget amendments for 1991 :
Decrease ] DB5130 . 200-Machinery-Equipment $64, 659 . 76
DH5031-Interfund Transfer-From Gov' t. $64 , 659 . 76
Decrease : B1120-8ales Tax Revenue $21 , 659. 76
Appropriated Fund Balance $43, 000 . 00
89901 . 900-Tnterfund Transfer
To Highway $64 , 659 . 76
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPOINTMENT TO SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICYPAL_WATER COMMISSION
14otion by; Councilman Hiklas Seconded by: Councilman Liguori
RESOLUTION #5
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
appoints Lawrence Fablaroni , 127 Warren Road, Ithaca , NY as the mown
of Ithaca representative to the Southern Cayuga Fake Intermunicipal
Water Commission for the term January 1 , 1992 to December 61 , 1992 .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF TOWN BOARD MINUTES
RESOLUTIOR #6
Motion by: Supervisor Raffenspergex Seconded by: Councilwoman
Valentino
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approve
the November 7 , 1991 Town Board minutes as presented.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Town Board Minutes 5
January 13, 1992
SET DATE FDR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE
TOWR OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE TO 1 NGULATE THE NUHBER OF PRINCIPAL
BUILDINGS ON NON-AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN AN AGRICULTURAL_DISTRICT
Building Inspector/zoning Officer Andrew Frost explained the
purpose of the proposed legislation . He stated that the Town of
Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , in agricultural zones , does not define
residential uses in agricultural zones which are limited to one
building. He does not feel that the intent is to say that a farmer
cannot have multiple buildings for his farm hands to live on.
Further discussion followed.
Councilman Liguori asked if there were instances where a lot is not
designated but a second house is built on a large tract of land
owned by a farmer?
Attorney Barney stated that this would still be permitted as long
as you had 30, 000 square feet available, designated but not
necessarily subdivided as long as it is agricultural in use .
Councilman Klein clarified by saying that on a 100 acre farm, you
could only support 3 buildings and that one Mould not Heed to
create a 30, 000 square foot area.
Attorney Barney responded by sabring that you could not put more
than one building for every 30 ,000 square feet in a residence .
Zoning Officer Frost explained that the agricultural zone ' s
reference to uses for 11-10 do not acknowledge that in an
agricultural zone , all requirements of R-30 apply. This is
something which will be addrasaed in 1992 .
Councilman Niklas maintained that this is not the most glaring of
the deficiencies of Section 68 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance but it was raised by the Zoning Officer because of its
potential problem and is very ambiguous as it stands . He went oa
to say that the addition of the sentences gets rid of this
ambiguity. The Codes and Ordinances Committee is in the process of
proposing a number of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance .
RESOLUTION #7
Motion By: Councilman Niklas Seconded by- Councilwoman Valentino
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7 : 00 p . m . , on February 10, 1992 to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
to regulate the number of principal buildings on non-agricultural
lots in an agricultural district.
Councilman Whitcomb requested that a copy of this proposed
legislation be sent to the Agriculture Committee of the
Conservation Advisory Council ,
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE PROHIBITING CERTAIN USES IY
BUSYNESS SOAVES WITHOUT SPECIAL APPROVAL
Councilman Niklas prefaced the discussion on the proposed
legislation by requesting, on behalf of the Codes and Ordinances
Committee , that in the future , if draft pieces of legislation are
to be communicated to the Town Board to set public hearings , in
which there are substantive disagreements among the staff and the
Town Board Minutes G
January 13 , 1992
Town Attorney, that require policy decisions that the COC is
uncomfortable with, that the draft documents be submitted along
with a brief rendition on both sides of the argument. The point is
that it is unfair to send proposals to the 'down Board without the
Town Board being clearly informed on what the disagreements are .
Attorney Barney stated that in the current business district
zoning , referring to the documentation in hand , that all of the
Items are permitted as of right in any commercial zone subject to
meeting site plan constraints . The proposal would move a number of
these items out of the provision of being automatically as a right
in a given zone and require them to get, in addition to site plan
approval , a special, permit . There were certain uses , which by
their very nature , were felt to be needed to be subjected to the
special approval process . The argument was whether, since an area
is already determined to be a business district, the addition of a
"Mom & Fop" type store or convenience store , should not be
permitted without going through the special approval process . They
still must go through the ;3ite plan process but was felt that it
was over regulation to regiUre it to be subjected to the special
approval process . He further stated that Town Planner Floyd Forman
felt that it was not and cited in his memo that traffic concerns
should indicate the need for special approval review. He further
stated that this was really a policy decision for the 'Town Board to
make .
Supervisor Raffensperger asked as to whether the Planning Board has
reviewed this and Town Planner Forman confirmed that they had at
the last meeting . At that meeting, there were five 3oembers
present, four voted in favor of and one apposed.
RESOLUTION #B
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilwoman
Valentino
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the 'down of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7 : 15 p. m . , oa February 10 , 1992 to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
prohibiting certain uses in business zones without special
approval .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1992 DRAFT PRIORITIESfWORK FLAN
Supervisor Raffensperger reviewed the Draft 1992 Priorities and
York Plan presented . She had asked the staff for input in advance
and would like the Town Sward to review before the February
meeting. At that time , she will present another draft for the
Board ' s approval.
Councilman Whitcomb mentioned the addition of the storm water
management plan and the completion and adoption of the EPODS .
TOWN BOARD COMHITTEE _APPOINTMENTS
Supervisor Raffensperger commented that she has tried to consult
with all of the Town Board Members about their committee
assignments and as no one protested , she would consider that the
fallowing are the Town Committee appointments for 1992 :
DEPUTY TOWN SUPERVISOR: John Whitcomb
PLANNING: Coordinate planning improvement program, assist Town
Town Board Minutes 7
January 13 , 1992
Board in review of Planning Department activities.
David Klein, Chair
John Whitcomb
Karl Niklas
Shirley Raffensperger
Carolyn Grigorov
(Floyd Forman ]
BUDGET: Assist Town Board in review of monthly warrants, 1992
budget revisions and 1993 Preliminary Budget.
John Whitcomb
Catherine Valentino
[Linda Nobles ]
CODES AND ORDINANCE: Develop strategic revisions to ordinances and
revisions to ordinances implementing Phase I, Comprehensive Plan,
coordinate review of draft revisions with Town boards and
committees, recommend revisions to Town Board.
Karl Niklas, Chair
Catherine Valentino
Representative , Planning Board
Representative, Zoning Board of Appeals
Eva Hoffmann
Harrison Rue
[John Barney, Andy Frost, Floyd Forman, John Czamanske ]
PUBLIC WORKS: Assist Town Board in review of Highway Department,
Engineering Department and Parks Department activities .
Frank Liguori, Chair
David Klein
Shirley Raffensperger
[Dan Walker, Scott McConnell, Rich Schoch ]
PERSONNEL: Assist Town Board in review of personnel policies.
Shirley Raffensperger, Chair
Pat Leary
Catherine Valentino
Carolyn Grigorov
Edward Austen
[Linda Nobles]
ETHICS: Implement 1992 Ethics legislation, set up Ethics Board.
Catherine Valentino, Chair
Pat Leary
Frank Liguori
(Linda Nobles, Town Clerk ]
ON GOING APPOINTMENTS:
Town Board liaison to Intermunicipal Youth Commission -
Catherine Valentino
Northeast Transit - Pat Leary
Television Franchise - Catherine Valentino
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION #9
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Klein
Town Board Minutes 8
January 13, 1992
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
approves the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated January 13, 1992, in the
following amounts :
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 44 , 471 . 49
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 19, 381 . 55
Highway Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 26 , 371 . 06
Water & Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 264 , 945 . 01
Capital Projects Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 547 . 28
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION 410
Motion by: Supervisor Raffensperger Seconded by: Councilman
Niklas
RESOLVED, that the Bolton Point Warrants dated January 13, 1992,
in the Operating Account and Capital Projects Account are hereby
approved in the amount of $106 , 309 . 04 and $35, 739 . 65 respectively.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTION #11
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Whitcomb
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter and a zoning
enforcement.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
OPEN SESSION
RESOLUTION #12
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilwoman Valentino
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
back into Open Session.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PUBLIC HEARING - 7: 00 P.M.
TO CONSIDER AMENDING LOCAL LAW #6, 1987, COLLEGEVIEW MOBILE
HOME PARK
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider the adoption of a local law amending Local Law #6, 1987,
to increase from 52 to 65 the number of units permitted in the
Collegeview Mobile Home Park having been presented by the Deputy
Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
Supervisor Raffensperger reminded the Board that the public
hearings scheduled for this evening were discussed by the Board at
the last Town Board meeting, the reason being that the public
hearings were not published and posted as was required for the last
meeting. This is why we rescheduled them for this meeting in order
Town Board Minutes 9
January 13 , 1992
to meet those requirements.
P . F. Albern, Engineering Consultant to Paul Jacobs owner of
Collegeview Mobile Home Park, stated that the approved drawing by
the Tompkins County Health Department includes new sewers for the
additional 13 lots and water to all properties in the Collegeview
Mobile Home Park.
As no others wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public
hearing.
DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
RESOLUTION #13
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Liguori
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca make and
hereby does make a negative determination of environmental
significance for the increase from 52 to 65 the number of units
permitted in the Collegeview Mobile Home Park.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
LOCAL LAW #1 - 1992
RESOLUTION #14
Motion by: Councilman Liguori Seconded by: Councilman Klein
LOCAL LAW NO . 1 FOR THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA FOR THE
YEAR 1987 TO INCREASE FROM 52 TO 65 THE NUI4BER OF UNITS PERMITTED
IN THE COLLEGEVIEW MOBILE HOME PARK
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows:
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as readopted,
amended and revised effective February 26, 1968 and subsequently
amended, and local law No. 6 for the year 1987 of the Town of
Ithaca amending the Zoning Ordinance be together further amended as
follows :
1 . Section 2 (c ) is amended by deleting the figure " 52" and
inserting the figure "65" .
2 . Section 2 ( d ) of said local law is further amended by
adding new paragraphs at the end thereof reading as follows:
"If the Planning Board finds that no significant impact has
occurred by reason of the installation of the first 52 units
hereunder ( inclusive of the original park area) and the
Planning Board further finds that there will be no further
significant impact by the installation of up to 13 additional
units, the Developer may receive building permits for 13
additional units to the extent authorized and approved by the
Planning Board upon such conditions as may be reasonably
imposed by the Planning Board and upon the conditions set
forth herein. As a condition of issuing such permits, the
Planning Board may require tests and findings similar to those
required as a pre-requisite to the issuance of any permits in
Phase I , Phase II, or Phase III .
"In addition to any conditions imposed by the Planning Board,
Town Board Minutes 10
January 13, 1992
the granting of any permits for installation of more than 52
mobile homes in the mobile home park shall be subject to the
following additional conditions :
( i ) All mobile homes in the mobile home park, including
any new mobile homes to be installed and any mobile
homes installed prior to the enactment of Local Law
No. 6 for the year 1987 and any amendments thereto,
shall be connected to municipal water no later than
December 31 , 1992 .
( ii ) Connections to the municipal water supply will be
in conformance with New York State Department of
Health Requirements, Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission Regulations and all
Town of Ithaca laws, rules and regulations
including the Town of Ithaca Cross-Connection
Control Law.
( iii ) Immediate connection to municipal sewers will
be required for all new mobile home lots or
other construction .
( iv) Connection of existing lots with currently
functional on-site disposal systems to municipal
sewers will be completed by August 1 , 1997 .
Connection of lots served by inadequate on-site
sewage disposal facilities, as determined by the
Tompkins County Health Department, will be
completed within one month of the failure of the
system or whenever directed by the Town Board or
Tompkins County Health Department, whichever is
earliest.
(v) Sewage treatment billings may, at the option of the
Town, be reduced in proportion to the number of
unsewered lots for a period of time up to August 1 ,
1997 . The rate of adjustment will be computed by
the Town Engineer based on the percentage of
unsewered lots in the Park ( initially the sewage
billings would be reduced by 52/65 assuming 13 new
sewered lots and no other sewer connections) .
Notwithstanding the foregoing, sewer benefit
assessment charges would be calculated without
reduction ( i . e . 65 sewer units would be charged
assuming construction of all 13 new lots ) .
3 . In the event that any portion of this law is declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the
remaining portions shall not be affected by such declaration of
invalidity.
4 . This law shall take effect 20 days after its adoption or
upon the date it is filed in the Office of the Secretary of State
of the State of New York, whichever is later.
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law No. 1 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Town Board Minutes 11
January 13, 1992
PUBLIC HEARING - 7 : 30 P.M.
TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING
ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR MINIMUM OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS IN
BUSINESS DISTRICTS
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
to provide for minimum open space requirements in business
districts having been presented by the Deputy Town Clerk, the
Supervisor opened the public hearing.
David Auble, 380 Coddington Road spoke and requested a more
detailed interpretation of the proposed legislation regarding
purpose and impact.
Attorney Barney remarked that the only changes are in Section 37 ,
subsection 2 , which provides a limitation on area coverage of
buildings on a lot, which is consistent with what the limitations
are both in residential and light industrial zones. And then
subsection 4 indicates that another 30% of the area has to be
committed to open space . This is to assure that some area will be
green or landscaped in commercial locations.
DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
RESOLUTION #15
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Klein
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca make and
hereby does make a negative determination of environmental
significance providing for minimum open space requirements in
business districts .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
LOCAL LAW #2 - 1992
RESOLUTION #16
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilwoman
Valentino
LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE TO
PROVIDE FOR MINIMUM OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS IN BUSINESS
DISTRICTS
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows :
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 7 , Section 37 , is amended to read as follows :
"SECTION 37 . Area, Yard, and Height Requirements shall
be the following:
1 . Area: A minimum tract of two acres is required
for the development of a "business district" .
2 . Yards: Front Yards Not less
than 50
feet.
Side Yards None required with
respect to buildings
all on the same lot
but not less than 30
feet from any
structure to a side
property line
Rear Yards Not less
than 30
feet.
The foregoing yard requirements may include any
required buffer areas and shall not be in addition
to any required buffer areas.
3 . Building Coverage : No building or buildings on
a lot, including accessory buildings, shall be
erected, altered or extended to cover more than 30%
of the lot area.
4 . Minimum Useable Open Space : Minimum useable
open space shall be not less than 30% of the lot
area. For this purpose ' useable open space ' shall
mean that portion of the lot area not covered by
any structure ( as defined in Article I ) or
driveway, and generally intended to be occupied by
suitable vegetation or landscaping.
5 . Height: All structures shall conform in height
with other structures in the vicinity, provided,
however, that no building shall exceed thirty-four
feet in height from lowest interior grade nor
thirty feet in height from lowest exterior grade
and further provided that no structure other than a
building shall exceed thirty feet in height. "
2 . Article 7, Section 38, subdivision 1 , is amended by adding
a new sentence at the end of the last paragraph reading as follows:
"If the Planning Board finds that the particular use, nature,
and location of the proposed project, utilizing the criteria
set forth elsewhere in this Ordinance, requires that parking
be to the rear of the principal building on the site, parking
shall be so located. "
Section 2 . The invalidity of any section or provision of this
local law shall not invalidate any other section or provision
thereof .
Section 3 . This law shall take effect upon its publication as
required by law, except that the amendments made by this local law
shall not apply to any construction pursuant to a site plan
approved prior to the adoption of this local law provided that such
construction is
( a) in compliance with the ordinance as in effect prior to the
effective date of this local law, and
( b ) is substantially commenced within 18 months of the
Town Board Minutes 13
January 13, 1992
adoption of this local law and diligently prosecuted to conclusion .
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #2 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING - 7: 45 P.M.
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE
RELATING TO PERMITS FOR DISTRIBUTING FILL AND AUTHORIZING
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER IN CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
relating to permits for distributing fill and authorizing issuance
of permits by the Town Engineer in certain circumstances having
been presented by the Deputy Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the
public hearing.
David Auble of 380 Coddington Road, Ithaca, requested clarification
of the procedure used at Ithaca College recently. He stated that
there is a lot of fill and construction taking place there and
asked if there was a fill permit required.
Attorney Barney explained that if there is an application for a
site plan for a project and the site plan is approved, that process
includes a review of what change is to be made in the topography,
what fill will be brought in or removed, that site plan review
includes an approval of a fill permit. That is the case with the
Ithaca College project at this time .
After further discussion, the Supervisor closed the public hearing.
DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
RESOLUTION #17
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Whitcomb
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca make and
hereby does make a negative determination of environmental
significance amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance relating
to permits for distributing fill and authorizing issuance of
permits by the Town Engineer in certain circumstances .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
LOCAL LAW #3 - 1992
RESOLUTION #18
Town Board Minutes 14
January 13, 1992
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Whitcomb
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF THE YEAR 1992
AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO
PERMITS FOR DISTRIBUTING FILL AND AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE
OF PERMITS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER IN CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES .
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows:
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as readopted,
amended and revised effective February 26, 1968, and thereafter
further amended, is further amended as follows :
Section 1 : Article XIII , Section 70, is hereby amended to
read as follows :
"SECTION 70. Extraction or Deposit of Fill and Related Products.
1 . In any district no more than 50 cubic yards of fill , sod,
loam, sand, gravel, stone or similar materials
(hereinafter referred to collectively as "fill" ) shall be
deposited or removed or offered for sale in any one year,
except in connection with a public work on the property
or the removal of silt or other recently accumulated
material that blocks a normal flow of a water course,
without the special approval of the Board of Appeals .
2 . In applying for such approval, the applicant shall submit
to the Board a plan of the proposed project, showing
property lines , and adjacent public ways, grades and
depths of proposed deposit or removal, soil types or fill
types to be deposited or removed, erosion control during
and after construction, projected duration of project,
proposed regrading and replanting of the property upon
completion of the operation, and such other items as the
Board or Town Engineer may require to adequately review
the proposed project.
3 . The Board shall not act until the Town Engineer has
reviewed such plan and advised the Board that in his
professional opinion the plan adequately protects the
property and surrounding properties from significant
adverse consequences of such deposit or removal,
including, when completed, adverse drainage, erosion,
visual or other adverse impacts. Before issuing a special
approval, the Board shall make the same findings as are
required for the Engineer' s opinion. In considering the
proposed use the Board shall take into account the
distance of the operation from neighboring property and
public ways, the possible detriment of such use to the
future development of the land in question, and
significant nuisance or detriment of the operation to
neighboring landowners and to the community as a whole .
4 . The Board may impose such conditions upon the applicant
as it deems necessary to protect the general welfare of
the community, which may include a time limit upon
Town Board Minutes 15
January 13 , 1992
operations, standards for performance , and the
requirement that a performance frond be posted to insure
compliance with the requirements of this ordinance and
with any further reasonable conditions imposed by the
Board .
5 , In the event that the proposed movement of material
involves the deposit or extraction of more than 2 , 500
cubic yards , the matter shall first be referred to the
Planning Board for its recommendation before the Board of
Appeals makes its final decision.
In the event that the proposed movement of fill involves
the deposit or extraction of less than 250 cubic yards,
the Town Engineer may grant written approval provided
that the Engineer determines , before issuing the approval
that the proposed plan
( a ) Provides for appropriate erosion control during and
after construction;
( b ) Protects against adverse drainage on the subject
property and surrounding properties;
{ c ) Provides for appropriate revegetation when
necessary;
( d ) Provides for appropriate slope controis ; and
( e ) Does not adversely affect properties surrounding
the designated site both during and after removal
or deposit of the fill .
The Town Engineer may impose such conditions upon the
applicant as the Engineer deems necessary to protect the
general welfare of the community, which may include a
reasonable time limit upon operations , reasonable
standards for performance , and the requirement that a
performance bond or other security in a reasonable amount
be posted to insure compliance with the requirements of
this Ordinance and with any further reasonable conditions
imposed by the Engineer .
7 . The following are excepted from the requirements set
forth above :
( a ) Any normal building operation in connection with a
legal building permit, such as excavation , filling ,
or grading, shall be excepted from the provisions
of this Section provided , however, that this
exception shall apply only where the total amount
of material moved from one place to another place
Town Board Minutes 145
January 13 , 1992
on the construction site is less than 700 cubic
yards and where the total amount of material
removed from the construction site to an off--site
location { or brought to the construction site from
an off-site location) is less than 500 cubic yards .
For the purpose of this section a "construction
site" consists of the larger of the following
areas ;
( i ) an area of 30 ,4Z @0 square feet in which the
proposed construction is to be located ; or
( ii ) the area contained within the footprint of the
proposed structure plus an additional 50 feet
adjacent to the perimeter of the proposed
structure .
( b ) Removal or deposit of fill in connection with the
construction of a septic field or septic system on
an individual lot pursuant to a permit obtained
from the Tompkins County Health Department .
( c ) Removal or deposit of fill in connection with
construction in accordance with a site plan
approved by the appropriate Town authority ( e . g.
Town Board , Town Planning Hoard or Zoning Board of
Appeals ) provided that such construction occurs
within three gears of the final approval of such
authority or by December 31 , 1992, whichever is
later . Notwithstanding the foregoing, as to any
site plan approvals granted on and after January 1 ,
1992 , if fill is being removed to or from another
site in the mown, and if the plans for the removal
from , or deposit on, such other site were reviewed
by the Town Engineer and the Board granting such
approval was advised of the results of such review
and specifically included the proposed disposition
of such fill in its approval , no further approval
under this section 70 shall be required provided
the construction occurs within the time limits set
forth above . if the disposition of fill was not
specifically approved by the applicable Board in
connection with any such post December 31 , 1991
approvals , this exception shall not apply and the
applicant shall be required to obtain special
approval for the deposit or removal of fill
relative to such other site in accordance with the
terms of this Section 70 .
(d ) Removal , movement, or deposit of not more than 500
cubic yards of fill in an Agricultural Zone in any
three year period in conjunction with one or more
Town Board Minutes 17
January 13, 1992
bona fide agricultural uses.
( e ) Removal or deposit of fill in connection with
construction of roads and other facilities in a
subdivision approved in accordance with the
requirements of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board
provided, however, that
( i ) plans for such construction showing in
sufficient detail the proposed removal and/or
deposit of fill ( including, when removal from
or deposit on to an off-site location is
contemplated, adequate plans of such off-site
location showing the required information
relative to the disposition or removal of fill
to or from same ) were submitted to the
Planning Board and approved by the Town
Engineer in conjunction with the subdivision
approval; or
( ii ) the Planning Board expressly waived the
requirement of submission of such drawings and
the total amount of fill to be either
deposited or removed is less than 500 cubic
yards .
( f ) Removal or deposit of fill in connection with
construction of roads and other facilities in a
subdivision approved on or before January 1 , 1992,
in accordance with the requirements then in effect
of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board provided such
removal or fill occurs no more than three years
after the granting of final subdivision approval by
the Town Planning Board or before December 31 ,
199.2 ,. w.hichever date is later. "
Section 2 : If any provision of this local law is held invalid
by a 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 3: This Local Law shall take effect upon its
publication as required by law.
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #3 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING - 8:00 P.M.
TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW REPEALING LOCAL LAW #2 OF THE YEAR
1970 ESTABLISHING REVISED ETHICS RULES APPLICABLE TO TOWN OF
ITHACA OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider a local law repealing Local Law #2 of the year 1970
establishing revised ethics rules applicable to Town of Ithaca
Officers and Employees having been presented by the Deputy Town
Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
Town Board Minutes 18
January 13, 1992
Attorney Barney pointed out the various changes which were
discussed at the December 31st meeting and reviewed the two
proposals presented .
Councilwoman Leary stated that an Ethics Law is needed by the Town
of Ithaca although the choice is whether the disclosure portion be
adopted. She stated that the law requires us to adopt their
disclosure section or nothing at all .
Councilman Niklas asked if there is another way of rephrasing what
our objective so that it avoids the issue of whether or not it is
disclosable .
Bruce Brittain of 135 Warren Road, Ithaca, NY, spoke with regard to
the legislation before the Town Board. He stated that he has
several criticisms of the proposed law. Section 2 , deals with
employees and defines them as "department heads" and he is very
concerned that it does not also include staff . He has been around
Town Hall enough to know that a lot of policy gets made,
unofficially within departments. He is very sorry to see that this
proposed legislation specifically excludes some of the staff which
he feels should be included in the disclosure portion .
Section 6 is another potential problem. He feels that it may
deactivate community leaders. What is intended to happen is those
people within the community who are good spokesmen, for whatever
cause, will not be allowed to come before the board, to represent
that cause , not only now but for the next four years.
Intense discussion followed regarding the proposed legislation. It
was the general consensus of the Town Board that since extensive
discussion of the legislation had taken place at numerous other
Town Board Meetings, the Town Board should act on the proposed
legislation.
Supervisor Raffensperger pointed out the sole difference between
LL#1 or LL#2 in the two versions and asked for a motion.
RESOLUTION #19
Motion by: Councilwoman Valentino Seconded by: Councilman
Liguori
LOCAL LAW #4 - 1992
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 4 OF THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW REPEALING LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF THE YEAR 1970 AND
ESTABLISHING REVISED ETHICS RULES APPLICABLE TO TOWN OF ITHACA
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows:
Local law no. 2 of the year 1970 is hereby repealed and the
following enacted in its stead:
Section 1 . Purpose .
( a) The purpose of this law is to establish minimum
standards of conduct to help ensure that the business of government
is free from improper influence that may result in opportunities
for private gain . The Town of Ithaca recognizes that public
officials must exercise their official duties solely in the public
interest, and must avoid even the appearance of conflict of
Town Board Minutes 19
January 13, 1992
interest. The standards and guidelines set forth in this law are
intended to minimize unwarranted suspicion and to avoid potential
conflicts of interest before they arise . Notwithstanding any
specific omissions in this law, it is the responsibility of public
officials to come forth with information regarding personal
involvement in matters before the Town and to avoid associations or
actions that may interfere with the proper discharge of their
public duties .
(b) The rules of ethical conduct of this local law shall
not conflict with but shall be in addition to those of Chapters
810-813 of the General Municipal Law and any other general or
specific law relating to ethical conduct and interest in contracts
76 of municipal officers and employees. However, to the extent the
provisions of this local law conflict with the provisions of
Chapters 810-813 of the General Municipal Law regarding the filing
of disclosure statements and the materials to be disclosed, it is
intended that the provisions of this Local Law shall supersede the
analogous provisions of the General Municipal Law.
Section 2 . Applicability.
( a) Unless otherwise specified, this law shall apply to
all elected and appointed officials ( hereinafter referred to as
"officials" ) and department heads ( "employees" ) of the Town of
Ithaca ( "Town" ) , including the Town Board ( specifically including
the Supervisor) , Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals , advisory
boards, and any committees and subcommittees thereof; the Town
Clerk/Collector of Taxes , Highway Superintendent, Town Engineer,
Town Planner, Zoning Officer/Building Inspector, and Town Attorney
(whether paid as a town employee or retained under separate
contract or agreement ) .
(b) For purposes of this law, "family" shall include an
official ' s or employee ' s spouse or equivalent member of a household
sharing living expenses , and any of the following; if residing with
the official or employee . child, step-child, brother, sister,
parent, dependent.
Section 3 . Annual disclosure .
( a) Applicability: With the exception of members of
citizens ' advisory boards, this section shall apply to all Town
officials and employees as defined in section 2 .
Said individuals shall file with the Town Clerk a signed
disclosure statement: ( i ) within 120 days of the effective date of
this law; ( ii ) by April 30 of each year thereafter; and ( iii )
within 30 days of a significant change in the information already
on file, specifically including, but not limited to, the
acquisition of any real property ( as described below) .
( b) Such disclosure statements shall be kept on file as
public record by the Town Clerk. Public notice of the existence
and availability of such file shall be made annually: ( i ) by legal
notice in the newspaper of record; ( ii ) by announcement by the Town
Supervisor at the May Town Board meeting; ( iii ) by notice in the
first Town newsletter following the April 30 filing date ; ( iv) by
posting of notice conspicuously in Town Hall .
(c ) Matters to be disclosed shall include holdings or
associations with any or all of the following within the 12 month
period up to and including the time of filing:
( i ) the location of any real property within the Town of Ithaca
and outside the Town contiguous to its immediate boundaries, in
which the official or employee or his or her family, has whole or
part ownership or any other significant financial interest ( for
this purpose , a "significant financial interest" shall mean an
ownership interest of more than 10% or a security interest in the
Town Board Minutes 20
January 13, 1992
property ( such as a mortgagee ) of more than $100,000 ) ; ( ii ) the
name of any partnership, unincorporated association, or
unincorporated business, ( located in the State of New York or which
does business in the State of New York) of which the official or
employee or family member is a member, officer, or employee or has
a significant proprietary interest ( for this purpose a "significant
proprietary interest" is an ownership interest of more than 10% ) ,
and a description of the nature ( position, duties ) of their
affiliation; ( iii ) the name of any corporation, whether for-profit
or non-for-profit,. ( locatedt in the State of New York or which does
business in the State of New York) of which the official or
employee or family member is an officer, director, or employee, or
owns or controls, individually or in combination, more than ten
percent of the outstanding stock, and a description of the nature
(position, duties ) of their affiliation; ( iv) the nature of any
self employment from which the official or employee or a family
member has derived gross income of more than $5000 during the
previous 12 months.
(d ) If an official or employee practices law, is
licensed by the NYS Department of State as a real estate broker or
agent, practices a profession licensed by the NYS Department of
Education, or is involved in a corporation or business described in
subsection (c ) above , the disclosure statement shall include a
general description of the principal subject matters undertaken in
the stated practice, including the nature of the clients '
businesses. This disclosure shall not include the names of
individual clients.
(e ) Interest in any contract held with the Town.
Section 4 . Gifts.
( a) Officials, employees , their spouse/equivalents, or
any person or entity acting on their behalf may not solicit or
accept monetary gifts or loans of any amount or promise thereof, or
any gift, including services, entertainment, thing, or promise
thereof, having a value of $75 or more , from any person or agent of
a person, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or
other entity who the official or employee knows is considering or
has had, within the previous 12 months , any business dealing with
the Town of Ithaca that involves any discretionary act by the
official or employee .
(b) Refreshments or meals that are provided as part of
an informational presentation in a group setting or as part of a
reception shall not be considered gifts under this section.
Section 5 . Confidentiality.
Except as required by law, officials and employees may
not disclose confidential information acquired during the course of
their official duties or use such information to further their
personal interests or the personal interest of their families ' .
Section 6 . Conflict of interest prohibited.
( a) Other than acting solely on behalf of
himself/herself, no official or employee may act as a
representative before the Town for any entity, including boards and
commissions on which the official or employee has represented the
Town , that has a business dealing, including requests for rezoning,
variances, legislation, bids on contracts, or any other matter
before the Town during his or her term of office or employment with
the Town . In cases in which an official or employee represents
himself or herself on a matter before the Town, he or she will
refrain from voting or otherwise taking discretionary action on the
matter, as provided in Section 7 of this law.
( b) For a period of four years after termination of his
Town Board Minutes 21
January 13, 1992
or her term of office or employment with the Town, other than
acting solely on behalf of himself/herself, no former official or
employee may appear before the Town, including boards and
commissions on which the official or employee has represented the
Town, in relation to any matter upon which he or she took any
discretionary action during his or her term of office or employment
with the Town, unless requested to provide information by the Town.
( c ) A Town official shall exercise due diligence in
avoiding conflict of interest when voting on matters brought
before the Town by entities with whom the official is employed as
a non-officer. Any action that could reasonably be interpreted as
potentially benefitting the official ' s career advancement, salary,
or standing within an organization ( e . g . , a vote on a matter that
falls within the official ' s direct purview as an employee of the
entity appearing before the Town) shall be deemed a conflict of
interest and subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this law.
Section 7 . Recusal from voting or other discretionary act.
( a) Whenever an official or employee is called upon to
vote on, advise on, or otherwise take discretionary action on a
matter before the Town, and either the performance or non-
performance of such action would provide a pecuniary or material
benefit to : him/herself, his/her family; persons, businesses, or
other entities who have given campaign contributions of more than
$1000 in the aggregate during the official ' s last political
election; business partners, or business, association, or other
entity of which the official/employee is an owner, partner,
officer, director, or significant shareholder as described in
Section 3 of this law, the officer or employee shall immediately
declare the nature of the conflict of interest, and shall refrain
from taking any action or inaction that would affect the outcome of
the matter. Such declaration shall be made a part of the public
record concerning the matter.
(b) Interpretation . All instances involving the
appropriateness of abstention from discussion and voting by a
member of a board by virtue of conflict of interest may be referred
to the Ethics Board, who will render an opinion on the existence of
conflict of interest within 30 days. Such interpretive opinion may
be requested by any member of the board .
(c ) Whenever any board member becomes aware of a
possible conflict of interest involving such board member or any
other board member, he or she may raise the issue at the meeting
and request the matter be referred to the Ethics Board hereafter
created .
Section S . Land speculation.
Large-scale land speculation by Town officials who are
members of the Town Board, Planning Board, or Zoning Board of
Appeals may be perceived as an abuse of the privilege of office .
For example it is recommended that during his or her term of office
and for a period of 12 months thereafter, such official, his or her
spouse/equivalent, and his or her business or other entity of which
the official or spouse/equivalent is an owner, partner, officer,
director, or holder of controlling interest, shall not acquire real
property, or any financial or development interest in real
property, of more than a total of 25 acres zoned residential, or
more than 5 acres zoned commercial anywhere in the Town of Ithaca
or its contiguous boundaries, for purposes other than the
official ' s primary residence . Land purchased in an agricultural
district for agricultural use is excluded from this recommendation.
A failure to comply with this section shall not be a violation of
this local law.
( b) During his or her term of office , no member of the
Town Board Minutes 22
January 13, 1992
Town Board, Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals or his or
her spouse/equivalent shall enter into a business relationship with
any other member of said boards for the purpose of buying, selling,
developing, or holding real property in the Town of Ithaca or
outside the Town contiguous to its immediate boundaries .
Section 9 . Inducement_ of violations.
Any person who intentionally induces any official or
employee to take any action or refrain from taking any action,
which action or inaction violates any provision of this law, shall
be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, and shall be barred from doing
business with the Town of Tthaca for a period of five years .
Section 10. Claims against the Town .
Nothing herein shall be deemed to bar the timely filing
by a present or former official or employee of any claim, demand,
or suit against the Town on behalf of him/herself or his/her family
arising out of any personal injury or property damage or for any
lawful benefit, or from receiving a municipal service or benefit
that is generally available to the public.
Section 11 . Establishment of Local Ethics Board.
( a) Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 810-813 of the
General Municipal Law as amended, the Town of Ithaca does hereby
establish a local Ethics Board of five persons to review the annual
disclosures and conflict of interest disclosures and cause copies
of both to be filed with the Temporary State Commission on Local
Government Ethics; to review annually this Code of Ethics and
recommend to the Town Board any changes which it deems appropriate;
to render advisory opinions on any matter of ethical conduct of
Town officials and employees , on its own initiative or at the
written request of any Town Board, official , employee , or private
citizen . The Ethics Board shall have the power, to conduct
investigations, refer cases to the Town Board for consideration of
whether to commence criminal prosecution or to commence suit in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York on behalf of the Town for
injunctive relief to enjoin a violation or compel compliance with
this law. The Ethics Board may establish rules for its own
operations, but whether included or not, the following procedures
shall pertain to its activities :
( i ) The Ethics Board shall state in writing the
disposition of every request for opinion and every
investigation it conducts, and the reasons for the
disposition. All such statements and written requests
shall be kept on file as public record.
( ii ) Any changes in this Local Law that are
recommended by the Ethics Board shall, to the extent
reasonably possible consistent with the other
responsibilities of the Town Board be discussed and acted
upon by the Town Board in open session at a regular
meeting within , two months of the issuance of the
recommendations . Any amendments to this law must be
filed within 30 days with the Temporary State Commission
on Local Government Ethics.
( iii ) The Town Board may make available to the
Ethics Board such meeting space, clerical support, and
expense reimbursement as the Town Board, in its
discretion and consistent with budgetary constraints,
deems advisable .
( iv) The Ethics Board may not conduct
investigations of itself or any of its members .
Complaints against any member of the Ethics Board shall
be made to the Temporary State Commission on Local
Town Board Minutes 23
January 13, 1992
Government Ethics.
(b) Appointment and removal .
( i ) Members of the Ethics Board shall be appointed
by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca and may be
nominated by any member of the public.
( ii ) Ethics Board members may be removed by the
Town Board for reasons of gross misconduct, substantial
neglect of duty, or inability to perform the duties of
office, or upon recommendation by the Temporary State
Commission on Local Government Ethics .
(c ) Term of office . The term of office of Ethics Board
members shall be five years, except that for the first five
appointees, terms shall expire on December 31 of the year in which
the Board was created, and of the first, second, third, and fourth
year thereafter, respectively. No member shall serve more than two
consecutive terms.
( d ) Qualifications .
( i ) Members of the Ethics Board shall be chosen
from among Tompkins County residents .
( ii ) No Ethics Board member shall hold office in
any political party.
( iii ) No more than two Ethics Board members may be
from the same political party.
( iv) From the period of 12 months prior to
appointment throughout his or her term of office , no
Ethics Board member or member of his or her family shall
hold elected or any other appointed office or employment
with the Town of Ithaca, except as a member of a
citizens ' advisory board.
(v) From the period of 12 months prior to
appointment throughout his or her term of office , no
Ethics Board member shall be a party to any proceeding
before the Town of Ithaca or have business dealings with
the Town of Ithaca other than normal , routine ,
ministerial requests such as applications for building
permits , certificates of occupancy, marriage licenses, or
other similar ministerial matters .
( vi ) Members of the Ethics Board shall be subject
to the provisions of this law.
Section 12 . Distribution of Code of Ethics .
( a) Within ten days of this law' s enactment, the Town
Clerk shall post a copy of this law conspicuously and permanently
in the Town Hall in a manner allowing public perusal of its
provisions. Copies of the law shall also be made available by the
Town Clerk to members of the public upon request under provisions
of the Freedom of Information Law.
(b) Within 30 days of this law' s enactment, the Town
Clerk shall distribute a copy of this law to all officials and
employees identified in Sections 2 and 3. Each official and
employee elected or appointed thereafter shall be given a copy of
this law before entering upon the duties of his or her office .
( c ) The Town Clerk shall distribute copies of this law
to the members of the Ethics Board upon their taking office .
Town Board Minutes 24
January 13, 1992
Section 13. Penalties and violations .
Violation of this law will be a Class A misdemeanor
subject to the penalties provided in Section 813 of the General
Municipal Law, including forfeiture of office or employment and
liability for all damages and fines. Penalties include a civil
penalty not to exceed $10,000 for knowingly and willfully failing
to file a financial disclosure statement or for knowingly and
willfully making a false statement with intent to deceive .
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person subject to this Local Law
found for the first time to be in violation of its terms by reason
of failing to file or make a required disclosure statement shall be
subject to a maximum civil penalty of $500 or a maximum criminal
fine of $500. Any such person found for the second time to be in
violation of the terms of this local law by reason of failing to
.file or make a required disclosure statement shall be subject to a
maximum civil penalty of $1000 or a maximum criminal fine of not
more than $1000. The third and any succeeding such violations
shall be subject to the penalties set forth in the first sentence
of this section.
Section 15 . Invalidity of portion of the law.
If any provision of this law is held by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that decision shall not
affect the validity and effectiveness of the remaining provisions
of this law.
Section 16 . Effective Date .
This law shall take effect immediately after it has been
filed with the New York State Temporary Commission on Local
Government Ethics .
Supervisor Raffensperger called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Klein Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Nay
Councilman Liguori Voting Aye
Councilman Niklas Voting Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Voting Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #4 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that there are some requirements in
the law for distribution to employees and Board Members and to fill
out certain disclosure forms.
PUBLIC HEARING-8: 30 P.H.
TO CONSIDER AHENDING LOCAL LAW #1, 1983, (SAFETY ZONES IN
EAST HILL PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER. )
Supervisor Raffensperger stated that this legislation is a
modification of the fire safety zones at the East Hill Plaza
Shopping Center, which has been discussed a number of times.
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider amending Local Law #1 , 1983, (Safety Zones in East Hill
Plaza Shopping Center) , having been presented by the Deputy Town
Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
As no one present wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public
hearing.
DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
Town Board Minutes 25
January 13, 1992
RESOLUTION #20
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Klein
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca make and
hereby does make a negative determination of environmental
significance amending Local Law #1 , 1983, (Safety Zones in East
Hill Plaza Shopping Center) .
CARRIED UNANIHOUSLY
LOCAL LAW #5 - 1992
RESOLUTION #21
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Whitcomb
LOCAL LAW NO. 5 FOR THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING TOWN OF ITHACA LOCAL LAW NO . 1 FOR THE YEAR
1983 REVISING THE RESTRICTED AREAS IN THE EAST HILL PLAZA SHOPPING
CENTER .
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1 . Town of Ithaca Local Law No. 1 of the year 1983
entitled "A Local Law SAFETY ZONES IN EAST HILL PLAZA SHOPPING
CENTER" is amended by deleting the first sentence of paragraph 2 B
and inserting instead the following:
"Pursuant to the request of the owners and/or persons in
charge of said shopping center and the fire chief of the fire
department serving such area the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca designates the following specific portions of the
safety zones as restricted areas :
( 1 ) On the south side of the building known generally as
the East Hill Plaza a strip of land 20 feet wide
immediately adjacent to the outside face of the outside
wall of the building, excluding the promenade and running
the entire length of the building from east to west.
( 2 ) On the north side of the building a strip of land 20
feet in width running parallel to and adjacent to the
majority of the north face of the building running the
entire length of the building from east to west plus a
strip of land 30 feet in width in the approximate center
of the building running southerly from said 20 foot strip
to the building facade at the center of the central
cutout of the building .
( 3 ) On the east side of the building a strip of land 20
feet in width and running parallel to and 30 feet distant
from the easterly facade of the building connecting with
the strip on the north side and on the south side of the
building.
( 4 ) On the west side of the building a strip of land 20
feet in width running parallel to the west facade of the
building and 30 feet distant therefrom connecting with
the strips on the north facade and the south facade .
All as more particularly shown on a map entitled "East Hill
Plaza Striping and Signage Plan" dated 9/21/90 with notations
from Assistant Fire Chief Brian Wilbur, a copy of which map is
on file with the Building and Zoning Enforcement Officer of
the Town of Ithaca. "
Town Board Minutes 26
January 13, 1992
Section 2 . If any section, paragraph, clause , phrase or
provision of this local law shall be judged invalid or held
unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not
affect the validity of this local law as a whole or any other part
or provision thereof.
Section 3 . This local law shall be effective immediately upon
adoption by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca and suitable
posting of the restricted areas .
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #5 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING - 8: 35 P.M.
CONSIDER AMENDING THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR TRAFFIC
CONTROL DEVICES AT THE INTERSECTION AT THE INTERSECTION OF
WHITETAIL DRIVE, TETON COURT AND SARANAC WAY AND ALSO THE
INTERSECTION OF BIRCHWOOD DRIVE SOUTH AND PINEWOOD DRIVE
AND READOPTING THE ENTIRE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE
Supervisor Raffensperger requested that this public hearing be
rescheduled for February 10, 1992 at 7 : 30 p. m.
RESOLUTION #22
Motion by: Councilwoman Valentino Seconded by: Supervisor
Raffensperger
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
adjourns the public hearing amending. the Traffic Ordinance to allow
for traffic control devices at the intersection of Whitetail Drive ,
Teton Court and Saranac Flay and also the intersection of Birchwood
Drive and readopting the entire Traffic Ordinance and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct an adjourned public hearing at 7 : 30 p. m. , on February 10,
1992 to consider amending the Traffic Ordinance and readopting the
entire Traffic Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PUBLIC HEARING - 8: 95 P.M.
CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE REVISING
PERMITTED USES IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider a local law amending the Zoning Ordinance revising
permitted uses in industrial zones having been presented by the
Deputy Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
As no one present wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public
hearing.
Town Board Minutes 27
January 13, 1992
Supervisor Raffensperger noted that the Planning Board has
recommended the adoption of the proposed legislation with the
addition of a provision that would grandfather those proposals for
which applications for site plan review have been received prior to
the adoption of this local law.
RESOLUTION #23
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Liguori
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca make and
hereby does make a negative determination of environmental
significance amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance revising
permitted uses in industrial zones .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
LOCAL LAW #6 - 1992
RESOLUTION #24
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Liguori
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE
MODIFYING THE PERMISSIBLE USES IN AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows :
Section 1 . The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as re-
adopted, amended, and revised, effective February 26 , 1968, and
subsequently amended , be further amended as follows:
1 . Article X, Section 47 , the opening paragraph, is amended
to read as follows :
"SECTION 47 . Use Regulations . In Industrial Districts
buildings and land may be used for any lawful purpose except
as set forth below and except that all uses of land and
buildings, and industrial processing that may be noxious or
injurious by reason of the emission of dust, smoke, refuse
matter, water carried waste, odor, gas, fumes, noise,
vibration, or similar substances or conditions may be
permitted only upon special approval of the Board of Appeals .
Such industries as the following shall require such
approval : . . . "
2 . Article X, Section 47 , is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following:
"The following uses are prohibited in an Industrial District:
(a) Any dwelling unit.
(b) Sales of any products at retail to the general
public except as the same may be related to and an
incidental by-product of a permitted principal use such
as manufacturing.
( c ) Restaurants of any nature except for cafeterias or
other similar facilities that are incidental to and
related specifically to a permitted principal use such as
manufacturing.
( d ) Motel .
( e ) Hotel . "
Section 2 . The amendment provided by this law shall not
affect any application for site plan approval in an Industrial
District pending at the (late of enactment of this local law
provided, however, that any subsequent alterations of the site plan
shall be governed by the provisions of this section as amended
except to the extent that any prior existing use is a valid non-
conforming use as defined and regulated in accordance with the
terms of the Zoning Ordinance .
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 immediately.
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #6 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING - 9:00 P.H.
CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW ALTERING THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR
THE DEPUTY TOWN CLERK
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider a local law altering the residency requirement for the
Deputy Town Clerk having been presented by the Deputy Town Clerk,
the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
As no one present wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public
hearing.
LOCAL LAW #7 - 1992
RESOLUTION #25
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Whitcomb
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 7 OF THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW ALTERING THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
FOR DEPUTY TOWN CLERKS
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1 . A Deputy Town Clerk need not be a resident of the
Town of Ithaca but shall he a resident of Tompkins County or an
adjoining County.
Section 2 . This local law is intended to supersede any
inconsistent provisions of Section 3 of the Public Officers Law of
the State of New York or of Section 23 of the Town Law.
Section 3 . In the event any portion of this local law is
declared invalid by final judgment of a 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 immediately.
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #7 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted .
PUBLIC HEARING - 9: 15 P.H.
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of public hearing to
consider a local law altering the residency requirement for the
Receiver of Taxes having been presented by the Deputy Town Clerk,
the Supervisor opened the public hearing.
As no one present wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public
hearing.
LOCAL LAW #8 - 1992
RESOLUTION #26
Motion by: Councilman Niklas Seconded by: Councilman Whitcomb
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 8 FOR THE YEAR 1992
A LOCAL LAW ALTERING THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE
RECEIVER OF TAXES
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1 . The Receiver of Taxes need not be a resident of
the Town of Ithaca but shall be a resident of Tompkins County or an
adjoining County.
Section 2 . This local law is intended to supersede any
inconsistent provisions of Section 3 of the Public Officers Law of
the State of New York or of Section 23 of the Town Law.
Section 3 . In the event any portion of this local law is
declared invalid by final judgment of a 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 immediately.
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 Aye
Councilman Whitcomb Voting Aye
Supervisor Raffensperger Voting Aye
Local Law #8 - 1992 was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Town Board Minutes 30
January 13, 1992
ADJOURNHENT
The meeting was duly adjourned.
R sect�um fitted,
`Batt
&ett F. Poole
Depu Town Clerk