HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1993-01-11 Town of Ithaca
'own Board Meeting Minutes
January 11 , 1993
At the regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins CouRt,y, New York, held at the Town Hall , 126 East
Seneca Street, Ithaca , New York, there were :
PRESE&r : Shirley A . Raffensperger, Supervisor
John Whitcomb , Councilman
Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman
Karl Niklas , Councilman
Frank Ligtuori , Councilman
Patricia Leary, Councilwoman
David Klein , Councilman
ALSO PRESENT: John Barney, Town Attorney
.loan Dent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Daniel walker, P , E . ; Town Engineer
Scott McConnell , Highway Superintendent
Floyd Forman , Town Planner
Sally Alarzo , Assistant Budget Officer
Phyllis taker
Catherine and Douglas Lathwell
Ralph F . Crandall, Jr.
Pledge of Allegiance : The Supervisor led the assemblage in the
Pledge of Allegiance .
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by the Supervisor
at 5 : 33 p. m.
Agenda Item No . 3 - Re ort of Town Officials
a . Town Supervisor - The Supervisor reported that the Town of
Ithaca and Tompkins County are engaged in discussions concerning
several matters .
The Town received a bill for election expense charge backs dated
12/ 28192 for 545 , 755 . 00, the budgeted amount Was $29 , 000 . The Town
has received a Comptroller ' s Opinion , dated 9123192 , that only
limited charges may be charged to the Cities and Towns . The Town
will not pay the charge until the Town is Confident that the Town
is authorized to do so . John Barney has been asked to look into
the matter . Two Town Supervisors have asked the Town to join in
litigation with other municipalities . The matter of possible
litigation will be discussed in Executive Session,
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11/93 Page 2
Agenda Item No . - 3 Cont ' d
The Town has also received communications , billing back unit
benefit charges to the Town for the Finger Lakes Park commission
from 1972 . The basis is of the billings is that the Town did not
follow the proper procedures irx billing the State of New Fork. Mr.
Barney is also researching this situation .
An item from the minutes of the Public Works and Construction
Hanagement Committee of Tompkins County has asserted that the
County Attorney has determined the two bridges in Forest Home
belong to the Town of Ithaca , Mr . Barney will be investigating
these assertions .
The pennies charge for benefit assessments ( Mater and sewer ) was
not generated on the Torn tax bills far 1993 . The Town is still
attempting to determine the best war to handle the problem . The
solution will be decided on the basis of the Town ' s legal position
regarding future assessments .
The Town is in a dilemma because the cost of sending out bills for
those very small amounts of money would not be justified for the
amount the Town would receive . The Town ' s concern is that not
collecting these amounts might diminish the right to continue
assessing minimal benefit on these parcels .
The Town of Ithaca is scheduled to gave a presentation at the
Association of Towns Annul) Meeting during the Planning and Zoning
sessions in February . Participants will include the Town
Supervisor, Councilman Whitcomb, John Czamanske , and John Barney .
c . Town Highway Superintendent - Mr. McConnell first reported on
his December 1992 monthly report , ( see attached ) .
Mr. McConnell spoke to the Board about the Soutli Hill Trail and
harking area on Burns load. Several options for parking were
considered in that area . The recommended option is the development
of a parking area to accommodate 3 or 4 cars on the west side of
the road and opposite 275 Burns Road, and after construction in the
spring , monitor its use and adequacy. This option allows for the
pedestrians not to have to cross the road which adds to safety.
Supervisor Raffensperger pointed out that the Town Board in 1989
approved the provision for parking in this area but did not
construct it, and because the trail had not been improved at that
time the Town Board would have been premature in doing so .
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 3
Agenda Item No . 3 - Cont ' d
Air. McConnell stated the first priority for a parking area was to
secure an easement from Mr. Hilker ' s driveway area. It is such a
wide space between the rows of trees there is a lot the Town could
do to secure the safety of the parking off road, and improve Mr.
Hilker' s driveway. Mr. Hilker is not interested in this solution .
Mr. McConnell also presented the Highway Department and Parks
Department 1992 Annual Reports to the Board, ( see attached) .
d. Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Report - Mr. Frost first
presented the December 1992 monthly report, and then the 1992
Annual Report, ( see attached) .
e . Town Planner - Mr . Forman reported on the 1992 Annual Report for
the Planning Department, ( see attached ) . Mr. Forman stated that
George Frantz, Assistant Planner deserves a great deal of credit
for his work on the South Hill Trail . The South Hill Trail project
should be completed in 1993.
Councilman Liguori mentioned he was curious about a phrase which
was mentioned concerning the Minnie ' s Barbecue issue . It seems to
be apparent in special approvals there is an oversight in
determining if there is a compelling need for something .
Mr. Forman stated he extracted the language out of the Zoning
Ordinance and out of a specific case . This is one of the
conditions that is necessary for the Planning Board to make
recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals . There must be a
compelling need for the ZBA to approve it.
Mr. Liguori asked how it would be determined there was a compelling
need?
Mr. Forman stated it is up to the Planing Board, some of the things
they consider are how many are in the area, the type of facility,
and the character of the area. Factual data is presented to show
what is being looked for. The Planning Board makes a determination
based on the information the staff provides.
f . Town Clerk - The Town Clerk reported on her annual report, ( see
attached) . The Town Board has not had presented to them an annual
report in previous years . The Clerk explained that since the fee
schedule was changed during the year, next year a comparison to
1992 can be made for the revenues received.
The Town Clerk has streamlined the office during the year by using
the Records Management Program to make records more easily
available resulting in a great deal of time being saved .
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11/93 Page 4
Agenda Item No. 3 - Cont ' d
The Town Clerk thanked the Town Board for the opportunity to come
to the Town of Ithaca as Town Clerk. It has proven to be a
wonderful and interesting experience for her.
Councilman Klein asked about the Conservation Licenses, the Town
took in $96 . 00 and paid the DEC $1600 . 00 . The Clerk explained that
the Town receives only $1 . 00 for each license sold, the rest is
sent to the DEC .
b. Town Engineer - Mr. Walker reported that his department is
working with the Town Clerk on the Records Management system. Mr.
Walker reported on his annual report, ( see attached ) .
The Supervisor suggested that the Public Works Committee review
some of the information provided by Mr. Walker, particularly the
fill and rehabilitation projects which should be made priorities.
Motion made by Councilman Niklas approving and accepting the Annual
Reports for 1992 from the Town Engineer, Town Highway
Superintendent , Town Building/Zoning Officer, Town Planner, Town
Parks, and the 'Down Clerk as the official annual reports for said
departments . Seconded by Councilman Whitcomb . Carried
unanimously.
Agenda Item No 4 . - Report of Town Committees
Councilwoman Valentino had a meeting with the City on the
recreation project for 1993 . One of the changes of the contract
included one program being free to each child so the Town can
receive State funding . The summer playground program will be the
free program, it currently costs $40 per season. It will probably
be held at the Northeast School, Cayuga Heights, and possibility
the Coddington Road Center. More children would be able to
participate in a program close to their neighborhood .
Agenda Item No 5 - Report of Tompkins County Board of
Representatives
The Supervisor sent a letter to the Town ' s representatives on this
Board asking them to attend the Town ' s meetings . No member of
Tompkins County Board of Representatives came to the meeting.
Town Hoard Minutes
1111/93 Page 5
Agenda Item too . 7 - Association of Towns Resolutions
The Supervisor explained the Association of Towns sent the proposed
resolutions to be addressed at the annual meeting in February. The
proposed resolutions were received today, the Board made the
consensus decision to review the resolutions and discuss them at
the February, Town Board meeting .
Agenda Item Teo . a - Official Delegate and Alternate Delegate
Association of Towns Meeting
The Town must designate a delegate and alternate delegate ioz'
voting purposes at the Association of Towns meeting in February .
motion made by Councilman Niklas appointing Supervisor
Raffensperger as the official delegate and Councilman John Whitcomb
as the official alternate delegate for the Town of Ithaca at the
Association of Towns Annual Meeting to be held in February 1993.
Seconded by Councilman Liguori . Carried unanimously .
Agenda Item No . 9 - Frepayment Lodging Association
of Towns Annual Meeting
The hotel bill and the bus transportation arranged through Tompkins
County for the officials attending the Association of Towns Annual
Heeting must, be paid prior to departure .
Motion made by Councilman Liguori , seconded by Councilman Niklas
approving the pixepayment of the lodging and transportation for the
officials and employees attending the Association of Towns meeting
as per the attached prepared resolution . Carried unanimously,
Agenda Item Ho . 10 - 1993 Priorities Work/Flan
Staff members provided to the Supervisor items they wished to have
included in this plan . The Supervisor summarized those and placed
them in categories , see attached ) .
The Town Board and the staff have not had an opportunity to review
the summary . The Supervisor directed the mown Board to review the
summary and the staff ' s recommendations . The Town Board will
consider the work/plan at the PebTuary Meeting .
The Supervisor explained that the Town is going to prepare
procedure manuals so that it is possible for anyone to come in an
emergency and have materials available which permit the continued
function of the departments .
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11 /93 Page 6
Agenda Item No . 11 - Appointments to Town Committees
The Supervisor made her appointments of the Town Board members to
the Town Committees , ( see attached ) .
Agenda ztem No , 13 - Appointments to the Town of „Ithaca Ethics
Fs a a r d ----- -
Councilwoman Valentino stated the committee met and reviewed the
applications of the Individuals interested in serving on the
committee .
Tlxe Committee reoammends Robert J . Aronson a retired professor from
Cornell University who has twenty years of experience on the Panel
of Mediators for PERE ; Herb Genfan a retired professor from Ithaca
College who has taught ethics courses ; Bonnie Simpson a community
activist; James Byrnes the President of Tompkins County Trust
Company ; and John Taylor the Minister of the Unitarian Church.
Motion made by Councilwoman Valentino , seconded by Councilman
Liguori appointing the referenced individuals to the Town of Ithaca
Ethics Board for terms of offic-e as described :
John Taylor : .January 1 , 1993 - December 31 , 1997
Robert Aronson . .January 1 , 1993 - December 31 , 1996
Bonnie Simpson : .January 1 , 1993 - December 31 , 1995
James Byrnes : January 1 , 1993 - December 31 , 1994
Herbert Genfan : January 1 , 1993 - December 31 , 1993
The Supervisor congratulated the Ethics Committee for a tine slate
of individuals for the Ethics Board .
Councilman Liguori asked if the Town Board should give the Ethics
Board any direction in tl Lrms of organization and selection of a
Chairperson . The Law is mute oa that point .
Councilman Niklas recalled that the discussions previously included
that they themselves would establish the protocol for electing the
Chairman of the Committee at their first meeting .
Supervisor Raffensperger suggested that Councilwoman. Valentina meet
with the Ethics Board to assist them in the development of their
Hoard .
Councilwoman Valentino felt, the first meeting of the Ethics $oard
should include the entire Ethics Committee , Ethics Board, and the
Town Attorney. There are some things about the law which are
implied, it would he beneficial to have a general discussion
concerning the Board ' s intent . There may no longer be a need for
the Ethics Committee after the establishment of the Ethics Board .
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11/93 Page 7
Agenda Item No . 13 - Cont ' d
Councilman Liguori stated the Ethics Board will have to establish
for themselves balances as to how they will handle complaints.
There procedures should be made public and they should be fully
aware of how they will handle situations .
Councilman Niklas suggested that these procedures should also
include selection and election of replacement members . Mr. Barney
said that is the responsibility of the Town Board.
I-Jr. Niklas questioned if the Town Board appoints members to the
Board, how can that be distinguished from the Board appointing the
Chair of the Ethics Board?
The Ethics Committee was directed to help the Board decide the
extent of procedures which have been used in other municipalities.
Councilman Whitcomb stated the State Committee did have information
prescribing procedures of the Ethics Board, there may be guidance
within those documents .
Councilwoman Valentino mentioned the State Board of Ethics
disbanded themselves without making any kind of report to the
Governor.
Attorney Barney stated some procedures are already addressed within
the Town ' s Local Law.
Motion called and carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 6 - persons to Be Heard
Ralph Crandall , Jr . of Lockewoods Interiors addressed the Board .
Mr. Crandall explained that part of his business is to prospect for
leads to sell people kitchens, and materials sold through his
business . Mr . Crandall works with other municipalities, (Dryden,
Lansing, Homer, Cortland ) by receiving from the Town Clerk or
Zoning Officer copies of the Town ' s Building Permits . These
municipalities are very lenient in giving Mr. Crandall the permits.
The permits are used to contact the contractors or homeowners and
offers them his business services .
Mr. Crandall reported that when he approached the Town of Ithaca
for these permits he was denied access to the building permits
under the Freedom of Information Law.
The Town Clerk interjected that Mr. Crandall was not denied access
to the records , he was asked to provide information as to the
purpose he would be using the records For.
Town Hoard Minutes
1111/93 Page 8
Agenda Item No . 6 - Cont ` d
fir . Crandall sent, a letter to the Town Clerk stating the reasons he
wants the permits , ( copy given to Board ) .
The letter states that the purpose is of a commercial mature but is
not directed toward the homeowner, but to the contractor or
individual acting on behalf of the homeowner. Mr. Crandall hopes
to give them information about his business, and hopefully do
business with them.
Town Attorney, Jahn Barney stated the copies of opinions from the
Council on the Committee of Open Government provided by Mfr .
Crandall, takes interpretations from the privacy section and uses
them as a basis in concluding that there is a distinction to be
made when the lists are obtained as to whether the lists contain
natural persons or commercial enterprise .
Mr. Harney stated he disagrees with Mr . Crandall . fir . 'Barney does
not feel the Yaw makes that distinction under the Freedom of
Information Law. Section 89, governs and denies sales or release
of list of names of addresses if such lists were used for
commercial or funding raising purposes .
mr. Barney said the Ii-st fir . Crandall is requesting would contain
the names of both private individuals and contractors . The Town as
a policy could choose to release that list . The staff felt in the
absence of direction from the Town Hoard the Law suggests the Town
is riot required to release this information .
Supervisor Raffensperger :stated her main concern is that it could
be considered by persons who had come to the 'down for permits whose
names were given out as an invasion of theix' privacy .
Mr . Crandall mentioned he has dealt with the other municipalities
for over ten years and never once had anyone complain about him
going to the Town and receiving the list and then contacting the
property Owner.
Mr. Crandall feels his company is very tactful , and does realize
there may be some cornpanies which may not be . He is looking for
those people who have applied for permits and are in fact doing the
work . It is a service for him to contact them and make them aware
of his availability . He never calls anyone to harass them .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated the Town is aware of the fine
reputation of Mr. Crandall ' s business . Unfortunately, the 'Town has
to look at other firms who would ask for the same information and
who may not do it as well as LockeWood Interiors .
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 9
Agenda Item No . 6 - Cont ' d
Supervisor Raffensperger asked the Town Attorney if the Town is
required under the State Law, or the Towns present legislation to
provide the information .
Mr. Barney responded that the Town can withhold the information
when it is for commercial purposes as admitted by Mr. Crandall .
Mr. Crandall asked if the Board could selectively say yes or no to
each request, based on the types of requests that are made? The
other towns provide him with the name of whoever applies for the
permit . It does not have their phone number or home address it has
the site address .
Mr. Barney stated again it is not a reflection on Mr. Crandall ' s
activity or his good faith. It is a question as to whether the
Town Board wishes to set a policy of releasing names of persons
applying for the permits .
Andrew Frost, Building Officer stated that the Town does not have
any " list" of building permits that show the contractors names.
Any permit that the Town issues is strictly to the property owner.
When the contractor applies, they apply in the name of the property
owner. The homeowner is responsible for the requirements of the
permit.
Councilman Niklas feels the issuance is precedence, and asked if
any other Town Board given this kind of information had deliberated
circumstances similar to this . Can we distinguish this between a
list and a request if someone wants information on a particular
building permit?
Mr. Frost stated he has had requests and asks why the person wants
the information. He has never had anyone come back and state their
specific reasons . This is the first time the Ithaca Town Board has
addressed this as a policy issue .
Councilman Whitcomb stated that if Mr. Crandall had said he was
doing an analysis of the building permits in the County the Town
would have given him the list .
The Town Clerk stated in that case Mr . Crandall would have been
falsely signing the Freedom of Information form under penalty of
perjury.
Mr. Crandall said it was his understanding that initially he would
ask for the names of the building permits that were issued, and
secondly ask for individual permits and information .
Town Board Hinutes
1111/93 Pace 10
Agenda Item No . 6 - Cony d
Mr . Crandall states he is here because he has never been refused
this x'egue8t in any other municipality. The 'down has never had a
complaint that someone invaded their privacy, because the company
is only going to people doing work.
Councilman Niklas mentioned that if indeed Mr. Crandall ' s
competitors are going to other townships , they have not came here .
mr . Crandall asked that the Board consider companies being able to
have this information .
Councilman Niklas suggested the Town investigate what other
townships are doing regarding this policy before an opinion is
made .
Supervisor Raffensperger Cold Mr. Crandall the Hoaid is loathe to
make a decision without. �Lssessing how marry people we will have
protesting that they filled out a permit for one purpose , and the
'down allowed it to be used for other purposes .
Fir. Barney mentioned that it not only effects ]wilding }permits but
dog licenses, etc .
Councilman Whitcomb, the issue was whether the Town Boax`d wished to
open the door to providing the information for commercial purposes .
Hr. Crandall seems to be harmless on the surface , in fact people
who are building domes usually need this type of information . But
if we allow Mr . Crandall access to this information , then we will
have to cello%-� it to every commercial enterprise .
Councilwoman Leary said that there are very good x:easons why we
should not conform to what other' municipalities aixe doing . The
idea on the face of it , even if other municipalities are careless
about who this information is given to , the Town of Ithaca
shouldn ' t be . It is an invasion of peoples privacy, Most of us
are barraged by advertisements and proposals without knowing where
the enterprise got your name . We should not , that is why the
exception is the Freedom -of Information Late, because someone
.realizes there is a lot of potential for abuse .
The fact that there has bo en no direct complaint about this is not
an indication that there has been no problem. Maybe people do not
even know where th+? commercial enterprise gat their name from, they
wouldn ' t know who to complain to . if people knew their Town gave
out that information they might complain.
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 11
Agenda Item No . 6 - Cont ' d
Supervisor Raffensperger stated there was no way a decision could
be made at this time . It may be possible when the Town issues a
building permit to ask individuals if they would like to sign a
waiver so that the information could be provided to commercial
enterprises .
The Supervisor asked for two volunteers from the Board to look at
the issue by contacting other municipalities and see what they do.
Councilman Niklas volunteered, along with Councilwoman Valentino to
look at this issue as a part of the Codes and Ordinances Committee .
The Town will send Mr . Crandall a letter explaining that he
indicated that he understands the Town is investigating and the
Town will contact him upon their decision. Mr. Crandall agreed
that would be alright as this was an ongoing issue for his
business.
Mrs . Phyllis Baker asked to speak to the Board. tars. Baker said
she listened with great interest concerning the release of building
permit lists as she is the holder of an open building permit with
the Town . Mrs . Baker said she would be outraged to have her name
given out to any commercial enterprise unless the Town is compelled
by law to do so . It is possible for her or anyone to learn of
Lockewood Interiors, or any other enterprise through advertising.
Mrs. Baker appealed to the Board not to release the information.
Supervisor Raffensperger asked Mrs . Baker if she would object to a
system whereby a waiver could be signed at the time of application
allowing for the information to be given out.
Mrs. Baker said that would be alright, as long as the permit
applicant truly understood what the waiver was for.
Agenda Item No . 15 - Transfer Dates Drive
Town Engineer, Daniel Walker apologized to the Board for not having
the information concerning this issue available in their packets .
Dates Drive was built several years ago, under an agreement with
the Town, the County was to deed it over to the Town. The Town was
going accept it as a Town road. It was built through mutual
cooperation of the Town and County.
Town Board Minutes
1111193 Page 12
Agenda Item No . 15 - Cont ' d
There are water and sewer lines in the hospital complex are from
the 1987 project, . The sewage from Wolf Lane and Trumansburg Road
goes through the hospital property. The Town has effectively taken
over operation of that sewer, no major problems . The water mains
are In good shape . There are several owners who are served by
these lines .
Supervisor Raffeasperger stated the Tompkins County Bowed of
Representatives passed a resolution approving the transfer . The
Town has not received a copy of that.
Mr . Walker recommended the 'Town proceed with this and place it on
the agenda for the February meeting.
Councilman Liguori stated this would transfer to the "Down those
things which are Town functions . The road which was paid for by
the hospital , the County , the Town, and the professional building .
It also separates the water and sewer line so that those lines that
are directly serving the hospital building, and the County
(buildings will be the responsibility of the County, hospital or
professional building , It is only the water and sewer lines which
are part of a distribution system that serves others that would
become part of the Towns responsibility. The Town has been
reluctant to consider this because the condition of the lines was
not known , The Town did get use of those lines by extending them
beyond the hospital area. This is a compromise to clarify the
situation .
Supervisor Raffenspevger said the Town waited beQause separate
meters needed to be installed . The meters were installed in 1992 .
Mr . Walker will present documentation to the Board concerning this
issue at the February meeting .
Agenda Item No . 16 - Coddington Road Lighting District
Supervisor Raffenspe.rger reminded the Board that in December they
began discussions of a lighting district because of a petition from
people in the Coddington Road area . Unfortunately, the petition
which was presented vas not in the form required for a lighting
distract by law .
The Board can proceed with a different kind of procedure which
would not require the petition being signed by the homeowners . The
Supervisor recommended that the establishment of the sighting
district proceed in that 'way. This procedure was utilized in the
establishment of the Burleigh Drive Lighting District. The first
step is to authorize the Town Engineer to prepare a report to the
Town Board on the Coddington Road Lighting District .
I
Town Board Hinutes
1/11/93 Page 13
Agenda Item No. 16 - Cont ' d
The prepared resolution, which is subject to permissive referendum
follows the necessary legal requirements, ( see attached ) .
Councilman Niklas moved the prepared resolution, seconded by
Councilman Whitcomb.
Councilman Niklas recalled that the residents of this area are very
much in favor of this lighting district. The general public should
know that no one objected to the lighting district.
Supervisor Raffensperger pointed out that residents well beyond the
actual area also are very much in favor of the lighting district.
Residents of Juniper Drive contacted the Town and stated they were
willing to help pay for the district, even though it would not be
a direct benefit to them.
Motion called and carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No . 17 - Agricultural Lands: Fire Assessment
The Supervisor explained that the Town Board has discussed a number
of times the possibility of reductions in the assessments for fire
protection of agricultural lands .
Attorney Barney stated that the Section of Agriculture and Markets
Law that authorizes the reduction in the assessment in agriculture
lands which are committed for agriculture purposes may receive an
agricultural assessment as opposed to an assessment for the highest
and best use . There is a provision that says a local municipality
may use this agricultural assessment in determining the tax rate of
fire districts and ambulance districts .
The Town of Ithaca does not have any fire districts, all of the
Towns fire protection is done by contract through a fire protection
district. A fire distract is a separate form of government from a
fire protection district.
Attorney Barney contacted individuals in the Department of
Agriculture and Markets in Albany, they concurred that the Town had
questionable authority to use those assessments for our fire
protection districts because of the language in the Statue . Mr.
Barney called to their attention that it might be recommended to
the legislature that the statue should be broadened to include fire
protection Districts . To date there has been no legislation
including these fire protection districts.
If the Town were to allow these reductions probably no one would
complain, and the Town would probably not be subject to a lawsuit.
If the Town were involved in a lawsuit there would be arguments .
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 14
Agenda Item No . 17 - Cont ' d
The Supervisor explained that once again there is a dilemma as last
year. The Town Board wished to proceed to grant the reductions,
but didn ' t feel they had the legislative authority to do so . This
has been discussed with Assemblyman Martin Luster and they had
hoped there would have been a change in the legislation .
Councilman Liguori asked how we charge back to property owners the
fire protection fee , is it based upon assessed valuation, if so,
aren ' t they already getting the reduction?
Attorney Barney answered they would be charged differential rates,
their taxes are charged on the agricultural assessment the fire
protection tax is computed on the full value .
George Frantz , Assistant Planner researched this issue for the Town
in the previous year. The Supervisor noted that when one persons
charge is reduced there is a transfer to the rest of the
townspeople .
Mr. Frantz stated there are presently two dozen parcels which would
be affected by this. In 1.991 these parcels paid roughly $8000 for
fire protection on their taxes . That was based on their full
assessed valuation. Had these parcels been assessed the fire tax
at the agricultural valuation the amount in 1991 would have been
approximately $4000 .
With this particular scenario the other townspeople would incur the
additional $4000 townwide , but each individual tax bill would only
reflect an increase of pennies as there are so many parcels
townwide .
Councilman Whitcomb reported that the Town of Enfield has recently
passed this reduction of assessment, but they are unlike the Town
of Ithaca because they have the fire district not the fire
protection district. This means they are within the Statue and
have the authority to pass it.
Mrs. Baker addressed the Hoard and explained the people who are
assessed the full value on these parcels are upset because the fire
tax is applied to the full value on the land without any reduction
for the fact it is farm land. Mrs . Baker asked the fire
department, and they stated they had never fought a fire on a
cultivated field . The assessment on cultivated fields is the same
as that on the home , barns, etcetera.
Councilman Niklas pointed out that one of the objections of the
draft Comprehensive Plan is that the Town wishes to encourage
agricultural use , and since that encouragement could be fostered by
reducing assessment of the fire tax are have two options.
Town. Hoard Minutes
f].11 93 Page "
Agenda Item No . 17 - Cont ' d
The first option is to take the non conservative route and assume
that tlxe Town can broadly interpret the state Law as it is
presently drafted . The other is to continue to pursue through
5enatoit� Seward and Martin Luster having the State alter the
legislation .
Councilman Liguori, suggested by resolution that one year at a time
the Town Hoard allow the reduction of the assessed value on
agricultural lands for the fire protection tax .
Supervisor Raffensperger, the Town Hoard could interpret the New
York State Legislation that fire districts in the legislation also
include fire protection districts .
Councilman Whitcomb felt that this was the intent of the
legislation all along , however fire protection districts were not
thought of at the time .
Mr . Frantz stated through the adoption of this allowed reduction of
assessment for agricultural lands the Town would use the lower
assessed valuation provided for under the County Agricultural
District Program.
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino that the Town Board holm a Public Hearing on February 8 ,
1993 at their regular meeting at 7 : 00 p . m . to consider utilization
of the Agricultural Assessments for fire protection district levies
for those that qualify.
Agenda Item No . 18 - Federal Small Business Administration Free
Planting Program
Councilman Whitcomb explained that the CAC periodically receives
pxopo5als from various entities which have monies available to give
away. The small Business Administration Tree Planting Program is
one of those . The CAC consider this issue at their last meeting ,
George Frantz has been extremely helpful in putting together a
proposal to send to the Small Business Administration .
Mr. Frantz explained that the ideal location for utilization of the
trees through the grant would be the Chase Pond site because it was
cleared of vegetation years agG due to the Beacon Hills project ,
The Tot-in will be acquiring the land for a pedestriart/bicycle
connection on the Chase Lane and Deer Rxin subdivision . Hospicare
will also be building them .
The types of tree requested through the grant are trees which are
substantial enough to have a somewhat immediate impact. The idea
is that the trees will mature and provide a cultivated pathway.
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11 /93 Page 16
Agenda item No . 18 - Cont ' d
The grant operates with the Town contracting with a local nursery
or landscaping company. The company will provide and plant the
trees . The idea is to stimulate business for small businesses .
The trees would be planted on Town property and the Town is
required under the terms of the program to hire a local small
business .
The total program expenditure would be $6240 . 00 with the Town
responsible for $3040. 00 and the grant would pay $3200 . 00 . Much of
the Town ' s contribution would be in kind services .
Councilman Whitcomb asked how the Small business would be selected?
A request would be made ftoro a number of local industries for the
lowest bid .
The Towns contribution of $1760. 00 is in administx:ation time and
would be credited to us , �Lnd $1300 . 00 would be in maintenance for
three years by the Parks Department .
Supervisor Raffensperger, this gives the Town the opportunity to
help a small business when the economy is not doing so well .
Councilman Nikla.s stated that he would not recommend that oak trees
be planted, as the sail in this area will not accommodate them.
Supervisor Raffensperger suggested that the Parks Department, and
the nursery can make the determination of the most appropriate
trees for the budget proposed.
Motion made by Councilman Whitcomb, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentina authox'izing and directing the Town Supervisor to apply
for a Small Business Administration National Small Business Tree
Planting Program grant for the sum of $3200 and not to exceed
$6240 , with the Town ' s contribution 53040 . Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No ._ 19 - Salary Adlustments
Supervisor Raffensperger oxplained that this resolution makes two
corrections to salaries . The first is a correction for Scott
HcConnell increasing his 1993 annual salary from $30, 000 to
530, 300 . During the budget process the original. $300 was not
added .
The second is an adjustment for Paul Hansen recommended by the
Department Head . This was a misunderstanding of the gray the
average 41 was to be calculated on the base salary . The adjustment
is from $26 ,000 to $26 , 390 .
Town Board Minutes
1 /11/93 Page 17
Agenda Item No . 19 - Co.nt ' d
Notion made by Supervisor Raffensperger authorizing the salary
adjustments for Scott McConnell and Paul Hansen . Seconded by
Councilwoman Valentino . Carried unanimously.
Acienda Item Wo . 20 - Tompkins County Area Develo ment C'or oration
The Supervisor vished to discuss this issue with the Board to
receive their guidance . In the past , the Town has supported the
Tompkins County Area Development Corporation .
In the 1990 Budget the Town did proceed to send those monies . Upon
review with the Town Attorney about the appropriateness of the item
i he advised that the way it was done in the past was probably not
acceptable . In order to support this agency there should be a
contractual relationship with them . This contract could be written
in broad terms .
The Supervisor asked direction from the Board as to whether or not
is was worth the time of the Town Attorney to proceed with the
development of a contract to permit support to this agency .
Councilwoman Valentina stated sloe has had concerns about this in
the past and has had a general feeling that the kind of work that
is done by this agency are generally things that business
development benefits from more directly. The support for that kind
' of thing should come from the group who is receiving the largest
benefit.
Supervisor Raffensperger mentioned that both the City of Ithaca and
Tompkins County support this group .
Councilman Liguori asked the amount of the Town ' s contribution in
the past, and whether the Town has an automatic membership .
Supervisor Raffensperger responded that the Town contributed
$2000 . 00 a year . The contribution of $1000 . 00 a year would be
reasonable from the Town . The 'Town does benefit from the overall
prosperity of the County.
Attorney Barney responded that the membership was investigated and
them were cases by the State Comptroller ' s opinion that public
entities should not be buying membership in groups such as the
Chamber of Commerce, etcetera . This is close to that . 'There are
mechanisms under Town Law where we can publicize with an agency for
advertising the desirability of locating in the Town .
Town Board Minutes
1111193 Page 18
Agenda Item No . 20 - Cont `d
Councilwoman Leary stated she chid not see any difference between
this group and the other agencies which approaQhed the Town at
budget time for monies . . The Town could contract with the Task
Force for Battered Women, or Displaced Homemakers. or any o2 the
other groups that benefit the populations in the Town . There is
nothing intrinsic about the Tompkins County Area Development
Corporation that benefits the Town particularly over any other
agency , The fact that the City and County contribute is not
different than them contributing to the Task Force for Battered
Women . There is nothing special about this group that warrants the
Town ' s contribution .
Supervisor Raffensperger responded that the only special thing
about this group is that Lhe Town has siipported it in the past .
Councilman Liguori stated he was involved for many years with that
group . They do very good work. We should not downgrade the
economic development work that they do . The Town could not support
all the other agencies if there were not jobs . Every year the
group is up front in creating new jobs . That is what makes this
area a good place to live in comparison to other areas . We
wouldn ' t have the money for human service activities if there
wasn ' t economic development.
Councilman Klein agreed with Councilman Liguori that the Town may
not benefit directly as there are no sites of this agency in the
Town, but they do assist small businesses and the economic well
being of the area .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated when she made the $ 1000 . 00 figure
she had not ilivestigated if there was a minimum contribution
because she had not had direction from the Board . There may be a
minimum of $2000 . 00 .
Councilwoman Leary reiterated that the agencies she mentioned
provide assistance in finding jobs for women , they have job search
systems , and assistance in child care . Where is an economic
argument to be made for those organizations .
Councilman Liguori stated that was different as they don ' t produce
a product . Sormeone has to produce the jobs.
Councilwoman Leary asked how a distinction between producing the
jab and helping people find the jab , they are part of the same
thing .
Councilman Liguori stated you can ' t find the job if there are none .
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11/93 Page 19
Agenda Item No . 20 - Cont ' d
Councilman Niklas, logically the Town has alternatives, there are
numerous possibilities for funding which do not preclude the Town
from exercising a choice among those alternatives .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated she was in full sympathy of
Councilwoman Leary' s discussion of other groups . One of the things
the Town has attempted to do because the Town does not have an
unlimited amount of funds, is to encourage Tompkins County to do it
on behalf of the Town of Ithaca . Second the Town does support some
groups like the Human Services Coalition. The Human Services
Coalition is the umbrella organization of the social agencies. It
is on the basis that the Town cannot support each of them so the
Town supports this Coalition .
The consensus of the Board in supporting the Tompkins County Area
Development Corporation was : Councilwoman Leary, no; Councilman
Klein, yes ; Councilman Liguori , yes; Councilwoman Valentino, no;
Councilman Whitcomb, yes; Supervisor Raffensperger, yes .
Councilman Niklas stated you look for the umbrella organizations,
he does not know if the Tompkins County Area Development
Corporation is one of those .
Supervisor Raffensperger stated there was enough consensus that she
investigate the issue she will bring information back to the Board
for their decision.
Councilwoman Leary asked if the Human Services Coalition provides
money to these other organizations? Supervisor Raffensperger
responded that they provide a vehicle for each of those
organizations to receive money.
Agenda Item No . 21 - Town Board Meeting Minutes - December 31 , 1992
I-lotion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilman Whitcomb
approving the Town Board meeting minutes of December 31 , 1992 as
written, and as the official minutes for said meeting. Carried
unanimously.
Agenda Item No . 22 - Seminar Attendance
I-lotion made by Supervisor Raffensperger approving the attendance by
Hary Bryant, Administrative Secretary to the Planning, Engineering,
and Zoning Departments at the Managerial Techniques for Secretaries
and Administrative Assistants . Seconded by Councilman Liguori .
Carried unanimously.
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 20
Agenda Item No . 23 - Sandbank Road
Superintendent McConnell explained the abandonment of Sandbank Road
was discussed at the last staff meeting , and he was to review the
abstract of title for the Rumsey property. Mrs . Rumsey has yet to
provide the title .
Superintendent McConnell was contacted last year by Mrs . Rumsey who
wished the Town to maintain Sandbank Road from the intersection of
Buttermilk Falls and Sandbank north .
Sandbank was realigned to go between the Park and the new exit to
Elmira Road in the mid 1980 ' s . The piece between the realigned
part and Buttermilk Falls was abandoned along with the bridge to
the park and the caretakers lot.
There is no record of the abandonment of the rest of the piece .
There is a question of mileage on the reports as to whether this is
Town property. On the tax map at one time it was considered a Town
road. In 1935 it used to be State Route 13. It was realigned at
that point. This portion has not been maintained by the Town in 10
to 15 years . There are individuals in the Highway Department who
remember plowing the road. It is not known if it was out of favor,
or out of duty.
Mrs . Rumsey is asking that the Town maintain it to make it a usable
road . If it is still a Town road the Highway Department will
maintain it or the Town can issue a qualified abandonment to the
adjacent land owners . Sublot number 2 and 3 are owned by the same
person, it does not access any other properties .
Councilman Niklas asked what can be done if the property commercial
activity wishes to be an interest? What can happen with
modification to the driveway with the present zoning requirements?
This property has a long history of being brought before the Town
Board, it is important to recall that history.
Attorney Barney said that the current zoning is residential and
there should be no problem because there would not be much
increased use .
Mr. McConnell mentioned one of his concerns was when anything comes
to current subdivision the footage on the public right of way is
questioned. The concern is to land lock a piece in order to have
proper frontage on the road . The best course is to review the
abstract with the Town Attorney. When more definitive answers have
been reached, lair. McConnell will bring the issue to the Board.
Town Board Minutes
1111193 Page 21
Agenda Item No. 24 - Americans With Disabilities Act
Mr. Frost prepared a handout for the Board ' s review and explained
the proposal to them. The law is clear that the Town must provide
a handicap parking space and make the Town Hall handicap
accessible .
Supervisor Raffensperger asked if it were a requirement that the
Town submit a written plan, and that the Town Board approve it?
Mr. Frost, a plan must be prepared by January 26 , 1993. It is
appropriate for the Town Board to approve it. There are some
significant costs, and use of the parking lot that need to
addressed.
Superior Raffensperger stated compliance with the Act must be
completed by January 26 , 1995 . The Town has looked at the
possibility of another facility, this sort of thing may help to
make that idea feasible .
The Board requested information on the proposed cost of the
proposals. The Board asked Mr. Frost to provide cost estimates,
and will table this issue until February.
Agenda Item No. 25 - Rezoning 237 Coddington Road
Mr. Frantz explained that negotiations over the easement required
from the South Hill Trail evolved into the student housing issues
on South Hill .
An idea was devised to modify the Klondike Subdivision in a way
that would appeal to the existing neighborhoods on Juniper Drive
and Northview Road to ensure that they would not be abutting
against student housing, but owner occupied homes .
In exchange for that, the development rights for the Klondike tract
to the property at 237 Coddington Road would be done . The
discussions have been ongoing for approximately a year with several
proposals .
The current proposal is the result of a discussion at a December
Planning Board Meeting where Mr. Iacovelli proposed a nine unit
apartment building at 237 Coddington Road . The sense from the
Planning Board and the residents who participated was that there
was too much density on the site . Mr. Iacovelli came back with
the proposal to rezone his land at 237 Coddington Road from
residence district R-9 to residence district, then replat the
Klondike site and convert it from a 12 or 13 lot subdivision with
a 800 foot long Town road to a four lot subdivision . A cluster
subdivision .
I
Town Board Minutes.
1/11/93 Page 22
Agenda Item No . 25 - Cont ' d
The first step of the formal application has been made . The Town
Board must now consider referring it to the Planning Board.
The Supervisor asked if the community residents around this
proposal have had discussions with Mr. Iacovelli and the staff .
Mr. Frantz responded that last summer letters were sent to
residents along Coddington Road and to the Juniper Drive Civic
Association with the original proposal . The response from those
letters prompted Mr. Iacovelli to develop another proposal .
The Supervisor pointed out that basically the Town Board does not
refer to the Planning Board a proposal for a rezoning which on the
face of it they would not consider at all . If the Board wishes to
have a recommendation from the Planning Board on the issue of
rezoning then that is the resolution which would be needed.
Councilman Whitcomb felt that it makes sense because of the
controversy of the original subdivision of the Klondike property.
The residents of Juniper Drive came in a year ago with a revision
of that plan even though it benefitted them, they were concerned
about the other residents along Coddington Road . That has been
mitigated with the redirection of the density.
Councilman Whitcomb recommended that this be referred to the
Planning Board so at the Planning Board ' s public hearing residents
can voice their feelings .
Catherine Lathwell, Northview Road asked to be heard by the Board.
Mr. Lathwell stated the problem is parking. The people build rental
units and they don ' t provide parking, or the students don ' t use it.
Then when people walk they have to go in the road. Mr. Lathwell
asked what the plans were for parking.
Mr. Frantz stated that in the proposed site plan there is a
proposal for 90 parking spaces at the 237 Coddington Road site .
The four lots on the Klondike site will be owner occupied and will
have their own parking .
Supervisor Raffensperger said the Town has a limit to the amount of
people who can live in a single occupancy house . The rental
properties create the parking problems .
The people in the neighborhood are still making up their minds .
The Klondike subdivision is an approved subdivision and people have
written and said they are not delighted with the proposal , but they
consider it better than shat is already approved.
Town Board Minutes
1/ 11/93 Page 23
Agenda Item No . 25 - Cont' d
If the Town Board refers it to the Planning Board for their
recommendation they will hold Public Hearings for comment. There
will be a complete discussion at the Planning Board, then the Town
Board will hold public hearings on the rezoning .
Councilman Niklas has a concern about the ability of the Town to
enforce owner occupancy. There is enough history to make the Board
less than satisfied with enforcement other than the extreme cases
of legal action . In the Public Hearings and the Town Board ' s
consideration of these, emphasis must be placed at the time of an
agreement between the Town and whoever is building, that owner
occupancy be discussed at length with care .
Motion made by Councilman Klein authorizing the referral of the
rezoning of 237 Coddington Road to the Planning Board for their
review and written recommendation to the Town Board. Seconded by
Councilman Liguori . Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No 14 - Sewer Extension West Haven Road
Mr. Walker explained that West Haven Road two thirds of the way up
from Elm Street has sewer which was installed during the 1987
project. There are approximately ten lots on the east side of West
Haven that do not have sewer because of a major stream through that
area. There are several lots on the southside of Route 79 that did
not get sewer. Some of the residents at this location have
requested sewer. The route to provide the sewer for the lots on
West Haven Road would be through the backyards , down parallel to
Route 79 and tying into Route 79 . A cost estimate feasibility
study can be made .
The Board directed Mr . Walker to do the study.
Additional Agenda Items - Water and Sewer Refunds
Motion made by Supervisor Raffensperger authorizing a refund on the
water and sewer billing for 123 Renwick Drive in the amount of
$721 . 39 as the meter was read incorrectly. Seconded by Councilman
Niklas , carried unanimously.
I•lotion made by Councilman Niklas authorizing a refund on the water
and sewer billing for 204 East King Road because of an overestimate
for two quarters in the amount of $376 . 90 . Seconded by Councilman
Liguori . Carried unanimously.
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 24
Agenda Item No . 26 - Town of Ithaca Warrants
Motion made by Councilman Niklas approving the payment of the Town
of Ithaca warrants . Seconded by Councilwoman Valentino . Carried
unanimously.
Agenda Item No . 27 - Bolton Point Warrants
Motion made by Supervisor Raffensperger, seconded by Councilman
Niklas approving the payment of the Bolton Point warrants . Carried
unanimously.
Additional Agenda Item - Wetlands
Councilman Whitcomb reported that the Planning Board is having a
problem with the definition of wetlands . They are seeking
direction as to how they should proceed . The Conservation Advisory
Council is willing to work with the Town Engineer and the Town
Planner to develop proposals/options the Town could consider when
faced with the presence of wetlands on properties .
The Supervisor stated having the CAC work on this would be an
excellent idea. The Planning Board is having a very difficult time
with this issue as subdivisions are coming before them, and there
may or may not be wetlands on these properties .
Councilman Niklas asked that the CAC 'look at not mapping wetlands ,
but mapping hydric soils . The Town needs to be forewarned that the
possibility of a wetlands exist, then a more detailed survey could
be done . The wetlands should not be addressed through an EPOD, the
Zoning Ordinance could be used.
Supervisor Raffensperger mentioned that there are some regulatory
questions that need to be clarified. The Town doesn ' t know what
the regulations and the Towns responsibilities are .
Motion made by Councilman Niklas authorizing the referral to the
Conservation Advisory Council of the investigation and possible
development of a Wetlands Management Policy so that the Town may
better understand and react to development where there may be
wetlands , and further requesting that the CAC report back to the
Town Board no later than May 1 , 1993 on its findings. Seconded by
Councilwoman Valentino . Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No . 12 - Appointment Representative Intermunicipal
Youth Commission
Tabled.
Town Board Minutes
1/11/93 Page 25
Executive Session
The Supervisor made a motion to go into Executive Session in order
to discuss matters of possible litigation. Seconded by Councilman
Niklas . Carried unanimously.
The Board moved into Executive Session at 8: 25 p . m.
Motion made by Supervisor Raffensperger to return to regular
session at 8 : 54 p. m. Seconded by Councilman Niklas. Carried
unanimously.
Regular session resumed, no action taken as a result of the
Executive Session .
Adiournment
As there was no further business to come before the Board,
Councilman Niklas made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Supervisor
Raffensperger. Carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8 : 56 p. m.
Respectful/l�yJ submitted,
Joan Lent Hamilton
Town Clerk
"Next Regular Meeting - February 8 , 1993, 5 : 30 p. m.
Public Hearing - Agricultural Assessment,
Fire Districts - 7 : 00 p. m.
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/93
Agenda Item No . 3
Town Officials Annual Reports
Resolution No . 1
WHEREAS ; the Town of Ithaca Town Officials have presented
their Annual Reports to the Town Board for their review; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board has reviewed and accepted said Annual
Reports ; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does
hereby accept and approve for filing the following Town Officials
Annual Reports .
Town Engineer - Annual Report
Town Highway Superintendent - Annual Report
Town Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Annual Report
Town Planner - Annual Report
Town Parks - Annual Report
Town Clerk - Annual Report
N10VED: Councilman Karl Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilman John Whitcomb
DATED: January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/93
Agenda Item No . 8
Official Delegate and Alternate Delegate
NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting
Resolution No . 2
WHEREAS , the NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting will be
held on February 14-17 , 1993 in New York City; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is a member in good standing with
the NYS Association of Towns and is eligible to have voting rights
at said meeting; and
WHEREAS , it is necessary for the Town Board to appoint an
Official Delegate and Alternate Delegate who have voting rights on
behalf of the Town of Ithaca at said meeting; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints
Shirley Raffensperger, Supervisor as the Official Delegate ; and
John Whitcomb, Councilman as Alternate Delegate of behalf of the
Town of Ithaca at the NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilman Liguori
DATED : January 11 , 1993
—. L�- �4"�JL
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/93
Agenda Item No . 7
Association of Towns Resolutions
Resolution No.
WHEREAS, the Annual Meeting of the Association of Towns will
be held in New York City on February 14 - 17 , 1993; and
WHEREAS , the Association of Towns has sent to the Town Board
of the Town of Ithaca the 1993 Resolutions to Date by the
Resolutions Committee of the Associations of Towns of the State of
New York for their review; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board wishes to have the Town of Ithaca ' s
vote heard on the said Resolutions; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the Town of Ithaca Delegate and Alternate Delegate to
vote at the Association of Towns Annual Meeting on the said
Resolutions in a manner which is in the best interests of the Town
of Ithaca.
MOVED:
SECONDED :
DATED: January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1 /1.1/93
Agenda Item No . 9
Prepayment Lodging/Transportation
NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting
Resolution No . 3
WHEREAS , the New York State Associationof Towns Annual Meeting
is to be held on February 14-17 , 1993 in New York City; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has approved the
attendance of various Town Officials and Employees at said meeting
by adopting Resolution No . 314 of the year 1992 ; and
WHEREAS , reservations have been made with the NY Hilton and
Towers for lodging, and with Tompkins County for bus transportation
for said officials and employees; and
WHEREAS , it is necessary for the Town to prepay for said
lodging and bus transportatio; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the prepayment of the lodging and bus transportation to
the NY Hilton & Towers and Tompkins County so that the delegated
Town Officials and Town Employees may atted the New York State
Association of Towns Annual Meeting to be held February 14-17 , 1993
in New York City; and be it further
RESOLVED , said payments shall be paid from the appropriate
budgeted line item by department for each Town Official or Town
Employee .
NY Hilton & Towers - An amount not to exceed $3500 .00.
Tompkins County - An amount not to exceed $ 600 . 00 .
MOVED : Councilman Frank Liguori
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilman Karl Niklas
DATED : January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/93
Agenda Item No. 13
Town of Ithaca Ethics Board Appointments
Resolution No. 4
WHEREAS, 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" ,
Section 11 requires the Establishment of Local Ethics Board ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca Ethics Committee has recommended
the following individuals be appointed to the Town of Ithaca Ethics
Board effective upon the adoption of this resolution through the
dates indicated; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby appoints the following
individuals to the Town of Ithaca Ethics Board for the terms of
office indicated.
Name Term of Office
John Taylor: January 11 , 1993 to December 31 , 1997
201 DeWitt Place
Ithaca, NY 14850
Robert Aronson : January 11 , 1993 to December 31 , 1996
220 Forest Home Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Bonnie Simpson: January 11 , 1993 to December 31 , 1995
112 Pine Tree Terrace
Ithaca, NY 14850
James Byrnes : January 11 , 1993 to December 31 , 1994
207 Cayuga Heights
Ithaca, NY 14850
Herbert Genfan: January 11 , 1993 to December 31 , 1993
153 Chestnut St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
MOVED : Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
SECONDED : Councilman Frank Liguori
DATED: January1 11 , 1993
1
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . 16
Coddington Road Lighting District
Resolution No . 5
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins
County, has received a request from a number of the residents of
Coddington Road seeking to have street lighting installed; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca believes that
such a street lighting district would be appropriate along certain
segments of Coddington Road, the proposed boundaries of the
district being more particularly described on Schedule A annexed
hereto ,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, subject to permissive referendum, that the sum of
One Hundred Dollars ( $100 . 00 ) is hereby appropriated to pay the
cost of preparing a general map, plan, and report for providing the
lighting services in the above described portion of the Town of
Ithaca, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Engineer of the Town of Ithaca, is
hereby authorized and directed to prepare such map, plan and report
within the limits of the amount appropriated therefore, and upon
completion thereof to file the same in the Office of the Town Clerk
of the Town of Ithaca, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor,
Town Engineer, Town Planner, and Town Attorney, to take such steps
and to execute such documents as may be necessary in order to
prepare such map, plan and report; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk within ten days of the adoption
of this resolution post and publish a notice and abstract or a copy
of this resolution in the manner required by Town Law, Section 90,
specifying this resolution was adopted subject to a permissive
referendum.
MOVED : Councilman Karl Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilman John Whitcomb
DATED : January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . 17
Agricultural Lands - Fire Assessment
Resolution No . 6
BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will
hold a Public Hearing at its regular meeting to be held February 8 ,
1993 , at 7 : 00 p. m. in order to consider utilization of the
Agricultural Assessments for Fire Protection District levies for
those that qualify.
MOVED: Councilman Karl Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
DATED : January 8, 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . 18
Small Business Administration National
Small Business Tree Planting Program Grant
Resolution No . 7
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca wishes to beautify and provide
visual screening for the trail right-of-way on the Chase
Pond/Hospicare site; and
WHEREAS , a call for applications has been received from the
Small Business Administration National Small Business Tree Planting
Program for matching grants; and
WHEREAS , a proposed project outline and budget is attached to
this resolution; and
WHEREAS , the mailing deadline for grant applications is
January 21 , 1993; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to apply for a Small
Business Administration National Small Business Tree Planting
Program grant for the sum of $3, 200; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the total project budget shall not exceed
$6 , 240 , and that the Town of Ithaca contribution to the project
shall not exceed $3 ,040.
MOVED: Councilman John Whitcomb
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
DATED : January 11 , 1993
iil�6t -
Joan Lent Hamilton , Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/93
Agenda Item No. 19
Approval of Salary Adjustments
Resolution No . 8
WHEREAS , the Town Board approved a salary pool of 4% - 5% for
1993 ; and
WHEREAS , a review of the approved budget found discrepancies
in the salaries of Scott McConnell and Paul Hansen not in keeping
with this approved pool ; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby
support and approve a salary adjustment for Scott McConnell ,
increasing his budgeted 1993 annual salary from $30 ,000 to $30, 300.
Funds in account A5010 . 100 are adequate to cover this adjustment;
and be it further
RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby
support and approve a salary adjustment for Paul Hansen, increasing
his budgeted 1993 annual salary from $26 ,000 to $26 , 390. A budget
transfer from account B8010 . 200 to B8010. 100 will be made to cover
this adjustment.
MOVED : Supervisor Shirley Raffensperger
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
DATED: January 11 , 1993
0"""JA
Joan Lt Hamilton , Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . 21
Town Board Meeting Minutes 12/31/92
Resolution No . 9
WHEREAS , the Town Clerk has presented the Town Board Meeting
Minutes for the meeting held on December 31 , 1992 to the Town Board
for their review and approval ; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board has reviewed and approved said minutes
as written ; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve and adopt said
minutes as the official minutes of the Town Board meeting held
December 31 , 1992 .
MOVED : Councilman Karl Niklas
SECONDED : Councilman John Whitcomb
DATED: January 11 , 1993
— Q"'� 1A
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . 22
Administrative Secretary, Seminar Attendance
Resolution No . 10
WHEREAS , Daniel Walker, Town Engineer, has requested that Mary
Bryant, Administrative Secretary, attend a one-day seminar entitled
Managerial Techniques for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
at the Sheraton Inn and Conference Center, Ithaca, New York on
March 2 , 1993 at a cost of $165 . 00; and
WHEREAS , attendance at this seminar will be beneficial in the
performance of Ms . Bryant ' s duties as Administrative Secretary; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Town Board hereby approves
the attendance of Hary Bryant at said seminar at a cost of $165 . 00
to be paid from Engineering Department Account No . A1440 . 410.
MOVED: Supervisor Shirley A. Raffensperger
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilman Frank Liguori
DATED : January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/93
Agenda Item No . 25
Rezoning 237 Coddington Road
Resolution No . 11
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has received a
request from Orlando Iacovelli to rezone property at 237 Coddington
Road from Residence District R-9 to Multiple Residence District MR;
and
WHEREAS , this request to rezone is part of a larger proposal
to reconfigure the Klondike Subdivision approved by the Planning
Board in 1989 ; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the referral of this issue to the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board for their review; and be it further
RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca requests that
after the Planning Board has reviewed said request for rezoning
that the Planning Board supply a written recommendation to the Town
Board addressing this rezoning .
140VED2 Councilman David Klein
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilman Frank Liguori
DATED : January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11 /93
Agenda Item No . 26
Town of Ithaca Warrants
Resolution No. 12
WHEREAS , the following numbered vouchers have been presented
to the Ithaca Town Board for approval of payment; and
WHEREAS , said vouchers have been audited for payment by said
Town Board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the Ithaca Town Board hereby authorizes the
payment of said vouchers.
General Outside Village Vouchers : No . 1 - 14 $ 25 , 509 . 43
Capital Projects Fund Vouchers : No. 1 - 2 621 . 00
General Townwide Vouchers : No . 1 - 24 32 ,022 . 87
Water & Sewer Fund Vouchers: No . 1 - 14 174, 655 . 75
Highway Fund Vouchers : No. 1 - 11 20, 375 . 20
MOVED : Councilman Karl Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
DATED: January 11 , 1993
J
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . 27
Bolton Point Warrants
Resolution No. 13
WHEREAS , the following numbered vouchers for have been
presented to the Ithaca Town Board by Bolton Point for approval of
payment; and
WHEREAS , said vouchers have been audited for payment by said
'town Board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the Ithaca Town Board hereby authorizes the
payment of said vouchers.
MOVED : Supervisor Shirley Raffensperger
Carried Unanimously .
SECONDED: Councilman Karl Niklas
DATED: January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/ 11/ 93
Agenda Item No. - Additional
Water and Sewer Refund: Mendelis
Resolution No. 14
WHEREAS , it has been determined that a refund is due on the
water and sewer billing of the property located at 204 East King
Road , Account #V-4391 , as there was an over estimate of the amount
due for two quarters; and
WHEREAS , the amount of refund should be W-$203 . 56 , WS-$28. 92 ,
SW-$130. 96, SWS-$13. 46 for a total refund of $376 . 90 ; now therefore
be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does
hereby authorize a refund in the amount of $376 . 90 be made to Joe
F . Hendelis, 204 E . King Road, Ithaca for said overpayment.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilman Liguori
DATED : January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . - Additional
Water and Sewer Refund : Dyson-Hudson
Resolution No . 15
WHEREAS , it has been determined that a refund is due on the
water and sewer billing of the property located at 123 Renwick
Drive , Account #T-1257 , as the meter was read incorrectly on the
9/92 billing and the customer paid the higher bill ; and
WHEREAS , the amount of refund should be W-$359 . 72 , WS-S59 . 34 ,
SW-$274 . 68, SWS-$27 . 65 for a total refund of $721 . 39 ; now therefore
be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does
hereby authorize a refund in the amount of $721 . 39 be made to
Neville Dyson-Hudson, 123 Renwick Drive , Ithaca for said
overpayment.
MOVED : Supervisor Raffensperger
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED : Councilman Niklas
DATED : January 11 , 1993
j4
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/11/93
Agenda Item No . Additional
Wetlands Referral to Conservation Advisory Council
Resolution No . 16
WHEREAS, there is confusion as to the regulations concerning
development of properties containing wetlands ; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board wishes to clarify the regulatory
questions regarding this issue ; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes and directs the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory
Council to investigate and possibly develop a Wetlands Management
Policy for the Town to be reviewed by the Town Board; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Conservation Advisory Council submit a
report of their findings to the Town Board no later than May 1 ,
1993 .
MOVED: Councilman Karl Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
DATED : January 11 , 1993
Joan Lent Hamilton, Town Clerk
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HIGH11AY SUPERINTENDENT FOR 1992
JANUARY 1993
The following is a recap of significant events and jobs
done by the Highway Department during the past year.
- Towmwride junk pick up was reinstated to allow all the towns in
the county one more "FREE DUMP" for the residents. The
Highway and Parks department worked for nearly four weeks
picking everything up. (1071.25 H/H)
- The Highway and Parks department picked up yard waste
from curbside twice during the year. Once in May, and again
in October through the first part of December. (1181.5 14/H)
- The Highway, Parks, and Engineering departments working
together to see the Mitchell St. sidewalk through completion.
(846 M/H)
- The Forest Home downstream bridge walkway was closed due
to reported deficiencies in the structural supporting-members
The walkway is still closed with continuous effort and
coordination with the County staff and Forest Home
community to find an acceptable fix or alternative.
- Road culvert pipes were replaced on Blue Grass Lane, Updike
RD. , and West King RD. . Driveway culvert pipes were replaced
in conjunction with ditching and drainage improvements on
Ridgecrest RD. , Poole RD. , Woodgate Lane, and Salem DR. .
(502 1•f/H)
- The Ten Year Paving Schedule was continued which included;
-West King RD. shimming from Buttermilk to Sandbank,
3" of Binder from Teeterosa to Sand Bank and Micropaving
from Buttermilk to Sand Bank.
-Ridgecrest RD. 2.5" of Binder and 1. 5 of Top from hang
Road to Town Line.
-Burns RD. 2.5" of Binder and 1. 5" of Top from Coddington
RD. to the 1985 pavement just west of 6 Hile Creek
bridge.
-Whitetail DR. 2" of Top from Troy Rd. to Teton Ct. .
-Towerview, Westview, Terraceview, and Sunnyviewr,
2.5" of Top on all roads.
-Halycon Hill Rd. Summer Hill La. Sunny Hill La. Vista. ,
Orchard Hill Rd. , Williams Glen Rd. , all recieved Oil
and Stone Surface Treatment. East Buttermilk Falls Rd.
Longview Rd. , Grove Rd. , Grove Pl. , Glenside Rd. ,
Renwick Dr. all were Surface treated with t-facropa
vement.
-Cauldwrell Rd. the hill was shimmed, and Hacropaved,
and then striped to improve traction and visibility.
Total time spent on the 10 Year Plan was 2488 M/H.
- The 10 Year Equipment Replacement Schedule was followed with
slight modifications. The 1982 FVlD Plow Truck was Replaced
with a 1993 Mack Plow/Dump Truck.
- The Sign Maintenance Program was continued with many
signs replaced or repaired.
The year round Leaf and Brush Drop Off point was maintained.
- New Garage Doors and Electric Openers were installed at
the Highway Facility.
-The Highway Facility was hooked up to Public Water and Sewer.
- Highways were kept safe during snow falls as late as April
3 and as early as October 26, a total of 3111.25 M/H was
required 1507.5 of which was overtime.
-Work continued with the Engineering Department which included
repairing four t-later Main breaks, replacing four Fire Hydrant,
drainage and driveway improvements for I-lest Hill Sewer,
installing a control building with electric hook up at
the T-Burg Rd. water tank, and improving access to the Danby
Rd. water tank. Various other small Jobs were also done to help
bring the total assistance to the Engineering Department to
891. 25 M/H .
I feel that 1992 was a productive and successful year.
Many new challenges were faced and overcome. I appreciate
all the support I have gotten from the Tom Board, and the
entire Town Staff. I am looking forward to the challenge
that 1993 will bring, and the opportunity to continue
working with the Board and Staff.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MANAGER'S ANNUAL REPORT - 1992
T014N BOARD - JANUARY 11, 1993
1992 PARKS PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISMENTS:
1. Began construction of South Hill Trail.
2. Completed paving Mitchell Street Walkway.
3. Planted shade trees around play structures at Grandview,
Troy. and Hungerford Heights Parks.
4. Constructed and installed see-saws at Grandview, Troy, and
Hungerford Heights Parks.
5. Installed baseball backstop at Eastern Heights Park
ballfield.
6. Applied blacktop sealer to all Northeast Ithaca walkways
paved in 1991.
7. Installed speed bumps and stop sign at Skyvue Drive entrance
to Eastern Heights Park.
8. Applied wood preservative on all eight play structures.
9. Parks staff spent fifteen per cent of our time on roadside
collection of yard waste and junk in 1992.
10. Numerous plantings and landscaping tasks for West Hill and
Inlet Valley water and sewer projects were done for the
Engineering Department,
11. Park lawns were limed in April.
12. East Ithaca Recreation Way from Honness Lane to Mitchell
Street was resurfaced with oil and stone.
13. All water tanks and pump station sites were mowed twice.
Extremely wet weather conditions prevented our planned
third mowing.
14. All shrubs and trail canopies were trimmed.
15. New garbage cans, picnic tables, bird nesting boxes, and
park benches were installed at various sites.
16. Tree trimming at several bikeways was performed with the
assistance of the City of Ithaca's tree crew and equipment.
17. Performed regular grounds maintenance tasks based on our
year-round management schedule.
18. Provided assistance to Highway Department in snow removal
during regular and overtime hours.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE RANAGER'S ANNUAL REPORT - 1992
TOWN BOARD - JANUARY 11, 1993
WORK TASK TOTAL HOURS PER CENT
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE 1689 33.27
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE 931 18.34
YARD WASTE COLLECTIONS 497 9.79
SNOW REMOVAL 350 6.90
TRASH PICK UP 286 5.63
SOUTH HILL TRAIL 246 4.85
MISC. CARPENTRY PROJECTS 234 4.61
BIMIAWWALKWAY RESURFACING 207 4.08
MITCHELL STREET WALK11AY 194 3.82
TREE/SHRUB PLANTING 181 3. 57
SEWER AND WATER LANDSCAPING 140 2.76
PLAY STRUCTURE MAINTENANCE 72 1.42
PARK/TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS 49 1.00
TOTALS 5076 100.04
TOWN OF ITHACA
TOWN ENGINEER'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1992
ADMINISTRATION
Records Management
The Engineering Department staff has participated in the Records
Management Program under the direction of the Town Clerk and the
records management consultant. An inventory of maps and drawings
including hard copies and electronic files has been started.
Facilities
The Town Hall Heating System was improved by the replacement of
the existing gas furnace which had been identified as a potential
hazard, with a new higher efficiency duplex furnace.
The current Town Hall facilities have some inadequacies and the
Town Engineer has worked with the Town Supervisor and Public Works
Committee members to evaluate several properties that may suit the
Town's current and future needs. The Town Engineer has
recommended that a detailed facilities plan be included in the
work priorities for 1993.
The Town Hall Telephone System was improved by the addition of a
DSS operators station. An intercom system improving the
communication between the front desk and the Engineering, Zoning
and Planning Department was installed by the Engineering staff at
the request of the Town Clerk to improve security within the
building.
Development Review
The Town Engineer worked with the Town Planner, Code Enforcement
Officer, and the Highway Superintendent, to develop procedures to
improve the Development Review and Compliance Process.
The Town Engineer provided Engineering• Review for the following:
1. Thiratrakoolchai Subdivision
2. Lakeside Development Subdivision
3. Minnies BBQ (Re-Application)
4. Cornell Central Heating Plant Expansion
5. Cristen Haltom Subdivision (Eastern Heights)
6. Cornell SE Precinct Earth Fill Project
7. Cayuga Cliffs
8. John Lowe Subdivision
9. Geoffrey Sacco Subdivision
10. Little Ceaser's at East Hill Plaza
11. Bristol/Manos Subdivision
12. Fogelsanger/Lucente Subdivision
13. Matthew Wall Subdivision
14. Jessie Loomis Subdivision
15. Albanese East Shore Drive Subdivision
January 11, 1993
Page 2
16. Whittemore/Myers Hayts Road Subdivision
17. Dunnick Subdivision
18. Cornell - East Hill Plaza Landscaping/parking
19. Eddy Hill, Inc. Subdivision
20. Hospicare/Chase Pond Subdivision
21. Chase Farm Phase II Subdivision
22. Jones Farm Subdivision
The Town Engineer provided Construction Monitoring for the
following projects:
1. Deer Run Phase IIIB and Marcy Court
2. Shalebrook Subdivision
3. Fisk Subdivision Drainage
WATER SYSTEM
The Engineering Department has purchased the Cybernet Computer
Program for water system modelong and has begun development of a
hydraulic model of the water distribution system.
A new Water Supply Agreement was developed and approved with the
City of Ithaca.
An inventory and maintenance database for the water distribution
system has been started and up-dated mapping of the system is
underway.
Tank site security and telemetry improvements have been made at
the Trumansburg Road Water Tank with the addition of security
fencing and an above-ground fiberglass instrument building.
SEWER SYSTEM
Sewer inspections and survey has been completed for the Danby Road
Sewer and plans are being completed for reconstruction of
portions of this sewer.
The Kline Road Sewer Capacity Improvements design has been
completed with City of Ithaca and construction is planned for
early spring of 1993.
The Sewer Use Agreement with the City of Ithaca has been completed
and approved. This allows for the use by the Town of portions of
the City Sanitary Sewage System to transport sewage to the IAWWTP.
January 11, 1993
Page 3
HIGHWAY
Approval of the Warren Road speed limit reduction to 30 mph was
obtained from the NYSDOT.
The Town Engineer has participated in the planning and
negotiations for the Forest Home Bridge Replacement Project.
The Engineering Department completed the Mitchell Street
Realignment and Walkway Project Design and assisted in the
construction management for the project which is 85% complete.
The Pine Tree/Judd Falls Road Realignment and Walkway Project was
completed in cooperation with the County Highway Department.
PARRS
The Town Engineer reviewed the South Hill Trail Plans developed by
the Planning Department.
The Engineering Department assisted the Parks Department in the
development of Play Structure Plans and Details
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The West Hill Water and Sewer Construction Project was completed
with the exception of some minor follow-up site restoration work
to be completed in the Spring of 1993.
The Inlet Valley Water and Sewer Project, Phase I Construction was
completed and is in operation.
The Inlet Valley Water and Sewer Project, Phase II Design was
completed and Bid and a Contract has been awarded. Construction
will be completed during the 1993 construction season.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Engineering Department is working with the Highway Department
to improve the capabilities to perform water and sewer repair with
Town forces.
A Work Area Safety Training Program has been initiated to meet all
requirements of PESH.
The Town of Ithaca Engineering Department is continuing to
coordinate work on documenting monuments set for the GPS mapping
project for Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, NYSEG, and
Cornell University. The actual mapping projects are anticipated
to be available this Fall.
January 11, 1993
Page 5
1993 WORK PLAN GOALS
ADMINISTRATION
I. Develop Capital Improvement Project Plan
- Utility infill projects
- P,iority maintenance and replacement projects
- Long-range maintenance and improvement program
2. Records management system for maps and drawings
3. Evaluate work space needs and begin facility planning
4. Develop G.I.S. implementation plan
WATER SYSTEM
1. Inventory and maintenance database for water system
2. East Hill Distribution System Analysis and Improvement Plan
3. South Hill Distribution System Analysis and Improvement Plan
4. West Hill Distribution System Analysis and Improvement Plan
5. East Shore Drive Distribution and Transmission System Analysis and
Improvement Plan
6. Long-term Water Supply Agreements with City of Ithaca
7. Tank Site Security Improvements
- Cristopher Circle
- Northview Tank
- Regency Tank
SEWER SYSTEM
1. Clear Sewer Easements and R.O.W.s
- Sapsucker/Salem Sewer
- Hospital Sewer
2. Sewer Inspections and Maintenance
- Hospital Sewer
- Sapsucker/Salem Sewer
3. Slaterville Road Sewer Evaluation
4. Construct Kline Road Sewer Capacity Improvements with City of
Ithaca (designed 1992)
5. Long-term Sewer Use Agreement with City of Ithaca •
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
This project list has been developed throughout the past year as an
apparent needs inventory, and is based on specific requests from Town
residents and needs that have been identified by the Engineering
Department. These projects will be evaluated as part of the Capital
Improvement Project Plan that has been identified as a priority for
1993.
January 11, 1993
Page 6
REHABILITATION AND UPGRADE
1. West Hill Trunk Sewer, Provide replacement for existing sewer
main from hospital and Biggs. Would include provisions for
relieving overloaded Meadow Street sewer in City. Could be
coordinated with proposed Cayuga Cliffs Development to reduce
Town cost.
Estimated Cost $1,250,000.00 Not Funded
2. Danby Road Sewer Replacement
Estimated Cost $200,000.00 Not funded
3. East Shore Drive Watermain Phase 1, Replacement and upgrade of
old undersized watermain, would be first step in providing BP
water to West Hill by gravity.
Estimated Cost $500,000.00 Not Funded, is a Priority
SERVICE AREA IMPROVEMENTS
1. Trumansburg Road Sewer, Woolf Lane to Indian Creek, project will
be to complete service area on Trumansburg Road, (Infill) .
Estimated Cost $500,000.00 Not Funded
2. West Hill Water Improvement, Phase 1, Provide additional storage
and pumping capacity to reinforce existing hospital tank zone.
Estimated Cost $750,000.00 Not Funded
3. Coddington Road Water and Sewer Extension, From Troy Road
Coddington Community Center, Water and Sewer service
requested by residents petition and supported by Tompkins
County DOH.
Estimated Cost $1,200,000.00 Not Funded
4. East Hill Tank Project, Possibly a cooperative project with
Cornell, would improve fire flow and system reliability to
East Hill Plaza Area.
Estimated Cost $1,500,000.00 Not Funded, could be a
possibility for Bond act
p Y project
5. East Shore Drive Watermain Phase 2, Watermain to the clearwell
at BP plant and storage tank.
Estimated Cost $1,500,000.00 Not Funded
6. Seven Mile Drive Tank, Would provide fire flow and additional
storage required for Commercial, Business or Light Industrial
development in the Inlet Valley area.
Estimated Cost $500,000.00 Not Funded, could be a
possibility for Bond act project
7. South Hill Storage Tank and Distribution System Improvement,
Would provide additional storage for reliability and
additional flow capacity in the area serving Ithaca College
and NCR. Estimated Cost $1,000,000.00 Not Funded
January 11, 1993
Page 7
SERVICE EXTENSIONS
1. Inlet Valley Water and Sewer, Phase II, Contract Awarded.
Estimated Cost $1,000,000.00 Bonding in Place
2. West Hill Water Improvement, Mid Zone - Provide additional
pressure zone and storage for requested service areas in
Town, EcoVillage or Indian Creek Development could be
possible contributors to project.
Estimated Cost $2,000,000.00 Not Funded
3. West Hill Water Improvement, High Zone - Provide Water Service
to Drew Subdivision/Sheffield Road Area. Has been requested
by resident petition.
Estimated Cost $1,000,000.00 Not Funded
PUBLIC WORKS
1. Develop Water and Sewer repair capabilities
2. Work area safety training program
ERPT1992/ENGMEMO/01/11/93/DRW/
January 11, 1993
Page 4
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town Engineer has provided assistance with the utility mapping
and inventory portions of the Comprehensive Plan as well as
reviewing portions of the plan as it is completed. The Town
Engineer will be involved in the review and approval process of
the final plan, especially in the area of the Capital Improvement
Plan.
EXCAVATION AND FILL PERMITS AND REVIEWS
1. Cornell Orchards Fill Permit
2. Hospital Heating Plant Demolition
lift
cJ�
TOWN OF ITHACA
BUILDING / ZONING DEPARTMENT
1992 YEAR END REPORT
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED
1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986
BP 'S ISSUED
NEW HOMES 45 40 38 67 78 116 74
1 & 2 FAMILY
TOTAL VALUE $ 5 , 502 , 800 $ 3, 804 , 500 $ 4 , 334, 150 $ 6 ,042 , 392 $ 7 ,043, 297 $ 7 , 966 , 512 $ 5, 280 , 837
BP 'S ISSUED
TOTAL 173 186 161 226 215 272 204
TOTAL VALUE $ 8, 771 , 676 $36 ,866 , 638 $ 9 , 568, 171 $26 ,068, 893 $19, 486 , 390 $27 , 308, 192 $14 , 659 , 865
TOTAL FEES $ 19 , 917 $ 34, 995 $ 15 , 920 $ 29 , 765 $ 24, 375 $ 14 , 9001 $ 8, 750
BUILDING/ZONING 2 ACTIVITY SUMMARY
YEAR TOTAL
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 92 91 90 89 88 87 86
CERTIFICATES OF
OCCUPANCY ISSUED 12 8 16 11 15 13 11 31 18 18 25 14 192 200 220 226 242 217 143
1992
INDIVIDUAL*
COMPLAINTS 5 2 7 6 8 8 5 9 6 8 3 7 74 77 90 82 68 47 NA
INVESTIGATED
SIGN
PERMITS 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 6 6 1 1 0 17 15 6 4 7 7 10
ISSUED
4 OF ZBA
MEETINGS 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 17 19 20 21 16 18 NA
4 OF ZBA
APPEALS 4 8 3 7 9 7 2 4 8 3 5 3 63 45 56 67 56 6:1 39
*COMPLAINTS BROKEN DOPIN
Property Maintenance - 21 No Violation Found- - - 15
Occupancy - -- - - - - - 5 Zoning Use Violation - 3
Building Code - - - - - 18 Parking - - - - - - - - 2
Noise - - - - - - - - - 5 Sign Law - - - - - - - 3
Drainage - - - - - - - 2
BUILDING/ZONING FIELD VISIT INSPECTION SUMMARY
JAN FES MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 92 91 90 89
FUILDING
E 49 54 58 76 74 85 116 103 100 91 73 58 937 847 907 768
ZONING
ORDINANCE 34 23 25 24 21 34 24 24 26 30 15 20 300 338 343 316
FIRE SAFETY* 8 . 4 6 1 11 7 7 1 0 3 2 4
REINSPECTIONS 0 2 1 2 0 2 3 4 1 3 2 1 75 68 103 20
FIRE OCCURRENCE* 2 5 3 0 1 1 2 0 1 3 1 3
23 23 14 17
REINSPECTIONS 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL
INSPECTIONS 93 88 93 103 108 129 152 132 128 130 93 86 1335 1276 1366 1121
*FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION BREAKDOWN *FIRE OCCURRENCE INSPECTION BREAKDOWN
Inspection Reinspection Inspection Reinspection
Public Assembly 16 0 House *15 0
Business/Professional 14 6 Barn 1 0
Institutional 1 0 College ^4 1
Schools 3 1 Institutional (electric ) 1 0
Day Care 4 2 Outside Trash 1 0
Multiple Dwellings 16 ( 291 Units ) 12 22 1
54 21
* 10 fireplace/wood stove
4 electric
1 furnace
Al Kitchen
2 electric
1 storage trailer
1992 YEAR-TO-DATE FEES COLLECTED
BY BUILDING/ZONING
BUILDING BUILDING ZONING CERTIFICATE FIRE SIGNS FOUNDATION OPERATING TOTALS
PERMITS PERMIT BOARD OF OF SAFETY PERMITS PERMITS
EXTENSION APPEALS OCCUPANCY
Jan 420.00 15.00 340.00 0 0 37.00 0 0 812.00
Feb 990.00 0 500.00 100.00 0 53.00 0 0 1,643.00
Mar 1,335.00 0 280.00 600.00 150.00 0 0 0 2,365.00
Apr 2,270.00 15.00 660.00 100.00 0 0 0 0 3,045.00
May 2,315.00 0 800.00 0 25.00 0 0 0 3,140.00
Jun 2,740.00 15.00 660.00 150.00 100.00 37.00 62. 50 0 3,764. 50
Jul 2,500.00 15.00 180.00 0 150.00 249.47 62. 50 0 3,156.97
Aug 1,000.00 45.00 380.00 375.00 100.00 232.65 0 0 2,132. 65
Sep 2,860.00 130.00 700.00 0 0 0 0 266.66 3,956.66
Oct 1,400.00 30.00 260.00 400.00 25.00 11.00 0 166.67 2,292.67
Nov 1,045.00 0 460.00 100.00 50.00 46.00 0 1,550.01 3,251.01
Dec 1,230.00 0. 200.00 1,050.00 50.00 0 125.00 5,575.01 8,230.01
Totals 20,105.00 265.00 5,420.00 2,875.00 650.00 666. 12 250.00 7,558.35" 37,789.47
* Dollar amount DOES NOT include facilities that have not obtained permits.
Town Clerk Annual Report
1992
Year End Totals
Conservation Licenses
TOTAL TOTAL
SOLD REVENUE
Sportsman 30 S 30 . 00
Fishing Season 19 19 . 00
Hunting ( Small Game ) 2 2 . 00
Big Game 11 11 . 00
Fishing - 3 Day 2 2 . 00
Junior Trapping 1 1 . 00
Senior 10 10 . 00
Von Resident Big Game 1 1 . 00 '
Non Resident Hunting ( Small Game ) 1 1 . 00
Non Resident Fishing 5 Day 2 2 . 00
Bowhunting 13 13 . 00
Muzzleloading 3 3 . 00
Free 1 -@-
Junior Hunting 1 1 . 00
$ 96 . 00
Marriage
Licenses 91 $ 736 . 25
Transcripts 18 110 . 00
S 846 . 25
Dogs
Licenses 721 $1081 . 00
Enumerations 721 721 . 00
Purebred 1 15 . 00
$1817 . 00
Others
Tax Search 35 $ 127 . 00
Zoning Ordinance & Maps 55 258 . 00
Copies 107 . 87
Misc . -( Postage , EPOD' s , CPC Reports . NSF Charges , etc . ) 246 . 80
Sign Law 5 5 . 50
Subdivision Ordinance 10 16 . 00
Open Space Report 20+ 181 . 00
Noise Ordinance 2 3 . 00
Agricultural Reports 4 4 . 00
TOTAL TOWN REVENUES TO SUPERVISOR 1992 : $3708 . 42
Town Clerk Annual Report
1992 Pg . 2
PAYMENTS - OTHER ENTITIES
Amount Paid to DEC for Conservation Licenses $1632 . 00
Amount Paid to County Treasurer for Dog Licenses 1300 . 48
Amount Paid to State Health Department /Marriage Licenses 1023 . 75
Amount Paid to Supervisor for SPCA Contract 2832 . 52
TOTAL PAYMENTS - OTHER ENTITIES $6788 . 75
TOWN CLERK DISBURSEMENTS - 1992
REVENUES TO TOWN SUPERVISOR $ 3708 . 42
DISBURSEMENTS - OTHER ENTITIES 6788 . 75
TOTAL TOWN CLERK DISBURSEMENTS - 1992 $10 , 497 . 17
J
TOWN OF ITHACA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Town Board Members
FROM: Floyd Forman
DATE: January 5, 1993
RE: 1992 Annual Report
Planning Board
Planning Department Staff continued to provide its regular
technical support to the Planning Board throughout the year. Staff
provided support at 23 Planning Board meetings.
Subdivision Review
In 1992 the Planning Board granted preliminary or final subdivision
approval for 18 land subdivisions totaling 65 lots. This is an
increase from 1991 , when 11 subdivisions were approved totaling
28 lots, but very similar to the 1990 figures.
Continuing a trend which began in 1990 most of the subdivision
approvals were for two lot subdivisions. 12 of the 18 subdivisions
were 2 lot subdivisions. In addition, many of the subdivisions
were simply a change of lot lines and not lots for new homes.
The Hospicare Subdivision was approved for 21 lots. It was the
only subdivision approved for more than 10 lots.
Site Plan Approvals
5 proposals requiring site plan approval under the Zoning Ordinance
were reviewed by the Planning Board in 1992.
College View Mobile Home Park. Seven Mile Drive. Received
site plan approval on April 7, to increase the InUmber of mobile
home units from 52 to 65.
Cornell University, Route 366. Received site plan approval on
April 7, to expand its heating plant by 408 square feet and
replace 2 boilers.
South Hill Retail, Danby Rd. (portion of the NCR site). Received
final site plan approval on June 2, for 25,000 square feet of
retail and office space with associated parking and
landscaping improvements.
East Hill Plaza. Received final site plan approval on July 7,
for proposed landscaping and traffic improvements. Also
recommended to the Zoning Board of Appeals that it grant a
variance for a deficiency in the required number of parking
spaces.
Hospicare, East King Rd. On December 1 , Hospicare received
final site plan approval for a 5,500 square foot hospice with
off street parking and attendent landscaping.
Special Approvals
The Planning Board reviewed and made recommendations to the
Zoning Board of Appeals with regard to requests for Special
Approvals for 3 proposed developments in 1992 as follows:
Minnie's B. Q. , Elmira Rd. Negative recommendation
was made to the Zoning Board of Appeals on April 7, for the
following reasons:
1 . That there was no compelling need for an additional
eating facility in the area.
2. That the character of the area would be adversely
affected by the odors, grease and additional traffic.
3. That the proposal to establish a fast food restaurant in
the area is not consistent with the comprehensive plan of
the Town of Ithaca.
Little Caesar's Pizza. East Hill Plaza. Resolution
recommending approval to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a
modification of the previous site plan with a change of use
to a restaurant was passed by the Planning Board on
April 21 .
Cornell Southeast Precinct Earth Fill. Resolution
recommending to the Zoning board of Appeals that it approve
the placement of 38,000 cubic yards of fill excavated from
the site of the Cornell Vet School Primary Teaching Facility
on land in Cornell's Southeast Precinct Area.
Signs
East Hill Plaza , Resolution by the Planning Board acting as the
Sign Review Board, on August 4, to the Zoning Board of
Appeals that it grant the request for sign area variances for 6
proposed business identification signs.
East Hill Plaza, Judd Falls Wine and Spirits. Resolution by the
Planning Board acting as the Sign Review Board, on September
15, to the Zoning Board of Appeals that it grant a variance for
a hanging sign at Judd Falls Wine and Spirits.
Cornell Universes GEIS
During 1992, planning staff continued to work with engineering
staff, and the Town Attorney in overseeing review of the Generic
Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for Cornell's Precinct 7.
Larsen Engineers was hired to assist the Town with the review.
The GEIS was formally submitted to the Planning Board on May 19.
The document was reviewed by planning staff, engineering staff,
the Town Attorney, Larsen Engineers and members of the Planning
Board. On August 18, the Planning Board found that the GEIS "was
not yet satisfactory with respect to its scope, content and
adequacy for the purpose of commencing public review". The.
document is currently being revised to address *the"concerns raised
by the Planning Board.
Comprehensive Plan
Planning staff continued to provide staff support to the
Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC). Work. accomplished in
1992 includes:
1 . The writing or rewriting of all 6 chapters of the
Comprehensive Plan;
2. The development of an executive summary for the Plan;
3. The correction and updating of the Inventory Maps;
4. Assisting the CPC with 2 public information meetings.
At its last meeting on December 22, the CPC approved the draft
Comprehensive Plan with some minor modifications. At its
meeting on January 12, the CPC will review the revised inventory
maps as well as an Executive Summary and then it is hoped that the
Committe will vote to forward the Plan to the Planning Board.
Conservation Advisory Council
Planning Department staff in the past year has provided support to
the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) in a
number of areas, including development of the 1992 Open Space
Report and a report entitled, "Planning for Agriculture in the Town
of Ithaca".
Staff also submitted quarterly reports to the State for
reimbursement from the Local Environmental Assistance Program.
In addition, staff attended 6 meetings of the CAC in 1992.
Codes and Ordinances Committee
Planning staff, along with zoning and legal staff, provided
technical support to the Committee throughout 1992 as it
addressed a number of Town land use regulation issues. Much of the
Committee's time was focused on environmental protection overlay
districts (EPODS). Among the other items reviewed by the COC
were: a proposal for minimum open space requirements in Business
Districts, changes to permitted uses in the Industrial Zone and a
clarification of permitted uses in zoning districts.
Planning staff attended 15 meetings of the COC.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Planning staff continued to prepare environmental assessments for
cases before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
MPO
The Town Planner is a member of the Planning Committee of the
newly formed Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO
will work to solve a broad range of transportation problems for the
newly defined Ithaca Urban Area. (The Ithaca Urban Area includes
the City of Ithaca, most of the Town of Ithaca, as well as the
Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing).
The Town of Ithaca Supervisor is a member of the MPO Policy
Committee.
South Hill Trail
Planning Staff continued to oversee development of the South Hill
Recreation Way throughout 1992. The contract with the State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the EQBA
grant for the project was signed in June. Acquision of the
Recreation right of way was completed in July with the transfer by
NYSEG of portions of the upper railroad grade the company had
agreed to sell to the Town.
i
Construction commenced in July on the section of the trail between
Coddington Rd. and Northview Rd., utilizing youth`"pa*ticipants in
the joint Town of Ithaca/Village of Lansing Youth Conservation
Corps program. The participants cleared trees and heavy brush
along the trail alignment, constructed the entrance at Juniper
Drive, planted a number of trees and shrubs, and accomplished
other light construction tasks.
Planning Staff will work with Engineering, Parks, and Highway
staff to complete design details for the project and coordinate
completion of the trail in 1993.
Miscellaneous
Planning Staff represented the Town of Ithaca at a number of
meetings involving State, County, and City bodies, as well as
Cornell University and Ithaca College, and involving a variety of
regional planning issues and governmental issues of mutual
concern.
Planning Staff is in the process of assisting residents along a
portion of Coddington Rd. in setting up a lighting district.
Planning staff is assisting the Automated Data Processing
Committee as it continues to assess the Town's computer needs
for the future.
Time was spent working with a Landscape Architecture class at
Cornell studying alternative land uses for a portion of Inlet Valley.
Staff Development
Planning Staff attended the following conferences:
- Open Space and Agriculture in Tompkins County at Cornell;
- The Annual Conference of the American Planning Association in
Washington DC. ;
- Statewide Land Protection Task Force at Cornell;
- American Planning Association's Upstate New York Fall
Conference;
New York Planning Federation Annual Meeting at Niagara Falls.