HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1994-01-13FINAL
Town of Ithaca
Town Board Minutes
January 13, 1994
At the regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, held at the Town Hall, 126 East
Seneca Street, Ithaca, New-York, there were :
PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Supervisor; Catherine Valentino,
Counci1woman; Karl Niklas, Councilman; David Klein, Councilman;
Carolyn Grigorov, CounciIwoman; Ellen Z. Harrison, Counci1woman;
Edward Conley, Councilman.
ALSO PRESENT: John Barney, Esq., Attorney for the Town; Joan Lent
Noteboom, Town Clerk/Receiver of Taxes; Daniel Walker, P.E., Town
Engineer; Fred Noteboom, Highway Superintendent; Andrew Frost,
Bui Iding/Zoning Officer; Sally Alario, Assistant Budget Officer;
Patricia Punger, Personnel Manager; George Frantz, Assistant Town
Planner; Louise Raimondo, Planner I.
Doria Higgins; Edna Federer; Gary Guy; Chris Sapara-Grant; Fred
Noetscher; M. A. Macera, Ithacare; Jeff Stimpson, Ithaca Journal;
Noel Desch; Edna Stash; John Yntema; Ronda Engman, Beverly Livesay,
^ Tompkins County Board of Representatives; Jay Madison; Doug Firth;
F. Robert Wesley.
Call To Order; The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 5:30
p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Supervisor led the assemblage in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 4 - Report of Town Officials:
a. Town Supervisor - Supervisor Whitcomb reported he attended a
Supervisor's school in Rochester sponsored by the NYS Association
of Towns and the NYS Comptroller's Office. It was an enlightening
session where he learned a great deal. Ms. Alario, Assistant
Budget Officer also attended the accounting program. The school
gave an overview of the duties and responsibilities of the Town
Supervisor including legal, fiscal, audit, safeguarding of fixed
assets, overseeing investments, internal control, etcetera. The
primary responsibilities are of a financial nature. The Supervisor
urged each Town Board member to read the Town Law Manual provided
at the last meeting outlining the Town Board's responsibilities.
It is the Town Board's responsibility to audit the vouchers. Some
Town Boards initial each voucher. Supervisor Whitcomb will be
setting up a Finance Committee composed of two Town Board members
to work with Ms. Alario to perform that function. Volunteers to
serve on the committee are requested, should no one volunteer the
Supervisor will choose the members.
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b. Town Engineer's Report - Mr. Walker reported on his written
report, (see attached). Mr. Walker explained he would present a
1993 Annual Report for the Planning and Engineering Departments at
the February meeting.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is one activity that
will begin to take more time for the Town Engineer and one member
of the Planning Department. There is a public participation plan
created for the MPO with a mechanism for different tasks teams.
Mr. Walker is the liaison to the Planning Committee for the
Infrastructure Task Team. Their charge will be to evaluate the
condition of infrastructure within the metropolitan area and make
recommendations concerning inclusion of projects, improving,
adding, or replacing infrastructure.
Councilwoman Harrison asked if that included just State roads?
Mr. Walker responded, no, it will include roads that are eligible
for Federal funding based on the linkages they provide. The task
team has several citizens as participants, as well as technical
^ people.
The Supervisor asked to postpone the Report of Town Officials until
after an Executive Session as the Attorney for the Town has to
leave the meeting early.
Agenda Item No. 3 - Executive Session:
Motion made by the Town Supervisor to go into Executive Session to
discuss property acquisition and pending litigation. Seconded by
Councilwoman Valentino. Carried unanimously.
The Board entered Executive Session at 5:40 p.m.
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino to resume regular session. Carried unanimously. The
Board returned to regular session at 5:55 p.m.
As a result of the Executive Session, Councilman Niklas made a
motion that the Town pay to Five Star Equipment, Incorporated of
Scranton Pennsylvania the sum of $16,382.87 in satisfaction of the
claim of Five Star Equipment, Inc. for damage to the backhoe loaned
^ to the Town and arising out of the accident that occurred August
20, 1993, said sum to be paid upon receipt of appropriate releases
in a form satisfactory to the Attorney for the Town. Seconded by
Councilwoman Harrison. Carried Unanimously.
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Agenda Item No. 4 - Report of Town Officials. Cont'd
Mr. Walker continued to review his written report with the Board.
Saponi Meadows Subdivision on 7 Mile Drive now has water and sewer.
There is significant water and sewer benefit assessment against the
property. The owner has filed a letter requesting exemption from
the water and sewer benefit on the parcel based on the agricultural
use of the land even though it is in the process of subdivision
approval. This issue will come before the Board in February for
d i s cus s ion.
c. Highway Superintendent's Report — Mr. Noteboom reported
December was going very well with many projects being completed
until the snow hit. Mr. Noteboom asked the Board if there were any
questions on his 1993 Year End Report or his monthly report?
Supervisor Whitcomb asked that in the year end report the overtime
hours of the highway workers were almost as much as the regular
hours, is that typical?
Mr. Noteboom responded he has researched several years and found
that has been the case in the past, the amount of overtime hours is
t ypi ca1.
d. Building Inspector/Zoning Officer's Report - Mr. Frost handed
out the 1993 Year End Report to the Board, the monthly report was
included in the mail out. Mr. Frost explained his reports to the
Board. (See attached.)
Councilwoman Harrison said she would be interested in seeing how
building fees relate to actual costs of construction.
Mr. Frost said he would provide a copy of a building permit to each
of the Board members showing the fee schedule based on the amount
of construction.
Councilwoman Harrison asked if a comparison has been made between
the fees paid and the actual costs of the Building Department doing
the work related to the permit?
Councilman Niklas said that has been compared every few years, and
that the attempt is made to cover the costs of administration.
Councilman Niklas asked if the apjjeal of John Lamb which was
adjourned to 12/5/93 had been decided?
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• Frost responded that has been decided after a second meeting
that was adjourned for additional information, after the
information was received it was approved with conditions.
f. Town Clerk/Receiver of Taxes Report: Mrs. Noteboom stated the
receipt of taxes is going very well. There should be no problem in
meeting the total warrant in January. Most constituents seem to
like the format of the new bills.
Agenda Item No. 5 -• Review of Correspondence
Supervisor Whitcomb said a letter was received from the
Conservation Board referring to the Forest Home Drive Scenic Road
designation which was done a month ago. The Conservation Board
adopted a resolution acknowledging that designation, and have asked
that further acknowledgement be done by the Town Board.
The Conservation Board seems to feel not enough acknowledgement
occurred about the designation based upon the amount of work that
went into that project.
Councilman Niklas asked what kind of additional acknowledgement
would they like?
Supervisor Whitcomb said he thought a similar resolution to what
the Conservation Board passed would be appropriate.
Councilman Niklas suggested that the resolution adopted by the
Conservation Board be used with the inclusion of changes to "Town
Board " instead of "Conservation Board" where applicable.
Councilman Niklas said the designation last year was an agenda
item, the Town Board saw the presentation, thanked everyone, people
from the State attended. It was a very nice presentation.
Councilman Klein and Councilwoman Valentino also felt the
designation presentation was a nice event and could not understand
why the Conservation Board felt it was not enough.
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilman Klein
adopting the resolution made by the Conservation Board regarding
the Forest Home Scenic Road Designation with alterations to
reference of "Conservation Board" to "Town Board " where
applicable. (See attached), and that once the resolution is
prepared a frame be purchased for it and it be given to the Forest
Home Improvement Association. Carried unanimously.
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Supervisor Whitcomb noted Mr. Walker mentioned a petition has been
received from the residents of Calkins Road requesting water. This
will be included as an agenda item for the next meeting.
Agenda Item No. 6 - Report of Town Committees
Councilman Niklas reminded the staff involved who arranges the COC
meetings that they are still waiting for a schedule of those
meetings. It may be premature until the membership of the
committee is settled, but it should be kept as a priority.
Supervisor Whitcomb noted there is a meeting of the Planning
Committee which is the oversight committee for the COC, perhaps a
COC meeting could be scheduled for February.
Councilman Klein said the Public Works Committee has established
their schedule of meetings for the year and anyone is welcome to
attend them. They are normally the fourth Thursday of the month
and begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Town Highway Garage.
Agenda Item No. 8 •- Persons To Be Heard
Supervisor Whitcomb said included in the regular agenda is the
Persons To Be Heard to be held at 6:15 each meeting. The
Supervisor asked if there was anyone who was interested in
addressing the Board on anything other than an agenda item, if
anyone wishes to speak to a specific item they will have an
opportunity at the time that item is discussed.
Doria Higgins asked that she be allowed to speak to an agenda item
issue now as she has been ill and can not wait until the item is
di s cus sed.
:4
Mrs. Higgins spoke on the Cayuga Inlet Trail (Item No. 26) which
was agreed to be built on a tri-partied agreement. She said the
issue before the Board this evening of a memorandum from the
Assistant Town Planner requesting the Town help State Parks get
right of ways over the Town property in the line of the Cayuga
Inlet Trail is appropriate.
Mrs. Higgins pointed out that Item 3, of the 1983 agreement said
that State Parks would prepare a master plan of the trail, this
still has not been done. It would be appropriate for this Town
Board to say it is now time to have a master plan from State Parks.
There has been a lot of misinformation about the City concerning
this issue and it has confounded many decisions at the City level.
Many people are still misinformed about the facts. Mrs. Higgins
reviewed her memorandum with the Board, (see attached).
I ^
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Mrs. Higgins said some of the Town Board may think this issue is
just a disagreement between the City and State Parks and that the
Town should stay out of it. It is a case where the City has
honorably fulfilled its part of the agreement and the State Parks
is making false demands on the City. When something like this
happens it is important that the Town support the City. It is not
necessary at the present time, it is a question of one party of the
three part agreement threatening to not honor it. As members of
the agreement the Town should protest at the proper time.
Councilman Niklas asked what manifestation would the Town Board's
participation take in Mrs. Higgins opinion at the point where it
becomes necessary?
Mrs. Higgins said she felt last year it might have been appropriate
for the Town to have said the State Parks was making unfair demands
on the City. However, she hesitated in stating that as had a great
deal of respect for Supervisor Raffens perger.
Supervisor Whitcomb said Supervisor Raffensperger ' s letter did say
that "the lands in dispute between the City and State not be
allowed to bring the tri-partied agreement into question, and that
the plan be proceeded with regardless of the dispute".
Mrs. Higgins said that what both the City and the Town said last
year was appropriate, it is important because some Board members
may misunderstand and it should be clearly understood.
Supervisor Whitcomb asked Mrs. Higgins if she had a problem with
what would be required in assisting the State acquiring the
ea semen t s ?
Mrs. Higgins said she has no problem with that. Mrs. Higgins
offered best wishes to the new Town Board members during their
t enure s.
Agenda Item No. 7 - Report of Tompkins County Board of
Represent a t ives
Councilwoman Harrison asked what this agenda item usually entails?
Supervisor Whitcomb said there is usually a member of the County
^ Board at the meeting. There are three representatives on the
County Board who live in the Town of Ithaca. They rotate the
assignment of attending our meetings to report on County
activities. The Town Board can ask them questions relevant to the
Town residents on the County issues.
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Agenda Item No. 10 - Town Board Meeting Minutes. 12/30/93
Motion made by Councilwoman Valentino, seconded by Councilman
Niklas approving the minutes of the 12/30/93 Town Board meeting as
written. Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 11 - Town Board Meeting Minutes. 1/3/94
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Supervisor Whitcomb
approving the minutes of the 1/3/94 Town Board Reorganization
Meeting minutes as written. Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 12 - Town of Ithaca Warrants
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino approving the payment of the Town of Ithaca Warrants.
Supervisor Whitcomb reminded the Board they are responsible for the
accuracy of those warrants.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 13 - Bolton Point Warrants
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino approving the payment of the Bolton Point Warrants.
Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 14 - 1994 Priorities Work Plan
Supervisor Whitcomb said there have been some revisions to the plan
since the one the Board received in the mail. A new plan was
distributed among the Board.
Supervisor Whitcomb explained the revisions and the additions to
the Board. Completing the custodial agreement with the bank was
added as a high priority. Most of the rest of the plan is the same
as before with the exception of some reorganization based on
Supervisor Whitcomb's estimate of one departments priorities as a
list was not submitted in time. The biggest change is under Land
Use/Housing.
The plan is organized according to A, first; B, second; and C,
last. It is also sorted according to the Department that is
respons ib1e.
Councilman Niklas asked if revision of the Zoning Ordinance is a
high priori ty?
rs
' \
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Supervisor Whitcomb explained that this is a high priority and
needs to be done.
Mr. Walker explained the hydraulic model of the water system is the
water distribution system design tool and an analysis tool to
determine what improvements need to be made. It is a software
program the Town will purchase and develop specifically for the
Town's needs.
Mr. Walker explained the Environmental Atlas is a listing of all
the critical areas in the Town which need protection, i.e.
wetlands, steep slopes, etc. There are overlapping priorities.
The Geographic Information Systems development will overlap by
being a computerized tool in developing the Environmental Atlas.
Councilman Niklas asked if this priorities work plan is final or
will it be brought back to the February meeting?
Supervisor Whitcomb said he is hoping for its approval now unless
there are major changes.
The defining of unbuildable land has been a debate for the Planning
Board, what land is buildable under subdivision approval and what
isn't. The question of clusters is an issue.
Councilman Niklas asked if this is part of the context of the
wetlands legislation that COC has discussed?
Supervisor Whitcomb said, yes.
The development of a fund for park acquisition has to do with a
section of the subdivision regu1 ations that calls for 2% set aside
for park land or money contributed in lieu of 10% of land. No one
has ever contributed money and the Conservation Board ask that it
be looked into. The Environmental Atlas will be started in 1994
but will not be completed.
Councilman Niklas asked if the unbuildable land was an item raised
at COC and they would send it back to the Planning Board as they
needed input from them. It seems logical that COC will have to
build the definition for that after hearing from the Planning
Board. It should be a "B" priority not an "A" for the COC. It is
not just a question of defining it, it is a question of building it
into the Zoning Ordinance so the Planning Board has some clout when
it refers to other issues.
Councilwoman Harrison asked if the Planning Committee needs to be
involved in the enacting of sunset legislation, or could it just be
the COC? It does not seem to be related to the planning.
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Councilman Niklas reminded the Board that the COG only makes
recommendations, and when it is discussing an item that requires a
policy decision it stops. The Chairman comes back to the Town
Board and in either executive session or committee report asks for
advice.
Councilwoman Grigorov said some of the discussion and advice part
should come before it goes to the COC.
Supervisor Whitcomb noted that is why there is a Planning Committee
to help give the COC direction.
Councilwoman Harrison said in terms of the priorities, when she
looks at the Conservation Board priorities the "A's" are a plan for
locavelli Park and working on GETS, is that enough for them to do?
Would it make sense to have them work on the development of a
parks, recreation, and greenway plan? This would be a useful item
since a revision to the Zoning Ordinance is a priority.
Councilman Niklas said he feels the discussion is going in cross
purposes. The priorities are not established according to the
priorities of the Committees that entertain them. They are Town
staff priorities.
COC will be listed with five items, all of which are "A's", but COC
will have to themselves give priorities to those items.
Councilwoman Harrison said she assumed these are also staff
priorities. If the COC wants to work heavily on the parks and
recreation plan they could do it, but not expect a great deal of
staff help.
Councilman Niklas said that usually the committees receive all the
support from staff that they need, regardless of the priorities of
the a s s i gnment s.
Attorney Barney noted staff can only serve on so many committees so
many hours per week and still accomplish the objective. The staff
needs guidance. This listing gives guidance to the staff as to the
Town Board's preference of how they spend their time first.
Mrs. Noteboom asked that two priorities be changed. The emergency
disaster records management plan should be an "A", because the
building is old and a plan should be in place in case of a
disaster.
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The emergency disaster plan would be a list of people to contact in
the case of fire and flood who would make sure the records would be
cared for so the Town administration could continue within 48
hour s.
An item under Capital Projects, continue plan for Americans With
Disabilities Act compliance needs to be done by the end of the year
by federal law. The money has been placed in the budget for
completion. Mr. Noteboom suggested this priority be upgraded to an
"A" .
Mr. Frost noted the Town is required to be in compliance but that
it may not be necessary with the possibility of a new town hall.
Councilman Niklas mentioned all the priorities are not "cast in
stone", any item could be upgraded or downgraded according to any
emergencies and projects that may occur during the year.
Mr. Frost pointed out that building and zoning has already
completed the filing of certain records by tax parcel.
Supervisor Whitcomb said he has added the Finance Committee under
the financial management category.
Supervisor Whitcomb noted the plans for locavelli Park is an "A"
priority for the Conservation Board, but the development of an
overall park and recreation greenway plan is a "B" priority. The
Supervisor asked Mr. Frantz if, in the terms of staff time which
should be the "A" and which the "B"?
Mr. Frantz recommended that the overall park, recreation, and
greenway plan be the "A".
Supervisor Whitcomb said there is a great deal to this plan, but
that he looked at last year's plan and found that 2/3's of the
items were accomplished. The staff is good, they do a great deal.
Councilman Niklas added the staff is "better than good".
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, Seconded by Councilwoman Harrison
approving the 1994 Priorities Work Plan as revised. Carried
unan imous1y.
Agenda Item No. 15 - Solicit Recommendations for Newsletter
Supervisor Whitcomb said there is a newsletter sent on a periodic
basis, and he asked for any recommendations and suggestions for it.
Anyone who has items for the Newsletter contact the Supervisor or
Town Clerk by the end of the month.
A
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Mrs. Noteboom said this newsletter will have the names, addresses,
and phone numbers of the members of the Town Board, Planning Board,
and Zoning Board. Each Board member should let her know the phone
number they want listed.
Councilman Niklas suggested the schedule of various committees be
on the newsletter.
Supervisor Whitcomb said that would require a great deal of space.
The leaf and brush pick up should be on it also.
Mrs. Noteboom said we are somewhat limited with space, but that we
try to get as much information on it as possible. We hope to make
a set schedule as to when they will go out.
Councilman Klein noted one of the priorities is to improve the
format of the newsletter. Maybe with page maker software it could
be made on 11" x 14" instead of the legal size.
Mrs. Noteboom said the biggest problem is not the size but we do
not have a listing of all the residents in the town to make sure
each household receives a newsletter. Now we use the listing of
the registered voters. There is no way to take the tax package and
extract the names and addresses. We are working on this new
list ing.
Agenda Item No. 16 -• Designation Delegates to Association of Towns
Mee ting
Supervisor Whitcomb said we will hopefully receive a list of the
resolutions prepared by the Association of Towns by our February
meeting so that we can give the delegates some direction as to how
to vote.
Motion made by Councilman Klein, seconded by Councilman Niklas
appointing Carolyn Grigorov as the Official Delegate, and Catherine
Valentino as the Alternate Delegate to the Associations of Towns
Annual Meeting to be held in February in New York City. Carried
unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 17 - Cable Television Rate Regulation Options
Councilwoman Valentino explained the Federal regulations on
administrating cable rates has been very difficult to decipher. It
has been readjusted, explained, and changed making it complex to
deal with. When the Town first discussed this it was thought the
Town should regulate the cable rates ourselves.
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However, In discussions with other communities and other cable
commissions it is clear that it is almost an impossible task for a
small entity such as ours to do on their own. The cost is very
prohibitive. Most municipalities have asked the State Cable
Commission to assume the responsibility.- In meetings with the
State they have said they are willing to do that. The indications
are that they will do a reasonably good job.
Councilwoman Valentino recommended the Town ask the State to take
the responsibility for the Town to regulate the cable rates.
Motion made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Councilman Niklas
hereby authorizing the NYS Cable Commission to resume the
responsibility of regulating cable rates for the Town. Carried
unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 19 - Water and Sewer Refunds
Motion made by Councilman Niklas approving the refund of $90.80 to
the owner of the property located at 246 Sapsucker Woods Road,
Account No. v-3356 as the property owner has changed and there is
a credit balance. Councilwoman Valentino. Carried unanimously.
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino approving a refund to Jen Robinson account U-3210 in the
amount of $31.36 for water due to an erroneous check sent by
mistake which resulted in a credit. Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 21 - Appointment Highway Laborer
Mr. Noteboom said the Highway Department is requesting the hiring
of an additional laborer which will bring the department up to full
strength again.
Motion made by Councilwoman Valentino, seconded by Councilman
Niklas approving the appointment of Edward Merrick as a full-time
highway laborer with a salary of $6.50 per hour. Appointment is
subject to a six-month probationary period, all benefits granted
full-time employment apply. Carried unanimously.
Supervisor Whitcomb pointed out this is not a new position, it is
just to replace someone who has left.
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Agenda Item No. 22 - Employment Status/Sa 1 arv Change Richard
Tenka t e
Mr. Noteboom stated Richard Tenkate has been employed for over six
months and is an excellent employee. Mr. Noteboom recommended that
he be changed to permanent status with a salary increase from $6.00
to $6.50 per hour.
the regular
increase from
Seconded by
Motion made by Councilwoman Valent ino approving
employment status of Richard Tenkate with a salary
$6.00 to $6.50 per hour, retroactive to 1/6/94.
Councilman Niklas. Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 23 - Status/Sa1 arv Change Planner I
Ms. Punger said Louise Raimondo, Planner I has completed her six-
month probationary period, it has been recommended by Mr. Walker
that her status be changed to permanent and that she be given a
salary increase from $22,000 to $23,500.
Motion made by Councilwoman Valentino, seconded by Councilman
Niklas approving the regular employment status of Louise Raimondo
with a salary increase from $22,000 to $23,500 per year effect ive
January 12, 1994. Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 24 - Employment Extension. Archaeological Survey
Project
Mr. Frantz said this item would allow
two people who are doing the work on
7 Mile Drive. It is an extension of
an extension of time for the
the archaeological survey on
t ime, no t money.
Motion made by Councilman Niklas
that the period of employment
temporary part-time employees
31 , 1994 to March 31, 1994
authorized not being exceeded
seconded by Councilwoman Harrison
for Sue Pacek and Kathleen Quinn as
of the Town be extended from January
with the original number of hours
Carried unanimously.
Agenda Item No. 27 - Appointment F.thics Board
The Supervisor explained there has been a resignation from the
Ethics Board by Herbert Genfan. Mr. Earl Thomas has indicated he
would be interested in serving on this Board.
Motion made by Counc i 1 w<jman Valentino, seconded
Niklas appointing Earl Thomas to serve as a member
Board for a term of office retroactive to January 1
December 31, 1998. Carried unanimously.
by Counc i1 man
of the Ethics
, 1994 through
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Agenda Item No. 9 - Public Hearing. Rezoning Special Land Use
District
The Supervisor opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. The Town
Clerk had proof of post ing and publicat ion.
Supervisor Whltcomb stated Mr. Macera, Director Ithacare has a
presentation to make before opening the discussion to the public.
Mark Macera. Executive Director. Ithacare Center. 115 South Coy
Street told the Town Board that Ithacare architects and engineers
will be presenting a slide show to the Board. Mr. Macera thanked
the Town Board for the opportunity to address them on the project .
The genesis of the project dates back four years. Ithacare's
present building has grown obsolete and is no longer capable of
providing the program and accommodations for the existing clientele
and those elderly in the future who require supportive services.
Because of the lack of capacity Ithacare investigated opportunities
to build a new facility and at the same time improve the quality of
care offered to the residents. Ithacare engaged Ithaca College in
numerous intensive discussions about the opportunities to develop
an intergenerational program that led to a review of a number of
sites, ending in the selection of a South Hill site in close
proximity to Ithaca College to promote that relationship. Many
discussions with Town staff and filing of the necessary
applications have led to the Public Hearing.
L.R. Kimbell & Associates. Architects and Engineers are core
companies who have been working on this. Mr. Wesley has worked on
the State Environmental review application submitted. A number of
other individuals are present who have worked on this proposal.
Mr. Macera introduced Mr. Fred Noetscher. Landscape Architect. L.R.
Kimbell & Associates who addressed the Board and presented a slide
presentation to the Board and citizens.
The site is south of the City of Ithaca on the west side of Danby
Road adjacent to Ithaca College. It is part of a 66 acre parcel
owned by Ithaca College.
Mr. Noetscher said the building would be approximately 112.000
square feet, with 160 units, and a total residential population of
around 180. There will be 60 adult care facilities. twenty
assisted living units, and 80 independent living units. Parking
will be provided for 105 cars. That number was generated from
various studies to determine the present and future needs for
parking.
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Ithacare will provide private studio one and two bedroom
residences, dining facilities, intergenerationa1 programming with
Ithaca College, auditorium, case management, etc. It is a round
the clock personal care facility.
The residents will be people who need some assistance to live a
normal or sat isfactory life.
The building will be two stories at any specific point with a total
of three stories. The design was used because the site gently
slopes to the northwest. It was felt that the site should be
accommodated with the building stepping down like a series of
stairs. The overall facade will have a residential type character.
The proposed site plan tried to deal with the issues and concerns
that were found on the site.
The wetlands amounts to approximately 7/10's of an acre. According
^ to the NTS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Army
Corp of Engineers it falls below their threshold for regulation.
DEC will regulate wetlands that are five acres or more, and the
Army Corp of Engineers will regulate wetlands that are one acre or
more. From a regulatory standpoint anything could be done to the
wetlands, however it was felt it was a unique feature to the site
and it is intended to have as little impact as possible on the
wetlands. It could be a unique passive recreation for the
residents to watch the wildlife there.
Investigations were conducted on the possibilities of endangered
plant and animal species. The DEC was contacted and the National
Heritage Program were consulted and it was found that there may
have been, or could be endangered plant species on the site.
Ithacare hired a consultant to do a study of the site, and it was
found there were no endangered plants found on or adjacent to the
site.
Parking entails some that will be very close to the residential
areas, and some that is farther out for visitors. There will be a
central drop off area at the front of the building on the east
side. Access is being proposed from 96B at that location. Access
has to be considered because of the grades involved.
It is hoped to keep the building low on the site to minimize its
impact on the views and vistas from the over look on 96B, but the
n site also has to be accessible to 96B without exceeding standard
^ gradients on the roads.
Preliminary invest igations have been completed concerning the
availability of all util i ties. There will be no problem with
connecting to sanitary sewers, water systems, and electric.
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TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 16 .
The only other point of concern regarding the utilities is storm
water management. The wetland is fed in a major way by a culvert
that runs under 96B. It is taking surface water and ground water
from the east side of South Hill underneath 96B and cliannels much
of it down to the wetland. Some of the water does flow around the
we t1 and .
As a storm water management procedure, even though i t is not
required by law, it may bo used as a retention pond. Collecting
water from the roadways and parking area and depositing i t in the
wetland then allowing it to slowly release to the northwest .
Councilwoman Harrison asked what impact putting the storm water on
the wetland would have?
Mr. Noetscher explained they would not be doing anything more than
increasing what is already happening, they would work very closely
with the entities who preform the snow and ice removal to make sure
they are not using any chemicals that would be detrimental to the
system and it wouldn't be a flushing situation, a design outlet
pipe would slowly release the water from the wetland area much like
i t does now.
Councilwoman Harrison asked what quantity of water is est imated?
Mr. Noetscher- said no real figures have been calculated. All of
the water that was collected from the pavement would not go to the
wetlands. Developing this land does not make it rain anymore it is
only a concentration and acceleration of the amount of the water.
Councilwoman Harrison asked how the building would effect the view
to the Wes t Hill?
Mr. Noetscher said it will interfere in a minor way with the view
of West Hill, but only the lower portions.
Mr. Frantz, Assistant Town Planner stated he had done an evaluation
of the impact on the views, to the left there is a nice view of
Connecticut Hill which is not effected. The portions of West Hill
where the view will be impacted are the west hill section of the
City, and the lower end of Coy Glen. West of West Haven is still
going to be visible which is a considerable portion of West Hill .
Councilman Niklas asked if the peak over the front entrance of the
building will obstruct the view?
Mr. Noetscher said the peak will be an architectural focal point of
the building an i t is only one point on the whole building.
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TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 17.
Mr. Sapara-Grant» Project Designer explained the floor plan of the
building through a slide presentation to the Board.
There are three types of living units. The assisted living units
and the independent living units are the two major units. These
units will be on the top floor.
The main floor will have some independent living units, group
activities, combined functions with Ithaca College. The lower
level will have independent living and service spaces. At any
particular level there will be two stories of building seen. The
impact from the street is reduced drastically.
Attorney Barney asked what the base elevation of 495 ft. was
related to?
Mr. Noetscher said that is the US Coastal and Geographic Survey
showing above sea level.
Councilman Klein asked what the exterior materials of the building
would be?
Mr. Sapara-Grant said it would probably be vinyl siding but that
has not been totally determined yet.
John Confer, Professor Ithaca College addressed the Board and said
he was concerned about the bird life and the potential impact of
Ithacare on the site.
Mr. Confer said he is a professional expert on the kinds of birds
that are on the site. He has written publications, been awarded
grants, and has personally surveyed the site. He also conducts
censuses of birds for the US Fish and Wildlife.
Mr. Confer surveyed the site in regards to why the golden winged
warbler is declining. At the site there are no species which the
Federal government has declared as endangered or threatened. None
of the species on the NYS Endangered List are on the site.
Birds seen there are part of the NYS census of guild or group that
live in shrubby fields that are declining. It is interesting that
people are so concerned with saving forests. In Tompkins County at
the turn of the century we were 95% active agricultural and 65%
forest and growing. Many shrub fields have disappeared. In New
York the birds that are declining are those of field and shrub,
specifically at the site where Ithacare will be.
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TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 18.
There is more concern for the birds that live in that habitat than
for the birds that live in the forest . Mr. Confer said he is
concerned in a general way about the species none of which are
specifically very rare that live in the site, but are a part of a
group of birds that show they are declining.
Mr. Confer is worried about the pond and the impact this would have
on it the proposal to put roofing and tar on the building would add
drainage to the pond which does not go there now.
Mr. Confer said aquatic birds have a problem with fluctuat ing water
level. Building pavement, roofs, pushing storm water from that
additional drainage area into a pond exacerbates the up and down of
the water level. The occasional flood that might not flood the
mallard nest would with the roof occasionally kill the nest. It is
hoped that in designing the building it would be considered to have
some other receptacle for drainage other than the wetlands.
r\ Mr. Confer spoke to Mr. Macera about the location of the parking
, lot which comes right to the quarry wall you cannot have a marsh
and pavement and then expect all the things occurring in the marsh
to act as if the surrounding habi tat liadn't changed. There needs
to be a buffer to protect the wi ldl i fe. Mr. Macera gave Mr. Confer
a posi tive response in discussions as to redesigning the size of
the parking lot to minimize i ts effect on wildl ife.
When anything is built you cut down primary production, habitat and
food for wildlife, some wildlife will be lost . There are no rare
species at the site but the destruction of habitat could be
mitigated by modifications of the design. Mr. Confer was pleased
by Mr. Macera's receptiveness to consider these problems. In an
active sense one can enhance habitat by planting shrubs that bear
berries, and planting shrubs that provide dense shelter. Mr.
Macera has assured Mr. Confer that Ithacare will go to a positive,
proactive, affirmat ive money spending effort to put in wildlife
habitat improvement efforts.
This is a facility our culture needs, and in terms of wildlife it
is doing less damage than many other places. Mr. Confer was also
concerned with where the parking lot is planned and drainage
exacerbating the water level in (he wetlands.
Councilwoman Harrison asked if the wetlands and the brush are
supporting two different bird populat ions?
Mr. Confer said that is correct , there are two different
popu1 a t ions.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 19.
Counc1Iwoman Harr1 son, asked if in the site proposal is there any
shrub habitat that will be maintained?
Mr. Confer said, yes.
Mr. Macern said much of the area is also grassy and will not be
disturbed. The building will be In approximately 1/3 of the area.
Ithacare would be as cautious as possible not to disturb the
remaining 2/3's. Part of the landscaping would include adding the
shrubbery that is beneficial to the habitat.
Rhonda Engman, Vice-Presiden( , NYS Coalition for Animals wrote
Supervisor Whitcomb a letter, and addressed the Board. Mrs. Engman
said she has known Mr. Confer for many years and she respects him
highly.
Mrs. Engman said there are certain size limitations that all
creatures require for habitat. A single pair of nesting Henslow
Sparrows require about five acres of habitat. If you decrease the
habitat even if it is not altered, the sparrows will leave in
search of another suitable habitat. In the case of this site if
the habitat is decreased by putt ing a building on it you may force
s ome s pec i e s ou t .
Mrs. Engman is disappointed Ithacare did not make a survey of the
animals. Besides the impression that was given by the Architects,
the DEC nor the Heritage Program have ever been on the site or
surveyed it. The architects survey that there is no endangered
species was based on a general survey of the entire State.
Ithacare took the time to pay Dob Wesley to do a survey of the
plants, but wouldn't go out to get a volunteer to survey the
animals. The pond and wet land habitat is very important to
reptiles and amphibians that are declining all over the State. The
way the site slopes any kind of leakage from vehicles is going to
be washed down the roadways there and get in the wetland. The
first time a resident of Ithacare complains about tlie mosquitoes
birds feed on it will be filled in. There is no guarantee from
Ithacare that they will maintain the wet land.
Ithacare serves a need in the community but this is the wrong site
for the facility. There is a need to preserve open sites
particularly sites with special views and habitats. We cannot
continue to build on these habitats and say there is no effect on
the wildlife.
Councilwoman Harrison asked Mrs. Engman if she had any knowledge of
the site harboring any particular unique animal?
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TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 20.
Mrs. Engman responded, no, but she doesn't like viewing sites in
respect to there being a unique plant or animal . All animals are
special, in and of themselves. The water birds feed on the aquatic
animals and if you take away the food source tliey will leave. It
is all interconnected.
Ed'na Federer, former county wide Program Coordinator for the
Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council addressed the Board. One
of the major issues of Senior Ci tizens has been housing.
Individuals who have adequate means of income but not enough to go
into Kendall. Every individual from the t ime they are born is
beginning to age, by the year 2010 or 2020 everyone here will be in
a situation where they need to plan.
There was an individual a physical therapist was working with in
her 90's who was able to improve enough to go back to a facility
such as Ithacare. The only assisted living that is presently in
Ithaca is Ithacare.
Mrs. Federer highly supports the Ithacare facility because of what
it will mean to this community. It is time for this new facility
and others.
John Yntema, 993 Danby Road who lives across from the overlook
spoke to the Board. Mr. Yntema asked if the Board planned to
approve or disapprove the proposal tonight or will it be considered
and done later?
Supervisor Whitcomb said it will depend on the Public Hearing, if
new information is brought forth that needs to be considered it
could be postponed.
Mr. Yntema said he is concerned as there are very few people from
the public lie re, they are outnumbered by the people connected with
Ithacare. Notices were posted on the si te across the street but
they did not say anything about the dates and times of the meeting.
Mr. Yntema happened to see the Planning Board notice in the
newspaper by accident . Why weren't the people who live on the road
notified? It is a shame that s o m e t li i n g this big is responded to so
poorly by the public, it is unfortunate more people were not
notified.
In the Environmental Impact Statement that was prepared there is a
notation that 200,000 people a year use the overlook. Mr. Yntema
favors Ithacare, but thinks this is a terrible site. Mr. Yntema
was interested in knowing what other sites were considered.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 21.
One of the access roads is 75 feet away from an adjacent residence,
the building itself is between 75 to 150 feet away from tlie
overlook. It is too close to what is supposed to be a public
facility. The artist 's rendering is not from 20 feet above the
overlook, it is from aboul 100 feet on the other side of the road.
If you look at the elevations tlie lower end of I he over look is at
594 feet . The peak that Is being discussed is not a point, it is
a ridge and that is 607 feet . The high roof ridge is at 601 feet .
If the roof ridge is 601 feet , someone standing at 594 feet will
not be able to see over the roof. Someone at the Planning Board
meeting made a very good point. If you look at something and you
see the whole vista that is one thing, but if you put something
right in front of you, you can't see the whole. If the building
were moved a couple hundred feet to the north it would be out of
everyone's way. Moving it farther to the north would Involve more
earth moving, but with an $8.5 million budget it probably would not
be that big a portion.
Mr. Tntema said there was a comment in the EAF on the sewage
/ disposal, in the Town Comprehensive Plan on page IV-5 it states,
"disadvantage of South Hill Development - the sewer system is at
capacity at the entry into the Ci ty system". It seems that this
should be a concern.
The EAF says that 2.75 acres are going to be involved in the roads
building and other paved surfaces with 7 acres developed. There is
no indication that anything else is going to be disturbed, but 2.5
does no f equa1 7. '
In the EAF there are maps of the site location, for the Board's
information the site is in the wrong place. It is next to the
property owned by Mrs. Kelly and it is not shown correctly on those
maps .
The bedrock is mentioned as greater than four feet . .\cross the
road it can be as little as six inches.
Mr. Yntema echoed Mrs. Engman concerns that no animal survey was
done. Someone from Ithacare was there yesterday looking for the
deer, but you will not find anything about the rept iles and
amphibians in the winter.
Mr. Yntema said he was curious as to the building materials to be
used. At the Planning Board hearing it was noted that the roof was
^ to be asphalt shingles that should be the case because a metal roof
would reflect off peoples faces.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 22 .
There is nothing in the EAF to explain what will be done with the
sewerage it is assumed it will go to the public system, if that is
the case the capacity question should be raised.
Under planning zoning a question is asked whether the proposed
action is compatible with the surrounding land uses within a
quarter of mile, it states yes, but how?
There was an article in the Ithaca Journal last year stating
Ithacare would be across from the college. If you look at the map
of Ithaca the only thing that is across from Ithaca College is
farther north. The only things across from this are people's
houses. What is behind that is soccer fields.
It is suggested there will be twenty more vehicles an liour passing
on 96B, 480 cars more a day. If anyone is going to work or visit
this facility in the morning when people are trying to get into the
City they will have a single lane. They wi ll clog the traffic or
a stop light will be needed. Anyone who has been driving into town
the last few months can attest that the traffic light by South Hill
School makes things worse rather than better. If they do the same
thing here there will be many problems.
The entrance to this facili ty is right across from a driveway to a
residence, with a passageway between the neighbor's belong to
Ithaca College. How will all the people who are going to work on
the intergenerationa1 program from Ithaca College going to get to
Ithacare, they will have to use that passageway which is
inconvenient to those residents.
Mr. Yntema said tlie application speaks frequently of the amount of
frail elderly and those over 90 b\it the staff numbers are 2 to 4 a
night. It is hard to bel ieve that 2 to 4 people can take care of
180 a 1 one.
The parking in terms of how much staff, visitors, and residents
needs to be considered more thoroughly.
The pond is also a concern in terms of putt ing more water into it .
The parking is three acres, that is a lot of water running off into
the we t1 ands .
Part Two of the EAF asks "if there is or likely to be public
f , controversy related to potential adverse environmental impacts",
the form says no. How is that judged, it is not correct .
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TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 23.
Jay Madison, 985 Danby Road said he lives right across from the
proposed site and next to the emergency vehicle access for Ithaca
College. There are many experts that have mentioned the ecosystem
impact on the environment . There is a large amount of wildlife.
t
Mr. Madison said he is extremely concerned with the traffic flow
and the velocity. That is a situation that needs much further
analysis before an intelligent decision can be made. 96B is
becoming a major traffic pattern for the Ci ty of Ithaca. If there
is going to be a great deal of stop and go traffic and traffic that
needs to turn, someone is probably going to have to widen the road
to handle it .
The speed limit will have to be lowered. It seems to be a raceway
now particularly for people going up tlie hill. The College Circle
apartments are near there and the increased traffic from that is
significant. This is an area which needs a great deal of
evaluation. Mr. Madison hopes that is done before approval is
g i ven.
There is also going to be the intergenerationa1 program between
Ithaca College and Ithacare. Are there going to be sidewalks
installed from Ithaca College to Ithacare? If not there will be
more traffic on the road and the students will be crossing the
road. It has been mentioned that the residents of Ithacare will be
going to the college. It has to be realist ically looked at as to
how they will be getting there. Sidewalks can end up being a major
cons idera t i on.
Everyday it is an existing project to get the mail because the
mailboxes are on the opposite side of the road. Several people who
are elderly and live on 96B have had mail delivery stopped because
it is so dangerous. These things are extremely critical if elderly
people will be in residence.
Th e talk that the building is across from the college is
interesting, it is in the proximity of Ithaca College but there is
an extreme amount of water that drains off the hill because Ithaca
College put in a very complex drainage system to keep the playing
fields dry.
The tiles drain off a sheer cl iff and that contributes to the water
running down the hill. There needs to be more consideration to the
draining of the ent ire hill. If the drainage is taken away it will
be flooded out .
TB Minutes
1113I9A
Page 26.
Councilman Nlklas said he was simply making a point of informat ion
available.
Supervisor Whi t comb said even i f tlie s i te were down zoned from
industrial to resident ial R15 , that means on the 27 acres in
question you could have from probably 75 to 100 buildings of
residential housing which would impact the environment to a greater
extent .
One of the primary concerns was about the use of the pond as a
drainage area. Supervisor Whi t comb asked Mr. Macera what could be
done to avoid or mitigate the impact on the wetland.
Mr. Noetscher said what he had described this evening was just one
of the scenario's that has been proposed. That proposal was done
very earlier on and will be invest igated much more intensely as tlie
further development is discussed.
Supervisor Whitcomb asked if the Town Board could approve the
rezoning by prohibiting the use of the wetland for drainage and
retention of additional storm water?
Councilwoman Grigorov said as a Special Land Use District that
could be done.
Mr. Macera pointed out this issue as well as many others are still
subject for considerable discussion and development again as part
of the site plan which began with the initial support and guidance
of staff and exchange with the Planning Board and the Town Board.
Ithacare will continue to do so, there is nothing at this point and
time that is definite. Tthacare is willing to work to that point
of compromise that is necessary to meet the needs of the Town's,
which is the public concerns, and to meet Ithaca re's needs.
Supervisor Whitcomb said that Mr. Confer raised the point tliat
Ithacare expressed a wi l l ingness in the site plan design to
accommodate and enhance the wildl ife habi tat in the area, is that
correct?
Mr. Macera responded that was correct . Wi th regards to the project
disturbing that area which would be coveicd by the footprint of the
building and the paved and covered spares associated wi th parking
^ and sidewalks. There is very l i t tle that can be done to change
that, however what is disturbed can be mitigated by involving the
type of landscaping design that will add the shrubbery to add
additional feeding capacity to the wildlife. Every attempt will be
made financially and pragmatically to compensate and enhance the
habitat .
TB Minutes
1/13/9^
Page 24.
It is important that all the facts and details are available and
that we don't just get excited that we will be helping elderly
people or that we will be taking away habitat for wildlife. Those
are important issues but there is a lot of informat ion that has
been pushed ahead faster than was necessary and that needs to be
further evaluated to make an intell igent dec ision. Are there
unanswered quest ions, and unquest ioned answers?
Doug Firth said he found out about the meet ing from his neighbor
and he did not have time to put his concerns in writing. Mr. Firth
said one concern he has is the obstruct ion of the view across from
the scenic overlook. There has been a great deal of discussion
regarding the view driving down Danby Road. There are a number of
private residences in this area and there view needs to be
considered. Many people bought the property for the view. Mr.
Firth said he supports the comments made that the site be moved
north, more directly across from the buildings of Ithaca College.
If that could not be accommodated it could be moved west on the
building site that is proposed. It is ironic a few years ago the
money was spent to put in the overlook for the public to enjoy and
now this massive building is being put in front of it distorting
the view.
Everyday Mr. Firth goes to the mailbox he is put t ing his life in
jeopardy. The amount of traffic and the velocity is intolerable.
Many times it takes him five minutes to get the mail to run through
a get gap in the traffic. People do not obey the speed limit,
everyone is fighting for the single lane trying to get ahead of the
other guy. Someone is going to get killed.
There are a great number of people who jog along this road
including full Ithaca College teams who even jog in the road. They
are competing with traffic that is going 60 to 65 miles per hour on
a major highway. There is a problem here. Either the traffic has
to be slowed down or the volume has to be controlled.
Supervisor Whit comb asked if anyone else wished to be heard? No
one else asked to be heard by the Board.
Supervisor Whitcomb said he felt there were some very val id and
serious concerns brought out this evening. Supervisor Whitcomb
asked the Board for their comments.
Councilwoman Grigorov felt i t would be important for the residents
and Board to be able to direct questions to the T t h a c a r e
representat ives .
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 25.
Mr. Macera said Ithacare is willing to respond either verbally or
in writing to any of the concerns raised this evening. Because of
the interest of time he deferred the discussion to the Board as to
the questions that were most important.
The question before the Board is to address the issue of rezoning
this evening. Not all the questions are related to that, those
related to the site plan are not an issue before the Board this
even ing.
Supervisor Whitcomb said Mr. Macera was correct the issue tonight
is whether to rezone the site from an industrial use to a special
land use district which is a down zoning of the intensity on the
site. There are concerns as to the way Ithacare will be built and
the Board needs to be aware of those things, as well as to the
appropriateness or inappropriateness of the rezoning.
Councilman Niklas said he has to be very careful in what he says
because he cannot vote on this issue because of conflict of issue
as he owns a home across from the scenic overlook..
Councilman Niklas asked those residents who are opposed to this
rezoning if they are aware of the fact that the present zoning is
industrial, and that if Ithacare's rezoning for this particular
project is not approved that someone could come in and place an
industrial complex of the size and magnitude that the present
zoning allows which has the potential to create a greater amount of
traffic on 96B, the potential to disturb a greater amount of the
ecosystem mentioned, ^and has the potential to block a greater
amount of the scenic vista that all are concerned about?
Councilman Niklas said he is raising those issues because it is
very important for the public to understand what the opposition
en t a i 1 s .
Mrs. Engman asked if Councilman Niklas was saying that this is an
either/or situation?
Councilman Niklas responded he is saying if the present zoning
remains the same and if a complex comes in that does not require
variances and fulfills all the obligations of the present zoning in
the Zoning Ordinance this Town Board would not even be involved in
the issue. It would be exclusively the Planning Board's
responsibility, which if it gave its approval, and under this
^ scenario it would be hard to understand how they could not unless
variances were requested and it had to go before the Zoning Board
of Appeals, it could deteriorate that site considerably more than
what this rezoning would.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 27 .
Mr. Madison asked if traffic coming down Route 96B would involve a
great deal of left hand turns coming down two lanes of highway into
the Ithaca re, and If so is there a possibility of having a turning
lane?
Mr. Walker stated there is room to put a turning lane In, but the
Intersection with Ithaca College would have to be looked at . One
of the improvements that is required for the facility is approval
from the State DOT for the curb cut . There shouldn't be too many
concerns about the left turns in the morning. The primary left
turns into Ithacare wi ll be employee's who will be leaving town.
Mr. Macera said peak staff for the day is between 38 and 40 people
including full-time and part-time. The majority of the time the
number is less than that. Most of the employee's live south and
will not come into the City. The issue of the worst situation is
not going to occur on a day to day basis.
Mr. Frantz said nortli of the Ithaca College entrance the normal
traffic pattern on Danby Road is between 14,000 and 15,000
vehicles. South of the Ithaca College entrance towards Danby it
lessen dramatically to around 6,000 vehicles a day.
Supervisor Whitcomb pointed out a short t ime ago the Town requested
a reduction of the speed limit from the State DOT for that section
of Danby Road. The State DOT refused, the Town Board was going to
appeal that based on what occurred wi th Ithacare.
The Town Clerk stated the Town Board decided to wait on the appeal
until the numbers and statistics were available if the Ithacare
facility took place.
there is another potent ial project by King Road
increase the traffic. The State has been saying
Mr. Walker said
tha t wouId also
this portion of the highway does not meet their criteria for
vehicle trips to justify a reduction in the speed limit . The
people at the greatest risk are those who have to go to the
mailbox.
Councilman Niklas said
issue.
the mailbox issue is definitely a serious
Mr. Walker said possibly the Post Office could be approached about
having the mailboxes moved to the other side of the road because of
this problem.
Counc ilman Niklas said he wouId l ike
Office has be<Dn approached concerning
not that the Town Board do so.
to investigate if the Post
this issue, and if they have
TB M i 11111 e s
1/13/94
Page 28.
Counci1woman Grigorov said there was a question about the
Comprehensive Plan where the sewer was already at capacity, is that
a problem?
Mr. Walker said there is a port ion of the Tthacn sewer that starts
at t li<^ Ci ty l ine aliove Morr is Chain th.i l was put in the 1930 's. Tt
is slate t ile sewer and It liaca College lias been the primary load,
along w i t h de Ve 1 opnien t on the Sou 1 h TT i 1 1 . Tli i s creates a situat ion
when Tthaca College is in session that sewer is loaded to and
beyond capaci ty at t imes. Th is has been an exist ing problem. Th e
Town is in the process of resolving that problem. There are other
problems within the City system in terms of overload, not at the
connection point because of steep gradient , but when i t gets
d own t own.
Supervisor Whitcomb noted the sewer capacity problem is an "A"
category on the work plan.
Mr. Walker said that project has funding and construction for
correcting the problem will be done tliis summer. The capacity of
the Town when it is completed will be able to handle any form of
development on South Tli 11 .
The Ci ty Is in the process of upgrading port ions of their sewers.
The Town has a commitment to work wi th the City to improve sliared
sewers, part of that is the sewer grid which serves this area. The
City does not have problems at the Aurora Street area because the
grade is so steep. There is tremendous capacity even though they
are small sewer lines. The problems occur when they hit the flats
of the City.
Councilwoman Harrison said some residents raised the issue that the
building would be better accommodated on the site if the building
were moved to the North.
Mr. Macera responded the ini t ial si te plan and work that was
associated in investigating that took into consideration and
recognized that the road frontage is somewhat limited, the overlook
and the topography, access to the land, and potent ial future
development on the balance of the land would be impacted on the
placement of the facili ty. Placing i t as far south as possible
takes best advantage of the land minimizing the obstacles that
would create future difficulties in accessing portions of the land.
Locating somewhat behind the overlook, no one is going to build a
road crossing the overlook to get to the land, yet if the building
were located further to the north i ts road frontage would be
obstructed for purposes of developing the access balance of the
land. The balance being 6(5.6 acres less 27.5.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 29.
Counci1 woman Harrison asked if the balance of the site were
developed there would be another access road?
Mr. Macera said not necessari ly, it has been discussed that the
access to the back port ion of the land needs lo be protected to
take more road frontage from the northern port ion subtract ing from
the access.
Attorney Barney asked, why not place the building back to the west?
Mr. Macera said based on the State environmental document there
have been certain concerns expressed on the qua 1 i ty of the
environment further west from the current si te which may increase
the negative impact if it were moved. Also, the increased costs of
accessing utilities if the building site were moved is a concern.
Supervisor Whitcomb said it would not have to be moved much further
west to drop the elevation of the building significantly.
Mr. Frantz stated the end of the building is already very close to
the outflow of the wetlands. If you go we s t / nor t hwe s t the site
becomes steeper. There would be a great many problems.
Mr. Macera said moving the bui lding si Ie would actually al ter the
program and they would have to rcaddrcss whether Tlhacare could
make available the necessary services to the residents because of
the drop in elevation.
Mr. Frantz noted another problem with shifting the building to the
north is it will encroach significantly on the view from the
overlook to the lake. They have cited the building in the best
location there is on the 66.6 acres from the standpoint of the
overlook view, avoiding steep slopes, avoiding wetlands and other
environmentally sensi tive areas.
Supervi sor Wh itcorab asked about the lack of information concerning
the Public Hearing?
Mr. Frantz responded that tlie Planning Board's policy is that all
abutting property owners including (hose across the road from a
subject parcel are to be not ified, tlial was done.
Attorney Barney asked if the posted signs made reference to this
'A mee ting?
Mr. Macera said Town staff informed h i jn those two signs were to be
installed not less than 14, nor more than 30 days based on a
schedule provided to him.
• N
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 3 W .
Councllwoman Harrison asked what means are being considered for
traffic based on the intergenerationa1 program with Tthaca College?
Mr. Macera responded the original planning of the faci lity as
suggested by members of the communi ty was to locate the access to
the complex further south in proximi ty to the access area that is
cujTonlly undeve 1 o[)(,'d fields behind the residences on the east side
of Danby Road. The si tuat ion presented would be one like
Candlewyck Apartments on Trumansburg Road where the site would be
accessed and you would have to drop a significant amount of feet
that would cause some serious operat ional prot)lems. Also, v i (;ws in
terms of traffic looking to the south would be obstructed unless i t
were changed. It became an impossibili ty to relocate the access
road, it provides the best views in both directions.
Mr. Macera said people would not be walking back and forth to
Ithaca College from Xthacare. There are transportation agreements
with community based organizations and discussions for arrangements
with Ithaca College to provide van service. Everything would be
scheduled, it would not be permi t ted for the residents to walk.
Supervisor Whit comb asked Mr. Macera if he cared to comment on the
(] u e s t I o n of the issue raised regarding the 2.71 acres v e r s u s the 7
acres referred to in the EAT?
Mr. Noetscher responded that one of the quest ions on the EAE is how
much development will be considered road buildings and other paved
surfaces, in the plan it represents approximately 2.75 acres. The
7 acres of development mentioned meant the overall area where earth
would be removed and returned to its natural condition.
It had been planned with land that was not a hard surface there may
be some small mowed areas in front of the building, but the rest of
the land would be returned to its natural condit ion. Ithacare does
not want to maintain eight or more acr(^s of la wn.
Councllwoman Valentino asked how may uni ts are at the present
Ithacare facility?
Mr. Macera responded they currently 7-1 units, this would double the
number of uni ts. There are current ly 81 residents that changes
based on occupancy by residents who have spouses, or unusual
personal care needs.
Councllwoman Valentino asked what kind of wai t ing list there is?
/ \
TD M i n u t e s
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P a g rr 31 .
Mr. Macera said there current waiting list is from 2 to 12
Individuals and the turnover can be months apart . The individuals
physical and mental capabilities are reevaluated. When there is a
vacancy tlic individual at the top of the l ist is evaluated unt il an
appropriate individual is chosen.
Counci1 woman ValenI ino said in the plans there arc a number of
units where people can take care of themselves, what if those
numbers change?
Ml . Ma c c r a said one individual from the u b 1 i c cj u e s t I o n e d how the
residents could be cared for wi th a staff of only 2 or 3 in the
evening/night shift . Ithacare provides a continuum of services in
various levels. Ithacare will maintain approximately 60 units in
an adult care facility which require full time staff members around
the clock. The assisted living units (20) and the (80) independent
will make use of supporting services such as diets, dining rooms,
house keeping, maintenance. Those can be scheduled and provided on
an as needed basis which addresses the concerns on the level of
staffing the question entertained.
CouncMwoman Harrison said thai part of the Town subdivision
I e g u 1 a t i o n s but not n e t o s s a r i 1 y part of a [> r o j e c t , is to reserve a
recreational open space, should that be considered wi th this
project?
Mr. Frantz said the staff has discussed whether it is appropriate
for Ithacare to set aside land as part of the rezoning or to use
the Town's subdivision regulations of the standard 10% set aside
for open space. The staff feels the better option is address the
park and open space dedicat ion through the subdivision process
because in this case the Ithacare site is 27.5 acres, the ent ire
parcel that will be subdivided is about 67 acres. The Ithacare
land may not be the best land from which to lake the open space
dedication maybe there are better si tes in the other port ion of the
acreage.
Councilman Whit comb asked how would we word the Special Land Use
District such that it wouldn't be f o r g o t t 11 by a future D o a r d that
the 27 acres was supposed to be included in the 10% set aside if
and when the rest of the si te is developed at a later date?
Attorney Barney responded it could be done several ways, i t could
be done as a Special Land Use OistrifM. There was language in the
■>y l^sislation that allocated a port ion of this land for open parkspace but after atldit ional consideration it seemed appropriate to
TD Minutes
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Pago 32,
do it as part of the subdivision process. The thought was to do it
as done in the past by the Planning Board level where maybe at this
point we do not wani the set aside, but we also want to include the
acreage that is being subdivided for purposes calculat ing a set
aside if something happens to the remaining acres. What the
Planning Board would proI)ably do wiiile approving the subdivision is
have a condi t ion t liat if t lie re is any further subdivision of the 40
acres there be an appropriat e^ set as ide wi th the calculat ions based
upon the original 66 acres.
Counci lwoman Harrison pointed out if you have a big lot of 66 acres
it is bettei to think through what 10% of that makes the most sense
to preserve. It is possible that some of the land would be on the
27 acres, is there some way througli the subdivision process that
this 10% set aside can be done?
Attorney Barney, yes if this Town Board feels i t is an important
enough issue it should be done as this Special Land Use legislation
because if the Town Board chooses to pass this, once it is done
that issue now becomes a Planning Board and planning staff issue
and it would be decided at that level unless by a provision of this
legislation tlie Town Board directs different ly.
Mr. Walker said this Special Land Use District is very specific to
this .i.60 unit assisted living facility. Itliacare has come forward
and said at some point in the future they may wish to put in a
nursing home facil ity or single family residential. That idea is
totally excluded as an allowed use in this action. The only
allowed use is this 160 unit facility on the 27 acres. If they
wish to modify that in the future to allow a nursing home, they
have to come again before this Town Board and the Planning Board
for a change in zone then there is an opportunity for a set aside.
Staff has had a problem because the site has been reviewed. There
is nothing on the parks and open space plan or the Comprehensive
Plan that designates any of those areas as appropriate. The Town
staff has been in touch with State Parks who oversees Buttermilk
Falls State Park and there is no trail linkages. This created
difficulty in saying this is an area to recommend to the Town Board
to take responsibili ty for as a park. It may be such because
Ithaca College owns the land, l iiat once in fh«• s u b d i v i s i o n t) r o c s s
and more details are known tlierc may be other opportunities for
recreational areas that are not best suited for this site, but
other lands Ithaca College owns.
Counc i 1 woman Ha r r i s on asked Mr. Mac:era if he liad a problem wi th the
Town Board st ipulating some further set back from the wetlands so
that tlie parking would not be right next to it .
TD M i nil I es
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Page 33.
Mr. Macera responded without a through evaluat ion of whatever
suggestion the Town Board would offer it is difficult for him to
give an answer. Mr. Macera suggested based on a review in terms of
locat ing the footprint now and looking at various opt ions, that to
cieate a set back based on the buildings current footprint would
r<*qui rc movcnncn f of the bui lding most l ikely north and would
require further negot iat ions wi th Ithaca College for addi t ional
1 a n d r e q u i r e m e n t s .
Mr. Macera felt comfortable the parking lot could be moved because
there is the balance of the lands north and south to work wi th.
There is flexibility to work with in terms of pavement .
The Special Land Use District language provides for decreasing that
parking in the initial phase by up to 20%. Ithacare's point is to
provide less parking. it costs less, it impacts less of the
environment they just have to meet the Town's requirement for
adequate parking for those that live and use the facility.
Councilman Niklas said that regardless of where the parking lots
are placed there are very invent ive ways of taking the drainage
away from p a i" k i n g lots and redirect ing the output through pipes.
Proximity to a wet land is not necessarily guaranteeing that is
where the run off will be directed.
Mr. Macera said they could have made a tactical mistake at this
point in time without thinking through a full site plan for the
Town staff. It seemed to make sense at the present time to have
the run off go to the wetland as a consideration. There has no
through discussion of that . Members of the public have also
created discussion of possible discharge of toxins into the
wetlands. It should be highlighted that the culvert that goes
along the east side and drains the water to the west side into the
pond area now represents all the salts and petroleum products from
the roads. In fact Ithacare would not be adding any difficulty to
the current quality of the pond.
Supe rv i s or Wh itcomb asked the Boa rd if they had any additional
questions and if they wished to act on the rezonirig this evening?
Do they want to refer it, amend the language, what?
Councilman Conloy asked i f what Is l)oing cons idered is s f r i c t 1 3' t Iks
rezon i ng ?
Council wo in an Grigorov said yes, i t would then have to be presented
to the Planning Board for s u b d i v i s i o n and si te plan approval.
TB Minutes
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Page 34.
Councilwoman Valentino said at point they would talk about having
more specific ideas for changes in the parking lot , tree and shrub
plant ing, r gu 1 a t I ons of
all of those i s s u s going
should be not pr ob1em i n
the wetlands, and the open space. Wi th
to the Planning Board In t h(? future there
act ing this evening.
Counci 1 man K1ein asked If the Planning Board would do another SEQR?
Attorney Barney said he suspected the Planning Board would wish to
see a supplemental SEQR for the site plan and subdivision. This
SEQR was designed to the rczoning.
CounciIman K1ein said the specific concerns as raised tonight would
be revisited by the Planning Board.
Attorney Barney stated regardless of whether the Planning Board
would want a supplemental SEQR, they would review the concerns.
Supervisor Whitcomb asked the Board if they were comfortable in
approving the rezoning, referring it back to the Planning Board
under the assumption they will in fact address the issues as raised
satisfactorily?
Councilwoman Harrison asked if the Planning Board will review the
elevation of the building and the overlook, based on the Tompkins
County Planning Department 's letter?
Mr. Frantz said the County
version of the site plan. Mr
Planning Department had the older
Frantz said he spent an hour at the
overlook and a great deal of t ime reviewing aerial photographs to
determine what the view impact would be. Mr. Frantz pointed out to
the County Planner's that it will be blocking a port ion of West
Hill, but the bulk of West Hill will still be visible.
Mr. ^facera said the obstruction of si tes as portrayed earlier by a
resident is not the case from the overlook. The person would be
hundreds of feet away from the building and the obstruct ion would
be nothing but the shadow of the bui lding that it casts behind the
physical structure. It is not in front where j'oii cannot see around
it is at a distance. It will obstruct the foreground that
portion of West Hill as explained.
This was looked at very carefully. There is not much else to be
done unless you build down and there are practical cons iderat ions
making that impossible.
Counci1 woman Origorov said she appreciated Ithacare making from the
very beginning a major concern that the view be preserved.
TB Minutes
1 /13 /94
Page 35.
Supervlsor
willingness
public to m
Whitcomb stated the Board
to work with the Town Board,
n1m i z e the impact .
appreciates Ithacare's
Planning Board, and the
Councilman Klein asked how urgent i t is that this Local Law be
adopted this evening. Tf the Local Law is approved tonight a
Certificate of Necessity has to he completed.
Mr. M a c c r a said as a i) (> i n t of informat ion T t h a c a r e Center Services,
Co. is the appl icant not Ithacare Inc., so that a difficul ty does
not arise in the future.
Mr. Macera on the matter of urgency, beginning with the original
plans with the project and the discussions to the various project
teams, negotiations with the College, discussions with the mortgage
bankers all hinges on the Town Board's decision. In such cases
everything lines up behind every other decision. While it may not
seem that one or two month's delay is significant. Mr. Macera could
not speak as to what that would do to the other elements.
There is a significant amount of urgency to approve the rezoning so
that Ithacare can move forward with the project as it requires
evidence of control of the site. It begins witli the rezoning and
then the College can be approached for a letter saying the land
will be made available to Ithacare.
Councilwoman Grigorov said
waiting.
s h<'did not see what could be gained by
Councilwoman Harrison agreed, the public comments were heard and
discussed. Councilwoman Ilarrisoii asked if the Board is considering
in the Local Law that there should be an additional provision to
address the issue of roads and parking in such a way as to provide
adequate set back protect ion to the wetlands? Basicly the Town
Board is very concerned with that issue so it does not
the subdivision and site plan approval .
get lost in
Attorney Barney said a provision could bo added, however then it
would substantially change the Local Law which would then require
advertisement and another public hearing resulting in a delay.
You could accompl ish in mucli t lie same way
Board minutes be sent to the Planning Board
copies of these Town
Councilwoman Harrison asked if that should be done as a
lesolution, and whether i t should include a reference to
a nd open space ded I r a t I oti ?
separate
t h e park
TB Minutes
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Page 37.
Attorney Barney pointed out some Ihings were added to be reviewed
that would not normally be considered during the review process.
The local law adds on to what would otherwise normally be the si te
plan review. The law is saying there are more things that are to
be discussed.
M1 . WaIker asked if that sect ion said "final site plans and design
drawings", would that s i g n i f i c a nI 1y change the legislat ion?
Attorney Barney said tliat "design drawings" can be added.
Roll call vote taken, all members voted aye, with the exception of
Councilman Niklas who abstained. Motion carried.
Motion made by Councilman Klein, seconded by Counci1woman Grigorov
adopting the resolution ent i tled, "Review of Ithacarc Rezoning",
that if Ithacare for some reason does not build on this si te the
rezoning would be reviewed, (see attached). Councilman Niklas
1 abstained. All others voted aye. Motion carried.
Motion made by Councilwoman Harrison, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino that the Planning Board in i ts consideration of the
subdivision and si te plan review of the proposed Ithacare project
is requested to review the design and locat ion of the parking lots
and drainage so as to maximize the protect ion of the wetlands area.
Councilwoman Harrison asked if the view is adequately protected in
terms of the height restriction in the Special Land Use district?
Attorney Barney said it is very well protected by the statement ,
"the ground level at the highest point of the overlook".
Counc ilwoman Harrison said actually it is not , the maximum is
several feet higher than that .
Mr. Frantz said the maximum roof ridge elevat ion is 601 the peak is
607. The upper end of the overlook is the same height as the peak
of the roof except for the center.
Councilwoman Harrison asked if the plans and the schematics are now
a part of this Local Law?
^ Attorney Barney said the plans, LS2, LS3 are a part of the Local
^ Law.
Motion called. Councilman Niklas abstained. All other Board
members voted aye. Mot ion carried.
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TB Minutes
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Page 36.
Attorney Barney said he was comfortable that the park and open
space dedication has already been discussed at the Planning Board
and.will be included in the site plan and subdivision discussions.
Supervisor Whitcomb asked the members of the public if anything has
been raised during the discussion which is of addi t ional concern,
and whether they have anything new to add before the Town Board
acts on the legislation.
No one came forward wi th addi t ional informat ion.
Motion made by Councilwoman Grigorov making a negative
determination of Environmental S i g n i f i c a n c in accordance with the
New York State Environmental Quali ty Review Act for the proposed,
"LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL LAND
USE DISTRICT (LIMITED MIXED USE) EOR THE TTITACARE SENIOR LIVING
COMMUNITY ON DANBY ROAD OWNED BY ITHACARE CENTER SERVICES, INC.",
and therefore an Environmental Impact Statement will not be
required. Seconded by Councilwoman Valentino. Councilman Niklas
abstained. All others voted aye. Mot ion carried.
Motion made by Councilman Klein, seconded by Councilman Conley that
the Town Board does hereby approve and enact said Local Law and
that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign the Certificate of
Necessity, and the Town Clerk is authorized to file the Local Law
as required by law.
Councilwoman Harrison felt the proposal is an infinitely sounder
use of this piece of property than an industrial one. While in
some ways it would be wonderful to leave things as they are for the
wildlife habitat, this proposal can be developed in a way to
accommodate nature. We are fortunate to have a developer who is
sensitive to the development of this site.
CounciIman K1ein asked on page 2, paragraph 4A the wording in terms
of the design work will be reviewed by the Planning Board shows
that all improvements are shown on a final site plan. That is
really not the case, there is not a set of documents the Planning
Board will be reviewing.
Attorney Barney said the definition of final site plan includes
such things as more than one piece (5f paper. It can be engineering
drawings and specificat ions. They will be shown on any final site
^ plan. A final site plan is an a g g i- e g a t i n n of all of those
documen t s.
Counc i 1 man K1 e i n said lie wanted to make sure the Planning Board has
the authori ty to view ( h<^ rest of the design as referenced.
/ '
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 38.
Agenda Item No. - Addi t ional 2; Aniendnieiits to SCLIWC Pules and
Regula t i ons
Supervisor Whi tcomb stated the Town Board passed a resolut ion on
1 - / T - / 9 3 wh I (. li asked thai the SCL T WC revise the billing period,
page 39 of thei r Rules and Regulat ions to extend the time by ten
days, from 20 to 30. We requested that SCLIWC extend the time for
people to pay their bills by 10 days before incurring interest and
pena1t i es.
Bolton Point 's accountant has informed the Town i t will cost the
Town appioximately S8232 in lost revenue i f the Town extended the
payment time. No one has ever been shut off because of missing
their water payment, furthermore in terms of trying to reconcile
the receivables between Bolton Point and the Town it would add an
eight day lag beyond the normal month end. We already have
difficulty in reconci l ing with Bolton Point .
Ms. Alario commented she would have to speak to Larry Parlett.
Administrative Manager SCLIWC because when the Town is done with
the last of our deposits for the month they are sent to Bolton
Point with a note saying we are done for the month and requesting
a trial balance. That Is the cut off. so how can Bol ton Point say
it would add eight days to the reconciliation process?
Supervisor Whitcomb suggested that this item be postponed until the
next meeting so that Ms. xMario can get more information.
Councilwoman Valentino said she would also like to know what money
this is that we are losing.
Mr. Walker said it is the penalty revenue.
Counc i1woma n Valent ino said that is what she is worried about .
Ms. Alario felt that people who are late.' on the 20th of the month
will still be late on the 30th.
Councilwoman Valent ino said that is not necessarily true as it
depends on how peoples payrolls fall . A lot of poor people if they
had a li t tle more time wouldn't have that happen. It is sad if the
Town gains revenues from penal ties instead of revenues from the
rates .
Counci lwoman G i i g o i* (> v said if Ms. A 1 a r i i > Is c o r r cm? t the Town would
still have the revenue.
TB Minnie s
1/13/94
Page 39 .
Supervisor Whitcomb said Ihe revenue has to come from somewhere,
even if it means raising tlie rates.
Counci lman N1 k 1 a s said this is a very serious issue and we need
further informat ion to make an intell igent decision.
Mr. Walker said part of the argument in the loss of revenue is
another issue. There is one large water user who never pays their
II is always paid on the taxes, Best Western. The loss of
revenue from penalties for low income people is probably only 10^?.
of the amount quoted by Mr. Parlctt . The real problem is an
accounting one at Bolton Point . The twenty day cut off is when
they start the next billing cycle.
■AGnda Item No. Additional 1 - SCLIWC 1993 Budget Transfers and
Amendmen t s
Motion made by Councilman Niklas, seconded by Councilwoman
Valentino approving and authorizing the 1993 Budget Transfers and
Amendments as adopted by the SCLIWC on January 6, 1994. Carried
unan i mou s1y.
Agenda Item No Report of Tomnkins County Board of
^ \
Represen t a t ives
Beverly Livesay said the three town residents who are on the
Tompkins County Board of Representatives have agreed to schedule
the attendance by one of them at the Town's meetings.
Representative Livesay said tlie County Board has reorganized witha Democratic majority and they are looking to be more pro — active in
solving problems, and more interact ive w i 111 the community and the
mun icipalities.
Ms. Livesay will be chai ring the Governmental Affairs Committee
wh i c h incorporates the a d m i n i s t r a t i • part of County government andwill continue the Intergovernmental dut ies as last year. The
Committee is hoping to do much more with intermunicipa 1 cooperation
and consolidation.
An issue has been mentioned in the past about consolidation of
Planning Services with the County, those efforts will be under the
Governmental Affairs Committee.
Supervisor Whitcomb asked who is the Sol id Waste Chairman?
Ms. Livesay r e s po n d i- Th o iii a s To d d .
/■ ,
TD Minutes
1/13/9^
Page 40.
Supervisor Whitcomb received a letter from a resident complaining
about the garbage pick up and wished to refer it to the appropriate
County Board Representat ive.
Ms. Lives ay said that she would be happy to handle that letter.
This is the issue she has spoken to the Board about before, whether
the Town would like to contract for their own garbage service.
Supervisor Whitcomb said the Town is still waiting to hear from the
County about the Town's options concerning this matter.
Ms. Lives ay stated she raised that issue after the last meeting,
and found that the information was not quite ready but was about to
be sent to the Town.
Ms. Livesay said some of the otlier issues that may utilize lielpfrom the Coi.inty aie cable commission, etc. Ted Wixom is very
interested in the cable commission Issue and has agreed to take on
the responsibility of working on coordinated services.
Councilwoman Valentino asked if Mr. Wixom will be calling her to be
a part of those meetings?
Ms. Livesay said that she had told Mr. Wixom that Councilwoman
Valentino wished to be contacted about tiiose meetings.
The Town Clerk stated she would like to have a little better
cooperation with the County in 1994 concerning one issue. In 1993the County and Town Receivers of Taxes worked very well together in
devising a new format for the tax bill and most people are very
please with the format .
The County Assessment Office is responsible for name and address
changes on the tax bill. The Town has a folder that we place these
lequests in and then we forward it to the County Assessment
Department. Tiie Town assumes the changes have been made and triesto check that they have. Unfortunately, this year during the tax
collection process we are finding that many of t lie so changes are
not being taken care of as thought . Mrs. Noteboom asked Ms.
Livesay for more cooperation between the tax collectors and the
assessment office so if the assessment office has to big a workload they could at least give us the Towns forms people could fill
out about changes. People say they notified us a long time ago
about this change and I was assured it would be done. Tliey are
getting angry. Mrs. Noteboom said slie does not like to infer that
the reason the correct ion is not dtrne is because it is someone
else s ICS ponsib lil t y. This is something tVic other tax collectors
in t lie County have mentioned and should bo discussed.
/' \
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TB Minutes
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r a g e '11 .
Ms. Lives ay said she will look Into this issue and get back to the
Town regarding it .
Agenda Ttem No. 18 - Tlxnendi turo For New Town TTa 11
Supervisor Whi t comb said this i tem is to consider the expenditure
of Town funds for a Town Hal 1 space needs assessment .
Motion made by Counci lman N i k1 a s, seconded by Counc i1woman Harrison
authorizing the expenditure of not more than $0,000 in Town funds
to Invest igate and pursue the acquisi t ion or construct ion of a Town
ITa 1 1 that wi ll adequately meet the administrative and operational
needs of the Town and authorizing the Town Clerk and the Town
Engineer to prepare an RFP and solicit Planning and Design Services
to accomplish this.
Councilwoman Valent ino said the prepared resolut ion (see attached)
lists good reasons why the Town needs a different facility but.
inefficient and costly heating and maintenance should be added.
Supervisor Whitcomb proposed a further amendment to the first
resolved that the funds be expended from A1990.400, Cont ingent
(decrease); and A16 2 0 . '112 Buildings - Grounds, Maintenance
(increase) .
Councilman Conley asked if the Board was talking about hiring
someone to evaluate the suggestion made earlier, can this be hired
ou t locally,
Mr. Walker also recommended that a local architect be hired because
they would have knowledge of the area.
Councilman Niklas said he would feel comfortable having the
architect chosen by the Town Engineer and the Town Clerk.
Mrs. Noteboom said she and Mr. Walker would prepare a list of needs
for every department and compile the iieccssary information for the
a rch i t ec t .
Supeivisor Whitcoinb said they can use the space study that was
prepared by a student a f.Mv year;; ago.
Councilman Niklas approved the a in e n d m e 11 1 s as stated, Councilwoman
II a r r i s o n s e c o n d e d .
Supeivisor Wli I I c om b asked if this could be a c < o in p 1 i s h e d for the
amount of money lndicat «n|?
TD M i n u t e s
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Page 42 .
The Town Clerk said that slic d i.d not believe the resolution
referred to a specific locat ion, she interrupted i t as doing a
needs assessment for what the needs were and what type of bui lding
would meet those needs.
Counci l woman Crigorov said she felt that was the best public
r o 1 a t i o ti s thing to do.
Council woman Harrison said the Town has a part icular building that
some of the Board members have substant ial interest in for sale
now, and she thought that we were looking specifically for whether
that building could meet the Town needs.
Councilman Niklas pointed out the part icular building being
referred to was previously discussed in Executive Session. Tl»e
issue is can the assessment be accomplished for the amount of money
referenced in the resolution.
Councilman Klein noted he has a conflict of interest when dealing
with this issue in regards to the part icular property referred to.
New York State offers many feasibility studies for community
residences and similar types of requirements the Town has, and the
blanket fee is a maximum of $5,000.
Councilwoman Harrison said Coiinc i 1 woman Valentino had compared the
building to constructing a new building. It is assumed that once
the space needs are met it is a question of applying the square
foo t age needed .
Councilman Klein said for instance if the building has 12,000
square feet yet the analysis says the Town only needs 8,000. The
comparison can. be made between remodeling and new construction.
Supervi sor Wh i t c o m b said f < j r the archi tect to see if the building
in question meets the Town's needs they will first have to find out
what those needs are.
Councilman Klein said the more assistance the town staff can give
the architect the less the Town w<mld have to spend.
Councilman Con ley called the mcji ion. All members voted the
approval of the mot ion w i t li the amendments wi th the exception of
Connc i 1 ma n Klein who abstained . Mo t i <3n carr ied.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 43.
Agenda Item No 20 - Acceptance Occupational Exposure to Rabies
Po1i cv
Motion made by Councilman Niklas approving the prepared resolution
(see attached) with the following amendments, adding disposable
rubber gloves to number 5. the anagram at the end of the policy
page 1 be written out to explain it, and page 3 second paragraph
the word "not" crossed out. Seconded by Councilman Conley. Motion
with amendments carried unanimously.
Agenda—I.,tem No. 25 ~ Town Position on Route 13 South. Improvements
Supervisor Whitcomb noted the previous Town Board approved sending
a letter to Harry Carlson, dated 11/5/93 to the State regarding the
Town s concerns about the Route 13 improvements.
Councilwoman Harrison stated that she does not like the Town's
position on this issue.
Councilman Niklas asked Councilwoman Harrison what she did not
' like?
Councilwoman Harrison responded she has a great deal of concerns.
The Environmental Management Council, League of Women Voters, and
Town Planning information addressed concerns about the piece meal
way this is being done and the inadequacy of the environmental
ana lysis.
Councilwoman Harrison personally has reservations of creating more
four lane highway which seems to be the standard DOT design.
There would be' an opportunity to possibly develop it as a parkway
which has a very different design.
Councilman Niklas said the resolution has already been made without
Councilwoman Harrison s assent, the practical question is whether
there might be other means of expressing her concerns.
Councilwoman Harrison said she feels the Town doesn't look very
good in this issue.
Councilman Niklas questioned if this should be an item to be
addressed by the Public Works Committee to discuss reconsidering
the Town's position.
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page 44.
Councilman Conley suggested that zoning is part of i t . They have
to end up with four lanes to the top of Newfield Mill to the road
past the airport . Wh at they arc doing is taking a piece and
extending the four lane a l i ttle further, then i t stops .again, and
that wi ll he a no t he r project 1n the future.
Supervisor Whi tcomb pointed out the Board in their letter expressed
concern they h.ad not looked at the corridor in a whole.
Councilman Conley said i f we have a letter, .and we do something to
greave this and it st<aps there and is never finished i t will be a
tremendous mess.
Councilman Niklas said this Town Board as a majority has changed
since the previous resolution was passed. Tf the same Town Board
sent a different message in another resolution it would look absurd
with the new Town Board. Councilman Niklas suggested the new
members who are interested and concerned about this meet in the
context of the Public Works Committee and draft a position to be
presented to the Town Board that can be discussed.
Councilman Conley asked wliy this i tem was placed on the agenda?
The Town Clerk responded that a Town Board member asked that i t be
put on the agenda.
Councilman Conley asked who?
Town Clerk answered, Ellen Harrison.
Mr. Walker said DOT has been funded for the design process «ind it
is underway. The design review process included a public hearing
last fall.
Councilman Niklas asked if there is no opportunity from now to ever
to make any influence on any stage of the process?
Mr. Walker said the Town can always make comment , but that he did
not think that DOT wi ll change their posi t ion* the official comment
period is over. Some of the comments in the presented material are
consistent with Counci lwoman Harrison's feelings as far as the
wetlands are concerned. The State went through the official review
process, and they are still proceeding wi th the design. Mr. Walker
is keeping in touch wi th the engineers on tlie project about
; intersection detai ls.
Councilwoman Harrison asked i f they are b .a s i c 1 y ignoring the
commen Is ?
TB M i mi t e s
1/13/94
Page 45.
Councilman Niklas reiterated that the time frame for comments has
passed, they did not ignore them.
Counci 1woman Harrison said they received the comments within the
t ime frame al lowed, and they are proceeding as planned even after
the comments.
Mr. Walker said the design is proceeding, one of the engineers
asked about the flood plain because he had asked about the design
of the road as the present road floods now.
S u pe 1 V i s o j Wh i t c o 111 b s a I <1 he wrote a I e I t r to t li e iii u r i n g the
comment period that said the complexion of the Town Board would be
changing and that after the first of the year the new Town Board
may have additional comments.
Since the road is in the Town of Tthaca, if the Town had said that
we did not want a four lane highway the State might have considered
o ther opt i ons.
- Counc ilman Klein asked if the Town has veto power over the project?
Supervisor WhI tcomb said no, we don't .
Councilwoman Harrison asked why the Metropolitan Planning
Organization hasn't taken more of an interest in this?
Mr. Walker said the MPO is in its developmental stages and this
project was approved prior to that . DOT and the MPO have an
adversarial relationship at the moment .
Supervisor Whitcomb said the suggestion made by Councilman Niklas
that whoever wi she s to rev i ew this issue and sug ge s t ano ther
resolution at tlie next Town Board meet ing may do so.
Agenda Item No. 26 - Caviien Inlet Trail
Mr. Frantz stated t lie Town Board received a memorandum from him.
In 1983 the Town signed a Tri-Par l ied Agreement for the
construction of the trail using Cass Park and But termilk Falls
State Park. The Ci ty has commi t fed to the acquisit ion of the land
between the octopus and the fish ladder at the southern end of the
flood control channel . This area is just inside the Town of
^ Ithaca. The State owns the former railroad grade that extends from
. \ that to the southern end of the Ci ty. State Parks owns from the
lish ladder to Stone Qu arry Road. It is a vision in the future
that the South Hill Recreat ionway can be extended to meet the area.
/ \
TD M i lui I e s
1/13/94
Pago 46.
The Stale is looking for a strip across the Slieldrake parcel to
locate the trai l . The vS f a t o is asking that the Town reaffirm their
commi tment in 1983 to assist the State in securing the easements
from property owners for the trai l .
Councilwoman Grigorov said that was general land.
Councilman Con ley asked how they plan on crossing Route 13?
Ml . FI a n t z said they plan t li a t t lic trai l wi ll cont inue southward
along t lie Inlet \v i t ii a tiridg* i e [) 1 a c emeu t over the inlet including
addi t ional length. The t rai l wi l l i^ventual ly go on to the Robert
T reman State Park following the inlet w i t li a segment going back to
Buttermilk Falls State Park. It is across the inlet on the east
s ide of Route 13.
Councilwoman Valentino
assistance of the Town
why doesn't the Town
commitment of 1983.
Councilwoman Harrison
Iliggins brought up?
a
said the State is saying they may request
to acquire permission of property owners,
tell the State that we will honor our
sked what about the master plan that Mrs
Counc i 1 ma n N i k 1 a s said i t s liou 1 d no t be a d d r e s s ed w i t h i n t he s a me
document . The Town should reaffirm tlieir commitment to get the
easements in one letter, and then deal wi th supporting the City in
another.
Councilwoman Harrison said that is not what she meant, the State
has said they will complete a master plan and they have not done
so, that has nothing to do wi th the issues related to the City.
Councilman Niklas felt his concern
two separate issues.
was still appropriate they are
Counci1woman Harrison said she
of whether the Town is l iving
doesn't agree they arc both a mat ter
up to what t li c y said they wo u Id do.
Councilman Niklas said ma, the issue before us is whether or not
the Town Board will reaffirm tlic commitment to help to secure
easements. We cannot renege on the previous a g i* e e m e n t , i t would be
morally and politically incorrect to do. The issue h c» w e v e r, of
where the easement is in terms of the tri-part icd agreement and the
need for a master plan sliould be raised in a separate letter.
Councilman Con ley said the third issue is asking the State to do
the master plan which is a figlit that is between the State and the
City.
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda It em No. 3
Five Star Equipment - Payment of Claim
Reso1ut ion No. 9
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
hereby authorizes the payment to Five Star Equipment, Incorporated.
PC Box 1448, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18501 the sum of $16,382.87 in
satisfaction of the claim by Five Star Equipment, Incorporated for
damage to the backhoe loaned to the Town and arising out of the
accident that occurred August 20, 1993, said sum to be paid upon
receipt of appropriate releases in a form satisfactory to the
Attorney for the Town of Ithaca.
MOVED; Councilman Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilwoman Harrison
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
\
/ \
TB Minutes
1/13/94
Page '17.
Mr. Frantz said the State hopes to have the budget for this trail
during the State 1994-1995 fiscal year.
Mr. Walker added they have applied through the MFO for an TSTFA
Grant to do part of the work.
Motion made by Supervisor Whi tcomb that the Town of Ithaca
communicate with the State of New York and the City of Ithaca to
icaffirm the Town of Ithaca's commitment to the 1983 Agreement
regarding the acquis i t ion of <^a s eiiien t s . Seconded by Counci lman
Con ley. Carried unanimously.
Supervisor Whitcomb instructed Mr. Frantz to draft a let ter for his
signature.
Ad i ournmen t;
As there was no further business to come before the Town Board
Counci1 woman Va1 entino entertained a motion to adjourn, seconded by
^ Councilman Niklas. Carried unanimously.
The Supervisor adjourned the meeting at 10:0-1 p.m.
R e s p e cI f u11y s u b m i t ted,
ruM
Joan L. e n t N o t e b o o m
Town Clerk
***Ncxt Regular Meet ing ~ February 7, 1994, 5:30 p.m.
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda It em No. 5
Recognition of the New York State's Scenic Road
Designation Forest Home Drive
Resolution No. 10
WHEREAS, in recognition of the significant achievement of
Forest Home Drive being designated a New York State Scenic Road,
the first such designation outside of the Hudson River Valley; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the efforts by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, the Town of Ithaca
Conservation Board, and the Forest Home Improvement Association;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board does hereby
acknowledge the designation of Forest Home Drive as a New York
State Scenic Road as an important step to preserve and enhance the
natural and historic beauty of the community. The Town Board does
also gratefully acknowledge the efforts on the part of many
individuals including those from the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, the Conservation Board, and the Forest
Home Improvement Association.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilman Klein
DATED: January 13, 1994
oan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 9
SEQR - Local Law #1 of the Year 1994
Special Land Use District - Ithacare Center Services, Inc.
ResolutIon No. 11
WHEREAS, the Town Board has received an application to rezone
a portion of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 39-1-1.3, located on the
west side of Danby Road approximately 2,000 Tt. south of the
entrance to Ithaca College, from Industrial District to Special
Land Use District, to allow construction of a 115,000 sq.ft.
building with 60 adult care units, 20 assisted living units, and 80
Independent living units; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board on October 4 , 1993 referred said
application to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board for their
recommendatIon pursuant to Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, Article
IX, Section 46, no. 1; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board, at a Public Hearing on December
28, 1993 reviewed the draft Special Land Use District No. 7
legislation proposed for the site and the attached Schedule A
description of the land to be rezoned, a Long Environmental
Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part II
prepared by the Town planning staff, a preliminary site plan
entitled "Ithacare Center, Ithaca, New York" prepared by L. Robert
Klmball Associates, Architects and Engineers, Inc., dated October
4, 1993, and other application materials; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board on December 28, 1993 did
recommend to the Town Board that It enact, with specific
modifications, the draft Special Land Use District No. 7
legislation proposed for the Ithacare site; and
WHEREAS, this Is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of
Ithaca Town Board has been legislatively determined to act as Lead
Agency In environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, at their January 13, 1994 regular
meeting, has reviewed the proposed Local Law, and the Full
Environmental Assessment Form prepared by the Assistant Town
Planner; and
WHEREAS, the Assistant Town Planner has recommended a Negative
Determination of Environmental Significance and for the proposed
action; now therefore be It
s
TB Res.
1/13/94
Page 2.
No. 11
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby makes a Negative
Determination of Environmental Significance in accordance with the
New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the proposed
"LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL LAND
USE DISTRICT (LIMITED MIXED USE) FOR THE ITHACARE SENIOR LIVING
COMMUNITY ON DANBY ROAD OWNED BY ITHACARE CENTER SERVICES, INC.";
and therefore an Environmental Impact Statement will not be
requi red.
MOVED: Councilwoman Grigorov
SECONDED: Councilwoman Valentino
Vote: Suoervisor Whitcomh Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Aye
Councilman Niklas Abs tain
Councilman Klein Aye
Councilwoman Grigorov Aye
Councilwoman Harrison Aye
Councilman Conley Aye
Motion carried.
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
r f f'yH k l! v' i \
Spec i a 1
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda 11em No. 9
Enactment Local Law #1 of the Year 1994
Land Use District - Ithacare Center Services,
Resolution No. 12
Inc.
WHEREAS, the properly advertised Public Hearing has been held
for the purpose of considering the enactment of Local Law #1 of the
Year 1994, a "LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A
SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT (LIMITED MIXED USE) FOR THE ITHACARE
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY ON DANBY ROAD OWNED BY ITHACARE CENTER
SERVICES, INC."; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
hereby approve and enact said Local Law; and be it further doe s
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized and
directed to sign the Certificate of Necessity related to the said
Local Law; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized
directed to file said Local Law as required by law.and
MOVED; Councilman Klein
SECONDED: Councilman Conley
DATED: January 13, 1994
Roll Call Vote
Supervisor Whitcomb Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Aye
Councilman Niklas Abstain
Councilman Klein Aye
Councilwoman Grigorov Aye
Councilwoman Harrison Aye
Councilman Conley Aye
Mo t i on Ca r r i ed
nM
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
FINAL
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 9A
Review of Ithacare Rezoning
Resolution No. 13
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has just adopted a local law rezoning certain lands on
Route 96B-Danby Road from Industrial to Special Land Use District Number 7; and
WHEREAS, such rezoning was at the request of Ithacare Center Services, Inc. in order
to permit Ithacare, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, to construct a facility that would provide
assisted care for principally the elderly of the community; and
WHEREAS, the Ithacare proposal will require significant financing from several sources
which financing is not totally assured and, as a result, the project may not be able to be
commenced; and
WHEREAS, the Town will shortly begin the process of implementing its Comprehensive
Plan which will, among other items, entail a significant review and probable revision of the
Town's Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Ithacare proposal is clearly in conformance with the Comprehensive
Plan, but if Ithacare is unable to proceed with its project, different proposals from different
groups utilizing the same land area for other quasi-multi-family uses may not be as appropriate
nor as consistent with the goals and objectives of the Town's Comprehensive Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, It Is
resolved that if Ithacare Center Services, Inc. has not commenced construction in
a substantial manner pursuant to a validly issued Town of Ithaca building permit by
February 1, 1996, the Town Board review the status of the entire proposal and consider
whether to continue the zoning of such area as a special land use district or whether such
area should be rezoned back to an industrial district or to another type of district
compatible with the directions and intent of the Comprehensive Plan; and it is further
resolved that nothing in this resolution, nor in the action rezoning such land to
Special Land Use District Number 7, shall preclude the Town from considering at any
time the appropriateness of the current zoning and, in particular, the possibility even if
construction has begun, of zoning the area into some type of institutional zone or district
as part of the overall revision of the Town's Zoning Ordinance.
MOVED: Councilman Klein
SECONDED: Councilwoman Grigorov
DATED: January 13, 1994
Abstentia: Councilman Niklas
All Other Members: Aye
Motion Carried
L'i"
Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 9
Ithacare Rezoning
Resolution No. 14
^ /i; II g I ^ i'l L
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
hereby requests that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in its
consideration of the subdivision and site plan review of
proposed Ithacare project review the design and location of
parking lots and drainage so as to maximize the protection of
wet lands area.
the
the
the
MOVED: Councilwoman Harrison
SECONDED: Councilwoman Valentino
DATED: January 13, 1994
Vo t e
Supervisor Whitcomb Aye
Councilwoman Valentino Aye
Councilman Niklas Abstain
Councilman Klein Aye
Councilwoman Grigorov Aye
Councilwoman Harrison Aye
Councilman Conley Aye
Motion carried.
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 10
Town Board Meeting Minutes - 12/30/93
Resolut ion No. 15
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has pre sented the Town Board Meeting
Minutes for the year end meeting held on December 30, 1993 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 for the year end
meeting held December 30, 1993.
MOVED: Councilwoman Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Niklas
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Carried Unanimously
/ N
( \
\
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 11
Town Board Meeting Minutes - 1/3/94
Resolution No. 16
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has presented the Town Board Meeting
Minutes for the reorganizationa1 meeting held on January 3, 1994 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 for the
reorganizationa1 meeting held on January 3, 1994.
MOVED: Councilwoman Harrison
SECONDED: Councilwoman Grigorov
DATED: January 13, 1994
"Jl fytaJjrr/yr^.
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Carried Unanimously
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 12
Town of Ithaca Warrants
Resolution No. 17
WHEREAS, the abstracts with the following numbered listing of
vouchers have been presented to the Town Board for approval of
payment; and
WHEREAS, said abstracts have been audited for payment by the
Town Board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the
payment of said vouchers as numbered and listed on the abstracts.
Genera 1 Townwide Vouchers:No.1 t o 39 $ 45,707.41
Genera 1 Outside Village Vouchers:No.1 t o 15 16,776.05
Hi ghway Voucher s:No.1 t o 13 26,712.72
Water &Sewer Vouchers:No.1 t o 16 376,811.80
Capi t a 1 Projects Vouchers:No.1 t o 2 22,105.57
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
SECONDED: Councilwoman Valentino
DATED: January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
OJLirr/ypy.
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 13
Bolton Point Warrants
Resolution No. 18
WHEREAS, the abstract with the following numbered listing of
vouchers for Bolton Point have been presented to the Town Board for
approval of payment; and
WHEREAS, said abstract has been audited for payment by the
Town Board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of
said vouchers as numbered and listed on the abstract.
Operating Fund Vouchers: No. 773 - 778
No. 1 - 66
$ 55,239.14
123,033.27
r \
MOVED: Councilman Nik las
SECONDED: Councilwoman Valentino
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Carried Unanimously
/ v..
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 14
1994 Town of Ithaca Priorities Work/Plan
Resolution No. 19
WHEREAS, the Town Supervisor has compiled a 1994 Priorities
Work/Plan for the Town of Ithaca by reviewing recommendations from
the Town's Department Heads and staff; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the said 1994 Priorities
Work/Plan for the Town of Ithaca and approves the said plan as
amended during the review; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town of Ithaca
Supervisor, Department Heads, and employees to implement the 1994
Priorities Work/Plan for the Town.
MOVED: Councilman Nik las
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilwoman Harrison
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda 11em No. 16
Official Delegate and Alternate Delegate
NTS Association of Towns Annual Meeting
Resolution No. 20
WHEREAS, the NTS Association of Town Annual Meeting will be
held on February 20 - 23. 1994 in New York City; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca is a member in good standing with
the NTS 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
the following individuals as the Official Delegate and Alternate
Delegate at the NYS Associations of Towns Annual Meeting.
Official Delegate: Councilwoman Carolyn Grigorov
Alternate Delegate: Councilwoman Catherine Valentino
MOVED: Councilman Klein
SECONDED: Councilman Niklas
DATED: January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
' Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 17
Cable Television Rate Regulation
Resolution No. 21
WHEREAS, there has been recent changes in federal law
concerning cable television rate re-regulation and certain related
decisions that the New York State Commission on Cable Television
believes should be made by local governments; and
WHEREAS, the federal government forbids rate setting methods
different than the complex system it has established; and
WHEREAS, given the complexity, difficulty and expense of
complying these federal rate setting rules; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby directs
the New York State Commission on Cable Television to undertake rate
regulation for the Town of Ithaca in compliance with federal law as
implemented by the Federal Communications Commission; and be it
fur ther
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to
forward a certified copy of this resolution along with the
Municipal Options form provided to the New York State Commission on
Cable Television.
MOVED: Councilman Conley
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilman Niklas
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboora, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 18
Authorization of Expenditure Town Funds
Resolution No. 22
- Town Hall
r\
WHEREAS, it has been realized over the last several years that
the Town Hall facility does not meet the needs required for the
efficient administrative operation of the Town of Ithaca; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Town Board, Department
Heads, and Staff that the following problems, among others, exist
within the present Town Hall:
1. Overcrowded working conditions.
2. Inefficient building layout, making it difficult to
serve the public in the most efficient manner
pos s ible
3. Non-conformance with Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) requirements.
4. Inadequate records management facilities.
5. Indoor air quality complaints from staff.
6. Inadequate parking facilities for the public and
staff.
now therefore be it;
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes and approves the expenditure of Town funds by the Town
Supervisor not to exceed $6,000 in order to investigate and pursue
the acquisition or construction of a Town Hall that will adequately
meet the administrative and operational needs of the Town of
Ithaca, and be it further
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes the Town Clerk and the Town Engineer to prepare an RFP
and solicit Planning and Design Services to accomplish this.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
AMENDMENTS:
SECONDED: Councilwoman Harrison
Addition to the second WHEREAS:
7. Inefficient and costly heating and maintenance.
Addition to the first RESOLVED: After, "not to exceed $6,000", from
accounts A1990.400, Contingent (decrease); and A1620.412 Buildings
- Grounds, Maintenance (increase).
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 19
Water and Sewer Refund - Account #v-3356
Resolution No. 23
WHEREAS, it has been determined that a refund is due on the
water and sewer billing of the property located at 246 Sapsucker
Woods Road, Account #v-"3356 , as there was a change of ownership
which resulted in a credit amount; and
WHEREAS, the amount of the refund should be $30.19 for water,
$4.58 for water surcharge, $53.93 for sewer, $2.10 for sewer
surcharge, for a total refund of $90.80; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does
hereby authorize a refund in the amount of $90.80 be made to the
owners of the property located at 246 Sapsucker Woods Road, Account
#3356.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
SECONDED: Councilwoman Grigorov
DATED; January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Ijc
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 19
Water Billing Refund - #u-3210
Resolution No. 24
WHEREAS, it has been determined that a refund is due on the
water billing of the property located at 606 Winston Ct.-l, Account
#u-3210, as there was an erroneous double credit on the 12/93
quarterly billing; and
WHEREAS, the amount of the refund should be $31.36 for water;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does
hereby authorize a refund in the amount of $31.36 be made to the
owner of the property located at 606 Winston Ct.-l, Account #u-
3210.
MOVED: Councilman Nik las
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Council woman Grigorov
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
/c»s S xlf
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda 11em No. 20
Occupational Exposure to Rabies Policy Acceptance
Resolut ion No. 25
WHEREAS, the Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH)
has recommended guidelines for Towns to use in regards to exposure
to rabies; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Highway Department does have
occasion to come in contact with potentia 11y rabid animals, and the
Highway Department has created a policy to follow; now therefore be
i t
RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Public Works
Committee, the Town of Ithaca Town Board does approve the
Occupational Exposure to Rabies policy which shall be in effect
immediately.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
SECONDED: Councilman Conley
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
Carried Unanimously
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 21
Appointment of Edward Merrick as Highway Laborer
Resolution No. 26
WHEREAS, the recent promotion of Brian Barry has left a
highway laborer position vacant; and
WHEREAS, over sixty applications were received during the year
and reviewed for laborer and driver positions; and
WHEREAS, the search committee interviewed seven candidates and
feels Edward Merrick possesses the skills and experience necessary
to successfully perform the duties of highway laborer; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby
approve the appointment of Edward Merrick as full-time highway
laborer with a salary of $6.50 per hour. This appointment is
subject to a six-month probationary period with a salary review at
that time. All benefits granted full-time employment apply.
MOVED: Councilwoman Valentino
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilman Niklas
DATED; January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
L t' c;
!b.
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 22
Status/Salary Change - Richard Tenkate, Highway Laborer
Resolution No. 27
WHEREAS, Richard Tenkate was appointed Highway Laborer on July
6, 1993j and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tenkate has completed his six—month probationary
period in a satisfactory manner; and
WHEREAS, at the time of his employment, the Town agreed to
consider a salary increase upon successful completions of the
probationary period; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby
approve the regular employment status of Richard Tenkate with a
salary increase from $6.00 to $6.50 per hour, retroactive to
January 6, 1994.
MOVED: Council woman Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Nik las
DATED: January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
^ N
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 23
Status/Salary Change - Louise Raimondo, Planner I
Resolution No. 28
WHEREAS, Louise Raimondo was appointed Planner I on July 12.
1993; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Raimondo has completed her six~month probationary
period in a satisfactory manner; and
WHEREAS, at the time of her employment, the Town agreed to
consider a salary increase upon successful completion of the
probationary period; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby
approve the regular employment status of Louise Raimondo with a
salary increase from $22,000 to $23,500 per year, effective January
12, 1994.
MOVED: Councilwoman Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Niklas
DATED: January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
\
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 24
Employment Extension - Inlet Valley Archaeological Survey Project
Resolut ion No. 29
BE IT RESOLVED, that the period of employment for Sue Pacek
and Kathleen Quinn as temporary part-time employees of the Town be
extended from January 31, 1994 to March 31, 1994, provided however,
that the original number of hours authorized of 200 hours each, and
the original total cost of employing them of $4 , 500 not be
exceeded.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
Carried Unanimously
SECONDED: Councilwoman Harrison
DATED: January 13, 1994
Ueosy,
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
t/.
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 26
Cayuga Inlet Trail
Resolution No. 30
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca is to communicate with
the State of New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation and the City of Ithaca to reaffirm the Town of
Ithaca's commitment under the 1983 Tri-Partied Agreement for the
building of the Cayuga Inlet Trail regarding the acquisition of
easement s.
MOVED: Supervisor Whitcomb
SECONDED: Councilman Conley
DATED: January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Joan Lent Noteboom
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. 27
Ethics Board Member Appointment
Resolut ion No. 31
WHEREAS, there presently exists a vacancy on the Town of
Ithaca Ethics Board; and
WHEREAS, Earl Thomas, 101 Park Lane possesses the necessary
qualifications and has expressed an interest in serving on the said
Ethics Board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints
Earl Thomas, 101 Park Lane to serve as a member of the Town of
Ithaca Ethics Board for a term of office retroactive to January 1,
1994 through December 31, 1998.
MOVED: Councilwoman Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Karl Niklas
DATED: January 13, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
A
:■
Town Board Meeting 1/13/94
Agenda Item No. Additional #1
SCLIWC 1993 Budget Transfers and Amendments
Resolution No. 32
WHEREAS, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water
Commission (SCLIWC) adopted the attached resolution at theirmeeting held on January 6, 1994 approving the 1993 SCLIWC Budget
Transfers and Amendments; and
WHEREAS, the SCLIWC has requested the Town Board of the Townof Ithaca review and approve said budget transfers and amendments;
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has discussedand reviewed the said budget transfers and amendments; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approvesand authorizes the 1993 Budget Transfers and Amendments as adopted
by the SCLIWC on January 6, 1994.
MOVED: Councilman Niklas
Carried UnanimouslySECONDED: Councilwoman Valentino
DATED: January 13, 1994
Joan Lent Noteboom, Town Clerk
t \
TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION final
I,Joan Lent Noteboom , being duly swom, say that I am
the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca, Tompklns County, New York; that the
following notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town Clerk
of the Town of Ithaca and that the notice has been duly published in the
local newspaper: (Ithaca Journal)
(See Attached)
Location of sign board used for posting: Town Clerk's Office
Date of Posting: December 30, 1993
126 East Seneca St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Date of Publication: January 3, 1994
To
STATE OF NEW YORK )
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) SS:
TOWN OF ITHACA )
Clerk, ToWn of Ithaca
[worn to and subscribed before me this day of
Qualified in Tompkins Co. Wo. 4797177a/i/A Notary Public
LEAH B. CARPENTER
Notary Public, State of New York
My Commission Expires April 30
/
1.19-35
A
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board will
hold a PUBLIC HEARING, Thursday, January 13, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. at
the regular meeting of the Town Board to consider a request to
rezone 27.5 +/- acres of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 39-1-1.3,
located on the west side of Danby Road approximately 2,000 ft.
south of the entrance to Ithaca College, from Industrial District
to Special Land Use District, to allow construction of a 115,000
sq. ft. building with 60 adult care units, 20 assisted living
units, and 80 independent living units, with a maximum of 180
residents. Ithacare, Inc., Applicant; Mark Macera, Agent; and
N
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, at the aforementioned time and
place all citizens shall be afforded the opportunity to voice their
approval or opposition to the said rezoning.
Joan Lent Noteboom
Town Clerk
January 3, 1994 An
I^^UBUC NOTICE^:'^^llpUASE^^^KEi^NOTICE;,■wifhbt'ithe.Town or Ithaca TowniPBbar^" will' hold f^O/RUBUCfifHEARtNO/iThufidoy^Jai^,
wotJiiho, regular noting 'of the!®p>^ri,«Boqrditpj^a>ns«
locres* br.:-Town!rQ|[althdcaTTax-isIparcel -,3 9-14.3 ,'4pcaled loniS;pher^osf side of.Panby'Rqgd^^<^dpprbximbtely«'x,wuv^\m-^-Il^souiht^of ^ the vphtraijce,.; to-irttlthbbb;vCollefle;r<;froin Indus^"
lent. Ilvinfapd .'.bp1lVivjj|v a maximum py{rpsidehta.iid^acoi;e^lnc.>rAp-rj. ■;
PLEASE!rA^roiftlER^,
iiblac9-all'ditlzeo$'4KaII:be!bf-i^f,K)rdM^lhe^oppo^nily^Uo--r-Iivoicb thelr.'opproval.'or oppo: ' :
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