HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1988-09-12TCMN OF ITHACA
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
September 12, 1988
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tcarpkins County, New York, held at the Town Hall, 126 East Seneca
Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 12th day of Septomber, 1988, there
were:
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT!
Noel Desch, Supervisor
Henry McPeak, Coimcilman
Shirley Raffensperger, Councilwcman
Robert Bartholf, Councilman
Patricia Leary, Councilwcman
Thomas Cardman, Councilman
John Ozolins, Highway Superintendent
Robert Flumerfelt, Town Engineer
John Barney, Town Attorney
Robin Remick, SPCA
Mary Call, Board of Representatives
Gloria Howell, 120 Clover Lane
Bill Hilker, 277 Bums Road
Rick Vam, 44 Dove Drive
Alan E. Euvrard, 27 Forest Acre Drive
P. E. Tubbs, 166 Troy Road
Ed Hallberg, 25 Whitetail Drive
Stephen Weiss, 128 Nogel Hill Road, Candor
Jim Hovanec, 1429 Danby Road
Hoyt Benjamin, 1013 Taughannodk Boulevard
David J. Kuckuk, 229 Forest Home Drive
Carl Mann, Jr., Trumansburg
Lillian Mann, Happy Lane
Rocco P. Lucente, 506 Warren Road
Paul Jacobs, Collegeview Park
Philip L. Cox, Cornell University,
Facilities Engineering
Carolyn Grigorov, 126 Snyder Hill Road
G. P. Grigorov, 126 Snyder Hill Road
Doria Higgins, 2 Hillcrest Drive
Kart J. Mount, Toitpkins Ccmraunity Hospital
Rosalind Grippi, 423 E. Seneca Street
Salvator Grippi, 423 E. Seneca Street
R. C. Hamilton, Hcmebuilders Association
Beverly E. Livesay, Board of Reps
Barbara Titterington, 141 West Haven Road
Celia Bowers, 1406 Trumansburg Road
Wayne Shaw, 142 Lexington Drive
Judy Small 107 Regency Lane
Ray Small, 107 Regency Lane
Renita Ballard, Dick Wilson Real Estate
Mark Hamlet, 322 Siena Drive
Cynthia Parrott, 131 Northview Road
Sybil Phillips, 721 Elmira Road
Mark Bristol, 200 East King Road
Harley Steffy, 305 East Marshall Street
Ronald B. Crawford, Re/Nto Associates
Ralph A. Van De Poel, 1106 Hanshaw Road
Arthur G. Stiers Architect,-^ 117 Winston
Drive
Janet Jonson, 934 East Shore Drive
Tcfwn Board Minutes 2 September 12, 1988
Ivar Jonson, 934 East Shore Drive
Robert E. Terry, West Shore i^)artments
Richard Berggren, Williams Glen Road
Jim Hilker, 255 Bums Road
Karl Niklas, 1005 Danby Road
Ed Cobb, 1005 Danby Road
Myrtle Whitccmb, 233 Troy Road
John Whitcomb, 233 Troy Road
Dave Auble, 250 Troy Road
Bob Reese, 312 Siena Drive
Peter Ricker, 2 Pheasant Lane
Alfred Di Giacomo, 1025 Hanshaw Road
Mary A. Yaple, 151 Pine Tree Road
Bonnie Sinpson, 112 Pine View Terrace
Ron Siitpson, 112 Pine View Terrace
Robert Cotts, 115 Northview Road
Robert Levitsky, 176 Kendall Avenue
John S. Mead, 115 Auburn Street
Ken Poyer, 125 Van Dom Road
Harrison Rue, 564 Elm Street Extension
Christopher McVoy, 770 Elm Street Ext.
Eugene Ball, 1317 Trumansburg Road
Representatives of the Media:
D. H. Debo, WTKO/WQNY
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Supervisor's Report
Assistant Budget Officer Vacancy
Supervisor Desch stated that the first round of interviews by the
Personnel Ccnmittee is ccnpleted. Two candidates will undergo
further interviews and meet with the Ccmmittee soon. The resumes
of the two persons being considered are available with the Town
Clerk. We expect to have a selection for your approval on
September 28.
Health Insurance
Supervisor Desch noted that this item was inadvertently emitted
from the agenda, the notification of withdrawal from the ESipire
Plan in favor of Blue Cross/ Blue Shield. This has been thoroughly
reviewed and with the new notice of a 26% increase, the 90 day
requirement suggests that we file the notice so that the new plan
takes effect prior to January 1, 1989.
RESOLUTK^ NO. 251
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the notification of the Bipire Plan of the Town's
withdrawal from the Eitpire Plan, subject to the receive from Blue
Cross/Blue Shield of firm quotations.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
Recycling
Town Board Minutes 3 September 12, 1988
Si:5)ervisor Desch went on to note that the recommendation from the
County onk^the area of the Town that will be a pilot area is between
Route 96B, South Hill and Ellis Hollow Road, East Hill. We can
consider a newsletter to inform the public along with the letter
that will go out from the Town and County.
SPCA REPORT
Robin Remick, past Director of the SPCA stated that she wished to
hand deliver the contract for dog control services and to introduce
the new Director, Pam Stonebraker. The contract represents a 5%
increase over last year and reflects the inflation rate to the
SPCA. She went on to say that the proposed 1989 contract is
identical to the current agreement.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
Willis Hilker read the following letter dated September 12, 1988
from Willis S. & Shirley S. Hilker, James K. & Elizabeth A. Hilker,
and Willis D. & Sharon Hilker:
"We would like to take this opportunity to express our deep concern
over the very dangerous situation the Town has generated on Bums
Road. The residents of the area were led to believe that the road
was to be improved half in 1987 and the other half in 1988. We
felt that the iirprovements were necessary even though the impact of
extra traffic would be detrimental to the neighborhood. The first
half was finished and is a great inprovanent from the standpoint of
traffic. The prdblans v^ich we now face is the increase traffic on
the old section has made it unsafe for both the residents and those
using Bums Road. There is now on the average of one or more
accidents per week on the old section vdiich is hardly one half mile
long. Most of these accidents are mild in nature and the cars work
out of the ditches and yards. However, they occur at a blind
comer and place the lives of the residents, people on foot and
onccming traffic at risk of life. Several of the accidents have
required energency vehicles to respond. It is only a matter of
time before loss of life will occur unless the Town takes measures
to correct this situation.
We, therefore, plead that the Town take immediate action to finish
the road and make it safe for the general public and for us v^o
live on Bums Road."
Supervisor Desch remarked, so you are concemed not only with the
intersection but the old part all the way down.
Mr. Hilker replied, that he was less concemed with the
intersection than the old part of the road. The accidents actually
occur in a space of about 150 feet.
Supervisor Desch rqplied that he felt a guard rail could be put up
until such time as the Town gets the road widen and relocated.
Councilwcraan Raffensperger remarked, we have always discussed the
intersection, but you are not talking at all about accidents at the
intersection.
Mr. Hilker replied, there was one quite serious accident there
about six weeks ago. There are accidents there also, but he was
not counting those.
SPRINKLER ORDINANCE PUBLIC PORUM
Town Board Minutes 4 September VI, 1988
Si:5)ervisor Desch stated that he knew there was a lot of interest in
the Sprinkler Law and a lot of people v^o have ccaranents that they
would like to make. He felt that a lot of the questions can be
answered by seme specific information that will be made available.
Chief Olmstead is here and will be making a presentation and then a
fifteen minute movie on residential sprinklering and a
demonstration that Chief Olmstead has set up.
Chief Olmstead remarked that they had had as a back burner project
for sane time, a public education program on residential
sprdLnklers. We moved that schedule up after the Town passed their
ordinance and made arrangements with the New York State Fire
Chief's Association to bring in a mobile dononstration unit v^ch
we are now setting up outside. It's an actual demonstration of a
residential sprinkler system and we feel very ccmmitted to try to
educate people to the facts of the system. We are confident enough
in the dononstration to have people go into the trailer and set a
fire and the sprinkler system puts it out. Our role in this is
strictly an educational role. We are not part of the Town process
in adopting the ordinance. We have a single focus here and that is
to make sure all sides have the same ccmmon body of knowledge.
Andrew Frost, Building Inspector/ Zoning Officer showed a film on
fires with and without sprinklers.
Supervisor Desch stated that needless to say the adoption of the
Sprinkler Law is a very bold investment, a very bold decision. It
cones about after a considerable amount of effort, not only in
identifying statistics, seme of vdiich seme of you are seeing for
the first time tonight but it also is brought about by the pressure
on the Town with relation to the fire department budget and that is
a driving force as well as the interest in life safety. He felt
the best thing, at this point, was to give the people the
mm opportunity to raise questions or ccmment.
Celia Bowers, 1406 Trumansburg Road stated that she would like to
ask one question, that being how many fire fatalities have there
been in the Town of Ithaca in the last ten years?
Supervisor Desch replied that he did not know.
Mrs. Bowers went on to say that obviously she felt that ultimately
sprinklers were a very good idea if people want than. However she
was dubious about legislating them for a few. At this point in
time it is the wealthier people in the Town of Ithaca v^o are
buying new houses. She asked v^at was going to happen to all of
the existing homeowners for v^on installing sprinklers is probably
pixDhibitively expensive. Are these people going to suffer less
fire protection, are we going to hire fewer fire fighters to
protect these people without sprinkler systems because the few vdio
are in new houses have them? She stated that she would like seme
sort of assurance from the Town that as long as one house remains
without a sprinkler system that you will keep fire protection at a
safe level for all residences. Mr. Desch spoke to that point, he
said there was financial pressure on the Town and she just hoped we
are not protecting the rich at the expense of the average
homeowner.
^ Supervisor Desch replied, v^en the Town looked at the first draft
of the local law there was a provision and a requiratient in the
local law in respect to retrofitting of single and two family
homes. The way the law was adopted there is a retrofit requirement
for all other structures over a ten year period. Several of the
other municipalities who have adopted mandatory sprinkler
ordinances have had five year retrofit program.
Tcwn Board Minutes 5 September 12, 1988
Mrs. Bowers asked, is it not the case that most of those localities
are veiry wealthy?
Supervisor Desch replied no, not at all. We track fairly closely
the kind of immicipalities that are adopting this kind of an
ordinance. As a matter of fact there is a small village in
Illinois, a village of 2000 people that does not have a municipal
water supply, the residents are all on individual wells, they have
adopted such an ordinance. They have a wide range of family
inccxnes in that village. Their reason is scmevdiat different than
ours in terms of the status of their fire department, the status of
their water supply, etc. As far as the trend and vdiat it is going
to be, clearly there is going to be an incentive for people like
himself v^o live on the perifery of the Town in a hundred and seme
year old farm house, as the technology and ccnpetitiveness of being
able to install and identify firms that do the installations, the
unit cost is going to go down so the feasibility of retrofitting
residential properties, such as mine, probably will become more and
more feasible in a short period of time. So he thought that the
point is well taken that even though there is a considerable amount
of growth in the Town, so that the timing was an issue with us so
that we felt if we were going to do it at all we felt we ought to
do it before the level of growth, particularly with attached
housing, multiple housing, rental housing, takes place that we
could have the most effect by doing it that way. He though that in
total it was an overall program that was going to be of interest,
not only to those v^io are buying new houses, but those of us \dio
have a very keen interest on protecting our property.
Mrs. Bowers replied that she knew but you still haven't not
answered her question vMch was fire fighting for people v^o do not
retrofit.
Supervisor Desch replied, there will always need to be a solid fire
department operation. The makeup of that operation is something
that this Boa2:d and future Boards will have to address. This does
not mean that fire departments will be done away with.
A lady in attendance stated that her comments were about budgets
and money, and education. Suppose you have around $50,000, a very
small amount of money, it may take care of two or three houses.
Now let's spend that $50,000, v^at about a public education for the
prevention of fire. We haven't had a campaign to prevent fires, a
little ccnment once in av^le, you really need to talk to people.
Take $50,000, every single week you have pictures about how to
behave to avoid fires. Avoiding fires is the point. Fires are not
accidents, they are caused and we can do something about educating
people. She stated that she meant every week, all the time for
effective money spending.
Si:pervisor Desch replied, vdiat you are really seeing is the
commitment on the part of the Chief and the fire department.
The lady replied no, vhat they are doing is taking care of it after
everybody is acting nutty. She wanted to prevent people from
acting nutty and starting fires.
Supervisor Desch replied, the fire department' for years has had
fire prevention week.
The lady replied that she was talking about every week.
Chief Olmstead remarked, if you take the amount of time in a
twenty-four hour cycle in the fire department, that the fire
department responds to emergency incidents, it's probably somewhere
in the five percent range out of a twenty-four hour day. This year
Town Board Minutes 6 September 12, 1988
we will probably respond to 3,500 incidents. If you want to put an
average time on most of those of a half an hour and work that out
with a calendar you have a pretty good size part of time left over.
The majority of the fire fighters time, the career fire fighters,
is spent in, not only internal training and maintenance, but on
public education. We have daily programs both in the fire station
and outside the fire station, we have a voluntary hcme inspection
program that we started about four months ago. This month we will
be speaking to League of Women Voters, the City Club, the Rotary,
the Kiwanis, so we have that out reach into local groups. Our fire
prevention program really is a year aioimd program and the biggest
problem is that we have to fund that program on scroething like
$4,000 a year because most of our budget goes to equipnent. We are
trying to do exactly what you say.
Alan Euvraird, 27 Forest Acre Drive stated that he wished to thank
the Board tonight for taking the time to consider the inpact of
your recent legislation to irequire sprinklers in all new buildings
in the Town. Mr. Euvrard went on to say that the TOwn of Ithaca
was only the second ccmraunity in New York State to mandate and he
hoped that tonight we can convince you that there is a more
effective way to acccnplish your goal of increased fire safety.
While we cannot refute the statistical data that sprinklers do save
lives, one must look behind the statistics to see v^ere the data
came frcm. Generally the studies have been based on a nationally
conducted survey and have not taken into account the unique
practices of New York State. Specifically the 1984 Uniform Fire
Prevention Code and its rigid enforcement in this area. These
studies do show that fire safety is not a new housing issue. 97%
of the fatalities due to fire in 1986 were in hoties greater than
ten years old and only 1.2% were in homes less than five years old.
It is safe to assume that this new housing stock will remain safer
even as it ages, due to its design and construction using safer
materials, techniques, including but not exclusively safer
electrical systems, separations between the house and garage and
adequate central heating systems precluding the need for space
heaters, mandatoiry smoke detectors and increased fire stopping
including better design and second egress from structures. More
rigid enforcement of the unifom code. These factors together with
improved fire safety education have contributed to an overall
reduction of residential fire deaths fran 1976 and 1986. An
obvious observation from this data is that the critical need for
improvement is not new construction but the existing housing stock.
Those living in older housing, the elderly, the poor and young
families will least be helped frcm mandatory sprinklers in homes.
He went on to say that a second factor to be recognized when
considering sprinklers is the cost of installation and the impact
of this increased cost. The cost associated will be enormous based
on the data from National Association of Hcm^uilders. National
enactment of this would cost between 3 and 4.2 billion dollars a
year based on $2,500 per single family residence and $1,000 per
multiple residence. In a limited survey of New York State
applications to cost has been found to range between $3,000 and
$6,000 per unit. Based on two hundred starts in Ithaca we can
project an increased cost of construction exceeding one million
dollars a year. With local housing costs already out of the reach
of so many this will only aggravate and already bad situation. He
stated that he has attached case studies fim six projects in New
York State in the last few years illustrating cost ranges as low as
$1.29 per square foot to as high as $7.50 per square foot, or
between $1,500 and $9,000 a unit. Included in these prices are not
only the plumbing costs but additional meters, engineering, soffits
and other carpentry to ease installation of the pipes. Not
included are costs such as holding tanks, for non-public water
installations, puitps for low water pressure locations, new one inch
Town Board Minutes 7 September 12, 1988
or larger service laterals for locations where existing 3/4"
services exist crossing roads and utilities. Damage frcm either
frozen pipes or accidential discharge during installation. A final
point to consider is the reliability of residential sprinklers.
Despite sprinklers long use in ccnimercial applications there is
little available data as to their reliability in a residential
application. In a ccanmercial situation there are generally
maintained by a professional staff \diile in a residential
application maintenance will depend on the hcmeowner along to
maintadLn and monitor the system. The system can be rendered
inoperable through a variety of either deliberate or accidential
ways. The sprinkler heads can be painted over, they can be removed
for cosmetic reasons, the entire system can be shut off or the
water pressure could be insufficient to operate the system. Any of
these would render the system unless. To conclude, vhile
sprinklers impact fire safety, they have a minimal beneficial
irtpact on new housing. Most fire occur in the older housing stock,
new homes are safer both by design and construction. Their
additional cost would aggravate a housing affordability v^ich is
already severe in this market. Reliability, in the long run, in a
residential application is unknown. He urged the Board to
reconsider you action and release low density residential
construction frcm this restriction of mandatory residential
sprinkler.
Supervisor Desch asked Mr. Euvrard if he had the house values in
each of the cases?
Mr. Euvrard replied yes, it's in the case studies, seme of it. At
least one of them ran as high as 7% of construction cost. If we
look at a $3.00 per square foot for installation we are talking
about adding 4-5% cost to a new home. Which is aggravating an
already severe situation.
Supervisor Desch replied that it depends on how that compares with
the amortization cost of the fire service itself.
Mr. Euvrard replied, but Ed Ohnstead already tells us, in his data
here, that the largest portion of their time is not responding to
fires. It's spent doing other things, fire safety, emergencies and
other things. Fires take a small portion of his time.
Supervisor Desch replied true, but you have to look at the full
cost of service vhen you break it down.
Mr. Euvrard replied, but sprinklers will not reduce that, there are
still going to be emergencies.
Supervisor Desch replied, that's debatable.
Hoyt Benjamin, 1013 Taughannock Boulevard remarked, this seons to
be a very unpopular law that the Board passed here and there are a
lot of people waiting outside that would like to be in on this. It
seems that the public would like to say a lot more about this than
you are giving them the opportunity to say. He stated that he
would like to see a referendum on the issue at the November
election and that he would like to see a waiver of this law until a
referendum could be held. He went on to say that he thought it
should be the people of the Town of Ithaca that decides the issue
not just the Board.
Don Gregg, 612 Coddington Road stated that he had been involved in
trying to build a modular hcme. He stated that he realized he was
dealing with a particular type of construction but he has been told
by the company that the company itself cannot install a residential
sprinkler system in this home because they need six to twelve
Town Board Minutes 8 Septe30±)er 12, 1988
months to get a New York State approved system. If the system is
retrofit, the warranty can be cotpletely voided on the home, the
vapor barrier being a sprayed system, being penetrated by the
sprinkler system, technically means the house no longer meets New
York State energy codes. How will these issues be addressed?
Supervisor Desch replied that it was not at all clear that the
v^xDr barrier needs to be penetrated.
Mr. Gregg replied, this is a sprayed system it's not a milled
system so, therefore, being on the back of the sheet rock inside
the home it does need to be penetrated to have a head protrude.
Supervisor Desch replied, that depends on v^ether you are trying to
bury all the piping.
Mr. Gregg replied, sheet rock would have to be removed in a hone of
this particular construction to run piping up through and then
penetrate back through. Also, this is a cathedral ceiling home and
there is a void space between the roof and the physical ceiling of
about four inches. Will sprinklers be required in that void space
as well? None of this has been addressed.
Supervisor Desch replied, that is a detail that the Building
Inspector would address. The Supervisor felt it was not
appropriate for him to give any answers.
Mr. Gregg remarked, as far as the housing industry is concerned,
how are they to addiess this particular item.
Supeirvisor Desch replied that he thought Mr. Gregg should bring his
supplier together and meet with Mr. Frost. That's the place vhere
those questions can best be answered. He felt there were answers
to these questions as Mr. Gregg was not the first person to raise
them. There are people in the Town vdio would like to build modular
housing, also mobile hone projects. Your questions are very valid
but he felt they could be addressed.
Wayne Shaw, 142 Lexington Drive remarked that had the Boaird passed
this law a few months ago he would not be living at 142 Lexington
Drive because he did not feel that he could have afforded the house
that he built. He stated that he had a prciblem though, as it
seemed to him the Board kept pushing and pushing, and that the
Board had to realize that soon you will be making it so safe that
we cannot afford to live in our homes. He stated that he wished to
Board would reconsider this and start thinking that mai^ this is a
little illogical considering the total cost of \tot is going to be
involved with everybody versus the benefits. He noted that the
Chief made a comment that it made him feel better that he
retrofitted his home and that's great but it would not make him
feel better to have this system and he felt that he was grown up
enough to have that choice and he wished the Board would leave him
to have that choice. He felt the Board did not need to make this
choice for him.
Supervisor Desch replied, the other choice you have is the choice
of how much you pay in the way of fire taxes also.
Mr. Shaw replied, that he was willing to face that should we have
to face it. To give me idle threats versus something as costly as
this to the community, he would rather pay fire taxes.
Supein^isor Desch replied that he thought that if Mr. Shaw was going
to raise the kind of questions that he was raising, v^ch were
appropriate questions, then you also have to look at the other side
of the coin.
Town Board Minutes 9 September 12, 1988
Mr. Shaw replied that he had looked at the other side and that he
had been involved with the Federal Government to long to be scared
by that other side. He felt the Town should have a choice and if
we as the Town want to take that other choice, you as a group
should not be making that decision. That is vtet I am asking you.
Maybe the vote that the other fellow is asking for is the right way
of going about this so that we can have the choice, not the eight
or nine of you.
Supervisor Desch remarked, but my only point is that he felt Mr.
Shaw owed it to himself to look at the projections before he
reached a final conclusion.
Joe Quigley, 181 Iradell Road stated that v^en he first heard about
this it raised several questions in his mind. The first question
was how many people have lost their lives in the Town of Ithaca as
the result of not having a sprinkler system and he has not been
able to cone up with any cases of this happening. He stated that
he then asked himself, this must be a tried out law here, an
ordinance that has seme experience behind it and since it is so
full of difficulties there must be a lot of municipalities in New
York State, for example, \^o have tried this out, like Ithaca. He
stated that he had not been able to come xxp with any, maybe there
are but he just did not know about than. The areas in the Town of
Ithaca v^ich are undeveloped vdiich will see most of the development
are areas vtoch right now do not have water and sewer. It is not
very practical to have this type of system without public water and
sewer, having to use storage tanks and pumps, all of the things
that have to go onto a system like this, from the homeowners
standpoint seems to be v^olely impractical. Again, it leads him to
believe that this v^ole thing was not researched clearly as much as
it should have been. We have heard people talk about such things
as v^t this add to the cost of a house. He stated that he was a
real estate agent and vdiat it does, in pure terms for anyone of us
here viio is going to buy any given house, we need a raise of
$186.00 a month to buy the same house. Those kind of raises are
not out there in the present climate. You are clearly making us
afford a lesser house because of this. The payback on scmething
like this is not clear. Usually \dien you put scmething into a
house like this you are looking for a payback, and v^le he did not
think anybody here was prepared to talk in terms of potential fire
costs, take for example fire insurance, he stated that he had asked
Lama Insurance Ccxrpany how much could he expect in a way of
reduction in his fire insurance because we have a sprinkler systoxi
in his house. Mr. Lama said 15%. That translates to about $30.00
to $45.00 a year. You are going to put $6,000 into a fire
extinguisher, it would take 400 years to pay itself back.
Supervisor Desch replied, the Town Board in considering this
ordinance at no time sold or pushed the need for this ordinance on
the basis of reduced insurance costs. He stated that he wanted to
make that absolutely clear. The amortization we are talking about
is in relation to the choices that we have to provide a fire
protection service. That's the option that we are providing for
the future of the ccmmunity, not the question of insurance.
Mr. Quigley replied that the question that he had on his mind was
that the underwriters of fire insurance in the industry try to
quantify all this for us and they attach a very low premium to
putting sprinkler system in houses. They don' t think it' s
worth\diile or they would give us a bigger discount to do it. There
is a lot of expertise focused on this issue and perhaps we should
listen to that. He stated that he felt it was clearly a very
loipopular ordinance and we have too much government in this world
that we live in. While this may be a great ordinance, why don't we
Town Board Minutes 10 September 12, 1988
let scaneone else try it out for a couple of years, see how they do,
see vtet the issues are and then make seme decisions.
Councilwcman Raffensperger remarked, as people are caranenting on
this, she would be interested in knowing v^ch of the ccmments are
directed solely to one and two family houses, and vdiat you think of
the sprinkler ordinance as far as multiple housing, motel, places
of public assembly. She stated that she couldn't quite tell as
people speak how they feel about the different issues.
James Hilker, Bums Road stated that he thought that for multiple
residences and the hotels and such is probably a good idea, as far
as the one and two family homes go he felt it was a little crazy.
He stated that he understood the law was brought on to ease a tax
burden because of the new equipment needed for the Town. He stated
that he did not believe the one and two family hcaftie sprinkler
systems is really going to make that much difference in the tax
increase and he felt it was going to go up regardless, over the
next ten years, considerably.
Marge Dillon from the Day Care Council stated that had no quarrel
with the requirement of sprinkler systems in public buildings where
children are cared for in day care centers but 80% of the day care
takes place in private homes. She went on to say that if she
understood the ordinance, anyone taking care of more than seven
children in their home, even though its an older home, would be
required to install a sprinkler system. Although that soimds like
it would make the children safer, she was afraid it would have
opposite effect. What will happen is that care will continue to be
done without being regulated. Most of the day care taking place in
peoples homes is not regulated. It will continue not to be
regulated if you place barriers for people to come forward. So
rather than thinking you will get a sprinkler system that is twelve
children being cared for vhat you will get is no knowledge at all
as to vdiere those children are, no knowledge v^ere there are twD
exits for a fire extinguisher, v^ch you would know if they come
forward and are regulated under the regulations that exist now for
family day care. She did not know if she was saying that they
ought to be exempt but that the cost has to be bom by scmeone and
it's a real problem.
Ed Hallberg, Deerrun Developer stated that he would like to address
v^at the Supervisor was just mentioning and that this is really an
economic issue in terms of what it is going to cost to provide the
Town with adequate fire protection brought on by the increase in
development and new housing in the Ithaca area. He stated that he
ran seme numbers and the average house size in the Town of Ithaca
is being built at approximately 1,700 square feet, at $4.00 a
square foot that's $6,800 for a unit. He stated that the buildings
that he builds and most of the builders that he talked to, every
dollar in construction equates to approximately $1.38 in real
costs. That takes into account the increase in realators fees,
engineering, architecture, taxes, insurance, interest and
everything else. It raises the qualifying inccmie to get that
mortgage to $3,603.86 per year. With the average income in- the
Town of Ithaca approximately $26,000.00 that's approximately a 15%
jump in qualifying income necessary to buy a house in the Town of
Ithaca. The diehard issue in this has now come down to v^ere the
Town of Ithaca has grown to v^ere the Cil^ of Ithaca present fire
fighting capability needs to equipped with more equipment and
perhaps a full time force. The number that you gave me a few weeks
ago of approximately $400,000.00 a year for 5,000 households in the
Town of Ithaca it is approximately $80.00 per household as opposed
to $84.09 per month new household. In a Town that is crying for
affordable housing he felt this was a little silly.
Town Board Minutes 11 September 12, 1988
Harley Steffy, 305 East Marshall Street asked, \ih.at proportion of
the fire protection that we supply, the City of Ithaca and the Town
of Ithaca, goes to Cornell and Ithaca College and do they have
their own fire departments there, also do they supply any inccme to
our fire department here in Ithaca?
Supeirvisor Desch replied, vdiat you have done is to hit the nail on
the head in a large way and that is one of the primary driving
forces for the tax rate being as high as it is and for the level of
ccmplexity of the equipment and support facilities is being driven
by the facilities that are in existence at Cornell and Ithaca
College,
Mr, Stef:^ asked if they could be billed for it?
Supervisor Desch replied they cannot be billed for it, it's
unconstitutional,
Mr, Steffy asked, then do we still have to supply them with fire
protection?
Supervisor Desch answered, yes and no. By practice, yes. If the
Town were to form it's own department, no,
Mr, Steffy remarked, many times they have false alarms. This is
problem. Can they be billed for the false alarms?
Supervisor Desch replied, the City of Rochester adopted an alarm
ordinance but like the sprinkler law it is controversial and very
difficult to administer. As a matter of fact it is much tougher to
administer than the sprinkler law. It is not at all clear that the
numbers that you need to recover the cost to provide that fire
service to the educational institutions can be billed at per alarm
rate that you would have to recover. The major question is vdiether
the Courts would determine that to be highly punitive,
Karl Niklas, 1005 Danby Road ronarked that it seemed to him that
one of the arguments that's being advanced for this ordinance is
that sane how or another relief has to be found in one form or
another against the rising costs of fire protection. It seemed to
him that that was related to the rapid rates at vdiich the Town of
Ithaca was e3^)anding. When the moratorium issue was raised GINA we
were told that the infrastructure of the Town was capable of
accepting the rapid developmental increases that we have seen
recently. Yet here we see a syitptom of v^ere the infrastructure in
terms of fire protection has been essentially jeopardized and viiat
has happened is we are transplanting the costs for fire protection
to the pocket of the future hcmeowners. He stated that he saw here
a lot of opposition to that and vdiat it really boils down to are
very closely related issues, is rapid growth and excessive
development. In many cases, multiple residential zoning, density
is defined by the number of dwelling units per acre not the number
of individuals occupying it. It's the number of individuals living
per acre or non-related individuals within a dwelling unit that
flush toilets, drive cars and accidentially set fires. He felt
that the Town Board, in a broader perspective should review an
evaluation of setting caps on the density of people living in MR
Zones, He stated that he further suggested to the Town Board that
there is another problon that needs to be addressed and we have
already seen presidence where rental units are built and leased to
Ithaca College or seme other educational institution and as a
result of that lease the number of individuals living in those
units increases beyond the recognized bounds vMch were defined hy
the Planning Board in granting approval for construction, He
stated that he would ask the Board, in a broader context to concern
Tcwn Board Minutes 12 September 12, 1988
yourselves with the issue of density and safety and the
infrastructure of the Town.
Supei:visor Desch stated that he felt Mr. Niklas was way off base in
the projections that you are inaking as to vdiy we are here. Why we
are at this point with the sprinkler law. The reasons vdiy fire
houses are being built on South Hill and West Hill have very little
to do with growth. Wfe talk about the desirability of legislating
inpact fees but if you try to legislate, let's take the South Hill
fire station. If you try to legislate an impact fee on the future
development of South Hill, and include the cost of that new fire
station the Courts would throw it out because the need for that
fire station exits there today even if you have no other building
permits issued on the entire area of South Hill. When we look at
th costs for fire service and project those costs for the entire
Town you have to look at the time frame and say okay, the
investment in that system, that rapid response system, called a
sprinkler system in the hcme, is in effect an impact fee because
its deferring or eliminating potentially the cost to go yet beyond
another level of infrastructure. Additional fire houses because
there is a lot of area that are still outside the limit of this new
fire house that we are building this ccming year. So we are
talking not only about the projection of costs that this used to
cotpare with the cost of installing sprinklers but you will have to
put on top of that another v^ole layer of costs which have not been
discussed at all. We are not looking at something vMch is 25
years out in the future we are looking at something that is
beginning to hit home now and is going to hit home in increasing
amounts with the infrastructure already committed to build for the
existing need. You are talking about parameters that are even
beyond the projects that we have made.
Mr. Niklas remarked that was not sure exactly how the caiments that
he made are some how or another involved with the fire department
or the fire station that is being built. He stated that he did not
think he had mentioned South Hill in particular. He thought his
point here was that, and he could show maps showing density, as for
example since you bring up South Hill of a development plan before
the Town Planning Board and on 30 acres we are talking a minimum of
600 people. That is 600 people in 30 acres vMch is one of the
highest densities in that i^ole are, in fact thats the minimum
number. He stated that his point is really, we should consider
density in terms of people, we should consider rapid development in
terms of the cost for maintaining the Town's infrastructure and
supplying future infrastructure for the rates that can be projected
based on present developmental furiosity. He stated that he did
not think he was off base here but he would be happy to discuss it
with the Town Supervisor.
Supervisor Desch replied, he thoughts that there were a couple of
other offshoots of that issue which would be worthvdiile to discuss.
Mr. Niklas remarked that he thought that he gave one and that was
to set a cap on the number of individuals living in a dwelling
imit.
Supervisor Desch remarked, but you have to realize there is a
negative effect by doing that also. You have to ccnpare the cost
of the negative effect with cost of the additional infrastructure.
Mr. Niklas asked vtot was the negative effect?
Supervisor Desch replied, the negative effect is the capping of the
increase in the assessed value of the tax base in the Town of
Ithaca.
Town Board Minutes 13 September 12, 1988
Mr. Niklas asked if students contributed to that tax base?
Supervisor Desch replied, they sure do. Especially in that
particular project that you are talking about they will.
Supervisor Desch asked if the Board wiidied to continue discussion
on the Sprinkler Law at the next meeting? The Board agreed they
wished to continue the discussion.
Chief Edward Olmstead remarked that one of the things he heard here
tonight is that it is a similar prdblen that the City has. There
is not a v^ole lot known about v^o the fire department is and v^t
they do and the services. Seme of the questions that you have
asked about the relationship of Cornell, future costs and about
vdiere we are. He stated that he wanted to make an offer, both
individually and as groups, that he would like to come and spend
some time with people on that issue and talk about v^ere we are
today in terms of the fire protection and emergency medical issues
of the ccnitiunity vMch is really the biggest service we render and
help fill out seme of those voids and gaps in your understanding of
how this issue is going to grow in the next few years.
Councilwcman Leary remarked, since this is a continuing issue and
if we do eventually amend the law, we may be in a position of
having people already begun installing sprinkler systems and it
will put us in kind of a funny position. She asked if there way to
suspend the law until we decide and work out exactly vtot we want
to do?
Supervisor Desch replied not as long as it's on the books as an
adopted law, you can repeal it.
Councilwcman Leary asked if the Board could say that next month
they would decide v^ether they are going to amend it or not. Call
a public hearing and decide one way or another next month.
Councilwcman Raffensperger replied that at seme point this Board
has to discuss it. She stated that she has had many phone calls
and that she had many questions about the comments that have been
made. At some point this Board has to discuss \tot has happened
and how we got there and vdiat are we going to do about it. She
asked vdien this would be?
Sijpervisor Desch replied, at your pleasure.
Councilwcman Leary asked about multiple housing. She stated that
we don't have people here vdio are renters, vAio probably know about
this and landlords wouldn't speak to it because they can pass it on
to the renters. She stated that it concerned her a great deal
because it goes back to the old issue of affordable housing,
affordable residences and just as it vrould increase the cost in
single family housing it would increase the lanit cost for the
multiple. She felt the Board should consider this.
Councilman Bartholf replied that he felt the majority of the people
concerned about the sprinkler law are concerned with single and two
family houses not multiple.
Councilvonan Raffensperger renarked to Councilwcman Leary that she
felt v^at influenced many of the Board v^o have lived here in
Ithaca for a length of time, ronember a fire here in Ithaca where
there was a fire in a multiple residence and the only one in vdiich
there was substantial loss of life. These were extremely mobile
college students, so she felt this prejudiced the Boards view about
multiple housing.
Town Board Minutes 14 September 12, 1988
RESOLUTION NO. 252
Motion by Councilman Cardman; seconded by Coiancilvotian
Raff ensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
hold a public hearing at 7:30 P.M., on October 17, 1988 to consider
amending the Sprinkler Law exempting new single and two family
hones.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Loary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FROM EDDYDALE MARtCET,
EE^RA ROAD, ITEffiCA, NEW YORK, TCWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO.
6-35-1-10.1 FOR THE REZOJING OF SAID PROPERTY FROM R~30 TO MODIFIED
BUSINESS "B"
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider an application from Eddydale Market, Elmira Road, Ithaca,
New York, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 6-35-1-10.1 for the
rezoning of said property from R-30 to modified Business "B" having
been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public
hearing.
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated the main features that were asked
for in the modified Business "B" zone were such items as an
expanded range of goods vdiich could be sold at the farm market
being sane convenience type items suitable for the state parks
trade. Additionally there was a request for increased storage for
produce including seme roans to keep produce at a controlled
temperature and office space and a loading dock. In addition it
was proposed that the remaining land in the back, about 15 acres,
would be retained agricultural. She went on to say that the
Planning Board examined the proposal and they recanmended to the
Town Board in their resolution of June 21 that the request, at this
time, be denied with their determinations being that at this time
there was no need for additional business zoning. There were other
lands vdiich were suitable for business or light industrial use in
the Elmira Road corridor, v^ere those uses are permitted and that
there might be some irtpact on the adjacent residential areas.
Anyone v^o was on the Town Board back in 1981 might ronember a
denial of essentially the same type of request. The Planning Board
did recommend to the applicants that they go to the Zoning Board of
J^peals to try to get the storage space, office space and other
structures tliat they feel are essential to proceed. She went on to
say that her recommendation to the Planning Board included a
consideration that if sometime v^en there are the staff resources
to permit it and the time is available, that there should be a
study of the entire Elmira Road corridor viiere we do have some
existing houses which are actually zoned for business use. In
light of the Five Mile Road rezoning \diere 70 acres of industrial
zoned area was turned into residential, we do need to look at more
industrial and commercial land down the road. It would be good to
have a corridor study through there and see whether the Eddy
property might actually fit into some kind of a more conprehensive
rezoning scheme at a later time.
Supervisor Desch asked vhat was the date of the document called "A
proposal to rezone part of the premises "? Is that pre
Planning Board?
Ms. Beeners replied, that is vrtiat was submitted and reviewed by the
Planning Board in June.
Town Board Minutes 15 September 12, 1988
Supervisor Desch closed the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 253
Motion by Councilwonan Raffensperger; seconded by Councilman
Cardman,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, i:^n the
recorinendation of the Planning Board and for the reasons enumerated
in their reccnimendation, hereby denies the request for rezoning of
Eddydale Market, Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 6-35-1-10.1 from R-30 to modified Business "B".
Supervisor Desch called for a roll call vote.
Councilman Bartholf Voting Aye
Councilman Cardman Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Aye
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffenspe2?ger Voting Aye
Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
The Resolution was adopted.
TCWN ENGINEER' REPORT
Town Engineer Robert Flumerfelt reported that the water and sewer
improvement projects. Phase I is in the clean up stage. The sewer
installation on Campbell Avenue will be started after the reopening
of Cliff Street. We are progressing with the plans for the East
Shore Drive sewer extensions and hope to have them ready for bid
the end of Septeniber. He went on to note that on the extra
construction costs for Dates Drive, the Town of Ithaca has already
approved their share, TOnpkins County has made a verbal ccsimitment
for about $14,000, the Tcnpkins Caranunity Hospital has sent us a
check for almost all of their share and the Professional Building
has not responded to date.
The Town Engineer went on to say that the I/I Study in sewers in
the Northeast area is progressing and Pickard and Anderson expects
to have a draft copy of their report on the results by the end of
Septorber. He went on to say that the mapping and design plans for
the sanitary sewer for the proposed West Hill fire station have
been sent to the architects for inclusion in their proposal.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMDING THE ZOSflNG ORDINANCE AND LOCAL
LAW #3 OF 1984, REGARDING THE EXPANSION OF PERMITTED USES ON THE LA
TOURELLE PREMISES, 1150 DANBY ROAD, TCWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO.
6-36-1-4.2
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider amending the Zoning Ordinance and Local Law #3 of 1984,
regarding the esqpansion of permitted uses on the La Tourelle
premises, 1150 Danby Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 6-36-1-4.2
having been presented by the Tcwn Clerk, the Supervisor opened the
public hearing.
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that a revised general plan was
submitted and includes a year round tennis bubble, an additional
out door tennis court and additional parking, also the ability to
have a dining facility within La Tourelle itself. There are no
hotel type facilities within La Tourelle now. There may be, at a
future date if La Tourelle is ever expanded and the second wing is
Tcfwn Board Minutes 16 September 12, 1988
expanded, there my be need for modifications and widening of the
driveway. There has been discussed, and agreed, that the landscape
would be coipleted and additional parking would be provided by the
end of October of this year. It was one of our recanmendations
that in order to keep a country atmosphere it would be irtportant to
limit the amomt of signage that would be visible from Route 96B,
that no additional signage be put out there to advertise the dining
facility which Mr. Wiggins says is necessary in La Tourelle in
order to have alcoholic beverages there.
As no one wished to speak the Supervisor closed the public hearing.
Councilwcman Raffensperger remarked, in the original legislation it
say that "absent a permit system, the occasional serving of food
and beverages for the guests of La Tourelle for special occasions
such as weddings or other social occasions is permitted." Has that
been the case, has that facility been used only for guests of La
Tourelle and would that continue then to be the case?
Walter Wiggins replied, no it has been used for wedding receptions
primarily and other meeting functions for people \dio are not
necessarily residing in La Tourelle. The vdiole problem came about
because there is no legal slot for this kind of a facility. We
thought it would be possible to apply for a permit that would
enable us to handle wedding receptions and v^tever and to provide
beverages for hotel guests. There is no slot because we are not
like the Dug Out and we are not a hotel as such and do not choose
to have a hotel lounge so there was no way that the liquor
authority can give us a license to allow us to serve beverages for
receptions or for guests vdio are staying in the hotel. What has
happened is that each time a special permit has had to be obtained
every time a function is held.
Councilwcman Raffensperger remarked, that is fran the liquor
authority but that she was really taicing about the regulations as
set up by the Town of Ithaca in it's Special Land Use Legislation
v^ich it looked to her that it said that to this date La Tourelle
was to be used for special occasions such as wedding receptions and
other social occasions only for guests of La Tourelle. She asked
if she was misreading it?
Town Attorney Barney stated that he felt that related to out door
activities principally. It was really designed to keep the noise
level and that sort of thing down.
Coimcilwcman Raffensperger remarked, but even that question is sort
of aprapos, because the question that cones next is with the
changes that are being proposed will there be a restriction as to
the use of it to the public at-large or will it be restricted to
guests of La TOurelle, all of these permitted uses?
Town Attorney Bamey replied, the answer is that he thought under
the proposal there would not be a restriction in that type of use.
He went on to say that he was not sure it was ever defined v^t
guest of La Tourelle is. He felt Councilvonan Raffensperger was
reading it as overnight guests. There is no question about it,
this proposal has broadened out scmevdiat the permitted uses there,
the reason for that and he felt he was probably the prime
instigator of that as anybody because we have had several
applications from La Tourelle over the years, as they ccme forward
and as the development has evolved, and the use has evolved. He
thouc^t the use, as originally started was going to be kind of a
bed and breakfast type and has obviously moved away from a Ma and
Pa kind of single family house converted to a bed and breakfast,
it's not that kind of an operations, it's more a resoirfc area. He
stated that he was concerned because eveiry time they moved they had
Town Board Minutes 17 September 12, 1988
to ccme in and get and application and get an approval and it
seemed to him wiser, that having to go through this process every
single time, for exanple to raise or lower a bubble on a tennis
court, or allow the facility to have people visiting it or have a
dinner like we had for Larry Fabbroni out there, to have to have
them cane in each time for a permit, have the Planning Board and
this Board review it each time, it did not make sense. It's
beccming a resort and there have been no problems.
Councilwonan Raffensperger stated that she did note, however, the
coranents that the Planning Board made having to do with the
incremental change in zoning ordinance provisions vdiich were
hammered out, to say the least, in the past and in reading that and
having seme sympathy for that kind of discussion and also, however,
with having an understanding that there have not been ccmplaints
about the use. As a matter of fact there have been very nice
connents in the coiinunity, her only objection to this is Section 6
vdiich seans to her to go over broad and to really be a kind of
blank check.
Town Attorney Barney replied, the reason that was put in there is
to still require the Planning Board approval and secondly if
someone wants to come in and have a storage shed, right now the
whole process has to go all the way through, come to the Board here
and be approved. These kinds of, v^t he would not call major
things, but an added building hero or there or, a change in the
p>arking or landscaping, does this Board want to hear these things
all the time? Right now the vdiole thing is kind of cast in canent,
now the question is is the need there for the strong and severe
limitations given the neighborhoods reaction to it?
Councilvonan Raffensporger stated that she guessed she still felt,
that vrtiile she did not want to approve storage sheds, that
p>articular section is drawn so broadly that she coxild imagine that
there would be development proposed under it that she thought would
be appropriate for the Town Board to consider, p)articularly
considering the history of the special legislation for the
district.
Mr. Wiggins asked if the Board didn't feel that the control by the
Planning Board would satisfy the concerns vMch were expressed.
There are people v^o are equally, if not more, concerned with the
planning and development of the area v^o would be required to
review those auxiliary facilities. He stated that he did not even
know vAiat he was talking about because none were envisioned.
Councilwonan Raffensperger responded, because the Town Board drew
the original regulations and, therefore, took a kind of sp)ecial
responsibility in doing that she felt her answer to Mr. Wiggins was
no, she did not think that was sufficient.
Councilman McPeak stated that he had no problem with Number 6
knowing a little about the hotel biasiness and things that crop up.
He stated that he was a p>arty on the original legislation and there
are things that you have to do once in a while without a long lead
time, and he felt this was \diat Mr. Wiggins was getting at. For
exanple, he has a big wedding and he has to put up a tent or seme
typ5e of terrporary structure and he doesn't have the time to come to
us to do that. He stated that he was perfectly comfortable with
the amendment as it reads.
RESOLUTION NO. 254
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Bartholf
Tcwn Board Minutes 18 Septotiber 12, 1988
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby make a
negative determination of environmental significance for the
proposed revision to Local Law No. 3 - 1984.
Councilwanan Raffensperger ronarked that in her opinion with
Section 6 in there that the potential envi2X>nmental irrpact would
lead her to vote against it.
Councilman Cardman remarked that he would want to see Section 6
removed before any further action is taken.
Supervisor Desch replied, you can condition the negative
declaration with that kind of a comment.
Town Attorney Barney remarked that this is v^ere SEQR is really
causing us more headaches than helping us, he suggested that the
Board take a straw vote as to v^ether they want Section 6 in or out
and then if the decision is to take it out then he felt the Board
should deal with SEQR \^en they have the proposed legislation in
front of then with that section out of there.
It was the Board's decision, five to one, that Section 6 be
removed.
RESOLUTIOJ NO. 255
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger; seconded by Councilman
Cardman
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adjourn
the public hearing to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance and
Local Law No. 3 of 1984, regarding the expansion of permitted uses
on the La Tourelle premises, 1150 Danby Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 6-36-1-4.2 until 8:00 P.M., on October 17, 1988.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
PUBLIC HEARING TO CC^SIDER AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA TRAFFIC
ORDINAtO: TO PROVIDE FOR SIGNAGE DATES DRIVE
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a p\:iblic hearing to
consider amending the Tbwn of Ithaca Traffic Ordinance to provide
for signage on Dates Drive having been presented by the Town Clerk,
the Sipiervisor opened the pT±)lic hearing.
Supervisor Desch stated that he would like to propose that this
item be adjourned because we have item 19 v^ch has to do with the
amendment of the Traffic Ordinance to provide a stop sign on Snyder
Hill Road at Pine Tree Road to be added to the changes.
RESOLUTION NO. 256
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:15 P.M., on October 17, 1988 to
consider amending the Tcwn of Ithaca Traffic Ordinance to provide
for signage on Dates Drive and for the placement of a stop sign on
Snyder Hill Road at Pine Tree Road.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
Town Board Minutes 19 September 12, 1988
PUBLIC HEARING TO CmSIDER M ORDINANCE GOVERNING NOISE IN THE TOWN
OF ITHACA
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a piablic hearing to
consider an ordinance governing noise in the Town of Ithaca having
been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public
hearing.
Michael Winchell, 185 Kendall Avenue stated that he got interested
in the noise ordinance because he just moved to a part of the Town
vdiich is probably the most noise sensitive area, which is Kendall
Avenue. Mr. Winchell went on to say that maybe now it was half
student housing and half family housing and it is also a very
delicate area. An exanple of how delicate it is, a man v^o is caie
of the big landlords in the Town just moved out and he rented his
house to students and there are family houses around it. Jty wife
was talking to him and he said well this v^ole area is going to go
student, it's going to be like Collegetown and there is nothing
anybody can do about it. wife said well there are still
families around you and he just looked at her and smiled and said
well how long are they going to stay. So, there are areas in the
Town that are more sensitive than others. He went on to say that
his concern was that the area stay a mixed area, that it not be
scmething v^ere the zoning is such that you are forced to have just
one kind of zoning and obviously the noise ordinance is very
important in connection with that. He stated that he felt a noise
ordinance in principal is an excellent idea and he assumed the
purpose of the noise ordinance is to create a situation vdiere
people can live together. He went on to say that his question was,
v^ether the noise ordinance will actually acccraplish this or
^^ther it will take a situation now vMch is a manageable
situation and sirrply make it an unmanageable one. The situation
now v^ch exists in the Town of Ithaca as far as he could tell
because he has talked to the Sheriff's Department and they claim
that at any time of the day or night a neighbor is making noises
v^ich you find offensive you can call the Sheriff's Department,
they will eventually send soneone up there and ask them to calm
down. That's an informal arrangement, it feels like a manageable
oae, living on the street right now v^en the students play music we
go over and talk to them and ask them if they can shut their
windows and everything seems to be working out. Because the noise
ordinance has to do scmething vMch is iitpossible he did not feel
the noise ordinance would work. The noise ordinance can't
discriminate between different kinds of noise, it just flat out has
to say 55 decibels is okay at night time, 60 decibels is okay in
the day time. We know there are all different kinds of noises,
seme are more offensive than the 60 decibels of one kind of noise
might be absolutely unbearable \^ereas 60 decibels of another kind
of noise might be manageable. He stated that he did not think
there was anything to be gained by the noise ordinance as it was
written.
Robert Levitsky, 176 Kendall Avenue stated that he lived right next
door to five Ithaca College students, the lacovelli's moved out,
that is the fellow he was talking aibout. It's unbearable, it's
unbelievable. He stated that he has gone over there and he has
seen Michael Winchell over there, he has talked to them, however,
he has not called the police yet but that will be his next step.
If one of you ladies or gentlemen will just drive down Kendall and
see vdiat it is like. See the traffic, see the cars going up and
down, they race. The noise, fire crackers, for this Board to
consider this legislation, to him it is an outrage.
Councilman McPeak remarked, you say there are five people living in
the house.
Town Board Minutes 20 Septoxiber 12, 1988
Mr. Levitsky replied, right. It was passed by the Zoning Board.
He stated that he fought it for a year and then the Board voted on
it last year, unanimous. He stated that his bedroan is 25' away
from their stereo room.
Building Inspector Andrew Frost remarked that he thought there
might be something in the ZBA approval for that that may have seme
restrictions in terms of the landlord managing the students so that
they are no disturbances. He stated that he would review it.
Councilman McPeak replied that that was the reason he asked the
question because of our definition of related and unrelated people.
Mr. Frost remarked that under the special approval that is
permitted in an R-9 zone for higher occupancy there may have been
seme conditions put in there in terms of the landlords managing the
occupants and he would look into that. He noted that this was the
first he had heard of this and asked Mr. Levitsky if he had called?
Mr. Levitsky replied no. He stated that he had been over there
seven or eight times to talk to the kids but that now he was just
going to start calling the Sheriff and signing complaints.
Councilwcman Raffensperger asked, v^y do you think the noise
ordinance is outrageous because it was drafted in response to
complaints like yours and was an attempt to solve the problem.
Mr. Levitsky replied that he was under the impression that it was
to increase the noise level.
Town Attorney Barney replied, there are two standards here. One is
excessive noise v^ich is not defined by reference to any decibels
limit, it's excessive under the circumstances. The other is saying
outright 55 decibels or 60 decibels is prohibited at the boxmdairy
line of the property. So if you have a situation \^ere you have
fewer decibels but under the circumstances that constitutes
excessive noise and that very well may be \tot this gentleman has
on Kendall Avenue, that's a section you could use under the
proposed ordinance. He stated that he was a little troubled vdien
he hears people say the limit is going to increase the noise, that
really was not the intent of this ordinance.
Mr. Winchell asked, how are you going to define the excessive
noise?
Town Attorney Barney replied, it's defined the same way as it's
defined in the City of Ithaca's ordinance and the same way your are
defining it now, it's excessive under the circumstances. What a
normal ordinary human being would define or accept as being
excessive, that's vdiat it is.
Supervisor Desch remarked, he has a good point, if you have a quiet
residential area and you set the level at 55 db you are encouraging
people to understand that they can produce noise between the levels
and still be within the law and that is vdiat he is concerned about.
Councilman Cardman remarked that the Town Attorney was making the
point that you have another section of the law to apply there. So
you could still call the Sheriff and he could bring out his little
db meter and he say they are only at 54 db but the ccnplaint could
be made that it was excessive.
Town Attorney Barney remarked, 30 db at 1:00 A.M., in the morning
could be excessive.
Ttown Board Minutes 21 Septernber 12, 1988
Supervisor Desch asked if there was any knowledge as to how the
City feels its ordinance is enforceable?
Building Inspector Andrew Frost replied that he spoke to Tcm Hoard
last week, he basically said that the police department had a db
meter but there is no one certified to actually use the meter.
Basically the City police go out if there is a ccnplaint, tell the
people to keep it down and that is the end of that. In terms of a
strict enforcement procedure, he felt that there was none and he
did see that as a potential issue as to v^o the Town Board e3q)ects
to enforce the oixiinance and at viiat hours of the day. He asked if
the Board was expecting the Sheriff's Department to enforce it or
was the Board e3q)ecting him to enforce it?
Supervisor Desch replied that he thought the Board needed to do a
little bit more homework. The Board agreed.
Councilwcman Raffensperger remarked that the Board had the original
complaint vhich was a very substantial one and over a long period
of time and really effecting a quite large area in the Tbwn. She
stated that she was a little concerned with the Board backing off
and she did not understand vdiy having the two standards in here,
and she felt this was fairly carefully done. The decibels level
and then also the standards for determination of excessive noise
\diioh includes things like the nature and the zoning district of
the area from v^ich the noise originates.
Supeirvisor Desch remarked that there are some people at Cornell who
are willing to look at the ordinance to determine its practicality
and that this might be a worthvdiile thing to have done.
RESOLUTK^ ND. 257
Motion by Councilman Bartholf; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby table,
indefinitely, further consideration of the proposed Noise
Ordinance.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW GOVERNING TAXI CABS IN THE
TOWN OF ITHACA
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider a local law governing taxi cabs in the Town of Ithaca
having been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the
public hearing.
Supervisor Desch asked the Town Attorney to bring the Board up to
date with his latest information.
Town Attorney John Barney replied that he felt it was pretty well
laid out in the letter of September 8 to the Board. He went on to
say that Councilwcman Leary, Councilman Bartholf and he had met on
a couple occasions and on the second occasion with Mr. Clapp vho is
the operator of Tower Taxi.
Mr. Stejdien Flash an attorney representing Mr. Clapp stated that he
had reviewed the law today, however, he has not seen the letter
that Mr. Barney is referring to. Mr. Flash stated that he was here
to express three concerns in reviewing the law. First of all,
there is a possible conflict in the proposed law for the Town of
Ithaca conflicting with the already existing law for the City of
Town Board Minutes 22 September 12, 1988
Ithaca. The City of Ithaca regulates the fares originating and
outside of terminating in Ithaca and originating in Ithaca and
terminating outside of Ithaca. It regulates it by establishing a
regulation, that's a free form regulation but he submits to the
Board that it is a regulation anyways, that the cab driver and the
passenger agree upon the fare for vdiatever the distance or location
is. By the proposed legislation, in a couple of sections you are
legislating the fare going into and out of the City of Ithaca. He
felt this was a conflict v^ch really is not permissible, there are
seme decisions, opinions from the State Comptroller, v^ich say that
the regulations would be permissible as long as they are (a) within
the public interest, (b) reasonable, and (c) don't conflict with
any existing situations, existing regulations. He felt we have
this here. He stated that his second concern was basically one of
economics. He remarked that he gathered there have been some
conferences with Mr. Clapp and some of you here to arrive at some
numbers but there hasn't been any sound economic analyses because
he knew that Mr. Clapp hasn't gotten together with his accountant
and figured out a cost per mile and, therefore, he did not think it
was sound public policy to base an econanic decision such as this,
rates, without there being really any economic analyses. When you
base somtething that is similar in zones to Ithaca but you are
dealing with the Town, the zones are much larger, it's really
comparing apples and oranges and he did not feel this was a sound
basis to do it. Thirdly, his most irrportant concern is just public
interest or fairness, viien you are dealing with public policy and
you are setting zone rates that cover very large distances you are
going to have people from varying distances away from the City/Town
line paying essentially the same rates and that is not going to be
fair. If you live within 50' of the Town/City line you are going
to get paid the same as if you live way out on the line of the Town
of Ithaca and Dryden because \tot you have in this situation with
the fixed rates or the maximum rates because they may not be
economically sound its not something that a cab company can live
with and profit by, then they are going to be forced to charge the
same thing to everybody. That's not going to be fair to people
living different distances from the City/TOwn line.
Mr. Flash went on to say that the regulations as proposed are
pretty complicated and the taxi drivers are going to have to live
with this and it's hard enough for than to have to deal with
different zones in Ithaca so viiy impose on them another regulation.
We're here now and there is less and less regulation and
historically it has been to deregulate things and now we are just
imposing regulations. Mr. Flash remarked, as his mechanic said to
him the other day, if it ain't broke don't fix it. He stated that
he did not see a hugh human cry here, and that he knew Mr. Clapp
had received simply no coiplaints that he has been charging high
rates. The reason to regulate taxi's is to prevent exorbitant
charges and that is fine but there is syston already in effect and
it has been working and he did not see any point in adding more
regulations vMch would just we have one remaining taxi
company, we are threatening the viability of that. It's not in the
interest of anjtoiy to impose regulations vMch threaten the
viability of the one remaining taxi company. He stated that he
wished to submdt to the Board that there really wasn't any reason
for it and it's overly burdensome and it isn't particularly fair
and it's not based on good economiic analyses. We are willing to
work with you and have an accountant go over it and figure out a
cost per mile and see if we can't figure out a set mileage rate
v^ch WDuld take into account the varying distances from the City
and Town line. But other than that he did not think it was a
system that was going to work very well.
Councilwcman Leary replied that she addressed somte of those
concerns in the report that she gave the Board tonight. We are
Town Board Minutes 23 SeptQn±)er 12, 1988
basing it on the City's model of zones and the zones each establish
a flat rate within the zones. As far as taking into account
econcmic considerations, we did meet with Mr. Clapp, in fact vte
spoke to him for a full morning, and he told us \tot he currently
charges. The rates that we have established here aren't very
different frcm the rates he is currently charging. We raised the
proposed rates pretty substantially from the original that we came
to the Board with last month to make it more conforming t6 vdiat he
is currently charging. If he needs an accountant to go over vtot
his actual rates are, then he needs an accountant, but we are going
by vtot he told us he was actually charging.
Si:pervisor Desch asked Councilwoman Leary vtet was her pleasure as
to the timing of the actual adoption of this?
Councilwoman Leairy replied, we can't adopt it this month but she
wanted to get it to the Board so they could look at the report a
little more thoroughly so if the Board had any questions, ask and
we can look into them more. We have met with Mr. Clajp and she had
done seme other checking around as well as ccnparisons with other
cities as well as the City of Ithaca and she felt the ccmmittee had
come to a fair rate structure.
The question was raised as to vdio would receive ccnplaints.
Councilwoman Leary replied that vdien Councilman Bordoni was on the
committee, we talked about that before we even got into the other
stuff and Councilman Bordoni had in mind that the Town Clerk would
take the conplaints, we would have a form and the coaiplainant would
produce a receipt. It's kind of an administrative thing.
Supervisor Desch replied that this is v^t he thought would be. He
then asked if he had missed that in the law.
Town Attorney Barney replied, no it's not in the law. We never did
discuss this at the committee level.
Supervisor Desch asked how was a person with a grievance supposed
to know what to do?
Councilwoman Leary replied, there is a section in there that calls
for a blurb to be posted in the cab saying that the full terms of
the ordinance shall be available to riders on request. She stated
that v^at she was going to suggest was that the way the City does
it the chart is posted, the grid, that at a glance give riders at
least v^at the zone rates are.
Mr. Flash remarked that he had read the ordinance today, however,
he did not have a copy of the entire ordinance with him, but it
essentially tracks it and he believed in the City Ordinance the
rules of the City and the zones are to be posted, much like the are
here. Which raises the him a question, now we are talking about
enforcement but v^y are we talking about enforcement at this point
what is the problem with the City statue as it exists now \^ien
enforcCTient is already there. Have there been complaints? What is
the problem?
Councilwoman Leary replied, as a matter of fact there have been
complaints, not to us and not to Mr. Clapp but in a course of her
research on this she had interviewed the Director of Gadabout v^o
is in a position to hear coiments from people v^o need
transportation services and she told me that in fact she does hear
a lot of ccaiplaints from her clients v^o are senior citizens about
how expensive it is to take a cab in Ithaca. She went on to say
that as she noted in the report. Gadabout has limited hours and
there aie times v^en senior citizens and everyone else, if they
Town Board Minutes 24 Septoriber 12, 1988
want any transportation at all the only thing they can do is call a
cab. There is an exanple of scane kind of feedback fran the public.
That's an organized avenue to receive ccsiplaints. She stated that
she suspected that most people just suffer in silence and pay
vhatever they are asked to pay.
Councilman McPeak remarked, but there is a definite operating cost
per mile for the cab ccaipany.
Councilwcroan Leary replied, we have taken that into account.
Mr. Flash replied, first of all Gadabout is state subsidized. When
you are talking about mileage and ccarparing it based upon City
zones that's got no bearing on Town zones. The Town is so much
larger, the distances are much, much larger. For exaitple, 50 cents
for a passenger, vhich tracks the City oi^dinance, now in the Town
of Ithaca that passenger is getting lots more miles for his money
than in the City just because of the distance.
Councilwoman Leary replied, yes but that is tacked on top of the
rate that the first passenger is getting, v^ch is much higher than
the City. That 50 cents additional only applies to passengers
traveling with the first passenger. If they are getting off at
another destination it doesn't apply, they are charged a vdiole
separate fair. So it's not adding to the cabs mileage in the
least, it's gravy for them, that extra 50 cents.
Mr. Flash replied, not really. It's the same as in the City. When
you are operating a business and you are forced to take two fares
for essentially the price of one over a longer distance it's more
expensive. The opportunity cost is greater. Your finding of
corplaints by interviewing specific people is hardly a reason to
add on addition legislation to further control. The basis for any
statue regulating taxi cabs, #ien you are regulating a ccnpany, a
business, an economic enterprise, is in this situation the public
interest.
Councilwoman Leary replied that she felt it was in the public
interest because there are times vdien that is the only
transportation service available to people.
Mr. Flash remarked, and you have lost three cabs companies in the
last couple of years.
Councilwoman Leary replied, three cab companies in the past couple
of years, one of them was Terminal v^ich had been operating for 47
years and another one went under because they said they couldn't
handle the success, she stated that she had interviewed them and
they said the demand was so incredible that they just weren't just
prepared for it and that is why they stopped. We have never had
more than one main cab conpany and then sometimes a second cab
company would be in there for a little vdiile and then drop off. It
was not because there was any regulation in the Town.
Mr. Flash replied, but the fact that there is only one is no reason
to regulate.
Councilman Cardman asked if there was any econcxnic impact study
done on the cab company for the City's rates? We don't have any
cost at all, we don't know \^t it cost the cab company to run
their vehicles.
Mr. Flash replied, we haven't factored in depreciation, insurance,
all that stuff.
Town Board Minutes 25 September 12, 1988
Comcilman Cardman replied, then the cost could be lower than v^t
we are proposing.
Mr. Flash replied, you are right. The public interest isn't
necessarily benefited by charging a flat rate.
Councilman Cardman replied that he would consider that of doing
business your having to have seme profit in there.
Councilwoman Leary stated that she would like to answer the ccmment
about the flat rate not serving the public good. What the
coranittee did was take an average of the rates currently being
charged, according to Mr. Clapp, and make that flat. Make a flat
rate in the zones. Wie did that because it would be less confusing
for the public rather than the per mile.
Councilwcman Raffensperger remarked, are you suggesting that we
adjourn this public hearing until next month and if Mr. Clajp or
his associates wish to provide us with additional information that
they could do so and we would consider it at that time?
Councilwcman Leary replied, sure. We can't vote anyway tonight.
RESOLUTION NO. 258
Motion by Councilwcman Raffensperger; seconded by Supervisor Desch,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adjourn
the public hearing to consider a local law governing taxi cabs in
the Town of Ithaca until 8:30 P.M., on October 17, 1988.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
PUBLIC HEARING TO CmSIDER A REVISION TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
RESOLUTION ADOPTED MARCH 10, 1975
Proof of posting and publication of a notice of a public hearing to
consider a revision to the Freedcm of Information Resolution
adopted March 10, 1975, having been presented by the Town Clerk,
the Supervisor opened the pi^Dlic hearing.
Councilwcman Raffensperger stated that the committee discovered
after meeting and discussing the necessity to lower the fees for
copying e^^Denses for people coming into the Town of Ithaca to
receive materials under the Freedom of Information Law.
There being no one wishing to speak for or against the matter, the
Supervisor closed the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 259
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Cardman,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the rules and regulations adopted by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca on March 10, 1975 relating to the
public inspection and copying of such Town of Ithaca records as are
subject to public inspection by law are herdDy amended to read as
set forth below and the same shall continue in effect imtil
altered, changed, amended or superseded by further resolution of
the Town Board or otherwise as may be required by law:
A. Designation of Records Access Office. Pursuant to Part 1401
of Chapter XXV of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of
New York the Town Clerk and Deputy TOwn Clerks at 126 East Seneca
Town Board Minutes 26 September 12, 1988
Street, Ithaca, New York, 14850, are designated as the records
access officers for the Town of Ithaca. Hereinafter the Town Clerk
and Deputy Town Clerks are collectively referred to as the "Clerk".
B. Place of Inspection. The records subject to piablic inspection
by law shall be made available for inspection at the Town of Ithaca
offices at 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, 14850, or at
such other location as the official Town of Ithaca office then
occupies.
C. Time of Inspection. Such records shall be made available for
public inspection on regular business days during regular business
hours, if readily available. If not readily available, written
request specifically describing records to vAiich access is desired
shall be filed with the Clerk who shall, within five business days
of the receipt of sucdi request, make such record available to the
person requesting it, deny sudi request in writing, or furnish a
written acknowledgement of the receipt of such request and a
statement of the approximate date v^en such request will be granted
or denied which must be within then business days of the date of
such acknowledgement.
D. Designation of Appeals Officer. The Si:5)ervisor of the Town of
Ithaca is hereto designated the person to hear appeals regarding
denial of access to records under the Freedom of Information Law.
E. Denial of Access. Denial of access by the Clerk shall be in
writing stating the reason therefor and advising the person denied
access of his or her right to appeal to the Town Supervisor vdio
shall be identified by name, title, business address and business
telephone number. Failure to respond to a request for access
within five business days of receipt of a request shall be deemed a
denial of access. Failure to either deny or grant access within
ten business days after the date of issuance of an acknowledgenent
of receipt of a request shall also be construed as a denial of
access.
F. Appeals. Any person denied access to records may appeal such
denial in writing to the Town Supervisor. Such appeal shall be
made within 30 days of a denial. The ajpeal shall identify
1. The date and location of requests for records.
2. The records that were denied.
3. The name and return address of the appellant.
The Clerk shall transmit to the Town Supervisor and to the
Ccramittee on Open Government copies of all appeals upon receipt of
an appeal.
The Town Supervisor shall inform the appellant and the
Ccommittee on Open Government of the Supervisor's determination in
writing within ten business days of receipt of an appeal.
A final denial of access to a requested record shall be subject to
court review as provided for in Article 78 of the Civil Practice
Laws and Rules of the State of New York.
G. Fees.
(1) Copies generally. The Clerk shall i:^n request make a
copy or copies of any record subject to such inspection and v^ch
can be copied on the Tcwn of Ithaca copying equipment (maximum size
8-1/2 inches by 14 inches) upon a payment of $.10 per page for the
first ten pages of any document and $.05 per page for any
additional pages of the same document, copying of which is
Town Board Minutes 27 September 12, 1988
requested at the same time. Any docaiments, tapes, maps, papers,
etc., \/^iich cannot be copied in the Town offices will be supplied
to the requestor after payment of actual cost of copying.
If a copy or copies are desired thereof by the requestor, the Clerk
shall have the requested copies available at the Town offices
within five business days.
(2) Copies of certain documents. Notwithstanding the
foregoing the Clerk shall provide copies of the following documents
upon payment of the fees set forth opposite the same:
( i) Zoning Ordinance/Map $2.50
( ii) Subdivision Regulations 1.00
(iii) Environmental Review Regulations 1.00
( iv) Sign Ordinance 1.00
(3) Postage. If the requestor requests that copies of
documents be mailed to the requestor, there shall be added to the
costs of copying the postage costs reasonably estimated to be
incurred in mailing the requested documents to the requestor. The
provision in this resolution of reimbursement of postage costs
shall in no way obligate the Town to mail any documents. Such
mailing shall be in the sole discretion of the Clerk.
(4) Certification. The Clerk shall, upon request, certify a
copy of a document or record prepared pursuant to the provisions of
the preceding subsections is a time copy.
(5) Receipts. The Clerk or any other person at the Town
receiving funds pursuant to any of the foregoing subsections shall
give to the payor a receipt for the amount paid and mintain
duplicate copies of such receipts for the Town records.
H. Deletion of Details to Avoid Invasion of Privacy. To prevent
an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, until such time as the
Cotmittee on Open Government or other agency prcamlgates guidelines
for the deletion of identifying details for specified records vtoch
are to be made available, the Town reserves the right to delete any
identifying or other details vdiich would constitute and unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy. An unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy includes, but shall not be limited to:
(1) Disclosure of such personal matters as may have been
reported in confidence to an agency or municipality and v^ch are
not relevant or essential to the ordinary work of the agency or
municipality.
(2) Disclosure of employment, medical or credit histories or
personal references of applicants for employment, except such
records may be disclosed v^en the applicant has provided a written
release permitting such disclosure.
(3) Disclosure of items involving the medical or personal
records of a client or patient in a hospital or medical faciliiy.
(4) The sale or release of lists of names and addresses in
the possession of the Town if such lists would be used for
ccmmercial or fund-raising purposes.
(5) Disclosure of items of a personal nature ^en disclosure
would result in economic or personal hardship to the subject party
and such records are not relevant or essential to the ordinary work
of the department.
Town Board Minutes 28 September 12, 1988
(6) Such other items as may from time to time be adjudged by
statute, coiart decision, or by any Federal, State, or local agency
having jxirisdiction in the matter, as an xmwarranted invasion of
privacy.
J. Subject Matter List. The Town shall maintain and make
available for public inspection and copying, in conformity with
such lawful regulations as may be issued by the Ccnimittee on Open
Government, a current list, reasonably detailed, by subject matter,
of any records which shall be produced, filed, or first kept or
prcraulgated after the effective date of this article. Such list
may also provide identifying information as to any records in the
possession of the department on or before the effective date of
this article.
K. Votes on Proceedings. In addition to such requirements as may
be imposed by this resolution or by Chapter 933 of the Laws of
1977, as amended, each board, commission or other group of the Town
having more than one meoiiber shall maintain and make available for
public inspection a record of the final votes of each member in
every agency proceeding in vdiich he votes.
L. Public Notice. The Clerk shall publicize by posting in a
conspicuous location in the Town offices:
( i) The location \ihsre records shall be made available
for inspection and copying.
( ii) The name, title, business address and business
telephone number of the designated recoirds access
officer.
(iii) The right to appeal by any person denied access to a
record and the name and business address of the Town
Supervisor to v^cm an appeal is to be directed.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
REVISIONS TO FIRE CONTRACT
RESOLUTION NO. 260
Motion Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilwoman
Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca her^y approve
the following amendment to the City of Ithaca/Town of Ithaca Fire
Protection Contract:
1. The addition of one Assistant Chief's position, with a
new total of 5.
2. The addition of one Municipal Training Officer.
3. The addition of one Administrative Secretary's
position.
4. The total number of positions for the Fire Department to
be increased to 60.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
Tcfwn Board Minutes 29 September 12, 1988
TOm OFFICIALS REPORT
TQwn Highway Superintendent's Report
Highway Superintendent John Ozolins noted that the Board had his
written report but he wished to report that the private well at 110
Seven Mile Drive has gasoline in it. DEC suspects that it may be
caning from our fuel tanks, however, to this point we have not
noticed any great loss of fuel. All of the checks that we have
^ done are within tolerance. The tanks were checked a year ago, they
were with tolerance. Right now there is a test being conducted to
see if they can identic the product type. Fran the test that he
has right now he stated that it was gasoline but they can't state
for siare if it is leaded or unleaded and also to narrow it down as
far as the manufacturer. Once that is narrowed down we will start
digging. If its unleaded there is no way it can be ovoc fuel,
sanebody has dumped it there.
Supervisor Desch added, we have a meeting tcsnorrow with DEC to lay
this all out and estalDlish a program for drilling and sampling.
This is all we can tell you at this point as it has just happened.
Coimcilman Cardman remarked, you said our tanks were tested a year
ago, v^t do you mean?
Hi^way Sxperintendent Ozolins replied, there is a requirement that
every 10 years the tanks be certified. A consultant was hired to
conduct the testing.
The Hi^way Superintendent went on to say that the Parks Department
and the Highway Department had put in the basketball court over by
the Hungerford Heigh-ts Parks. We s-tarted tree trinming today on
Seven Mile Drive.
Town Planner's Report
Town Planner Susan Beeners noted that the Board also had her
written report. We have been meeting with the County and City's
Planning staffs and that is v^ere most of her time has been spent.
Building Inspector/Zoning Officer's Report
Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Andrew Frost also noted that the
Board had received a copy of his report. He noted that the number
of permits issued in 1988 was slightly under those issued in 1987.
Cluster was up slightly. A lot of Certificates of Carpliance have
been issued. We had a fairly busy month in terms of new
carplaints, however, we got rid of two long standing catplaints,
one at 801 Five Mile Drive and 713 Elmira Road. Both are now in
caipliance but it took several arrests and several fines.
REPORT OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES
County Representative Beverly Livesay replied that eveorything is
going along well for the start-up of the recycling program on the
fmrn 17th of October. The truck and container bids have been let and
plans for public meetings and publicity are underway. The portion
of the Town of Ithaca that has been chosen for the pilot project is
froti the Danby Road (Route 96B) over to Route 366 (Ellis Hollow
Road) so there will be sate pulDlic meeting concerning this. She
went on to say that in regard to Iton 5 on the agenda, the report
fran the Public Works Ccmmittee last Friday is that the space
Town Board Minutes 30 September 12, 1988
available at the Landstrom Landfill will not permit for clean up
days by the Towns.
AUTHORIZE ASSISTANT BUILDING INSPECTOR/ZOHNG OFFICER TO ATim) TST
BOCES ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
RESOLUTION NO. 261
Motion by Councilman Cardman; seconded by Councilwonan Leary,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Assistant Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Laura
Predmore to attend three classes at TST BOCES Adult Education
Classes at a cost of $100.00.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
EXTENSION OF TIME FOR DATA ENTRY CLERK FOR JUSTICES
RESOLUTION NO. 262
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
WHEREAS, Judged Wallenbeck has a continuing need for a data entry
clerk to update and maintain his ccnputer files, and
WHEREAS, he has requested that the time limit for the current
position be extended,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
hereby authorize Catherine Wieliczko Wall to continue as temporary
Date Entry Clerk. Hours per week to remain at five, paid on a
contractual basis at a reate of $5.00/hour and reviewed on Decoiiber
31, 1988.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Ba2rtholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING CONSULTANT
Supervisor Desch remarked that this was actually two items here,
one is to approve the request and the other is to appoint the
caranittee.
Councilwonan Raffensperger ronarked the only problem is the numbers
on page 9.
Supervisor Desch replied, we can approve it with the exception of
the nimbers.
RESOLUTION NO. 263
Motion by Councilwonan Raffensperger; seconded by Coimcilman
Cardman,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereh^ approve
the Request for Proposal for the Comprehensive Planning Consultant.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
Town Board Minutes 31 Septeniber 12, 1988
and John Whitccnib, Co-chairpersons for GINA presented the
following letter dated September 12, 1988 to the Board:
"At the August 29th Board meeting, the Town Board requested that
the Greater Ithaca Neighborhoods Association piovide the names of
citizen representatives for appointment to the Cotprehensive
Planning Subcommittee. There was seme discussion about the makeup
of this carmittee, with suggestions that there be two members from
the Town Board, two members from the Planning Board, one from the
Zoning Board of Appeals, with one citizen representative from each
"hill" and one at large representative from GINA.
Each neighborhood association was asked to nominate a
representative. One South Hill, there are three nei^iborhood
associations. The three associations met and selected one person
to represent the entire South Hill. During the course of these
discussion, we also agreed that, as a part of a democratic process,
and to assure public confidence in the process, citizen
representations should be equal to that of elected and appointed
officials. Therefore, we submit the following five names as
individuals chosen to represent the community:
1. Bruce Brittain, Forest Hcane Association, representing
East Hill.
2. Ronald Siiipson, Jmiper Drive Association, representing
South Hill.
3. Eugene Ball, West Hill Citizens Coalition, representing
West Hill.
4. Dooley Kiefer, representing GINA.
5. Dr. Dale Corson, as a well respected representative of
the ccmraunity-at-large.
We feel very strongly that this is an excellent slate of people and
is not only representative of the various geographic areas of our
town, but also is representative of varying interests, philosophies
and talents. They look forward to serving the Town of Ithaca. We
request that each of than be appointed."
Christopher McVoy then read the following letter:
"The West Hill Neighborhood Association wishes to thank the Town
Board, the Planning Board, and the Town of Ithaca Planning Staff
for the opportunity to participate in the public review of the
"Request for Proposal." We have elected a delegate, Mr. Eugene
Ball of 1317 Trumansburg Road as our representative on the
Oanprehensive Planning Subcommittee.
In addition we have several specific ccanments concerning the draft
Request for Proposal:
(1) The proposed schedule seemed hasty-preparation of the
consultant's report is 30 days, start to finish. This permits only
minimal opportunity for public education and participation in the
development of the Ccanrprehensive Plan.
(2) The proposed schedule has an initial meeting of the
citizens delegates with the consultant, and a final meeting to
review the consultant's report. We would like more participation
of both the delegates and the public during the preparation of the
report, rather than only an opportunity to react after the report
is largely completed. Further, we ask that part of the
consultant's duties be to educate the public, so that we can be
Town Board Minutes 32 September 12, 1988
well-informed participants in the growth of our ccannmunity. Time
must be allowed for this process of education.
(3) We were unclear about the nature of the final product,
the "Conprehensive Plan." Will it be primarily a ccnpilation of
laws, maps, and ordinances, or will it be a written document
addressed to the public, presenting a consensus of the ccararamity's
goals for growth, and a description of the methods envisioned for
satisfactorily directing such growth? We hope to see scmething of
the latter form. We also hope that use be made of the 1959 Plan,
v^ch ej^licitly discussed neighborhood involvement in the planning
p2x>cess.
(4) We were unclear vhether the Oatprehensive Plan would be
specific or general, but would like to ask that any details
affecting a particular region of the Town be especially brought to
the attention of the residents of that region. We would hope that
any proposed new roads, zoning changes, etc., to be included in the
Coiprehensive Plan would be discussed with residents of the area
before being included in the consultant's final report. In the
same spirit, we ask that the delegates on the Subccirinittee be given
sufficient time to inform their associations before being asked to
approve details specifically affecting their region."
Councilwanan Raffensperger asked to conment on Mr. McVoy's
statement. She went on to say that as she read through Mr. McVoy's
statement and listened to him she stated that it seemed to her that
v^at Mr. McVoy was really envisioning is a much more ccnplex and a
much longer process than the Request for Proposal outlines. It's
really only the beginning of a process and is a way of sort of
evaluating, a beginning step. In other words, vtot we are asking
is that a consultant look at v^at we have, ccrament specifically on
some parts of it, but primarily give us a road map a kind of v^ere
do we go from here and how do we improve the process.
Mr. McVoy replied that essentially that was about his third ccrament
on this addresses exactly that and that we were a little unclear as
to vtot level of detail but we also noted several points in the
proposal where it says the consultant will organize public
participation with no further details.
Doria Higgins, 2 Hillcrest Drive read the following statement dated
Septonnber 12, 1988:
"We in the West Hill Neighborhood Association and the Greater
Ithaca Neighborhood Association have said a lot of different things
to you — things with vMch we have all agreed. However, with so
much to listen to, significant points can be overlooked. And there
is one message of over-riding inportance v^ch we have made and
vhich we think inperative that you not lose sight of. It is this.
Our request to you for a ccnprehensive plan, represents really a
request to you to adhere to and respect the zoning ordinance now in
effect. It is a request to you to stop capriciously granting
zoning charges and zoning variances and creating Special Land Use
Districts to oblige individuals and developers without regard to
the welfare or agreement of the ccramunity. We are not asking you
to disrupt our neighborhoods with new zoning. We are not asking
you to turn existing neighborhoods topsy turvy with suddenly
introduced trailer parks and shopping malls.
Our request for a ccaftprehensive plan is a request to you to protect
and enhance our present neighborhoods and ccrammity and allow for
orderly and acceptable growth."
Tcfwn Board Minutes 33 September 12, 1988
Rosalind Grippi, 423 East Seneca Street renarked that she thought
that the definition of a comprehensive plan on page 5 speaks
primarily to growth and development and not enough to the
protection and enhancement of the neighborhood. She felt that if
this was going out to potential Town planners who will be
consultants to the Town of Ithaca the perspective applicant should
be aware that not only are we concerned with future growth and
development but also the protection and enhancement of the
neighborhood. For exanple, the State Law says lessen conjestion in
the streets, prevent overcrowding of lands, avoid undue
concentration of population and the Zoning Ordinance speaks of the
control of the density of the population. The Subdivision
Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance speaks to the concern that the
neighborhoods will not be adversely effected 1:^ the growth. She
wondered if there couldn't be seme inclusion of that spirit in that
definition of a ccmprehensive plan. For exanple, the Town of
Ithaca ccmprehensive plan is defined as a set of references
utilized by the Town government to promote orderly development and
growth of the Town vdiile and protecting and enhancing the character
of existing neighborhoods. That could continue by saying to avoid
overcrowding of lands, to avoid undue concentration of population
and to assure adequate facilities for housing, transportation,
utilities, etc. She thought that is would be more in the spirit of
vdiat the neighborhoods and citizens are seeking in a comprehensive
plan, not only plans that outline and project future growth and
development but also that they consider the enhancement and
protection of the neighborhoods that exist.
Councilwanan Raffensperger replied that she felt all of the
comments have much merit but her major concern was that if we don't
get going with this we are never going to get it done. And she
honestly could see the Board improving it until there is not use
doing it anymore. We are going to have a process with the
consultant planner and the interviews with then, with the
committee, that will make clear she thought the balance kind of
consideration that we wish to have from this process. It all has
value and we can discuss it with the consultant planners vdien they
come in with their proposals but she really felt the Board needed
to stop perfecting it and go for it.
councilman Cardman remarked, that he agreed with the spirit of what
the people were saying but that he agreed with Councilwoman
Raffensperger that the Board had to stop rewriting now and get on
with the process.
COMMITTEE SELECTION
Supervisor Descii noted that from the Town Board we have the names
of Shirley Raffensperger and Tom Cardman and from the Zoning Board
of i^peals Ed Austen and from the Planning Board Robert Kenerson
and Virginia Langhans and the five names that were presented to us
tonight. We also have a letter Alfred DiGiacomo stating his
interest in serving on the committee.
Councilwoman Raffensperger remarked that she thought there was
going to be three from the Town Board, she asked the Town
Supeivisor if he hadn't planned on serving?
Supervisor Desch replied that he was but he would be tied up
training the new Assistant Budget Officer.
Supervisor Desch renarked that he had a little bit of a problem,
but v^en he went down through the list of names and he always
hesitate to do this because we are all very sensitive to the
constituents that we have but v^en he goes down through it he finds
Town Board Minutes 34 September 12, 1988
that Shirley Raffensperger is from East Hill, Tom Cardman is from
East Hill, Ed Austen from West Hill, Bob Kenerson from West Hill,
Virginia Langhans from East Hill, Bruce Brittain from East Hill,
Ron Simpson from South Hill, Eugene Ball from West Hill, Dooley
Kiefer from East Hill and Dale Corson from South Hill. He stated
that he guessed that he would prefer in place of the name given to
us by GINA a person from South Hill or West Hill. If it is South
Hill he stated that he would offer the name of John Whitcomb, if it
was West Hill he wasn't sure. He stated that this would be his
only change to the list as proposed. We don't need to chose the
conmittee tonight as obviously it will be a v^le they will be
needed. He stated that this was a concern he had.
Mr. Whitcomb asked if the suggestion was for a sixth person.
The Board replied no. Supervisor Desch added, substitute a
representative from South or West Hill for Dooley Kiefer, however,
he felt it was i:p to the Board.
Councilman McPeak replied that he felt there should be better
balance.
Councilman Bartholf agreed.
Councilwoman Raffensperger ronarked that the reason there were so
many East Hillers was because we have been mad for so long.
Councilwoman Leary stated that she would rather substitute John
Whitcomb for Dale Corson because he has been a lot more involved in
the v^ole process and that Dale Corson was sort of from left field.
Mr. Whitcomb felt that Dale Corson would bring to this committee a
great deal of experience as he has been a resident in Ithaca since
1946 has been a homeowner and lived on South Hill since the early
1950's, he organized the Northview Road Association and has had a
long time interest in Town business even though he has had
tremendous lists of other responsibilities. He thinks clearly he
does his homework and he felt he would be a great addition to this
committee.
Supervisor Desch remarked that he was iitpressed that you were able
to talk him into it.
Councilwoman Leary renarked that she noticed that there was no one
on the list that lives in an apartment.
RESOLUTIOSr NO. 264
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Cardman,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoint
the following names of Shirley Raffensperger, Ton Cardman, Ed
Austen, Bob Kenerson, Virginia Langhans, Bruce Brittain, Ronald
Sinpson, Eugene Ball, Dooley Kiefer and Dale Corson to serve on the
Ccaftprehensive Planning Conmittee.
(McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting Aye.
Nays - Desch).
LOCATION OF PROPOSED ROADS AND OPEN SPACE FOR THE PROPOSED POYER
SUBDIVISION ON DUBOIS ROAD
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that the Board was being asked to
approve the location of the road and the open space which happens
to be a proposed trail. She stated that she had recommended to the
Town Board Minutes 35 September 12, 1988
Planning Board that a provision be made that the proposed Poyer
road be an extension for a possible future road connection from the
Westwoods Hills subdivision v^ere there was a 60' right of way for
connection to the Poyer Road so that direct access on the
Trumansburg Road frcM the Page-Gcnibash property, if every
developed, would not be necessary.
Peter Trov^dDridge, Architect for Ken Poyer stated that he wanted to
make one point of clarification frcm Mr. Poyer's point of view,
that the Town Planning Board asked for a 60' road reservation at
the end of the cul-de-sac and the only concern on the part of the
owner is that indeed this will make an oj^rtunity to connect into
the Page and Gonibas parcels but the real concern is that it may in
fact create a connector road between Route 96 and Dubois Road v^ere
people going to the Biggs Building or the hospital would become a
through road off of Route 96 probably pulling quite a bit a traffic
through this project. He stated that there was quite a bit of
concern, vdiere initially that makes some planning sense in
connecting roads, would create quite a different traffic pattern
given the kind of developnnent that has occurred and probably will
occur around the hospital. The developer would like the Board to
reconsider the reservation at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Town Planner Beeners replied, with respect to that she stated that
she did want to note that the Planning Board did discuss a little
bit how the design of the road, the cul-de-sac and the possible
extension of the road and also the nuitiber of turns that one would
have to make in order to get though would discourage, to seme
extent, that type of zip through traffic.
Supervisor Desch felt that with the winding nature of the road he
did not think this would happen.
^ Councilwcman Raffensperger stated that since the Planning Board
passed a resolution reccnmending the reservation of the possibility
of the extension of the road she would be quite unwilling to pass a
resolution that did not include that without sending it back to the
Planning Board.
RESOLUTION NO. 265
Motion by Councilranan Raffensperger; seconded by Councilman
McPeak,
WHEREAS:
1. The Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations require the
approval of roads and other public facilities proposed in a
subdivision by the Town Board.
2. The Planning Board on August 16, 1988 granted Preliminary
Subdivision approval with certain conditions to the proposed Poyer
Sxabdivision, proposed to be located on Dubois Road, Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 6-22-1-1.2.
3. The Town Engineer and Town Planner have recotmended approval
of the location and preliminary design of roads and other public
facilities proposed in said subdivision, subject to the further
r«T requironents of the consideration of said subdivision by the
Planning Board.
NCW THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board,
acting as an involved agency in the review of this subdivision, for
vdiich the Planning Board is Lead Agency in environmental review,
accept and hereby does accept the location of the roads, open
space, and utilities proposed in the Preliminary Subdivision Plat
Town Board Minutes 36 September 12, 1988
for the proposed Poyer Subdivision, dated July 5, 1988, subject to
the requirements that may be irrposed by the Planning Board and any
further requironents of project approval.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
LOCATICN OF PROPOSED ROADS AND OPEN SPACE FOR THE PROPOSED CHASE
FARM SUBDIVISION, EAST KING AND RIDGECREST ROADS
Town Planner Beeners stated that this proposal is for a subdivision
of one hundred single family lots \diich was reviewed quite
extensively in sketch plan by the Planning Board. What is proposed
is a road systen that would make a nice linkage between King Road
and Ridgecrest Road at points opposite possible intersections going
into lands adjoining. One would be that the King Road access would
be located roughly where the developer would like to have the Phase
II ButterPield Access road. Then the Ridgecrest Road entrance
would be located so that a road into the adjoining Jones Farm
parcel, if that ever were subdivided there would be alternative
intersections there. The right-of-way is along the main road and
is proposed to be 70' and the developer is proposing to build the
trail within that 70'. There has been some discussion about the
phasing of that trail and the open space dedications. The open
space pieces that are shown, one of would be suitable for a play
structure. There is the possibility of future trail extensions
into adjoining lands. The first 50 lots would be Phase I and in
order to acconrodate that because it isn't a through street, the
owner has acquired the abutting piece of property so there will be
a teiTporary driveway during Phase I only and a haitmer head turn
around during the tenporary pha^er^
Supervisor Desch remarked that on the matter of the pavement he
stated that the developer would need to sit down with the Town
Highway Superintendent and if he is confortable he would need to
make a recormendation in a change in the Town Highway
specifications he is the one v^o has the authority in this not the
Tcwn Board.
Councilman Bartholf asked about the drainage on the proposed
highway, it's on top of the hill, how do you propose to take care
of this because we have lun into problems with other developments
v^ere we have had drainage problems.
The representative for the project replied that they have done an
extensive drainage study and have reviewed it with Town Engineer
Robert Flumerfelt. Part of the project, the first half, most of
that was originally designed to run off into a detention pond on
the ButterField property so that would be held in retention in an
existing pond. Most of the rear half of the project will be held
in a new retention pond that is being constructed on site. So very
little additional run off will occur that's not controlled
discharge at the same rate that it would run off if no development
was there.
Councilwaiian Raffensperger remarked that this was a very big
project and she thought that before the meeting tonight the Board
had very little material. She stated that she had not seen any
discussion of this in the Planning Board minutes, we haven't
received any that had any discussion of it. We don't know how many
people came and talked about it or v^at they said. She stated that
she would like to look at the project and she would like to knew
vdiat people have to say about it, it's a lot of units and a lot of
roads.
Town Board Minutes 37 September 12, 1988
Mr. Robert Cotts, stated that to his knowledge, fran reading the
agenda this was not a public hearing and this project has not
received preliminaary subdivision approval from the Planning Board.
Town Planner Beeners replied yes, and the subdivision regulations
as they read at the present time for sane reason requires the Town
Board to approve the location of roads and open spaces prior to
preliminary subdivision approval. She felt that had been
recognized as sonevtot of an avtoard kind of thing because she was
hoping that this would be an opportunity for v^at she thou^t was
kind of a conceptual acceptance of the location to occur here so
that project could move on. It's scheduled for a public hearing on
the 20th.
Mr. Cotts stated that he would like to make the point that this not
having been called as a public meeting there was inadequate time
for the public to respond to these plans and it's inappropriate for
the Board to take action on this tonight. It's in effect taking
action on a subdivision plan without a public hearing notice.
Supervisor Desch replied that there wouldn't be a public hearing
anyway because it does not call for a public hearing. What you are
saying is that since the Planning Board hasn't held a hearing there
hasn't been an opportunity at either Board.
The Chase Farm representation stated that the requirement for
sketch plan review was an agenda item at the last Planning Board
meeting, it was reviewed and discussed as a sketch plan, it hasn't
been a part of the public agenda. Unfortunately the room pretty
much cleared out just before we made a public presentation. There
were several people \dio did stay on but many of the people who are
in the audience today were in the audience that evening but he knew
that many of these people did not stay to listen to the
presentation.
A lady remarked that there are sane people in the South Hill
Association v^o have sane concerns, particularly about traffic.
The Association does have a meeting scheduled for Wednesday night
but v^at we would like to be assured of is that any action taken
would not preclude any of our concerns.
Councilman Cardman remarked, we have two issues going here and he
had planned to bring it up later. He stated that he did not
receive any packet of information with enough time to give any
serious consideration to any of the 36 items we have on the agenda.
He stated that he was not willing to act on this. He was not
saying it was a good plan, he was not saying it was a bad plan but
that he did not have time to look at it. We are going on four
hours now, it's public business and we do need to attend to it but
we don't need to attend to it in a way that we can't deal with
major items because we are so exhausted wading through paper that
you haven't had a chance to read.
Town Attorney Barney renarked that the problem is that our
structure is very unwieldy on the acceptance of these roads. Our
subdivision regulations say to the Planning Board, you can't grant
preliminary approval until the Town Board has accepted the
location, not the fact of title, not the actual road itself,
because that ccme later, but the general outline and the general
location. He stated that he did not know how to handle this
because this has not been the case in the past, this is not how it
has been done. We have had preliminary subdivision approval and
then at seme point later on, usually after final approval of most
everything, it comes to the Town Board for final acceptance. It
wasn't until about six month or a year ago that we were reading
through the subdivision regulations and found out we haven't been
Town Board Minutes 38 September 12, 1988
doing this and we had better because the law says it will be done
this way. May be we should consider really if this is vdiat the
Town Board really wants to have happen, is v^ether this should
really ccxne up. This is very preliminary. The Town Planning Board
vdien they get it may shuffle this all over creation. They have not
had a chance to have the public hearing that these folks are
talking about and it may come about at that public hearing this is
not the road configuration that the Planning Board is going to
reccannend. They may say it ought to go off in fourteen different
directions. He stated that his recommendation would be to adjourn
it but let the Planning Board go ahead and hold their public
hearing and lets start getting some public input. He stated that
he would suggest that the Planning Board if they choose to grant
preliminary approval that it be conditional on the road locations
that this Board would approve.
The Board decided to take up the matter of the Chase Farms project
after the Planning Board held a public hearing.
REDUCED SPEED ON WEST KING ROAD
RESOLUTION ND. 266
Motion by Councilman Cardman; seconded by Coimcilwcman
Raf fensperger,
WHEREAS, concern has been es^ressed by residents of West King Road
about speeding in the area of Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park
vdiere there is a combination of steep grades, sharp curves, and
hidden driveways, and
WHEREAS, the Town Engineer has investigated driving conditions on
West King Road and reccnmends that a linear speed zone be
established on West King Road from N.Y.S. Route 96B (Danby Road) to
0.6 mile west of the upper entrance road to Buttermilk Falls State
Park with posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca considers it reasonable from the standpoint of vehicular and
pedestrian safety and alignment to lower the speed limit from the
Statewide 55 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, and authorizes
the Town Supervisor to apply to the State Department of
Transportation through the Tcmpkins County Ccmmissioner of Public
Works for endorsement and approval of this request.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR ENGINEERS AND PLANNERS
RESOLUTIC^ NO. 267
Motion by Sipervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize Town Engineer Robert Flumerfelt to attend the course
"Stormwater Management for Engineers and Planners" in Boston,
Massachusetts, October 5-7, 1988, course fee $450 plus lodging.
(Desch, ffcPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
BIDDING FOR PHASE III SEWER EXTENSION ON EAST SHORE DRIVE
Town Board Minutes 39 September 12, 1988
Supervisor Desch remarked that even though we don't have the bids
in we are reasonably comfortable that we are within budget. The
original design, we ran into a problem with Conrail which would
have required us to invest a half million dollars in permanent
sheet pilings, alone. So this is a way to solve this problem and
service the properties better.
RESOLUTIOJ NO. 268
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the bidding for Phase III sewer extension along East
Shore Drive.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE 1989 TOWN OF ITHACA TEMATIVE
BUDGET
RESOLUTIOJ NO. 269
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7:30 P.M., on October 3, 1988 to
present the 1989 Town of Ithaca Tentative Budget.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER 1989 TOWN OF ITHACA
PRELIMINARY BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 270
Motion by Supearvisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7:00 P.M., on November 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the 1989 Town of Itiiaca Preliminary Budget.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBlSiC HEARING TO CC^SIDER THE 1989 SOUTHERN CAYUGA
LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION PRELIMINARY BUDGCT
RESOLUTION NO. 271
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7:30 P.M., on November 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the 1989 Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission Preliminary Budget.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
Town Board Minutes 40 September 12, 1988
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE 1989 FIRE PROTECTIOJ
BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 272
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman McS>eak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 7:45 P.M., on November 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the 1989 Fire Protection Budget.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING Oti 1989 ASSESSMENT ROLLS FOR SPECIAL
BENEFIT DISTRICTS
RESOLUTION NO. 273
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:00 P.M., on Noveniber 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the 1989 Assessment Rolls for the water and
sewer Benefit Assessment Roll.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER CLOVER lANE LIGHTING
DISTRICT BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 274
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:10 P.M., on Nbvoiiber 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the Clover Lane Light District budget for
1989.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER FOREST HOME DRIVE LIGEfTING
DISTRICT BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 275
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwcman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:15 P.M., on November 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the Forest Hone Drive Lighting District budget
for 1989.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER EASTWC03 COMMONS LIGHTING
DISTRICT BUDGET
Tc5wn Board Minutes 41 September 12, 1988
RESOLUTION NO. 276
tfotion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilvonan Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:20 P.M., on November 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the Eastwood Ccmmons Lifting District budget
for 1989.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO (MTSIDER GLENSIDE LIGHTING DISTRICT
BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 277
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Tbwn of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:25 P.M., on Novamber 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the Glenside Lighting District budget for
1989.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REa^CK HEIGHTS LIGCTING
DISTRICT BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 278
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Tdwn Board of the Town of Ithaca will meet and
conduct a public hearing at 8:30 P.M., on November 10, 1988 to
consider approval of the Renwick Heists Lighting District budget
for 1989.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
SALARY CHANGE FOR TCMJ HIOiWAY SUPERINTENDENT
RESOLUTIOW NO. 279
Motion by Councilman Bartholf; seconded by Coimcilman McPeak,
WHEREAS, Town Highway Superintendent John Ozolins has
satisfactorily completed his probationary period, and
WHEREAS, recently the oversight responsibilities for the Parks
Department were added to the duties of the Highway Superintendent,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize an increase in salary of $500 for the
Highway Superintendent effective October 1, 1988.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
FINANCIAL REPORT
Town Board Minutes 42 September 12, 1988
RESOLUTIOSf NO. 280
Motion by Si:5)ervisor Desch; secx>nded by Councilwcaman Raffensperger,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereto approves
the August Financial Report.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leairy and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
WATER ACCOUNT REFUNDS
RESOLUTION NO. 281
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
(1)
WHEREAS, the customer at 921 Mitchell Street has been paying
estimated bills vdiich, vAien an actual reading was received was
lower than the estimated bill,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereto authorize a refund of $51.59 for water, $5.16 for
water surcharge, $49.31 for sewer and $3.59 for sewer surcharge,
total refund of $109.65 be made to Joe Ciaschi, P.O. Box 34,
Ithaca, New York. Account Number S-841.
(2)
WHEREAS, the custoaier at 21 Whitetail Drive received a corrected
final bill v^en the property was sold, and
WHEREAS, the customer paid the erroneous June 1 bill instead of the
final bill,
NCW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Boaird of the Tbwn of
Ithaca hereby authorize a refund of $15.76 for sewer be paid to
Edward Hallberg Associates, P.O. Box 701, Skaneateles, New York,
13152. Account Number F-3768.
(3)
WHEREAS, the Church Treasurer paid both the original June bill and
the corrected June bill,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorize a refund in the amount of $139.02 for
water, $14.92 water surcharge, $83.40 sewer and $10.45 sewer
surcharge, total refund of $247.79 be made to FHC %Treasurer, 222
Forest Hcme Drive, Ithaca, New York. Account Number E-409.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
TCWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTICTJ NO. 282
Motion by Councilman McPeak; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated September 12, 1988, in the
following amounts;
Tdwn Board Minutes 43 September 12, 1988
General Fund - Town Wide $ 42,681.23
General Fund - Outside Village $ 37,236.27
Highway Fund $112,370.38
Water & Sewer Fund .....$ 39,652.99
Capital Projects Fund $321,862.82
Lighting District Fund $ 443.06
(Desch, ^fcPeak, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting Aye. Nays -
none. Abstaining - Raffensperger)
Councilwcanan Raffensperger stated that she had not had an
opportunity to examine the warrants, therefore, she was abstaining.
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO. 283
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman Bartholf,
RESOLVED, that the Bolton Point Warrants dated September 12, 1988,
in the Operating Budget are hereby approved in the amount of
$569,324.01 after review and upon the recoranendation of the
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Catmission, they are in
order for payment.
(Desch, McPeak, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting Aye. Nays -
none. Abstaining - Raffensperger)
PERSC»JS TO BE HEARD
John Whitconb remarked that on the Noise OrddLnance, is there a
provision for exemption of agricultural generated noise. He stated
that he realized there was not much activity within the Town
anymore but the farms that are there are surrounded by houses and
development.
Supervisor Desch replied that the Board had discussed this but he
was not sure it had been included but that the Board would look
into it to make sure it was included.
Mr. Whitcomb continued, on the Ccmprehensive Planning Subccnmittee
we feel that it is inportant for this ccmmittee to meet and
organize as soon as possible. He noted that the Supervisor had
suggested that they could meet and review the GINA presentation
that they gave on August 29th and he stated that he would have a
complete copy of that to the Clerk by the end of the we^.
Supervisor Desch replied that the Ccmmittee could schedule the use
of the Board room. He asked the Town Planner to be torporary
chairperson and set \:p the first meeting.
Town Planner Beeners replied that, her assumption woxild be that
these would go out in three or four we^s.
Councilman Cardman replied, we should have a meeting prior to that.
Town Planner Beeners questioned, prior to even receiving proposals?
Supervisor Desch replied yes, you need an organizational meeting.
The first order of business should be to pick a chairperson.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Town Boaixi Minutes 44 September 12, 1988
RESOLUTION W). 284
Motion by Supervisor Desch; seconded by Councilman McPeak,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
into Executive Session to discuss possible pending litigation.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
RESOLUTION NO. 285
Motion by Councilman Bartholf; seconded by Supervisor Desch,
RESOLVED, that the Town Boaid of the Town of Ithaca hereby moves
back into open session.
(Desch, McPeak, Raffensperger, Bartholf, Leary and Cardman voting
Aye. Nays - none).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned.
Town Clerk
AWDAV/r or rVMLKATUW
The Ithaca Journal
of ^tfo ^ork, ^ompkm® Coxmiy, mu:
;
and ttyj, ttat be leides in Itbaca, Count)- and Hale aforesaid and
tiut be is ^
^ Tttr Ithaca Journal a public oeu-spaper priated and published
In Itbaca aforesaid, and tibat % notice, of ^^tdiidb the annexed is a true
cc^, was published in said paper
.~^2^..jJ.3lS:S:
and that the first publication of said notice was on the .. .j£a
day of
daySubscribed tnd rw'om to before xne, fhic
JEAN FORD
Nofary Public, Sfafe cf Nsw York
No. 4654410
Qualified in Tompkins
Commission expires May 31,
Vlotary Public.
• TOWN OF ITHACA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING j
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the ;
Town Board of the Town of.;
Ithoco will meet and conduct ^
o public hearing on Septem- i
her 12, 1988 ot 7:00.P.AA; ol j
the Town Hall, 126 East Sene--1
ca Street, Ithaca, New York, to j
consider an application frorri
Eddydole Market, Elmird |
Road, Ithaca, New York, Town j
of Ithaca Tox Parcel Number t
6-35-1-10.1, for the rezoning-'j
of said property from R-30 to ,|
Modified Business "B", and j
will at this time hear all per- '
sons in favor of or opposed to ;
said rezoning. ;
Jean H. Swortwood '
Town Clerk'
August 30, 1988
ArnoAViT or iVMucAttos
The Ithaca Journal
of ^i£d ^nrk, TDnnxpknts CUnunly, m ,t
-^.^LjSul lins j 1 jbemg cujy fu'om, deposes
and Myi, th&t he resides in Ithaca, Count>- and state aforesaid and
*
that he is . c le r k
^ Iteaca. Journal a public newTpaper printed and published
in Ithaca aforesaid, and that % notiee, of which the annexed is a true
copy, was published in said paper
and that the first publication of said notice was on the ..sJSS
of
Subscribed and rA*om to before nae,
et wJS
FtibUc.j£AN Koiary
Public, State of New Yotfe
No. 465'''-^lO
Qualified in Tom^~ -
eommission expires May 35, /
X.'' n ' •' 'v
TOWN OF ITHACA ^ j
notice of public hearing :
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the
Town Board of the Town oh
Ithoco wil meet ' j•pyblic hearing o" Septeinberl
12 1988, ot 7:30 P.M. at the;
Town Hall, 126 East Seiieco
Street, Ithoco. °
consider amending the Zon ,
ing Ordinance and Local laW|
No 3 of 1984. regordmg the^expansion of permitted uses,
on the LoToorelle premises,
1150 Oanby Ro°d, Town of
Ithoco Tax Parcel No. 6-36-1-1
4 2 and will at this time hear;oirpersons in favor of o"- opposed to the odoption of said,
local low. _ . ^ iiJean H. Swor'wpod
Town Clerk
Aug. 30, 1988
ArrtoAviT or rtmjCATiON
The Ithaca Journal
^tds td ^ork, ^Itnapkm* Cinintg, ^ *
--fiMLJiVlllins being duJy sv^'om, deposes
•nd ttys, tbat he resides in Ithaca, Ccmnty- and state aforesaid and
ttiat he is
Tto IrsACA. JouRNAX. a public nevuspaper printed and published
In Ithaca aforesaid, and that % notice, of which the annexed is a true
cc^, was published in said paper ' _
and that the £rst publication of said notice was on the -s^.C?,
f Subscrih^ and worn to before me, thic .. ...... .. day
of JLjLLCt:£>:CiL^^^ 19
jean ford Votary Tx^Uc.Notary Public, State of New Yorfe
No. A6S - VC
Qualified in Tompkins County.^
Lommission expire. May 31,19^/
/
TOWN OF ITHACA .
notice of public hearing I
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the,
Town Board of the Towri of:
Ithocd will meet flild conduct
o public hearing on Septem-j
ber 12. 1988 ol 7:45 P.M., at!
the Town Holl, 126 Eost Sene-j^
CO Street, Hhoco, New YorK,.to;
consider amending the Town^
of Ithoco Traffic Ordinonce to:
provide for sigooge on Dotes
Drive ond will-ot this time heor i
all person in fovor of or op
posed to the omendment of,
soid Troffic Ordinonce.
Jeon H. Swortwood
Town Clerk
August 30, 1988 n ,
awdav/t or rvtucATiON
The Ithaca Journal
of ^ork, ^^xnnjjkmfi Cdoiinig^
-^Sll.^y.lli.ns being duly r^^-om, deposes
ond uys, tKftt ke resides in County* snd ctzte eforesaid ftnd
tbet be is - clerk
of The Itsaca. Journal r public xiewspaper printed and published
In Ithaca aforesaid, and that % notice, of which the annexed is a true
copy, was published in said paper
/7fp-
and that the first publication of said notice was on the ..a2.cz.
Subscribed and s^*om to before me, this Q. day
-..F? .
jean ford ^^oiary Pitblic.Pobi.c. s. °ofMe. v.,
^ No. 4654410
Com"^- Counf,mission expires May 31 ipj
TOWN OF ITHACA 0
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING I
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the',
Town Board of the Town of I
' Ithoco will meet ond conduct i
q public heorinq on Seplem*.!
Bb:r.l2, 1988 ot7:50 P.M., ot
the Town Hall, 126 Eost Sene-i
CO Street, Ithoco, New York, to^
consider on ordinonce ° gov-:
erning noise in the Town of^j
Ithoco ond will at this time i
heor oil persons in fovor of or
opposed to the odoption of!
soid ordinonce. ' I
Jean H. Swortwoodj
Town Clerk
August 30, 1988 j
^cr<p </S
ArnoAvn or nmjCKticw
The Ithaca Journal
of ^nrk, ^Imnjjkma Coixrtiy, ȣ_:
«nd »ayj, tL&t be resides in Ithaca, CouDt>- and state aforesaid and
that be is ..sXsjM.
^ Itkaca Journal a public x»ewspaper printed and published
in Ithaca aforesaid, and ihsii % xkotice, of which the annexed is a true
copy, was published in said paper -
and Uttt the first publication of said notice was on the
Subsmbed and sw*om to before me, this
lo
day
jean fordNofary Publ/c, Sfafs of New York
No. 46544:0
County,ommission expires May 3), 19
Notary Public.
town OF fTHACA •-
notice of public hearing
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that theliwn Bomd of »he Town of
llhoco will meet ond cond^2.^.2^51? o"VooSKror
ESKoIWmo,
Uhora OIX) "i" "• T®
August 30, 1988