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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1971-07-1962 TOWN OP ITHACA REGULAR BOARD MEETING JULY 19, 1971 At a Regular Meeting of the Town Bo€u:'d of the Town of Ithaca^ Tompkins County, New York, held at the Town Offices at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 19th day of July, 1971, at 5:00 p.m., there were PRESENT: Walter J. Schwan, Supervisor i Andrew W. McElwee, Councilman I | Noel Desch, Councilman Victor Del Rosso, Councilman 1^ ABSENT: Robert N. Powers, Councilman ALSO PRESENT: James V. Buyoucos, Town Attorney David W. Cowan, Zoning Officer Reynolds Metz, Assistant Zoning Officer Marion Morey, Highway Superintendent Peter K. Francese. Planning Consultant Mrs. Barbara Holcomb, Chairman, Planning Board Donald Riker, West Ithaca Civic Association Robert Poresky, Park Council Robert L. Bruce, County Representative Frederick Rolfe Mrs. Beverly Livesay Members of Radio, TV, and Press Supervisor Schwan called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman McElwee noted that the minutes of June l4, 1971 did not ! specify the hour of the Public Hearing to be held July I9, 1971* It ! t was noted, however, that the hour (5:00 p.m.) did appear in*the Notice of Public Hearing which was published in the Ithaca Journal and which was posted on the Town sign board. Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan,. RESOLVED, that the minutes of the meeting of June l4, 1971, with the correction noted above, be approved. Unanimously carried. PUBLIC HEARING - RE-ZONING FREDERICK ROLFE PROPERTY Proof of posting and publication having been presented. Supervisor Schwan opened the public hearing with respect to considering re-zoning from R-9 to Multiple a parcel of land approximately 600 feet long and 300 feet deep belong to Mr. Frederick Rolfe, located on Five Mile Drive in the Town of Ithaca. Planning Consxiltant Peter K. Francese reported that the Planning Board had had a Public Hearing on the matter, which Public Hearing was properly advertised, and no one appeared in opposition. Mr. Rolfe presented his plans to the Board, and no one appearing in opposition Supervisor Schwain closed the Hearing and the following motion was made: Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Coxmcilman McElwee, RESOLVED, that the proposed re-zoning of the Frederick Rolfe property from R-9 to Miltiple, as presented at the Public Hearing before the Town Board, be approved, with the provision that the developer, Mr. Rolfe, will furnish the Town Board with two cloth and two paper draw ings showing exactly how it is to be built, together with the proper approvals of the Health Department, Planning Board and Town Board. Unanimously carried. Vi\ - 2 - July 19, 1971 Mr. Rolfe then presented to the Board plans for the buildings to be erected on the site. After the consideration of the plans the Board took the following action: Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan, RESOLVED, that the Town Board accept the building plans, as presented by Mr. Rolfe, subject to their meeting approval of the State code for ^multiple family dwellings. ^ Unanimously carried. ' BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE RENEWALS Motion by Councilman McElwee; seconded by Councilman Desch, RESOLVED, that bond anticipation notes heretofore executed by the Town of Ithaca, in the following amounts and with respect to the following districts, pursuant to provisions of resolutions author izing the construction of the said districts, shall be renewed at 4.5^ interest and the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute such renewal notes and such other instruments and take such other steps as may be legally required to effect such renewals: Slaterville Road Sewer District South Hill Sewer District Note #2 420,000.00 527,356.00 Unanimously carried. PARK COUNCIL Mr. Robert Poresky announced that Eastern Heights Park is about ready to be accepted by the Town. Mr. Poresky proposed that the Town help the Coddington Road Community Center purchase five plus acres.adjacent to it for approximately I $3,300. He said the Coddington Road Community Center is considering ' building an outdoor natural ice rink. Councilman Desch said that without the acquisition of the parcel the future of the Center is very limited. Councilman Desch said he would like to walk the area with the other members of the Town Board so they may have an idea of what is involved, preferably before the August Board meeting. There was some discussion of how the purchase would be financed. It did not appear that the Center was in position to finance the purchase although Mr. Poresky said they would make some effort to help. Councilman Desch said it is up to the Board to evaluate the property and decide what level of funding is appropriate and that the Board should look at the area auid discuss it at the August Board meeting. APPOINTMENT It was noted that Mr. Robert Scannell had returned from a Sabbatic leave cuid was again available to serve on the Planning Board and was interested.in doing so. A vacancy exists on the Planning Board due to the resignation of Reginald Collins who is moving to Dryden. Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilmaji Desch, RESOLVED, that Robert Scannell be appointed to the Planning Board, effective immediately, to fulfill the unexpired term of Reginald Collins. ^ Unanimously carried. ! NORTHEAST WALKWAY There was considerable discussion of the Town's liability with respect to the Northeast Walkway between Warren Road and Winthrop Drive. Supervisor Schwan reported that the walkway had been closed upon advice of the Town Attorney pending a thorough study of the matter to determine what action should be taken. He said further that the cost of insurance to protect the Town in this area would be prohibitive. He said, further, that the Town has no sidewalk ordi nance and, therefore, the Sheriff has no jurisdiction to handle com plaints with regard to unlicensed motor vehicles using the walkway. 64 - 3 - July 19, 1971 During the discussion there was some talk of abandoning this walkway and others in view of the difficulty of maintenance and enforcement. Mrs. Beverly Livesay felt we should mot abandon our walkways but should do whatever is necessary to maintain them and also write an ordinance that will apply to motor vehicles and, if necessary, also provide for enforcement. Supervisor Schwan read a letter dated July l4, 1971 from Donald H. Moyer of 137 Northview Road, Ithaca, New York, to Grordon Black com- plaining of the use by snowmobiles, motor bikes, and unlicensed vehicl^ over a former right-of-way of the Lackawanna Railroad which was | | acquired by the Gas & Electric Company. He cited the noise and annoy ance in the surrounding area which has changed the pleasant character of the area. Councilman Desch said he would like to see the Park Council develop a simple ordinance to handle the walkways situations. Supervisor Schwan felt that the Town needs an ordinance which will stipulate what can or cannot be driven on a Town of Ithaca right-of-way. The Town Board with the advice of the Town Attorney will study this whole mutter to determine what action is best to take. REQUEST FOR SCHOOL GUARDS Supervisor Schwan read a letter dated July 13, 1971 from Leonard C. Buyse, Assistant Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District, requesting that the Town of Ithaca provide two school crossing guards at the Northeast School in 1971-72. The Board agreed that the Town would continue to do this. Mr. Buyse also requested a crossing guard where Renwick Drive meets East Shore Drive. This request was dis cussed and there was concern about the Town's liability both in con trolling the children and/or the traffic. The matter of hiring a crossing guard in this area was held in abeyance pending the Town Attorney looking into the matter — the legalities and the Town's liability. *n ACCEPTANCE OF CHRISTOPHER LANE There was some discussion of acceptance of Christopher Lane, St. Catherine Circle and Blackstone Avenue. Since it appeared that all the procedures for acceptance were not in order for St. Catherine Circle and Blackstone Avenue, the only acceptance considered at this time was Christopher Lane. Town Superintendent of Highways, Marion Morey, reported that Christo pher Lsme has been constructed in accordance with the specifications of the Town of Ithaca and that there are no underground water, electric, gas or sewer easements which will be affected by the construction of said street and he recommended acceptance of Christopher Lane by the Town. Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Desch, RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca accept Christopher Lane as a Town street, subject to the following conditions: Said acceptance shall become final when the Town Attorney has approved the title and description of the land conveyed for such street purposes and the /> deed has been recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk's Office, and, further, that the said street is accepted on the understanding that Arthur A. Prince will pay any and all charges incurred for prepara- tion of the necessary maps and the filing of the maps and deeds, such street to be part of Christopher Lane. ' Unanimously carried. HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT Motion by Councilman Del Rosso; seconded by Councilman Desch, RESOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent be authorized to prepare specifications for bids for the purchase of a small truck to replace the present truck, and present same at the next Board lAeeting on August 9, 1971. Unanimously carried. - U - July 19, 1971 PUBLIC HEAHING - FORMULAS FOR DISSOLVED WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS In yiew of the recent dissolution of the water and sewer districts of the Town of Ithaca, the Board discussed briefly the need to establish methods of assessing, levying and collecting annual costs for the Town of Ithaca water and sewer functions. The following m action was taken: ' Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Desch, WHKIEAS, the resolutions dissolving all Water and Sewer ^ Districts in the Town adopted May 10, 1971, and effective July 13, '^ 1971, provided that the costs of the improvements issued or author ized to be issued for such districts shall be assessed, levied and collected from the several lots or parcels of land in the Town in just proportion to the amount of benefit which the in^rovements shall confer upon the lots or parcels, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing will be held before the Town Board on August 9, 1971, at the Town Offices, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York, at 5:30 p.m., to consider the method of assessing such costs against such lots or parcels, said hearing to be preliminary to the public- hearing required to be held at a later date when the assessment roll is filed showing actual assessments. Unanimously carried. SPECIAL ELECTION COMMENDATIONS Councilman Desch suggested, and the Board concurred, that a letter of appreciation be sent to all who worked so hard and volimteered their time to work on the special referendum election and the large mailing put out in this connection. I REPORTS Planning Consultant Peter K. Prancese reported that the Planning Board on July 20, 1971 would hold three public hearings: (1) to con sider an application by Marine Midland Bank of Southern New York for a re-zoning of the Beck property located at 906 Danby Road in the Town of Ithaca from R-I5 to Business District "A"; (2) for prelimin ary plan approval for a Dairylea milk distribution center and retail outlet and a Milbrook Bread distribution center at 6o4 and 606 Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York; and (3) to consider preliminary plan approval for a 4-lot subdivision plan by Hilker Brothers at the intersection of Coddington Road and Northview Road in the Town of Ithaca, New York, Mrs. Barbara Holcomb, Planning Board Chairman, read the following recommendation from the Planning Board to the Town Board: The future of the Town warrants consideration of this type of development (i.e. campgrounds) and a provision should be made for them in the new zoning ordinance. However, this particular site presents serious problems for any development at this time because of the location of the proposed Route 13. This particular development presents the following problems: (1) it is not presently permitted by the existing zoning ^ ordinance, (2) even if allowed, the access and egress onto I Route 13 present very serious traffic hazards, (3) the density on the 34-acre site is extremely high, and (4) its proximity to Lick Brook does not make this an ideal site. Therefore, the Planning Board recommends that this site not be considered for development of camping facilities at this time. The site referred to above is the Treyall Campgrounds (Treyall Enter prises, parcel 35-1-8 near the intersection of State Routes 13, 34, and 96, East of Treman Park. The Board accepted the recommendation of the Planning Board at this time, pending a possible appearance of the Treyall people before the Board. 66 - 5 - July 19, 1971 APPROVAL OF WARRANTS Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan, RESOLVED, that the warrants dated July 19, 1971, in the following amounts, be paid: General Fund •••••••$ 126,8l6.7^ Highway Fund 12,390.9^ Unanimously carried• ADJOURNMENT Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Desch, RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned. Unanimously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Edward L. Bergen Town Clerk n