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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1972-06-121^7 TOWN OP ITHACA REGULAR MEETING June 12, 1972 At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, held at the Town of Ithaca Offices at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 12th day of June, 1972, at 5:00 p.m., there were PRESENT: Walter J. Schwan, Supervisor Andrew Wi McElwee, Councilman Noel Desch,: Councilman Victor D61 Rosso, Councilman Robert N* Powers, Councilman ALSO PRESENT: James V. Buyoucos, Attorney David W. Cowan, Zoning Officer Marion Morey, Highway Superintendent Anthony Ceracche, Ceracche Television Corp. Walter J. Wiggins Mrs. Catherine Valentino Mrs. Beverly Livesay Vincent Franciamone Arthur A. Berkey Herbert Mahr Vihay Ambegaokar Members of Radio, TV, and Press The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. Herbert Mahr of Forest Home asked if he might put some questions to the Board before the meeting got too far along. The Board agreed and Mr. Mahr put the following questions: 1. Did the Town Board yet have an estimate of the cost of the sewer for Forest Home? Supervisor Schwan said the Board hopes to have same by July 1. 2. What is the status of the Forest Home By-Pass? Supervisor Schwan said the money to do the engineering design was not appropriated since the Town did not want to do an engineering design of a piece of land it might not get from Cornell University. It appears that the County questions the need for the project and is waiting for the results of a traffic analysis before taking any action. 3- When does the Board discuss the Budget for next year? Supervisor Schwan said this would be done the first week in October. What happened with regard to the State abandoning Rt. 392? Supervisor Schwan advised him all the paper work has been done by the Town and this matter is now in the hands of the State of New York. They have advised they will proceed with the repairs to the bridges. 5. Why does the Town Board meet at 5:00 p.m.? Supervisor Schwan said the Board used to meet at 4:00 p.m., and that the time was changed to 5200 pm to make it easier for people to get to the meet ings. Since meetings for the last two years have been running to 3 and 4 hours, a later starting time such as 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. does not seem practical. /n - 2 - June 12, 1972 Arthur Berkey suggested the Board might consider having a question and answer period. The Board appeared to be amenable to a question and answer period toward the end of the meeting, PUBLIC HEARING - WATER AMD SEWER SURCHARGE Proof of posting and publication having been presented, the hearing was opened at 5:30 p,m; Supervisor Schwan explained that the purpose of the hearing is to establish a water and sewer surcharge on the water bills of the water users in the Town of Ithaca to false funds necessary to operate and maintain the water and sewer system. The system includes seven pump stations, associated valves and electrical equipment, telemetering, etc. Another part of the expense is the $75.00 a year per hydrant which the Town pays to the City of Ithaca, The total amount to be raised is about $30,000 annually* Town Attorney Buyoucos fead generally from prepared material with regard to sewer surcharge and indicated that a similar document for water would be forthcoming at a subsequent meeting. On questioning from Arthur Berkey, Mr. Buyoucos made it clear that there would be a further hearing on this matter. The sewer ordinance (proposed) read by Mr, Buyoucos provided the following general items: (1) Who shall pay such sewer rents and other charges, including penalties and interest. (2) Procedure on failure to pay, (3) Imposition of additional charge or surcharge upon said rents, surcharge to be 2^ of the net water bill payable, but not less than $1.00, (4) Surcharge to be paid semi-annually, (5) Penalty of 5^ if payment made within 30 days of due date; or 10^ if payment is made after 30 days from the due date. (6) Rents and rates provided for to apply beginning January 1, 1972, It was explained that the forthcoming proposed ordinance for water surcharge would be about the same except that the surcharge on the net water bills for water would be 15^ Mr. Berkey objected that a public hearing was being held without sufficient printed informa tion being made available to the public on what he termed a compli cated matter. Mr. Buyoucos explained that there would be another public hearing and that it was intended that there would be another public hearing when all the ordinances were properly drawn and that the material would be made available before any final steps were tak en. '^1 - 3 - June 12, 1972 There was discussion about whom the bills should be sent. It appeared that It would be best to send the bill to the person in whose name the meter is registered. In the long run, however, should the bill not be paid the eventual responsibility for payment would rest with the property owner. The discussion was terminated at 6:10 p.m. Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Powers, RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will hold a public hearing on July 10, I972 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering he adoption of ordinandes establishing and regulating water rates and sewer rents and for surcharges thereto for the payment of manage ment, operation, maintenance and fepair of municipal water and sewer sysb3ms• Unanimously carried. The Town Clerk was instructed to have notice of the public hearing posted and published in the usual manner. PUBLIC HEARING - CERACCHE TBLEVISioN CORPORATION REQUEST FOR REVISION OP THE PRAIjfCHISE AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OP ITHACA Proof of posting and publication having been presented. Supervisor Schwan opened the hearing at 6:4o p.m. Walter J. Wiggins, Attorney, appearing on behalf of Ceracche Television Corporation, submitted to the Board a computer print-out of the names and addresses of all cable subscribers in the Town of Ithaca. He noted that Ceracche Television Corporation had been making a mistake with regard to the students in Cornell quarters. This would add a certain number of subscribers and dollars over a period of three years, when corrected. Mr, Wiggins said he would furnish exact figures. Super visor Schwan thanked Mr, Wiggins for bringing this to the Board's attention. In regard to information requested with respect to percentage of profit, Mr. Wiggins indicated that for the fiscal year April 30, 1971 (the last full year available) the profit was 5•235^. With the increases granted by the City of Ithaca and if the other townships and the Town of Ithaca approve their rate request the profit would be 7.2$^. Upon questioning, Mr. Wiggins indicated that Ceracche Television Corpora tion does a gross business in the Town of Ithaca of about $100,000.00. Mrs, Catherine Valentino repeated a request made at earlier Town Board meetings, that the Ceracche Television Corporation publish their rates, since she felt there is some confusion in the minds of many people about charges for hook-ups and re-hook-ups. Mr. Wiggins indicated the company would be happy to do this. Mrs. Valentino said the franchise did not make it clear whether there was a reduced charge of $10.00 for installation when there was a transfer from the Town to the City or other municipality. Mr. Ceracche said a transfer charge would be $10.00 no mater where it was transferred to and that they would revise the franchise agreement to make this clear. No other persons wishing to be heard. Supervisor Schwan closed the hearing and said he would entertain a motion from the Board to either approve of or disapprove of the request for revision of the franchise agreement. Motion by Councilman Powers; seconded by Councilman McElwee, RESOLVED, that the application of Ceracche Television Corporation for a revision in the franchise agreement as presented and as docu mented in the minutes of the Board meeting of May 8, 1972 be granted. Unanimously carried. TOWN OF ITHACA • ELECTION INSPECTORS - REPUBLICAN - ALTERNATES Patricia May 1036 Hanshaw Road 257-2893 Louise Adams 125 Remington Road 272-1324 Marian 6iliespie 116 Warwick Ithaca, N.Y. 257-0924 Edith Weatherby 208 Texas Lane 257-2410 Mrs. Richard Curran 135 N. Sunset Drive ELECTION ]} JrORS - REPUBLICAN - (Term ending June 30, - } ^^7^DISTRICTPOLLING PLACENAMEADDRESSPHONE1Tompkins County HospitalNurses Recreation RoomClara R. BartholfEdith Ellis967 Taughannock Blvd.1216 Trumansburg Road273-6824272-34852Vehicle Maintenance 81dg.150 Bostv/ick RoadDoris VanAllenGertrude Emerson130 West Haven Road505 Elm St. Ext.273-6021272-34913National Cash Register Co.CafeteriaMargaret AlbrechtFlorence Hanson143 Northview Roadno Morthview Road272-2342272-16444Riley Robb HallJudd Falls RoadHazel BakerMary Jones651 Five Mile Drive150 Honness Lane272-5884273-25385Cayuga HeightsFire StationVelma MarkwardtCharlotte Blye203 Blackstone Avenue356 Warren Road257-1076257-14726Northeast SchoolMilbrey HanselFrances Bruckner1039 Hanshaw Road1018 Hanshaw Road257-2899257-05737Cayuga Heights SchoolMildred ChaneyVeda Thayer310 N. Geneva Street424 Klinewoods Road273-6832273-05648Community Service Ctr.1701 N. Cayuga St.(USNR Ctr.)Marjorie HoughDoris Parmele237 Renwick Drive101 East Shore Drive272-6741273-35329Northeast School1Agnes StantonFrance!ia Earle1 Renwick Place1318 Hanshaw Road272-3073257-1878 TOWN OF ITHACA ELECTION INSPECTORS - DEMOCRAT - ALTERNATES Mrs. Charles Hurl but 1019 Trumansburg Road 272-5340 Ruth Pearson 832 Coddington Road 272-8018 Clara Golay 109 N.Sunset Susan Fine 246 Renwick Drive Marsha P. Plovnick 600 Warren Road Liese Bronfenbrenner 116 McIntyre Place David A. Singer 432 Winthrop Drive Lorraine McCue 101 Regency Lane Bill Goldsmith 11 The Byway Jean M. Anderson 603 Elm Street 273-5543 1ELECTIOM INSPECTORS - DEMOCRAT(Term ending June 30, 1973)1DISTRICTPOLLING PLACENAMEADDRESSPHONE1Tompkins County HospitalNurses Recreatiom RoomMargaret SmithElaine Lazar553 Elm Street108 Woolf Lane272-2761272-29972Vehicle Maintenance Bldg.150 Bostwick Road,Leora TripodiMary Mullenhoff567 Elm Street118 West Haven Road273-5816273-55733National Cash Register Co.Cafeteri aGertrude GrayHelen Meek115 Ridgecrest Road4 Eagles Head RoadEllis Hollow273-6776539-72244Riley Robb Hall -Judd Falls RoadHelen Sundell1022 Hanshaw Road310 Forest Home Drive257-2532257-09415Cayuga HeightsFire Station.Irene HomaMartha Hanshaw .176 Pleasant Grove Road346 Warren Road257-0364257-05106Northeast SchoolEmma Zeilic1316 Hanshaw Road257-0749Shirley Gates104 Texas Lane257-17427Cayuga Heights SchoolNealy Neigh207 N. Triphamner Road257-1565Margaret Burns105 Kay Street257-08078USNR CenterCommunity Service1701 N. Cayuga St.Frederica Kaven.Elinor Eberts520 Wyckoff Road230 Renwick Drive273-6463273-93439Northeast SchoolDiana Dworsky8 Winthrop Place257-0995Vivian Singer432 Winthrop Drive257-0971 /C - ^ - June 12, 1972 EIGHT INCH SEWER MAINS IN SUBDIVISIONS Supervisor Schwan reconiinended "fchat "the Town Board consider requiring 8 inch mains in all future subdivisions and explained the advantages of doing so. He said it Would pyramid the Town's pumping capability at no increase in cost; the fire flow from 8 inch mains would be far superior to the 6 inch mains; the systems would be more then in accord ance with the overall plan of Lozier Engineers who use 8 inch mains as a minimum. Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Powers, RESOLVED, that the Town Board establishes for the Town of Ithaca a policy that the minimum size of water and sewer mains in new sub divisions in the Town of Ithaca shall be eight inches. Unanimously carried. APPOIHTMEMT OF ELECTION INSPECTORS The Town Clerk presented a list of Republican and Democrat election inspectors, as approved by the party chairmen of the Republican and Democrat parties, for the Board's approval. Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Powers, RESOLVED, that the list of Republican and Democrat election inspectors, as presented by the Town Clerk, and as approved by the party chairmen of the Republican and Democrat parties, be approved for the period July 1, 1972 through June 30, 1973. Unanimously carried. The list of inspectors is attached to and made a part of these minutes. APPOIim^EHT There was brief discussion of the qualifications of Mr. Richard B. Fischer for the proposed appointment to the County Environmental Management Council. Mr. Fischer is a professor of Nature and Conser vation Education at Cornell University. Mr. Berkey indicated that Mr. Fischer teaches Environmental Education at Cornell University and that he would be well qualified. Herbert Mahr also indicated that Mr. Fischer would be a good man for the position. Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Desch, RESOLVED, that Richard B. Fischer of 135 Pine Tree Road, Ithaca, New York, be appointed to the County Environmental Management Council effective immediately. Unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Councilman Powers, RESOLVED, that the warrants dated May 8, 1972 be approved, with the exception of Warrant No. 23^, Work Order No. 4328, totalling the i following amounts in the general fund and the highway fund. — General Fund $ 7,791.28 Highway Fund . $ 9,704.83 Unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan, RESOLVED, that the minutes of May 8, 1972, as presented by the Town Clerk, be approved. Unanimously carried. / - 5 - June 12, 1972 VINAY AMBEGAOKAR - REQUEST TOR WATER MAIN EXTEMSIOM - SUGAR BUSH LANE Mr. Vinay Ambegaokar requested the Town Board to authorize a water main extension to his premises at 5 Sugar Bush Lane, some 5OO-6OO feet of 6 inch pipe, saying he has contracted to have his house com pleted by July 30, and wanted to connect up as soon as possible. It appeared it would be impossible to make the extension by July 30th in view of all the legal &nd procedural steps required. Although the Board sympathized with Mr* Ambegaokar*s request and recognized his need, there was some feeling that this was not an item high on the Town's list of priorities. Councilman Desch suggested that Peter Prancese, Planning Board Con sultant, work up a list of problem area in the Town, sort them out, determine the benefit to the whole community and the cost, and then possibly go through all the legal and procedural steps as a complete package. Supervisor Schwan said he would work with Mr. Prancese on this. There was some feeling on the Board and on the part of some townspeople present that Mr. Ambegaokar should not have to wait until a whole package of problem areas are provided for; that his area should be considered as an entity in itself. This problem and the delay in handling it produced some discussion of the Town's need for more personnel, particularly in engineering, to be able to handle more projects simultaneously, rather than one at a time. Councilman Desch pointed out, however, that the Board might have some difficulty in justifying to the taxpayer or anyone else the expenditures required to do all things at one time. SCHICKEL ENVXROMMEmL DEWLOPMEMT CORPORATION Town Attorney Buyoucos read a proposal of Schickel Environmental Development Corporation for the development of 16 acres of land off Honness Lane, reciting that the Developer, Norbert Schickel, had pre sented a general proposal for a new residential community to the Town Planning Board; that on April 25, 1972 the Planning Board adopted a resolution "looking with favor" on the proposal; that the Developer, Mr. Schickel, Supervisor Schwan, and Mrs, Barbara Holcomb, Chairman of the Planning Board, had discussed some of the details of the proposal and had prepared a list of items to be considered by the Town Board, Planning Board and Mr. Schickel in order to reach a preliminary agree ment as a basis for a resolution by the Town Board. Supervisor Schwan read the list of items and the comments on each item. The list is attached to these minutes. Attorney Buyoucos explainted that this project is planned as 160 single family units to be developed in four phases of 4o units each, the units to be offered for sale. Mr. Schickel, appearing before the Board, sought a resolution approv ing the general concept of the project before entailing a very con siderable expense in preparing firm plans. At the same time, Mr. Schickel recognized that the Town Board could not approve a project in advance of all legally required procedures and prior to the pre sentation of more specific plans. There was lengthy discussion. Board members were concerned over the density of the project should it result by various avenues in too many rental units. Mr. Schickel assured the Board that the project is planned as a family ownership project. He said, however, that he could not rule out the possibility that some of the units might be come rental units. He said he is not planning to build ahead of sales (there would be a model for prospective buyers to see) and would thus avoid being pressured to rent unsold units. He did say, however, that he would not like to have too restrictive an agreement with the Town since it would increase his difficulties with the FHA in arranging the financing. He noted that each owner of a unit would be a member of a ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED BX" THE TOWN BOARD, PLANNING BOARD, AND MR. SCHICKEL IN ORDER TO REACH A PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT AS A BASIS FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE TOWN BOARD (1) What is the density of the project? 10 units per gross acre. Number of Units? 160 maximum. Occupancy? Units will be 2 bedroom - possible study in some. Envision occupants will be retired, single, working couples4 They hope for some children but envision few. (2) I'raffic pattern. Where will the streets be? Two connections on to Honness Lane. Through streets? I Prefer not4 Do not plan for through streets. Loop road? Yes. Objections of Eastwood residents in the event there is a con nection with Eastwood? Developer prefers not to connect through to either Eastwood or Woodcrest Circle. Town has suggested that a walkway and/or bicycle path be provided on the right of way between the Schickel property and Woodcrest Circle for the use of children who will attend Belle Sherman School. (3) What screening will be required? ' Natural hedgerow present on Coggshall property boundary (west boundary of property) will be maintained. Heavily wooded creek on rear of property will provide natural boundary. Railroad right of way with heavy growth (owned by Cornell University) will provide natural barrier on easterly side of property. Developer will provide plant ings as screening for the undeveloped lots in the Enos Pyle development unless these lots are added to the Schickel development, in which case the proposed road (presently labelled Hanford Place) will be the barrier. Remaining properties on -the southerly boundary of the Schickel property will be screened. (4) What is the general appearance of the buildings? Frame, two stories, four units per building — irregular shapes. (5) What is the location of the buildings from the sidelines and street? Developer will at least meet the requirements for side boundaries and streets laid down in the proposed new Zoning Ordinance. (6) What is the location of parking space from sidelines and street? Developer is aiming for two parking spaces per unit but in no case will it average less than 1.5 pei* unit. Park ing places to be located in close proximity to buildings. All requirements of the new Zoning Ordinance for location will be complied with. (7) Drainage facilities? Topographic map showing proposed drainage of total area will be presented in general♦ The land in the upper two thirds will drain into the natural creek which is the boundary between the City and the Town of Ithaca. Mostof the remainder will drain southerly into the roadsideditch on Honness Lane and attention will be given to the adequacy of the culvert under Slaterville Road.A small portion in the southwest corner of the property which may not be drained by either of these methods willbe given special consideration and property owners along Slaterville Road who might be affected by this drainagewill be contacted to obtain their cooperation in solving the possible problem. r r - 6 - June is, 1972 Homeowners Association and thus every owner would have a ?take and a vote in maintaining the ownership character of the development. He said there could be a covenant, for instance, that the Homeowners Association shall have the right of first refusal. Councilman Desch was much concerned about density, figuring it to be about three times the density of R-15 zonei Mr. Schickel suggested it might be more like two timesi Mr. Franceses Planning Board Consultant, said the Planning Board had estimated it at about twice the density of R-15 but that they felt it was acceptable in this area, particularly since it was so close to a main artery, douncilman Powers felt the Schickel development was a step between the high density multiples and signle family and he felt there was k need for such a development. Councilman Del Rosso felt the concept was basically good and unique, but hoped some safeguards might be developed to prevent any signifi cant number of rental units, Mr. Schidkel felt the buyers of these units would have the same concern and stated categorically that this was a for sale" development. Rentals would be incidental. When no further discussion developed the following resolution was moved: Motion by Supervisor Schwan; seconded by Councilman Powers, WHEREAS, the Developer has presented a general proposal for a new residential community to the !Pown Planning Board which on April ^972 adopted a resolution "looking with favor" upon the proposal and indicating a favorable recommendation when an acceptable site plan as stated in said resolution has been accepted by same Board, and WHEREAS> the Developer, Supervisor Schwan, and Barbara Holcomb, Planning Board Chairman, have discussed some of the details of the proposal and incorporated some of the items discussed in writing, and WHEREAS, the Developer recognizes that the Town Board cannot approve a project in advance of all legally required procedures and prior to the presentation of more specific plans, and WHEREAS, Norbert Schickel now appears before the Town Board asking for an expression of opinion of the Board as to the accept ability of his proposal, IT IS RESOLVED by the Town Board as follows: 1. The Town Board approves in principle the use of the 16 acre parcel substantially as presented in Mr. Schickel*s "Proposal for a New Residential Community in the Town of Ithaca," it being under stood by the Town Board that the separate units will be offered for sale as single family residential units; that each structure will con sist of about four separate family units, separated by party walls; that each unit will be offered for sale with the lot size being sub stantially the land underneath each separate unit plus some additional space which may be required for patios, garbage disposal, parking space and the like. 2. The Board approves in principle the general concept of the proposal. 3. The Board approves in principle the density factor in the proposal, it being understood that Mr. Schickel's plans contemplate no more than 160 single family units which will be developed substan tially in four phases of 4o units each. 4. The Town Board can make no binding commitment to Mr. Schickel in advance of specific site plans, drawings, maps, public hearings, at which the public may express their opinion, all of which may produce facts and conditions not evident to or being considered by the Board at the present time. However, the Town Board does state that, at the present time, at this stage of the project, it looks with - 7 - June 12, 1972 favor on the general concept of development of the l6 acre parcel as presented by Mr. Schickel. Whether the parcel is developed as a planned unit, cluster housing, or other district under the present ordinance, or any amendment or change thereto, will be in the dis cretion of the Town Board. The resolution was put to the vote5 the members of the Board were polled, with the following result: . Aye . Aye . Aye • Nay » Aye Supervisor Schwan . . . Councilman Del Rosso . Councilman Powers , . . Councilman Desch . , . Councilman McElwee , . The resolution was thereupon adopted. ACQUISITION OF PARK LAM) Mr, Prancese, Planning Consultant, reported to the Board with respect to 17 parcels of land, available to the Town to be used for park land, in the Lick Brook area. Coy Glen area, and flood plain area in the vicinity of the Flood Control Channel, Motion by Councilman Deschj seconded by Councilman Powers, RESOLVED, that the Town Board appropriate $1,750,00 from the Contin gency Fund for an appraisal of 17 parcels of land in the Lick Brook area. Coy Glen area, and flood plain area in the vicinity of the Flood Control Channel, said appraisal to be preliminary to the acquisition of the land by the Town for use as a park and to be completed within thirty days from June 12, 1972 (the appraisal); whatever balance of funds being required to bring the Contingency Fund up to an amount which will cover the $1,750-00 to come from the mosquito control account. Unanimously carried. HOUSE NUMBERING IN THE TOWN OF ITHACA Mr. Francese, Planning Consultant, reported that he had a proposal from a Mr. R. H. Denman, 101 Brookfield Road, Ithaca, New York, that all the houses in the Town of Ithaca be re-numbered. The Town Plan ning Board felt this was something that could be postponed for a couple of years. The Town Board agreed that this was not a top priority item and could be considered again some time in the future. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned until Monday, June 19, 1972 at 7:30 p.m. Edward L. Bergen Town Clerk