HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1973-08-13A
TOWN OP ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
August 13, 1973
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 13th day of August, 1973, at
SsGO p.m., there v/ere
PRESENT
ALSO PRESENT:
Walter J.i>Schwan, SupetV|isof
Noel De^fin,! Councilman
Andrew W. MdjElwee, Couiicilman
Victor Del Rbsso, Cpmiiciiman
Robert N. PpWers, Couiicilman
' , ; '• I
James VoBuVoUcos, Towji kttorriey
Btes. Bcitbara Holcomb, Chairman, Planning Board
Peter Ffandesb, Planning Consultant
David W. Cbwati, Zoning Officer
Marion Morey, Highway Superintendent
1
David Abbott, Local General Partner, Ithaca-
Elm-Maple Houses, Inc.
Mafgaret Keane, New York State Urban Develop
ment Cort>oration
Richard Callanan, New York Stdte Urban Develop
ment Corporation
Peter J. Hedrick, 616 Coddington Road
Albert Johnson, 611 Coddington Road
Ronald Ronsvalle, 628 Coddington Road
Kenneth R. Heath, 618 Coddington Road
Willis Hilker, South Hill Estates
Radio, TV, and Press
ITHACA-ELM M2VPLE HOUSES, INC.
REQUEST FOR REFUND
The Supervisor reported that Ithaca-Elm Maple Houses, Inc. had been
charged for 83 units of water and sewer benefit when, infact, there
are only 82 units. They are, therefore, entitled to a refund of one
water and one sewer unit for the year 1973. Therefore,
Motion by Supervisor Schwcui; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso,
RESOLVED, that one unit of water benefit charge ($23.00) and one unit
of Sewer benefit charge ($50.00) be refxinded for the tax year 1973
to Ithaca-Elm Maple Houses, Inc.
Unanimously carried.
Jlr. Abbott reminded the Board that the official occupancy date for
Ithaca-Elm Maple Houses, Inc. was May 22, 1973. Therefore, the
Board went on to consider a further refund to them based on seven
months occup^cy in 1973 rather than a full year. Mr. Abbott noted
that the project was intended to provide housing for graduate stu
dents in the low income category. Prior to Mr. Abbott's affiliation
with the project the City of Ithaca agreed with UDC to furnish water
to the 82 units and they are hooked into the City water main. Mr.
Abbott said the project is faced with charges which were not origi
nally contemplated nor taken into account — $6,059 water and sevrer
benefit charges, rate and a half as a City water user located in
the Town (since the area was not annexed to the City, as expected), ,
the Town surcharge on water use for maintenance and operation, gar
bage service and plowing the road. He said these charges cannot come
out of rents since the project is a limited profit corporation and
in all probability FHA viould not permit an increase in the rents.
7/
- 2 - August 13, 1973
MTo Abbott noted that Cornell University in the 1agreement with UDC
provides for the payment of $l,500o(:)0 ja year for ithe use of a sewer
lateral that runs to the City of Ithacja main. 'Councilman Desch noted
that the $1,500.00 covers both storm arid sanitafy eewer storm beinc
$500.00 and sanitary $1,000.00. Mr. Abbott recjifiested that the Town
Board take into consideration that the entire water and sewer system
was built and paid for by the project ari^ thajt ihey are assessed the
annual charge of $1,500.00 by Cornell Uriiversity^ as indicated, for
the existing sewer lateral. Supervisor ^chwan ^aid Mr. Abbott was
requesting a reduction in water and sew^r benefit charges for the
year 1973 and for future years. The Boatd felt it could make no
commitment with respect to future yeafs. However, the Board did take
the following action;
Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan,
RESOLVED, that based on effective occupancy of rieveri months in 1973,
the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca rip^toves with respect to water
benefit assessment against Ithaca Elm Mriple Houses, Inc. a refund of
five-twelfths of the water benefit assessed against Ithaca-Elm Maple
Houses, Inc. for the year 1973.
Urianimbusly carried.
There was discussion of completely eliminating the sewer benefit
assessment for 1973. Councilman Powere noted, however, that all
others in the Town hre paying a token bbwer charge where sewer ser-
vice IS not available of one cent per thousand of assessed valuation,
and the same should hold true of the Ithaca-Elm Maple Houses, Inc.
Attorney Buyoucos agreed the Town Board must be guided by its univer
sal formula and be Consistent.
Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan,
RESOLVED, that the entire sewer benefit charge assessed against
Ithaca-Elm Maple Houses, Inc. for 1973 be refunded, and that the
only charge assessed for sewer benefit be the token charge of one
cent per thousand of assessed valuation.
of the Board members with respect to the resolution was taken
with the following results
Councilman Del Rosso. AYE
Councilman Powers AYE
Councilman Desch AYE
Supervisor Schwan |k.YE
Councilman McElwee ........... Abstaining
The resolution was thereupon duly adopted.
Siipervisor Schwan requested that Ithaca Elm>. Maple houses. Inc. agree
to pay the amount of $525.62 in penalties which have accrued. Mr.
Abbott noted that the bill was misdirected, and did not turn up for
many months, that he did not receive it until a month and a half ago?
that the bill had never been amended; that the bill was made out in
tne wrong corporate name; that had it been received in due time the
proceedings would have been shortened and the penalty much reduced..
He said the project must survive on rent collections and that the
rents are fixed at a rate that cannot be changed. Mr. Abbott said,
in view of the unexpected expenses that the project is subject to,
it might be necessary for them to press for annexation to the City.
The Board contended that the bill was a legal bill, probably addressed
based on information taken from a deed recorded in the County Clerk's
Office. No decision, however, with regard to the penalty was made.
It appeared that if Ithaca Elm Maple Houses, Inc. did not pay the
penalty the Town of Ithaca would have to pay it, with the possibility,
however, that the Town might at a later date recoup the penalty from
the County.
- 3 - August 13, 1973
CODDINGTON ROAD WATER IMPROVEMEI^T - PUBLIC HEARING
Supervisor Schwan reviewed briefly the background of the proposed
extension of water to eight or nine residences on the Coddington
Road, the needs of the Hedricks and Ronsvalles, and others having
_ been noted in previous Board meetings. Mr, Schwan reported that a
petition for the water extension; had been signed by Peter Hedrick,
616 Coddington Road, John D. Bodine, 630 Coddington Road; C. Floyd
— Durling, 620 Coddington Road; Mrs, M, Faben, 614 Coddington Road?
Donald T, Gregg, 612 Coddington Road? and Ronald S, Ronsvalle, 628
• noted that the estimated cost of the improvementIS y29,000.
Attorney Buyoucos asked that the record show that notice of public
published on August 3, 1973 in .the official newspaper of
w 1 "I Ithaca, the Ithaca Journal, and was posted on the Townbulletin board in the Town Offices ^ and that affidavits of such post*-
publication have been presented and are on file in the Town
Clerk's Office,
The Supervisor noted that th6 method of financing would be serial
bonds and bond anticipation notes, to be repaid ov6r a period of 30
years? and that a map and engjineers' repott are available for inspec
tion. The Supervisor then asked for public questions or comments,
. Donald Ronsvalle, 628 Coddington Road, "I am for the proposed improvement, I am just wondering before the siewer problem is
mentioned where the figure of $29,000 came from, since it was esti
mated earlier that it would run $16,000 to $18,000,"
^ The Supervisor read the list of items in the proposal, as followsi
8-inch water mains $ 13,600
8-inch gate valve and box 200
Fire hydrant 1,950
Connection to existing watermain 550
County Highway crossing 3,000
House service lines 750
Corporation stops, curb cocks
and boxes 400
Additional concrete 500
Additional gravel 50
Overhead, legal and bond
counsel, financing, engineering
and construction inspection 5,000
Project and construction
contingencies 3,000
Total $ 29,000
Supervisor Schwan noted, however, that the Town could possibly use-
its part-time engineer to be the inspector on the job, and that the
estimated cost might be reduced from the $29,000 estimate to perhaps
$20,000, Town Attorney Buyoucos asked 51r. Ronsvalle if he was in
favor of the project at $29,000?that he must either be in favor of
r the project at $29,000 or he was not in favor of the project, Mr.
Ronsvalle said he was still in favor of the project at $29,000, Mr.
Ronsvalle wondered what the project would cost if sewer were included.
The Supervisor gave a rough estimate of $59,500 (1,700 feet at $35,00
per foot),
Mr, Ronsvalle asked if the present sewer unit rate of $50,00 could
be maintained if sewer were added to the project. Supervisor Schwan
said that the engineers had been asked for a report on the feasibility
of additional extensions of sewer within the Town of Ithaca, in a .
package consisting of Forest Home, Slaterville Road, a piece of the
Coddington Road, Glenside, Coy Glen, and Elm Street Extension, He
said the Board hopes to have a public hearing on these areas as a
total package, probably in October, with the idea, if the project is
approved, of having specifications drawn up, having it bid in the
.'A,.™
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- 4 - August 13, 1973
spring, and do the work in the summero He said the Board decided
that in view of the emergency water situation it might be better to
move forward with the water improvement At this time rather than i^ait
to have the water and sewer done at the same time. rir« Schwan said
It would appear that the proposed improvement can be made while at
the same time maintaining the $23«00 unit irate for water and probably
the $50o00 unit rate for sewer* Howevea?, Since sewer involves con
siderably more money an adjustment lAight have to be made« He said,
however, "that there is additional housing'going up in the Town and
these additional houses are bein^ donstitupibed along water and sewer
lines, and they are and will be assessed i:^br benefit«
I
Attorney Buyoucos asked Mr. lionsVaile what the need for water was as
far as he is concerned. Mr, RonSvslle sdid he was at the point where
they have 30 gallons a day to iisS; that , hs runs eaves-troughs and take;
laundry down-town. He said therO are fpui^ in his family and every
summer the water situation is a gre^t bother. He said he had installer
a pool and that by the end of June he does not use it, but that it
makes a good reservoir for water tbt flushing toilets. He said he
had drilled a well 200 feet and never piqkedjup any more water, and
he said he put in an underground clsterh Which carries rain and snow
but when the surface water dries uj> afteji^ iJuly, that is no good,
Peter Hedrick, 616 Coddington Road, "Having been the one who
carried the petition around, naturally I am in favor of the project.
We have a need for water, I don't think you could say it is as acute
as Ronsvalle's, and I don't think I could tell you how many gallons
a day we have, I have never been able to estimate that. But we have
reached a point where we run out of water or water gets so low we get
nothing but mud. There are a lot of activities we have had to curtail
We are a family of four and it is hampering us,"
Mr, Buyoucos asked if this situation had been Mr, Hedrick's experience
in the past. I^r, Hedrick said that it had just developed this year.
They had an adequate supply in the past, he said,
C. Floyd purling, 620 Coddington Road, "I have got to put a
new sewer system in. My water is all sulphur. I have to use my son's
house for drinking water, down on the Coddington Road. My septic tank
is gone and I have got to put a new one in.,"
Attoraey Buyoucos asked Jir, Durling if his water was inadequate, Mr,
Durling said he had enough water but it is all sulphur, that he has
to put in a system to clean it up. He said it was all black, and
that if you take a bath it is all sand in the bottom.
Albert Johnson, 611 Coddington Road, "My house is roughly
50 feet below the houses of those who have spoken here tonight, if
you believe topographical maps, I am on the other side of the road."
Attorney Buyoucos said the record should show that Mr. Johnson is the
owner of the property formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs, Bodine, and the
dwelling is one large structure some distance from the road, Mr.
Johnson said they did not receive the post-card survey when their
neighbors did. He said he did not know on what basis they were added
to the proposed project, but said he guessed if they were added they
could be removed. He said he was concerned about how many units they
would be charged. Supervisor Schwcin said that their property line
adjoins the corner of Troy and Coddington Roads? that their property
is one unit at the present time, but that under the proposed improve
ment the line would front about two-thirds of their property and it
would then be about 8,4 units in accordance with the formula estab
lished by the Town Board when the water and sewer districts were dis
solved, ,Mr« Johnson asked on what basis he had been added to this
project. Mr, Schwan said it was only by inadvertance that he had not
received a survey post-card. tir. Johnson was concerned about the re
quirement to hook up to the water line within a year,, Supervisor
Schwan said that was based on the assumption that when Bolton Point
was supplying the water and and that the Town was involved in building
74
- 5 - August 13, 1973
its own treatment plant and water system, the question arose 3 Should
any resident of the Town be allowed not to hook to the water which
everybody else is paying for? And it v/as the feeling of the Board
that everybody would be required to hook on. But the policy has not
been estcd>lished by a formal resolution o
Mr. Johnson was concerned over the fact that there is a 50 ft. drop
from the Hedrick property to his land. He noted that the Ithaca Urban
Area Study recommends that houses not be built on over 15% sloping
ground. He said the Study indicated thejentire area is either in a
district that is marked "questionable dfalnage" or "poor drainage"
^d part of the land is "fair drainage" (above and away from the road).
JJ'iro Johnson was concerned that ther^e wbuld be small front yards with
small drainage fields on land of questionable or poor drainage. He
asked what protection they had downhill ftom all the houses having
overflow from these septic fields when the houses can have all the
water they want. Supervisor Schwan said the Tovm would have a pack-
age Pian for sewer service in this area ahd other areas in October,
itt. Johnson asked if sewer were put in the area, and he is 50 feet
below the sewer, would he haVe to pay for sewer. Supervisor Schwan
said he would not in this case bccaiise the sewer line would be uphill
from his land, and he would have no sewer benefit from any sewer line
across the road.^ Mr. Johnson Sdid he also objected to paying $193.20
for 8,4 water units plus $168.00 for 8.4 units at $20.00 a ^;.nit for
transmission charge. His greatest concern, however, was over possible
overflow of raw sewage. Supervisor. Schwan said this would be dis
cussed at public hearing on sewer service at the October Town Board
meeting. Mr. Ronsvalle noted that 8 of the 10 parcels involved had
large septic fields. Mr. Johnson, however, did not think the fields
were large enough.
Attorney Buyoucos said the Town Board must determine whether the
improvement is in the public interest. He asked if there was any
member of the Board who did not feel that the proposed improvement
was in the public interest. All the Board members strongly felt the
improvement was in the public interest.
Supervisor Schwan asked for further comment or questions. No other
persons wishing to be heard, the Supervisor closed the hearing and
asked v/hat action the Board wished to take.
Motion by Councilman Desch? seconded by Councilman McBlwee,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes
the construction of the Coddington Road Water Improvement No. 1? that
the area benefitted is the entire area of the Town of Ithaca outside
the Village of Cayuga Heights, the only village in said Town; that the
cost of ^ the improvement shall be raised by special assessment upon and
collection from the lots and parcels of land in just proportion to
the benefit conferred upon the same as determined by the Town Board.
Unanimously carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Supervisor Schwan? seconded by Councilman Desch,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the minutes of July 9, 1973 with a correction on page 3 (Route 392
matter) to indicate Charles McCord as Supervisor of the Town of Dry-
den rather than Charles Hovzell, and further that said minutes be
approved in all other respects, as presented.
Unanimously carried.
;r
- 6 - August 13r 1973
ALLOCATION OF REVENUE SHARING FUNDS - PUBLIC HEARING
Proof of posting and publication having been presented^ the Super
visor opened the hearing with respect to the allocation of the Town's
Revenue Sharing monies.
Supervisor Schwan reported that the Federal government now requires
that the Town, at public hearing, by formal resolution indicate the
specific projects for which its Revenue Sharing funds have been obli
gated or will be spent^ and the Town is required to fill out forms
to that effect. He said the TdWil's Revenue Sharing funds for the
first year of the five-year allocation period are $68,000 and it is
estimated the Town will receive( in the second year $75,000. He said
the Town has no way of knowing at this time whether the Town's share
of these funds will increase or decrease in future years.
The Supervisor then asked for suggestions from the public as to pos
sible uses of Revenue Sharing funds,
Neil Hertz, 250 Culver Road. < rir. Hertz noted there is still
a chance to buy land in the Coy Glen area for a park. Supervisor
Schwan said this has been discussed by the Board. Also the Lick Brook
area has been discussed. These are areas which it is felt ought to
be preserved.
Thomas Niederkorn, 12 The Byway. Mr. Niederkorn supported
Mr. Hertz s concerrt about parks and recommended that the Revenue
Sharing funds should be used to develop neighborhood parks. Barbara
Holcomb, Planning Board Chairman, said information for a park proposal
is being developed which will cojiae before the Patk Council this week.
Peter Francese, Planning Consultant, pointed out that the Town would
have to consider ways of getting to these areas — by-pass highways
or roads, and also consider bicycle paths (noting, in passing, that
a fine job had been done on the north side of Hanshaw Road to make it
easier for bicycle riders.) He said, in connection with parks, he
would like to see some sort of planned development carried out, if
possible, through an expanding system of bicycle paths throughout the
Town.
Mr. Niederkorn said the Tovm should also consider again the possibili
ty of sewers in Forest Home, Supervisor Schwan said the Board is
expecting an engineering report by September 1st with estimates of
costs for sewering Forest Home and five or six other areas in the
Town — Sl^*terville Road, Coddington Road, Glenside, Elm Street Ex
tension.
David B. Wilson, 232 Troy Road. Since Revenue Sharing money
results from the cancellation of pre-existing programs, Mr. Wilson
wondered whether the Town had had any such programs which have been
cut back. Supervisor Schwan said this definitely was the case —
citing the loss of a million and a half dollars earmarked for Bolton
Point, Mr. Wilson said, then, that Bolton Point should certainly be
considered as a possible use of Revenue Sharing funds.
Ruth Mahr, 103 Judd Falls Road. Mrs. Mahr also supported
the idea of neighborhood parks. She said the Town of Ithaca is far
behind in this respect. She suggested that such parks should be for
people of all ages — benches for the elderly, as well as playgrounds
for the small children, swimming facilities, wading pools for small
children.
Mrs. Mahr said the Town should spend money immediately in engaging
a planner to make a study of traffic flows in the Town to form the
basis of a traffic circulation system so that we may have a traffic
plam for the Town as a whole. She said elements of this plan should
provide for safe and efficient circulation throughout the Town and
provide for preserving and maintaining safe, peaceful and relatively
traffic-free neighborhoods. She said the Town needs bicycle paths,
walkways so people can get back and forth, peripheral parking lots,
additional transportation, possibly a bus system which might be ex
tended from the City of Ithaca to the edge of Town. She said all
this should be done with a lot of public in-put at public hearings.
7^
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Mrs. Mahr also Suggested spending Revenue Sharing funds for a Town
constable. She said the traffic situation in the Town is quite bad,
and the Town does not have adequate police protection from the County
Sheriff. Supervisor Schwan said this suggestion has been before the
Board before. He s^id a Town Constable is a very expensive proposi
tion, which if established now ahd paid for with Revenue Sharing funds
would have to be paid for in the future on a continuing basis out
of the tax base. The Supervisbi? said it has been estimated it would
cost between $35,000 and $50,000 a year to maintain two men and possi
bly a third to relieve them, so there would be coverage seven days a
week. They would need cars, uniforms, equipment, fringe benefits
like hospitalization, etc. Mrs. Maht said she did not think the Town
had any alternative, and based on a taxable valuation of 48 million
dollars it would cost only something over a ddllar a thousand to
finance the required protection. She said some of the expense could
be recovered through fines for violations. Supervisor Schwan said
only $5.00 of every traffic ticket came to the Town? the rest goes
to the State of New York. Fines, therefore, would not raise a great
deal of money. Ilrs. Mahr suggested the money could be spent for a
proto-type radar controlled devide that would trigger a signal to
the motorist that he was speeding. Mr. Francese suggested the possi-
. ^ lower scale opeittion without the cars and radios. Supervisor ^ Schwan said eVen if the Tpwn hited two constables who might be
coordinated with the Village of Cayuga Heights in some manner, there
IS still West Hill and East Hill to be considered — and an overall
area of 31 Square miles, 24 miles of State Highways. 28 miles of
County rodds, and 30 miles of Town roads. (He noted he had informa
tion that the Village of Cayuga Heights would not be in favor of such
an arpngement.) He said, further, that the Village of Cayuga Heights
experience has been that a constable spends about 75% of his time on
accidents and trouble calls rather than traffic control, and, there
fore there is a minimum of traffic control for the money spent.
Councilman Powers cited that the Village of Cayuga Heights has about
six policemen , plus a person in the office to do paper work. They
operate in an area one tenth the area of the Town of Ithaca and have
a population of only 3,500. To provide the same service in the Town
of Ithaca, he said, would require several times the personnel required
by the Village.
Mrs. Mahr said penalties and fines might be considerable if there
were 350 days a year that the Town received $5.00 per person a day.
Attorney Buyoucos said in that case you might need two new Justices
of the Peace. Councilman Powers wondered just how many fines really
would be collected a week, since no firm figures for the Town were
available for the Board at this time.
I4rs. Mahr said it appeared everything suggested was being turned down.
Supervisor Schwan said it was not a question of turning everything
doi*m, but merely presenting background information.
The Supervisor asked for any further comments or suggestions from
the public. It appeared that no other persons wished to be heard.
Supervisor Schwan said it was his conviction that the Bolton Point
water system is the No. 1 priority of the Town, but he did not think
all the money should be allocated to it. He said in the initial
planned use reports to the government 80% was indicated for Bolton
Point and 20% for parks and recreation. He said he was concerned
over the fact that there is no way of knowing what Revenue Sharing
funds the Town may receive in the future. He suggested allocating
the first two years of Revenue Sharing funds to Bolton Point, leav
ing the other three years open. He said you cannot be tentative in
this report to the government. You must obligate or spend now.
Councilman Powers said it might not be the thing to do to put all
the Revenue Sharing money into Bolton Point in view of the other sug
gestions made at this hearing. Supervisor Schwan said the allocation
to Bolton Point would only be for two years of Revenue Sharing funds.
Councilman Powers said this meant putting off the other things for.
two or three years. Councilman Desch said, however, by that time the
77
- 8 - August 13, 1973
Board would have a better idea of the estimated costs for the other
projects which have been suggested
i
, !
The hearing was closed at this point and the Board took the follow
ing actions
t '
n . ? n ^ ' f
Motion by Supervisor SchVMh; seconded 'by Councilman Desch,
RESOLVED t that the Fedeif^l Revenue, Sharing funds received from the
Federal government for th6 entitleaonti period 1972 and the entitle
ment period 1973 be used- to pay part Of the cost of the Bolton Point
water project for the purpose of defraying that part of the excess
cost which it is the obligation of; the Town of Ithaca to pay? that
the Federal Revenue Sharing funds fee used to pay that part of the
excess charges which is principal indebtedness as required by law,
but with the guideline thet the besic purpose is to reduce the esti
mated transmission benefife charge to homeowtlers in the Town of Ithaca
to approximately $20.00 per unit per year.
Unanimously carried.
appointment of dog enumerator
Motion by Supervisor Schwah? seconded by Councilman McElwee,
RESOLVED, that Mrs. Juhe Miles, 1115 Danby Road, be appointed Dog
Enumerator for the Tdwil of Ithaca for 1974,
Unanimously carried
APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE TO
NEW YORK STATE ^MAGISTRATES MEETING
Motion by Councilman McElwee? seconded by Supervisor Schwan,
RESOLVED, that Town Justices Frederick R Hartsock and Warren A, Blye
be authorized to attend the New York State Magistrates Meeting at
the Concord Hotel at Lake Kiamesha, New York, September 23-26, 1973,
expenses to be paid for by the Town of Ithaca, and that Justice Hart-
sock be appointed to represent the Town of Ithaca at the meeting.
Unanimously carried,
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTS tglETINGS
Motion by Supervisor Schwan? seconded by Councilman Powers,
^SOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent, Marion Morey, be author
ized to attend Highway Superintendents meetings in the Lake Placid
area, on September 17, 18, 19, 1973.
Unanimously carried.
AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT BIDS FOR REPAIRS AND
PAINTING OF THE CHRISTOPHER CIRCLE WATER TANK
Motion by Councilman Desch? seconded by Councilman Powers^
RESOLVED, that Supervisor Schwan be authorized to put out bids for
the painting and repairs of the Christopher Circle Water Tank
(scheduled for completion prior to the connection of the Lansing
water system), based upon the plans and specifications of Lozier
Engineers, Inc.
Unanimously carried.
LETTER OF REQUEST TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY
RE USE OF UNIVERSITY SANITARY SEWER THROUGH
THE DORMITORY AREAS FOR THE VILLAGE OF FOREST H0t4E
Supervisor Schwan noted that it would be necessary for a letter of
request be sent to Cornell University to utilize the University
sanitary sewer through the dormitory areas for the Village of Fopes^
Home to go before the Board of Trustees of the University, The'fe^?
mission of the Trustees is sought. This is required as one of
steps toward determining the cost of the Forest Home project, ^
was agreed that such a letter would be prepared and sent. i
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- 9 - August 13, 1973
APPROVAL OF REMAINDEli ISTORTHVIEW mS'I
Supervisor Schwan reported that Mr. Hilker is requesting approval
of the remainder of Notthview Road West. Mr. Hilker said they had
completed the portion from the easli dide of Lots 3 and 8 to the end
of the approved subdivision. Water and sewer is in and has been in
spected. Superintendent Of Highways, Mafion Morey, reported that
the road complies with Town Specifications and that there are no
problems with regard to the utilities., . .
r p
Motion by Supervisor Schwaru^s^conded by Councilman Desch, ^
RESOLVED, that the To\(mjof^thaca aicbept the remainder of Northvie^
Road West asshown^jOET'^bdiviSibn niap of South Hill Estates dated
^ril 25,—197:JV^ conditional upon trie map showing the temporary cul
de sac and conditional upon approval of the deed and abstract by the /
Town Attorney and the payment by the applicant of all fees. (Date n
of maps 10-22-71 as shown on map fevised thorough 11-22-71.) ^
Unanimously carried.
EASTERN HIEGHTS PIPE
Superintendent of Highway^ Marion Morey reported that he ordeted
400 feet of pipe for Eastern Heights upon instructions Of the Board.
He said the supplier does not want to bill it to Eastern Heights.
The pipe is already delivered to Eastern Heights. Mr. Morey was
advised that the Town would pay for the pipe and would bill Eastern
Heights for it. If Eastern Heights did not pay for it it could become
a lien against the property.
REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Barbara Holcomb, Chaiman, Planning Board. Mrs. Holcomb
reported receipt of a letter from Attorney Allan H. Treman requesting
the assistance of the Town of Ithaca in identifying unique areas in
Tompkins County for preservation. (She read Mr, Treman's letter.)
Mr. Treman requested a reply by September 15. The Board agreed with
tirs, Holcomb that Coy Glen and Lick Brook areas should be identified.
Peter Francese, Planning Consultant. lir. Francese reported
that the Planning Board has very nearly completed its work on the
Zoning Ordinance, having substantially revised it since it was last
done. He said they plan a joint meeting of the Town Board and the
Planning Board toward the end of September to finalize it before it
goes to the Town Attorney for final review and/or wording. Mr. Fran
cese told the Board that there is a chart in the Planning Office
which identifies percentage of multiple housing in the Town of Ithaca
by neighborhoods. Councilman Desch thought such a chart should be
tremendously helpful.
CAMPBELL AVENUE AND HOPKINS ROAD
This project was tabled temporarily since no firm figures on survey
costs is available at this time.
REQUEST TO DEPARTMENT OP TRANSPORTATION
FOR AREA SPEED ZONE
Motion by Supervisor Schv/an; seconded by Councilman Powers,
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca be authorized to
request from the Department of Transportation a 30 miles per hour
area speed zone for all interior Town roads in the Town of Ithaca
boundjsd by Hanshaw Road, Warren Road, the Town of Lansing line and
the Village of Cayuga Heights line, specifically Winthrop Drive,
Simsbury Drive, Burleigh Drive, Brandywine Road, Christopher Circle,
Christopher Lane, St, Catherine's Circle East and St- Catherine's
Circle West, the said request to include any future subdivision roads
within the said area, it being understood that this is not a request
to reduce the speed limit on Hanshaw Road or Warren Road.
Uncuiimously carried.
KM
71
- 10 - August 13, 1973
LETTER FROM HEALT?H i ^EPARTMENT
Supervisor Schwaii read a letter from Stephen P. Herman, Director
of Enironmental Health, Tompkins County Department of Health, dated
July 31, 1973 re j>olicy statement on developments of subdivisions,
trailer parks, apar-^^ent complaxes, eind large industrial or commerci
al structures. Tha-letter notad that; this policy has been prepared
to define the actiT^ities of tka Tompkins County Health Department in
view of the recent confusion ^hich has developed over the approval
procedures for such l^fojects, M^He says in his letter it is poor pro
cedure for an agenc^ auch as t;he Health Department to approve a pro
ject and then have the project; turned down by the appropriate plan-
ning or zoning boardii The reyesrde is also embarrassing. In order to
eliminate thia source of confusion. Health Department approval will
be withheld until thh'appropriate town, village or city agency has
given at least a preliminary Approval or has publicly agreed that
there xs no objection to the e^oject. The letter says this policy
will go into effect;immediately. .
CODDINGTON ROAD kA!?ER IMPROVEMENT
i i ,
Supervisor Schwan hbtad that Vincent R. Hannan, Assistant Superin
tendent of Public Works for the City of Ithaca, has indicated to
the City of Ithaba that the Town's intention to extend water along
the Coddington Road is in conflict with the requirement that sewer
service must accompany water. Supervisor Schvjan said he would be in
contact with Mayor Conley about this mabter.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT^
Motion by Councilman Desch? seconded by Supervisor Schwan,
RESOLVED, that the Warrants dated August 13, 1973, in the following
amounts, be approveds
General Fund .... ... ..... $ 15,755.53
Highway Fund . . ..... 7,378,24
Water and Sewer Fund 4,887.56
Unanimously carried.
CODDINGTON ROAD WATER IMPROVEMENT
Motion by Councilman Desch; seconded by Supervisor Schwan,
RESOLVED, that the motion on page 5 of these minutes with respect
to the Coddington Road Water Improvement is rescinded in order that
a new resolution may be adopted to clarify all the issues and pro
visions.
Unanimously carried.
The following action was then taken?
VJHEREAS a map, plan, and report relating to the establishment
of the proposed Coddington Road Water Improvement prepared by Lozier
Engineers, Inc., competent engineers, duly licensed by the State of
New York, in such manner and detail as has been requested and approv
ed by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, has been duly filed with
the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca and in accordance with the re
quirements of Article 12-C of the Town Law, and
WHEREAS an order was duly adopted by the Town Board of the
Town of Ithaca on July 30, 1973, reciting the filing of said plan
and report, the improvements proposed, the boundaries of the propp^ed
benefitted area, the estimated expense thereof, the proposed method
of financing, the fact that the map, plan and report describing the
same are on file in the Town Clerk's Office for public inspection,
and stating all other matters required by law to be stated and speci
fying August 13, 1973 at 5s30 p.m. on that day, as the time, and th^
Town Offices in the Cityof Ithaca, New York, as the place the
- 11 - August 13, 1973
said Town Board would meet to consider said map, plan and report, and
to hear all persons interested in the svibject thereof concerning the
same, and to take such action thereon as is required or authorized by
law, and
WHEREAS such Order was duly published and posted as required
by law, and
WHEREAS a hearing on said matter was duly held by said Town
Board on this 13th day of August, 1973 beginning at 5s30 pom. of the
day, at the Town Offices in said Towri, and full discussion of the
matter having been had, and all persons desiring to be heard having
been duly heard,
NOW, upon the evidence given upon and the statements in
support of said improvement made at such hearing, and upon motion
of Councilman Desch, seconded by Councilman Del Rosso, it is
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED?
(1) That the notice of hearing wae posted and published as
required by law and is otherwise sufficient.
(2) That it is in the public interest to make such water
improvement •
(3) That the area benefitted is the entire area of the Town
of Ithaca lying within the boundaries of the Town but not including
the land lying within the boundaries of the Village of Cayuga Heights,
being the only Village in the Town.
(4) That all property benefitted by the water improvement is
included within the benefitted area as described above.
(5) The area within which the said improvement will be con
structed is described as follows? Beginning at or near the intersec
tion of the center lines of Coddington Road and Troy Road; running
thence southerly along the westerly line of Coddington Road, about
1,600 feet to a point at or near the southeast corner of the parcel
owned by John and Martha Bodine (Tauc Parcel 49-1-9.1), all as shown
on the map made by Lozier Engineers, Inc., dated July 12, 1973 en
titled "Coddington Road Extension, Town of Ithaca Water System," a
copy of which is filed in the Town Clerk's Office and a copy of which
will be recorded with this resolution and order at such time as the
same is recorded in the County Clerk's Office.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, DETERIilNED, AND ORDERED, that the
establishment of the said water improvement, as set forth in said map,
plan, and report, be approved? that the improvement therein mentioned
be constructed, and the necessary easements and lands be acquired,
upon the required funds being made available and provided for. Such
improvement shall be known and designated as the Coddington Road Water
Improvement Number One.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the cost of the water improve
ment, including, without limitation, construction costs, costs of
acquisition of lands and easements, legal and engineering fees, and
other expenses, shall be borne entirely by the benefitted area which
is the area of the Town outside of any Village and such costs shall^
be financed by the issuance of serial bonds of said Town to mature in
such number of annual installments not exceeding thirty as may here
after be determined by the Town Board and such expenses shall be
apportioned and assessed upon and collected from the lots and parcels
of land in just proportion to the benefit conferred upon the same as
determined by the Town Board.
This resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and
subject, also, to approval by the State Comptroller cuid the Town
//
- 12 - August 13, 1973
Supervisor is authorized to commence and complete all applications or
other documents and any and all legal proceedings which may be neces
sary for such purposeo
The adoption of the foregoing resolution, determination and
order was duly put to a vote, and upon roll call, the vote was as
followss
Supervisor Schwan — voting AYE
Councilman Powers — voting AYE
Councilman Desch — voting AYE
Councilman Del Rosso — voting AYE
The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted»
(Notes Councilman McElwee, having left the meeting earlier, was not
present for this voteo)
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned until August 27, 1973
Edward L» Bergen
Town Clerk