HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2006-03-13Regular Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, March 13, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Report of Tompkins County Legislature - Dooley Kiefer
4. Report of City of Ithaca Common Council
5. Report of Fire Commission
6. Report from Town Historian
7. 6:00 p.m. - Persons to be Heard and Board Comments
8. Supervisor's State of the Town Address
9. Consider Setting a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Local Law to Rezone
Certain Lands Along and West of Taughannock Boulevard from Low Density
Residential to Conservation Zone
10. 7:00 p.m. - Public Hearing regarding A Local Law Amending Chapter 230 of the
Town of Ithaca Code, Titled "Streets and Sidewalks", to Establish Town's
Assumption of Ownership, Maintenance and Liability for Hanshaw Road Walkway
11. Consider Adoption of a Local Law Amending Chapter 230 of the Town of Ithaca
Code, Titled "Streets And Sidewalks", to Establish Town's Assumption of Ownership,
Maintenance and Liability for Hanshaw Road Walkway
12. 7:15 p.m. - Public Hearing regarding A Local Law Amending the Code of The Town
of Ithaca to Add a New Chapter 18 Governing the Creation and Appointment of
Citizen and Staff Advisory Committees for the Town of Ithaca
13. Consider Adoption of A Local Law Amending the Code of The Town of Ithaca to Add
a New Chapter 18 Governing the Creation and Appointment of Citizen and Staff
Advisory Committees for the Town of Ithaca
14. Consider Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit Bids for the
Purchase of a Loader
15. Consider Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit Bids for the
Purchase of a Bulldozer
16. Consider Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit Bids for the
Purchase of a Sewer Vacuum
17. Consider Update to Purchase of Agriculture Conservation Easement Target Areas
Map
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18. Consider Authorization for Town Staff to Proceed with Appraisal Services for Two j !
Potential Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements
19. Consider Authorization for Construction of a Chimney Swift Tower Near Pew Trail
20. Consider Appointment of Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review
21. Consider Speed Limit Reduction Request for Game Farm Road
22. Consider Adoption of the Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan
23. Consider Approval of Park Names
24. Consider Resolution Endorsing Paper Based Optical Scan Voting Machines
25. Consider Resolution of Condolence
26. Discussion of the Draft Board Protocol and Procedures Manual
27. Consider Letter of Engagement for Additional Legal Services
28. Consider Executive Session regarding proposed litigation regarding Lakeside I
Nursing Home and Bankruptcy '
29. Consider Appointment of Civil Engineer
30. Consent Agenda
a. Town of Ithaca Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Bolton Point Abstract
d. Consider Approval of Records Disposition
31. Report of Town Committees
a. Agriculture Committee
b. Agricultural Land Preservation Committee
c. Board Policy and Protocol
d. Capital Projects and Fiscal Planning Committee
e. Codes and Ordinances Committee
f. Ethics Committee
g. Personnel Committee
h. Public Works Committee
i. Recreation and Human Services Committee - Discussion
j. Records Management Advisory Board
k. Safety Committee
I. Transportation Committee P
32. Intermunicipal Organizations
a. Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization
b. City/Town Trail Committee
0. Joint Youth Commission
d. Lake Source Data Sharing
e. Pegasus Oversight Committee
f. Recreation Partnership
g. Special Joint Committee (Sewer)
h. Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
1. SPCA monthly report for January 2006
33. Report of Town Officials
a. Town Clerk
b. Highway Superintendent
c. Director of Engineering
d. Director of Planning
e. Budget Officer
f. Manager of Human Resources
g. Network/Records Specialist
h. Recreation and Youth Coordinator
i. Attorney for the Town
j. Receiver of Taxes
34. Review of Correspondence
a. 1/1/06 letter from Senator Schumer re 2006 Save America's Treasure's Grant
Program
b. 2/6/06 letter from M. Russell re Eruv within the Town of Ithaca
c. 2/13/06 memo from H. Filiberto, Tompkins County Department of Planning, re
GML 239 Review
d. 2/15/06 letter from Selective Service re insurance
e. 2/16/06 letter to Michelle Bailey
f. 2/17/06 email from B. Hutchins re Hanshaw Road Reconstruction Project
g. 2/21/06 letter from P. Porter re problems on Coddington Rd., Pennsylvania Ave.,
and Kendal Ave. caused by students
h. 2/26/06 letter from Time Warner re changes to service
i. 2/28/06 letter from H. Vance re new apartments on Pennsylvania Ave.
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Regular Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, March 13, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
215 North Tloga Street, Ithaca, New York
THOSE PRESENT: Supervisor Valentino; Councilman Burbank; Councilman Engman;
Councilman Stein; Councilman Cowie; Councilwoman Leary
STAFF PRESENT: Tee-Ann Hunter, Town Clerk; Dan Walker, Town Engineer; Fred
Noteboom, Highway Superintendent; Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; Al Carvill,
Budget Officer; Judy Drake, Human Resources Manager; Susan Brock, Attorney for the
Town.
EXCUSED: Councilwoman Gittelman
OTHERS PRESENT: Holly Vance, 115 Pennsylvania Avenue; Nancy Falconer, 133 Giles
Street; Rob Levitsky, 102 Juniper Street; Dick Ruswick; 401 East State Street
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. and Supervisor Valentino
led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 3 - Report from the Tompklns Countv Legislature
Dooley Kiefer appeared before the Board on behalf of the Tompkins County Legislature and
reported as follows:
There are a number of new Legislators and committees are bringing people up to speed. Ms.
Kiefer did not have any public things to share yet.
There were, however, things on the Town's agenda that she wanted to comment on. Ms.
Kiefer stated she was appreciative of the clarity with which the Town has taken a position on
the Hanshaw Road walkway. She reported that the Village of Cayuga Heights has invited
John Lampman to attend their next Trustees' meeting where he will be making a presentation
regarding the reconstruction project. Ms. Kiefer was glad to see that the chimney swift tower
was moving forward. She distributed copies of an article regarding HAVA and commented
that the Legislature had taken a stand on the equipment a year ago. Since the decision is left
up to the Commissioners of the two parties at the County level to decide things it does not
seem to matter much what counties and towns think.
Ms. Kiefer asked if it was true that individuals need to get a variance for stand-alone solar
panels. Ms. Brock told her that she knew there was a recent proposal to install one on the
ground. There is no provision in the Town's Zoning for accessory structures; there are
provisions in the code for accessory buildings. They could not find anything in the code that
permitted the solar panel without issuance of a variance; an area variance will be required.
Ms. Brock told her the issue would be brought to the Codes and Ordinances Committee,
which is meeting on Wednesday.
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Councilman Burbank asked Ms. Kiefer to give him her sense of where the decision making
process on the voting machines stands. Ms. Kiefer reported that the State Legislature gave |1
decision-making authority to the Election Commissioners in each county. No machines are ' '
certified yet for New York State. If the Election Commissioners don't agree it goes back to
the State Board of Elections and they will tell the County which one to buy. Ms. Kiefer stated
it was not a good situation.
Agenda Item No. 4 - Report of Common Council
Robin Korherr appeared before the Board on behalf of Common Council and reported as
follows:
Ms. Korherr welcomed the new Town Board members and stated she looked forward to
working with them in the future.
The IDA Downtown Density Policy came before Common Council at their March meeting. It
was returned to committee to see if a few minor recommendations could be incorporated to
enhance it.
Common Council approved the Southwest Vision Statement. It is an exciting opportunity for
some new development.
The City is at the stage of accepting RFPs for development opportunities at Inlet Island. rn
I I
They had some eye-opening discussions at Community and Neighborhood Services '
Committee with a group of teens that were gathered to describe what it is like to be a youth of
color in our community. Much of what they heard was very disturbing. It addressed issues
within the Ithaca City School District classrooms and treatment of intimidation on the
Commons. There was a list of different issues that we brought to the committee's attention.
Council unanimously supported working with the Ithaca City School District to try to minimize
the effects of racism on the community's youth. Supervisor Valentino felt it would be
important for the Town to be included in these discussions stating that approximately 50% of
the students in the Ithaca High School are from the Town of Ithaca. She asked that Ms.
Korherr convey that back to the group.
Common Council voted to create a three-month subcommittee that will review the operations
of taxi businesses. Ms. Korherr recalled that the Town had expressed interest in coordinating
efforts with the City on this issue and she has spoken with Ms. Leary over the phone. They
are looking at two working sessions and hoping the effort will be done by the end of April.
Ms. Korherr stated she and the City would appreciate it if a Town person could help with the
effort. Councilwoman Leary agreed to provide assistance
Agenda item No. 5 - Report of Fire Commission
The Fire Commission did not meet last month and there was no report from them.
Agenda item No. 6 - Report from Town Historian
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Laura Johnson-Kelly appeared to briefly summarize the annual report she submitted to the
Board at the February meeting and to answer any questions. She spoke about the grant
funded history project currently underway, the work being done in preparation for the opening
of Tutelo Park, and the newly formed History Committee. Ms. Johnson-Kelly asked for
questions and invited direction from the Board.
Mr. Burbank expressed an interest in the history of the Town's various neighborhoods.
Agenda item No. 9 - Consider Setting a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Local
Law to Rezone Certain Lands Along and West of Taughannock Boulevard from Low
Density Residential to Conservation Zone (Attachment #1 - proposed local law and
map)
IB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-056 : Resolution Setting a Public Hearing to Consider a
Local Law Amending Chapter 270 of the Town of Ithaca Code. Titled "Zoning", and the
Official Zoning Map to Rezone Certain Lands Along and West of Taughannock
Boulevard from Low Density Residential Zone to Conservation Zone
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at the
Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 10th day of April 2006, at
7:00p.m. for the purpose of considering a proposed local law amending the Code of the Town
of Ithaca to rezone certain lands along and west of Taughannock Boulevard from Low
Density Residential to Conservation Zone; and it is further
RESOLVED, that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed
amendment may be heard concerning the same; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca is hereby authorized and
directed to publish a notice of such public hearing in the Ithaca Journal published in the City
of Ithaca, Ithaca, New York, and to post a copy of same on the signboard of the Town of
Ithaca, said publication and posting to occur not less than ten days before the day designated
above for the public hearing.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Cowie
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda item No. 14 - Consider Approval of the Specifications and Authorization to
Solicit Bids for the Purchase of a Loader
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-057 : Approval of Specifications and Authorization to
Soiicit Bids for the Purchase of a New 4-Wheel Drive Loader
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department has discussed with the Public
Works Committee the need for a new 4-Wheel Drive Loader, and
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
WHEREAS, the money is available from the regular expense accounts (A7110.201,
DB5130.200, F8340.200, G8120.200), and now therefore be it;
RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent and the Public
Works Committee, the specifications for a new 4-Wheel Drive Loader are approved, and
further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Clerk be authorized to advertise and receive bids
for a new 4-Wheel Drive Loader.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda item No. 15 - Consider Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit
Bids for the Purchase of a Bulldozer
IB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-058: Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit
Bids for the Purchase of a New Crawler Dozer
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department has discussed with the Public
Works Committee the need for a new Crawler Dozer, and
WHEREAS, the money is available from the regular expense account (DB5130.200), and
now therefore be it;
RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent and the Public
Works Committee, the specifications for a new Crawler Dozer are approved, and further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Clerk be authorized to advertise and receive bids
for a new Crawler Dozer.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Councilman Burbank
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item No. 16 - Consider Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit
Bids for the Purchase of a Sewer Vacuum
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-059: Approval of Specifications and Authorization to Solicit
Bids for the Purchase of a New Trailer Mounted Vacuum
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department has discussed with the Public
Works Committee the need for a new Trailer Mounted Vacuum, and
WHEREAS, the money is available from the regular expense account (G8120.200), and now
therefore be it;
RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent and the Public
Works Committee, the specifications for a new Trailer Mounted Vacuum are approved, and
further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Clerk be authorized to advertise and receive bids
for a new Trailer Mounted Vacuum.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Stein
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item No. 7 - Persons to be Heard and Board Comments
Supervisor Valentino invited those members of the audience present to address the Board to
come forward.
Patty Porter, 104 Juniper Drive (Attachment #2 - Petition)
Ms. Porter gave the Board a petition from the Citizens to Restore Tranquility to Our
Neighborhoods and a summary of issues that are occurring in her neighborhood n South Hill.
What you're looking at here is South Hill. The Town line is here. You see Kendal Avenue,
Pennsylvania Avenue, Coddington Road, Juniper Drive, Pineview Terrace, and Hickory
Place. Over here is Ithaca College. The properties that are marked in green represent the
people who signed this petition. There were 60 some people; 60 some houses, not
husbands and wives, but 60 houses that are represented. Most of the ones that are not
colored in are rental properties. We were pretty thorough. There were some people that
weren't home. We couldn't get them, they weren't available to sign, but what you are looking
at is a pretty high density of rental properties and I would say about 80% of those are student
rental properties. The point of the problem is that you have an over density of very young
people living in rental properties, trashing the neighborhood. The people who agreed to
come are going to speak to the issues that you have in your hand. The first issue that I want
to speak to is that on nights when there are really dense parties and we've called the SherifFs
Department, and they are very responsive. This is not a complaint about the Sheriff's
Department per se. Although they have only 3 deputies and when they come to a party at
night and there as many 2,000 student partying on Pennsylvania Avenue and Kendal Avenue
no vehicles can get through. If they make an arrest in the beginning of the street, two people
have to take that person wherever they take that person and the person who remains can't
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do anything until they return. People who live on that street, when I canvassed them,
continually complained they can't either get In or get out at times during these parties. So
they feel captive In their own neighborhood. If ever there needed to be an emergency | '
vehicle, an ambulance, at this high-density time, I'm not sure how they would get through to
the end of the street. Many of the people that I talked to were elderly, they've lived with this
for years and years. They've told me they've complained multiple times. Perhaps not to this
Board, but to other Boards, or to the Sheriffs Department. And nothing seems to get done.
The Sheriff will come, they'll break up a party. Generally the fines that are there are so small
that It's not a deterrent. I talked to Peter Mesklll this afternoon, he said the best deterrent
they have Is to tow cars when they are parked In the no parking zones and that's a more
substantial fines and consequence. Although I was told by many of the neighbors that the
students remove the parking signs. The just literally get In their with all their muscle and pull
them out of the ground. So then they've created a parking space for themselves during the
party. It's not a good situation. I don't think any one organization or government thing can
solve this problem. I really think we need to get together with the People at IC. I think we
need to write a better noise ordinance, a disorderly conduct ordinance, we need fines that are
prohibitive. We need to work with Judges who will take these things seriously and not throw
them out of court, as I've heard has happened. I really think you should consider a
moratorium on any building permits for any houses that are not owner occupied. The density
here Is Just Intense. There's one family of lacovelll brothers. They contact the elderly people,
they buy their houses, they make agreements that they can live In their houses until they die
and when they die the houses automatically become a rental property. We wrote this petition
In the hopes that the lacovelH's would sign It and they refused. We thought nothing In that p—^
would cause dire consequences to them as landlords. Even though they say they want to be | i
good neighbors, we had them to our house for one of the meetings, I don't see that they
really are good neighbors. So I would hope you would not give any more building permits for
rental properties and that you'd re-examine how many unrelated people can live In the rental
properties that are there because the density Is not doing anybody any good. Thank you for
hearing me.
Martha L. Smith, 101 Juniper Drive
Along with Patty I am very concemed about this possibility of not ever having a noise
variance In the Town of Ithaca. Having lived In the City of Ithaca for years and having that be
Just something we took for granted I i//as Just surprised to team In the last two weeks that we
have no noise variance In the Town of Ithaca. Of course we pay enough taxes for that to
take place.
Ms. Valentino told her that the Town does have a noise ordinance but it is not as effective as
it should be.
I think that Is a concem of ours. My portion and my plea tonight Is please give authority to
police officers responding to disturbances to Issue appropriate tickets to violators without
neighbor complaints. So In other words. If there Is Just a party going on and they know about
It, and as a resident of South Hill I'm going to now find out when the parties take place so that
I can Just see. I have never actually been down to see the parties, I have only heard In a n
distance the sounds that float over the waves and I think what Is that. Only to learn that j
these are parties and I could actually hear what they were saying at a party. I understand
that when there are so many students and people at the parties; at the most recent party we
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
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learned that there were 70 people that came out of one house after a complaint was raised
against that particular party. And when there are chances for the police officers to arrest, I
understand that there is not a method to take those offenders away. My plea for part two is
to provide a mobile unit, a van of some kind, even a Teat bus, to transport multiple offenders
when necessary. I did speak to one of my neighbors who i/i/as a Teat bus drive who informed
me that there is an agreement between Teat and IC to transport students from downtown
Ithaca at 1 o'clock when they are just too drunk to get up the hill safely. And so Teat works
with them and I understand the students only have to show their ID in order to get a ride up
the hill. But one instance that I would love to share before giving the floor to one of my
neighbors, one evening after coming from Cornell where I worked for 26 years, 1:30 at night I
M^as coming down Giles Avenue and there was a young lady walking. It was clear to me that
it was a young woman. Being a mother I thought I cannot pass this child up. So I tumed
around, went back to this young lady and I said don't be afraid I'm not going to bother you.
I'm a mother myself, I have a child about your age. It is too late for you to be out here, may I
please give you a ride home. She said okay. She only had on a sweater and it was cold. So
she go in the car and I drove her up the hill to 10 and she lived behind the towers. And I
thought for as long as it took me to drive her up that hill she would not have made it walking
and I said how are you out at 1:30 at night on this road by yourself. You could smell the
alcohol. She said she had been to a party with friends and they had left her. I said there are
your friends and they left you? They ran to catch the bus and they Just left me. And so I said
when did you think you were going to get home? She said I was Just going to keep trying and
keep walking. So I took her home, and I would never pick somebody up, but when I saw this
child walking I said there is no way that I am going to leave here. So I said if you leamed
nothing from tonight know that there are not your friends. And I think how may instances
does this happen and we don't know about it because of the abusive drinking that takes place
and Just so many things that we as adults could take a part in keeping/hoping that it wouldn't
happen. Thank you very much for listening.
Mr. Cowie recognized Ms. Smith as the recipient of the Harriet Tubman Award.
Kinga Gergely, 106 Juniper Drive
One would think that I have plenty of buffer being on Juniper Drive, but as Martha mentioned,
as soon as there is a party you hear every word and succinctly. You understand
conversation. I have yet to hear any amplified noise so it's very hard to complain because it's
not a continuous amplified noise that's sustained for duration. It's usually whooping and
hollering and primal screams, and girls screaming, and doors slamming and cars peeling out.
Then there's a lull and you think, okay I can go to bed. And then 10 minutes later you wake
up startled all again. It goes on until 4 a.m. We humans are sometimes stupid. It takes a lot
of pain for us to act. First you pull the cover up. Then you close the window. Next time you
think alright I'll call the sheriff, but I have to get up out of bed, I have to look up the number.
So you procrastinate. Well we have started calling the sheriff and we've found that's not very
helpful either so we needed to come and talk to you and see if you have solutions. I have
anecdotes, some of them I have forgotten, but one in particular. There was a young man, 3
a.m. in the moming the doorbell rings. There's a young man at my door and he's disheveled
and I'm thinking I can't open the door. The guys standing there and he's shivering. It's winter
he has no coat and he's crying and he says call my mother. I don't know, co I let him in. So
my first instinct was to call the police and Just have them come and deal with it. I don't know
what happened to him, but these things happen all the time. Another instance is on Juniper
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Drive, I mean it's not even ttie center of the parties, these kids get lost They are so drunk
they don't know where they are going and they end up on Juniper Drive and it's a dead end
and they're turning around and they're coming back up. One night at two o'clock I woke up to I
this thunderous sound and I went outside and there's a car wrapped around my tree on the
side of the road and my mailbox is in the middle of the yard. I ran out to see if the person
M^as okay, but by the time I got there the girl was running down the street towards the woods.
I went in and called the sheriff and by the time the sheriff came, two other girls had come and
emptied the car of all the alcohol that was in there. The sheriff did seem to respond to the
situation. They wanted to question me first, question the girl first, then later. Seemingly the
girl was not arrested or no complaints were made because the insurance company didn't
seem to have any tickets or anything that were issued. We really need to take these cases
seriously. The girl could have been killed for one, not to mention the property damage that
gets done. If you would please take it seriously and address these issues. I don't want to
reiterate the other point, but these are just anecdotes that pile on to the evidence. Thank
you.
Rob Levitsky, 102 Juniper Drive
There are two topics I would like to discuss with you. We need more police coverage to deal
with the loud music, the yelling and screaming of students, and their disorderly conduct. Last
year I called the sherifTs department several times. After 30 minutes I would call again. I
would wait another 30 minutes. I would call again. I don't want to be a nuisance or a
problem to the sheriff's department. The drunken students are the problem. The sheriff
should have enough deputies to effectively deal with students in a timely manner. Another rn
concern is fines. Currently it's $25.00. This is way too low. Fines should be high enough to I !
be a deterrent to future offenses. Start with a $100 fine, then $200, then $300. Court dates '
need to be issued. With escalating fines for repeat offenders. Please listen to us and
address our concems.
Charles Odell, 100 Spruce Way
I've live up there for 34 years and I've seen these kids acting up for all that length of time.
One thing I'd like to bring out is that the kids walking on Coddington Road are a real hazard.
These kids seem to like to challenge you, they like to walk three and four abreast. They
almost like to stop the car. What they do at these parties, it's really hard to imagine unless
you've lived across the street from it and listened to them. A couple of years ago when
Oriand first built that one house right across from, this was early in the season, September,
and I called the sheriff. He came. The party was shut down. It i/i/as great. He did a good
Job. Well the next night I was laying I bed and I saw a bottle rocket go across my window.
They were shooting bottle rockets into my yard. Obviously they were trying to get a rise out
of me. I didn't rise to the occasion, I Just said okay, it's quiet do what you got to do Just keep
them off my roof, (turn tape) .. .noise ordinance and the penalties that may be involved in a
noise ordinance so that these kids would at least pay attention. It's tough to get their
attention. Another thing I'd like to mention is that the Ithaca College safety patrol does not
come off campus to their charges. I think they are their charges. I think it's part of Ithaca
College, maybe they don't own it but those kids are certainly all there. That would certainly
help the sherifTs department in the instance when they get called, they don't have enough
people they can Just call the College safety patrol and have them go down and check it out. !
And that way it would get back to Ithaca College. Thank you for listening.
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Steve Ehrhardt, 109 Juniper Drive
I moved to Juniper Drive two and a half years ago and low-and-behold the same problems
are now following me up the hill. I just came to support my neighbor's request that something
be done. Having spent many years living on Pleasant Street in the City of Ithaca I know how
difficult these problems are to solve. The City has made a lot of progress. You might want to
talk to your colleagues who have dealt with it Carolyn Peterson, Pam Mckasey, Alan Cohen,
if you can get a hold of Chief Mecuwin. Our experience over the years is exactly what our
neighborhood is going through now on South Hill, which is police didn't quite take us too
seriously at first. The law didn't really give them an unambiguous definition of what was a
violation. The fines weren't steep enough. The punishment not sure enough, early enough
to be a deterrent. I remember Chief Mecuwen of how began to take it seriously. He was
walking around in an area near Green and Albany Street one day when people were leaving
the bomb shelter on their way back to IC. People were doing what they do. Relieving
themselves in people's bushes and such and he found one young man doing that and he
said, what the heck do you think you're doing fellow, and the kids said, who the heck are you
old man to tell me, and he said, well I'm the Chief of Police and he took care of it. After that
the problems seemed to calm down a little bit. Getting law enforcement to take it seriously is
certainly important, but you have to find a way to craft an enforceable ordinance that will
work. We can call the sheriff all we want and it won't make any difference if the law isn't clear
enough as to what he can do. As for other issues that are related to living in the vicinity of
what's rapidly becoming a student ghetto north of Juniper Drive along Coddington. If you go
up there it is not Just noise that's a neighborhood nuisance. Look at the way the cars are
parked every which way on the east side of Coddington. Multiple cars on front lawns. Some
parallel. Some Jutting every which way. There's no front lawn in front of many of those rental
properties any more. There's no sidewalk, no curb. I think maybe the time has come for us
to acknowledge that this little piece of the Town of Ithaca is no longer rural, might need a
sidewalk and a curb, and some ordinances about how many vehicles can be parked on the
front lawn. This might go a long way toward relieving some of the other nuisances that are
associated with the mono-culture of a bunch of students all in the same area. It's going to
have a certain number of these problems. I'd ask you to consult your colleagues in the City
who have already dealt with them. They may have some ideas for you. Thank you very
much.
Stuart Krasnoff, 108 Juniper Drive
I don't really have much to add in the way of anecdotes or details over what my neighbors
have already testified to. I've got a list here from a typical year. I made 5 calls to the sheriff
for loud parties, firecrackers in the middle of the night, similar observations on my part.
Occasionally there will be some satisfaction; the party will quiet down after an hour or so. But
the damage is usually done. I go to sleep at 9:30/10:00. I like to get 8 hours of sleep before I
get up at 5:30 so this has been a continuing issue over the 8 years I've lived on South Hill. I
lived in Eastem Heights about three doors from you, Cathy, for ten years and never had a
problem over there. I didn't know how good I had it. If I could add anything maybe it would
be a little sense of perspective. I think I noticed in one of the mailers from the Town that
there's an initiative to combat light pollution, which I applaud as a birder and a moth hunter
and a lover of wildlife, especially noctumal wildlife and I think it's a great thing to do. I think
that addressing noise pollution is something that has a much wider constituency. People who
aren't tuned in to the wildiife issues are going to be interested in any initiative that we might
be able to take to improve the situation and I think as my neighbors have testified the way to
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
go is to try to toughen up the noise ordinance first and put some teeth into the ability of the ^
law enforcement people to really address these issues. Thank you. [l
Al George, Kendal Avenue
I'm a 30 year resident of Kendal Avenue. I'm an alumnus of Ithaca College. You all got
about three hours? I would like to see the college get more involved. The other thing is, in
my opinion, Ithaca College students are not good neighbors. Thank you for your time.
Michelle Quintner, Juniper Drive
It's noisy. It's hard to sleep. I have a little kid and it doesn't feel like a very nice friendly
neighborhood when you go to the park, bring your little child there and you see beer cans and
various used latex products lying about. Graffiti. I'd like to see that changed. That and the
noise. I think that covers it. Thank you.
Patty Porter came forward to ask the Board what and how soon the Board was going to do
about the problems that have been presented.
Supervisor Valentino told her the Town has been meeting with Ithaca College over the past
two years on a fairly regular basis. Councilwoman Leary and Mr. Walker are the two
representatives that are attending the meetings. Supervisor Valentino felt they were fairly
successful in cutting down on last year's end-of-year parties. Ms. Valentino felt they did have
Ithaca College pretty actively engaged in taking a leadership role in helping find solutions.
Ms. Valentino felt they should send one or two representatives from their neighborhood
association to the meeting that Ms. Leary and Mr. Walker attend. | I
I :
Supervisor Valentino felt that the noise ordinance should become a high priority for the
Codes and Ordinances Committee. Ms. Leary has been looking at the City's noise ordinance
and there is communication with some City folks, including Mayor Peterson, regarding how
the City and Town can coordinate to work on these things and what has been effective in the
City.
Councilman Stein thought the Board would be passing a resolution allowing them to set up
Citizens Committees to address specific problems. He felt this issue would be a great place
to start. At the next meeting he may propose that the Board set up a Citizens Committee to
work with Board members to focus on this problem.
Ms. Porter stated that as a taxpayer she finds it inadequate that she can't designate some of
her Town taxes to supplementing the sheriffs department in a way that would give them the
coverage they need. She would be willing to serve on a committee to study this issue. Mr.
Burbank told her that the Town had in the past tried to hire additional sheriff department time
for traffic patrol and the problem was that there were simply not enough department
personnel to handle the additional work.
Ms. Leary thought one of the quickest and most effective things the Town can do is to change
the Town's noise ordinance to expand it beyond amplified noise. She felt that should be a n
priority. j
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
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Supervisor Valentino stated she appreciated people taking the time to come down and talk to
the Board. She thought maybe one of the other things they should be looking at is the
approvals they are giving to the apartment houses that put so many students in a confined
area. Supervisor Valentino recalled when Kendall and Pennsylvania had been nice family
neighborhoods.
In response to questions regarding how many unrelated individuals can live in the properties.
Mr. Kanter thought that the current regulations limit it to perhaps no more than two occupants
per unit, which would be 4 total in 2 units. There are cases where it could be three unrelated
individuals per unit. In the high-density residential zone any house can have one or two
dwelling units, however, the second unit has to be subordinate or smaller than the primary
unit. Right now our zoning regulations actually do not require either of the units to be owner
occupied. One approach might be to look at the town's two-unit provisions and perhaps
thinking about requiring one of the units to be owner occupied. That might be something that
might help control the character of neighborhoods a little bit more.
Someone from the audience asked how and individual would go about filing a complaint if
they thought a house had an illegal number of occupants. Mr. Walker told him they could file
a complaint with the Town Code Enforcement Department. Ms. Porter asked if violators
were fined. Mr. Walker told her there was no mechanism for a fine within the zoning
ordinance. When the Town finds a violation, they do an inspection and if a violation is found
a citation is written up and delivered to the owner of the property. Generally the property
owner is given 30 days to come into compliance. There are two ways to come into
compliance. The best way is to reduce it down to the legal number of people in the house.
The second way is to request a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. If a variance is
requested it would be advertised to the neighborhood, everything within 500 feet. Ms.
Valentino stated it was important, if a landlord applies for a variance, for neighbors to attend
the public hearings and make their objections heard.
Agenda Item No. 8 - Supervisor's State of the Town Address
Supervisor Valentino told the Board she did not have a written address for the Board but
would have one for next month.
Regarding the finances of the Town, Supervisor Valentino reported that they were a
continuing worrying. She thought the sales tax money was going to be down 7%, the good
news was that it was down 4% instead of 7%. They thought they had made a fairly good leap
fonward, but then she got the final bill from the City of Ithaca for the Fire Department that
essentially ate up what had been gained. The Town's fund balances for the General Fund,
Part Town, and Highway are pretty much at their safety net levels. One of the big charges for
the Capital Projects and Fiscal Management Committee will be to look closely at where they
can minimize costs.
Supervisor Valentino reported that the three things she worked on last year and wanted to
dedicate time to in the coming year are her work with the City on shared serves or
consolidation, the Transportation GEIS with Cornell, and the Council of Governments.
Agenda Item No 21 - Speed Limit Reduction Request for Game Farm Road
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
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TB RESOLUTION NO, 2006-060: Speed Limit Reduction on Game Farm Road
I i
WHEREAS: The Town of Dryden received a request for a speed reduction on Game Farm
Road; and
WHEREAS: Portions of Game Farm Road are owned by the Town of Ithaca, the Town of
Dryden, and Tompkins County; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Dryden has petitioned New York State to conduct a speed
reduction study, and has asked the Town of Ithaca to support their petition and submit a
petition to lower the speed limit on the Town of Ithaca's portion of the road. They are
requested the speed limit be reduced to 45 MPH; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca's Public Works Committee has reviewed and supports this
request; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby request that the New York
State Department of Transportation's Traffic Safety Division establish a linear speed limit of
45 MPH on Game Farm Road; and further
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby supports the Town of Dryden
and Tompkins County in their petition to the State. ^
MOVED: Councilman Burbank '
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item No. 23 - Consider Approval of Park Names
Mr. Burbank stated that they are, for the first time, creating a new name for a type of park,
which is a preserve. In response to questions from Mr. Cowie, Mr. Burbank stated that there
is not a legal definition associated with the term. The general consensus was that the Town
should establish a definition for "preserve". Mr. Cowie suggested the Town work on some
sense of what maintenance should be within a preserve versus a park. Mr. Noteboom
thought it was an excellent suggestion.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-061: Naming Town Park on Glenside Road as "Glenside
Preserve"
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca did on March 8, 2004, accept tax parcel
number 30.-1-1.3 located along Glenside Road and Five Mile Drive as dedicated park land in
accordance with the Town of Ithaca Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan (adopted in
December 1997); and
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
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WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the name "Glenside Preserve" meets the criteria
of the Town of Ithaca Policy on Naming Town Parks; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Human Service Committee recommended the name
"Glenside Preserve" now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby names the dedicated
parkland as "Glenside Preserve"
MOVED: Councilman Burbank
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-062: Naming Town Park on Westhaven Road as
"Westhaven Preserve"
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca did on December 13, 2004, accept tax
parcel number 28.-1-28.226 located along Elm Street Extension and Westhaven Road as
dedicated park land in accordance with the Town of Ithaca Park. Recreation and Open Space
Plan ( adopted in December 1997); and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the name "Westhaven Presen/e" meets the
criteria of the Town of Ithaca Policy on Naming Town Parks; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Human Service Committee recommended the name
"Westhaven Preserve"; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby names the dedicated
parkland as "Westhaven Preserve."
MOVED: Councilman Cowie
SECONDED: Councilman Burbank
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-063: Naming Town Park on Woolf Lane as "Woolf Park"
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca did on March 8, 2004, accept tax parcel
number 23.-1-40 located along Woolf Lane as dedicated park land in accordance with the
Town of Ithaca Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan (adopted in December 1997); and
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Whereas, the Board has determined the name "Woolf Park" meets the criteria of the Town of n
Ithaca Policy on Naming Town Parks; and ! i
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Human Service Committee recommended the name "Woolf
Park" now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby names the dedicated
parkland as "Woolf Park"
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Stein
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda item No. 10 - Public Hearing regarding A Local Law Amending Chapter 230 of
the Town of Ithaca Code. Titled "Streets and Sidewalks", to Establish Town's
Assumption of Ownership. Maintenance and Liability for Hanshaw Road Walkwav
(Attachment #3 -• Local Law No, 5 of 2006^
Supervisor Valentino opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. The hearing had been posted
and published as required. There was no one from the public to address the Board and the
meeting was closed at 7:01 p.m.
Agenda Item No. 11 Consider Adoption of A Local Law Amending Chapter 230 of the
Town of Ithaca Code. Titled "Streets and Sidewalks", to Establish Town's Assumption
of Ownership, Maintenance and Liabilitv for Hanshaw Road Walkwav
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-064: Resolution Adopting "A LOCAL LAW AMENDING
CHAPTER 230 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE. TITLED 'STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS'. TO ESTABLISH TOWN'S ASSUMPTION OF OWNERSHIP.
MAINTENANCE AND LIABILITY FOR HANSHAW ROAD WALKWAY"
WHEREAS, a resolution was duly adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
for a public hearing to be held by said Town on March 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to hear all
interested parties on a proposed local law entitled "A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER
230 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE, TITLED 'STREETS AND SIDEWALKS', TO
ESTABLISH TOWN'S ASSUMPTION OF OWNERSHIP, MAINTENANCE AND LIABILITY
FOR HANSHAW ROAD WALKWAY"; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the Ithaca Journal;
and
n
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
WHEREAS, said public hearing was duly held on said date and time at the Town Hall
of the Town of Ithaca and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on
behalf of or in opposition to said proposed local law, or any part thereof; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
("SEQRA") and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by
the Town Board that adoption of said local law is a Type II action because it constitutes
"routine or continuing agency administration and management, not including new programs
or major reordering of priorities that may affect the environment" and further constitutes
"adoption of regulations, policies, procedures and local legislative decisions in connection
with any action on [the Type II] list", and thus adoption of this local law is not subject to review
under SEQRA,
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts said local law entitled
"A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 230 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE, TITLED
'STREETS AND SIDEWALKS', TO ESTABLISH TOWN'S ASSUMPTION OF OWNERSHIP,
MAINTENANCE AND LIABILITY FOR HANSHAW ROAD WALKWAY", a copy of which is
attached hereto and made a part of this resolution; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file said local law with
the Secretary of State as required by law.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Stein
ROLL CALL VOTE:Supervisor Valentino Aye
Councilwoman Leary Aye
Councilman Cowie Aye
Councilwoman Gittelman Absent
Councilman Burbank Aye
Councilman Stein Aye
Councilman Engman Aye
Agenda Item No. 19 - Consider Authorization for Construction of a Chimney Swift
Tower Near Pew Trail (Attachment #4 - Memo from S. Ritter: A Chimnev for the Swifts
- An Action Proposal: Chimney Swift Nest Site Research Proiect: Location Map)
Supervisor Valentino commended Sue Ritter for the work and energy she put into this project
and contacting people from Cornell so that this tower can be built with really no cost to the
Town of Ithaca.
Attorney Brock recommended a wording change in the last resolved, replacing the word
"supports" with "authorizes". The board agreed to the recommended change.
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-065: Authorization to Construct a Wooden Nesting and
Roosting Tower for Chimney Swifts near the Pew Trail !
WHEREAS, the late Richard B. Fischer, former Conservation Board member and Cornell
University professor emeritus, submitted a proposal to the Town of Ithaca for the construction of
a wooden tower, to provide nesting and roosting habitat for the bird known as the Chimney
Swift, along the newly constructed Pew Trail, and
WHEREAS, the once abundant Chimney Swift, an insect eating migratory bird, native to North
America, adapted to the loss of their natural roosting and nesting sites (large hollow trees) by
utilizing man-made structures such as chimneys and air shafts, and
WHEREAS, the advent of metal chimneys and the increasing practice by home owners to cap
their chimneys has made it more difficult for Chimney Swifts to find suitable nesting sites, thus
contributing to the significant and consistent decline in their population in New York State and
throughout North America, and
WHEREAS, it is possible to provide new nesting and roosting habitat specifically for the
Chimney Swift by constructing a tower a minimum of 12 feet tall with a minimum interior
dimension of 14 inches, using simple constructions techniques and design details as described
in Chimney Swift Towers, New Habitat for America's Mysterious Birds — A Construction Guide f—^
(2005), by Paul and Georgean Kyle, and j
i
WHEREAS, constructing a Chimney Swift tower would not require a great deal of Town staff
time or Town funds, because volunteers associated with Cornell University have come fon/vard
to help construct the tower, and are hoping to use some donated locally harvested wood, and
an area store has also offered to donate whatever necessary materials are needed for the
project, and
WHEREAS, land owned by the Town near the Pew trail and the Regency Lane water tank
provides the recommended habitat conditions for the siting of the tower, by providing suitable
open space with nearby trees to provide shade protection from the summer sun, and
WHEREAS, the Chimney Swift tower project would both aid the population of this native bird
species, as well as offer an environmental education opportunity for Town residents to learn
more about this interesting bird, and possibly have an opportunity to view it as it continuously
scours the skies for insects; now, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board authorizes the construction of a
Chimney Swift tower on Town owned land near the Pew Trail and the Regency Lane water tank.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye
Agenda item No. 20 - Consider Appointment of Local Advisory Board of Assessment
Review (Attachment #5 - Letter from J. Franklin of Tompkins County Department of
Assessment)
IB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-066: Appointments to Local Advisory Board of Assessment
Review
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review will hold
their review proceedings on the 11th day of May 2006, at Ithaca Town Hall, 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca appoint two
representatives to attend the said proceedings; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints Councilwoman
Leary and Councilman Burbank to serve on the Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca appoints Councilman Engman to
serve as alternate representative; and, be it further
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified
copy of this resolution to the Tompkins County Assessment Department.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Stein
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda item No. 12 - Public Hearing regarding a Local Law Amending the Code of the
Town of Ithaca to Add a new Chapter 18 Governing the Creation and Appointment of
Citizen and Staff Advisory Committees for the Town of Ithaca (Attachment #6 - Local
Law No. 6 of 2006)
Supervisor Valentino opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Ms. Hunter stated the hearing had
been posted and published as required. There was no one present to address the Board and
Supervisor Valentino closed the hearing at 7:16 p.m.
Supervisor Valentino reported having spoken with Attorney Brock about part "C", page 3, where
the draft local law included "...the City of Ithaca Town of Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners".
The Town does not appoint anyone to the Board of Fire Commissioners. The Town makes
recommendations to the Mayor of the City. Supervisor Valentino asked that the phrase be
scratched from the local law. The Board agreed to do so. Supen/isor Valentino reported that
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Attorney Brock said the change was not significant enough to require an additional public
hearing.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-067 : Resolution Adopting "A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE
CODE OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 18 GOVERNING THE
CREATION AND APPOINTMENT OF CITIZEN AND STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA"
WHEREAS, a resolution was duly adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
for a public hearing to be held by said Town on March 13, 2006 at 7:15 p.m. to hear all
interested parties on a proposed local law entitled "A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE CODE
OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 18 GOVERNING THE CREATION
AND APPOINTMENT OF CITIZEN AND STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEES FOR THE
TOWN OF ITHACA"; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the Ithaca Journal;
and
WHEREAS, said public hearing was duly held on said date and time at the Town Hall
of the Town of Ithaca and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on
behalf of or in opposition to said proposed local law, or any part thereof; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
("SEQRA") and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by
the Town Board that adoption of said local law is a Type II action because it constitutes
"routine or continuing agency administration and management, not including new programs
or major reordering of priorities that may affect the environment" and further constitutes
"adoption of regulations, policies, procedures and local legislative decisions in connection
with any action on [the Type II] list", and thus adoption of this local law is not subject to review
under SEQRA,
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts said local law entitled
"A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA TO ADD A NEW
CHAPTER 18 GOVERNING THE CREATION AND APPOINTMENT OF CITIZEN AND
STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEES FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA", a copy of which is
attached hereto and made a part of this resolution; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file said local law with
the Secretary of State as required by law.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Roll Call Vote:Supervisor Valentino Aye
Councilwoman Leary Aye
Councilman Cowie Aye
Councilwoman Gittelman Absent
Councilman Burbank Aye
Councilman Stein Aye
Councilman Engman Aye
Change in Agenda
Councilman Stein asked that the Board move to discussion of the Board Protocol and
Procedures Manual following discussion of agenda items number 17 and 18. There was no
objection.
Agenda Item No. 17 - Consider Update to Purchase of Agriculture Conservation
Easement Target Areas Map (Attachment #7 - Memo from M. Smith: maps; Fee
proposal letter from Pomerov Appraisal Associates)
Agenda Item No. 18 - Consider Authorization for Town Staff to Proceed with Appraisal
Services for Two Potential Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements
Mr. Kanter told the Board that there were two property owners who have expressed interest
in the agricultural conservation easement program; and the Town has learned there is an
opportunity for submitting a grant application to the State coming up fairly soon. Mr. Kanter
reported meeting recently with the Agricultural Land Preservation Committee to discuss the
materials distributed in the Board packet. Mr. Kanter then turned discussion over to Mike
Smith.
Mr. Smith reported that there are two potential properties for conservation easements. To
move them forward for Board approval and for the State grant application the Town will need
to update the Conservation Easement Target Areas Map. The current map does not include
either of the properties (Cummings or Drake); they are adjacent to the area. To pursue
moving fonward the Town Board needs to include the properties in the target areas. Beyond
that, the first step in pursuing the easements on the properties is getting appraisals done.
The grant application is supposed to be released sometime in April with a June deadline for
submitting the grants.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-068: Approval of Revisions to "Purchase of Agricultural
Conservation Easements Target Areas" Map (March 1999. Updated March 13. 2006)
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has received agricultural conservation easement
applications from two landowners who's properties are not located within the original target
areas identified in the Policies and Procedures Manual, and
WHEREAS, both of the properties are located within the Town's Agricultural Zone and
within the Tompkins County Agricultural District No. 2, and
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
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WHEREAS, both properties are located adjacent to other properties located within the
original target area boundaries, and
WHEREAS, both properties are currently in active agriculture use, and
WHEREAS, the Town's Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee has
reviewed the updates at a meeting on February 27, 2006, and recommend the two parcels be
added to the target areas map, and
WHEREAS, at the regular meeting on March 13, 2006, the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca has reviewed the revised targets areas map referenced above, and
WHEREAS, this action is a Type II action pursuant to Part 617.5 of the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act, and Chapter 148 of the Code of the Town of Ithaca
titled "Environmental Quality Review", thereby not being subject to further environmental
review,
NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
hereby approves and accepts the revised "Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements
Target Areas" map (March 1999, Updated March 13, 2006), and determines that such map
shall be inserted into the agricultural land preservation program's "Policies and Procedures
Manual".
MOVED: Councilman Burbank
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Supervisor Valentino stated that the Town has used Gardener for past appraisals and asked
Mr. Smith to address why they felt it was important to use a different appraiser. Mr. Smith
stated he thought it was partly to do just that, try someone different, see if their methodology
is a little different. The proposed appraisal group out of Syracuse has been used by the
County Farmland Protection Board and the Cooperative Extension and they were very please
with the work. The cost for appraisals of the two parcels would be about 800 dollars more
than if the Town were to use Gardener.
Supervisor Valentino recalled difficulty dealing with the banks regarding an earlier
conservation easement. She reported that the committee had discussed going out to talk
with some of the banks to see if we could make them better understand the purchase of
development rights program. She did not think they had done that. She thought the
committee might want to talk with Tompkins Trust ahead of time. Mr. Smith added that they
should check to see if there are mortgages on the properties under consideration and what
banks are involved. n
Councilman Burbank asked whether the Mecklenburg Road land was the same property
where there are now lots for sale signs. Mr. Smith stated that, yes, Mr. Drake has preliminary
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
approval for 13 lots and final approval for 1. The "for sale" sign is for the one 2-acre lot on
Mecklenburg Road. Mr. Drake still wants to sell and get rid of the one lot; then there would
be 88 acres left. If a conservation easement was negotiated, the other 12 lots would
disappear and the subdivision approval would go away. Only one additional lot would be
developed.
IB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-069: Authorization for Town Staff to Proceed with
Contracting for Appraisal Services for Potential Purchase of Agricultural Conservation
Easements on Two Parcels
WHEREAS, the owners of two parcels of land in the Town of Ithaca have expressed
interest in the potential sale of the development rights to their respective property through
purchase of agricultural conservation easements by the Town of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has solicited proposals from qualified appraisers
to provide professional appraisal services to determine the potential market value of
agricultural conservation easements on the two parcels of land, and
WHEREAS, the Town's Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee has
reviewed the two properties and has recommended that appraisals be completed for both
properties, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has received a proposal from Pomeroy
Appraisal Associates, Inc., that meets or exceeds the criteria for evaluating said proposals,
and
WHEREAS, the total cost of providing the two requested appraisals given by Pomeroy
Appraisal Associates, Inc., is $ 3,800.00,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
authorizes the hiring of Pomeroy Appraisal Associates, Inc. to prepare the two "land only"
appraisals for the land on which the Town of Ithaca may desire to purchase an agricultural
conservation easement on, at a cost not to exceed $ 3,800.00, to be allocated from the Park
and Open Space Cash Reserve.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item No. 26 - Discussion of the Draft Board Protocol and Procedures Manual
(Attachment #8 - Draft Manual) (Attachment #12 - Mr. Engman's Committee Structure)
Councilman Engman reported that the committee had addressed all of the items identified
during previous discussion of the manual.
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Mr. Stein had read the suggested changes, felt they seemed to reflect the discussions, and ^
would be willing to vote to accept those changes. |
Supervisor Valentino had a few questions, as did Attorney Brock.
Ms. Brock brought the Board's attention to the following:
Page 14 under Committee Structure. The bullet for staff advisory committees says,
"members are appointed by the Town Supervisor subject to approval by the Town Board".
The Local Law the Board just passed says that members are appointed by the Town
Supervisor and does not say anything about it being subject to approval by the Town Board.
She thought that was a substantive change. Mr. Engman replied stating he had a note that
the committee had apparently left off the phrase "unless the Supervisor objects" to make it
consistent with the Town Board Committees.
Page 31, 4.11 d. It says, "at a regular meeting the Board is free to take action on non-
agenda items". Previously it said "at special meetings you may only take action on agenda
items". That was deleted. Ms. Brock felt that now the implication is that maybe something
different is true for the special meetings. The Board agreed to strike the word "regular".
6.03 A. There is a sentence, "intra agency communications including discussions among
town board members need not be disclosed, filed, or kept" and then some exceptions are
listed. Ms. Brock stated that all the exceptions apply to disclosure requirements under the !
Freedom of Information Law. Filing and keeping requirements are subject to different '
requirements by the State Archives and Records Administration and their record retention
schedule. She suggested striking the words "filed or kept". The Board agreed with her
recommendation.
Page 56 under Standards of Conduct. Number 6 should say, "disruptive behavior including
but not limited to chanting or the use of signs that are obtrusive or distracting or that contain
defamatory or obscene language, will not be tolerated".
Mr. Engman stated that the committee did not go over the appendices and recommended
they adopt the manual without the appendices for now. He asked that the resolution of
adoption be amended to say without the appendices. The Board agreed.
Supervisor Valentino felt the wording "unless the Supervisor objects" was a bit awkward and
asked if the Supervisor objects, then what? Councilman replied stating that in any of those
cases when the Supervisor objects then that's what happens, whatever the Supervisor wants.
Mr. Engman stated they were trying to recognize State law and at the same time recognize
that by tradition in the Town, we have done it in a different way and recognize the different
way the Town has done it while making clear that the Supervisor has the ultimate authority to
do it the way he/she wants.
Ms. Valentino asked the other Board members what they saw as staff advisory committees.
Mr. Engman stated that based on the conversations that Cathy, Jeff, and himself have had he
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
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made up a list of what he understood their conversation had been. He distributed a listing of
what might be some of the staff advisory committees.
Mr. Stein stated he had a different interpretation. The Personnel Committee now has a
significant number of people who are selected by the staff that serve on the committee. He
believed the Town needed a personnel and operations committee consisting of Board
members that has a different set of responsibilities than the staff committee. It seemed to Mr.
Stein that the role of having a committee made up only of the staff members who then tells
the Personnel Committee what the staff wants on issues is a very important thing to have.
The group of people who now serve on the personnel committee would serve the Board best
if they were organized into a separate staff committee that then reported to the Board
personnel committee.
Supervisor Valentino stated she would disagree with that but felt they could work it out. She
thought the dialogue between the staff and Board members has been something that has
worked extremely well over the years and has been very helpful. Mr. Stein agreed that it has
worked over the years, but thought there was also a roll for the Board members to bring
something back to the full Board in a vote that is not dominated by members of the staff.
Upon review of Mr. Engman's list, Ms. Valentino stated she thought one staff committee
clearly would be the Safety Committee. Additionally, it is already spelled out in the Policy and
Protocol Manual who is on the Supervisor's Advisory Committee. Supervisor Valentino felt
the committees were something to be worked on another day.
Councilman Burbank questioned the last paragraph on page 16 where it said, "...other
members of the Town Board may attend and observe any committee meeting but may not
participate in the discussions unless authorized by the committee chair or the meeting has
been advertised as open to the public." He did not understand why they would give that
discretion to the chair. Mr. Engman felt the thinking was that most of the committees will set
up a pretty standard procedure for how they do business and sometimes if just one issue
comes up and you have a couple of Board members who drop in an advocate say the one
item it can disrupt the work of the committee. One of the possibilities was to give some
control of that to the chair of the committee so that people can come and learn what is going
on, but the committee is not continually swung back and forth on different issues by one issue
that someone happens to be interested in, comes to the committee meeting, makes a big
statement, then disappears and isn't there to follow-up on doing the work of the committee.
It's just a way of maintaining some order within the committee. Councilman Burbank was not
aware of that having been a problem. He is aware of situations such as Hanshaw Road
when Board members attended a Public Works Committee meeting and all felt free to speak,
but when it came time to vote it was down to two people. Supervisor Valentino commented
that she was chair of that meeting and authorized it feeling it was important for information
gathering. Mr. Burbank commented that he would have felt very frustrated if he had felt he
couldn't be involved in a pretty detailed discussion of a very hot issue. Mr. Cowie asked if he
was suggesting an alternative because he could see what Mr. Burbank was saying; it
depends on the good will of the chair. Mr. Stein questioned the phrase, "...or the meeting
has been advertised as open to the public". He felt it didn't matter, if there were four Board
members present for a committee meeting that had not been advertised, they can't have a
meeting even if they are quiet. It seemed to him that they were mixing two different issues.
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Attorney Brock agreed with Councilman Stein that the open meetings law doesn't speak to
whether somebody is authorized to speak or not; if they are physically present then they
count towards to quorum. She thought the committee might have something else in mind.
Perhaps they weren't particularly concerned about the open meetings law implications, but
wanted to control who was speaking at the meetings.
Mr. Stein moved to change the phrase to, "unless authorized by the committee" and delete
"chair or the meeting has been advertised as open to the public".
Councilwoman Leary felt that change made it worse because it would require the permission
of the entire committee. She gave the SAC committee as an example. If that is technically a
staff committee and someone who is technically not a member of that committee shows up,
like anyone on the Town Board, the Board member would need the permission of the entire
committee to say something about the agenda for their own Town Board meeting. Ms. Leary
stated she was questioning whether the SAC meetings were committee meetings or whether
they were everybody getting together to establish the agenda. Supervisor Valentino agreed
that it is not really a committee; it is a staff meeting.
Ms. Leary felt they wanted to have the membership on a committee be meaningful. So you
have the chair controlling things. If somebody wants to show up at the committee every time
it meets and he/she is not technically a member of the committee and they want to participate
and use up time that could get out of hand. Having the chair control how much someone
monopolizes the conversation is reasonable.
Mr. Stein suggested adding "Town Board or Citizens' Advisory Committee" to address Ms.
Leary's concern. Mr. Engman pointed out that #2 is only addressing Town Board and Citizen
Advisory Committees.
Ms. Valentino did not see this a being a real problem. She could not imagine having a
meeting where, if a Board member came and had an interest and had something to say that
they wouldn't get a chance to say it. She felt the problem was that we did not see Board
members enough, not that we saw them too much.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 70 - Eliminate wording in section 2.07 E 2 "Appointments to
Town Board Committees and Citizen Advisorv Committees" of the Town Board
Protocol and Procedures Manual
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca delete the phrase "chair
or the meeting has been advertised as open to the public" in the last paragraph of section
2.07 E 2 of the Town Board Protocol and Procedures Manual.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
THERE WAS NO SECOND. The motion failed
Ms. Hunter questioned why advertising a committee meeting changed the character of the
meeting and the rules of procedure for the meeting. There was brief discussion and
Councilman Engman moved to retain the word "chair" in the section under discussion.
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Supervisor Valentino seconded that motion. Councilman Burbank accepted the logic but
stated that in his attempt to make the process more open, they were actually making it less.
It was totally dependent on the good will of the chair.
In response to Ms. Leary's concerns regarding Board member participation in SAC meetings,
the Board agreed the section does not relate to SAC committee meetings.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 71 - Change wording in section 2.07 E 2 "Appointments to Town
Board Committees and Citizen Advisory Committees" of the Town Board Protocol and
Procedures Manual
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca eliminate the phrase "or
the meeting has been advertised as open to the public" in the last paragraph of section 2.07
E 2 of the Town Board Protocol and Procedures Manual.
MOVED: Councilman Engman
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Supervisor Valentino asked what the Manual Committee's definition of a "standing
committee" was. Mr. Engman replied that they had intended to eliminate that word and if
there were still places it says "standing", it shouldn't be there. Ms. Valentino pointed out on
page 16 where it says, "No member of the Town Board will chair more that one standing..."
Mr. Engman stated it shouldn't be there. Ms. Leary felt the reason "standing" was there was
in case an ad hoc committee was needed they could still have the flexibility to have someone
chair the ad hoc committee. Councilman Stein suggested taking out "standing" and say
"except for an ad hoc committee". Supervisor Valentino thought she would probably have a
problem with this at some point. She told the Board she feels strongly that her
responsibilities as the fiscal officer and chief administrator make it really important that she
chair those two committees. She stated she felt very strongly that other Board members
should chair other committees and spread out the duties. If they take out "standing" this
wouldn't matter. Mr. Engman felt the section authorizes the Supervisor to chair those
committees and thought they should take out the word "standing". Mr. Stein and Ms. Leary
asked that they include after, "one Town Board Committee, unless the Supervisor objects, or
one Citizens' Advisory Committee", the sentence, "This restriction shall not apply to ad hoc
committees." The Board agreed.
There were no further comments from the Board.
Supervisor Valentino expressed her regrets that Councilwoman Gittelman was not present for
adoption of the manual and hoped that she would soon be back among the Board.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-072: Approval and Adoption of Board Protocol and
Procedures Manual
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
WHEREAS, the Board Policy and Protocol Committee has devoted the past year to
creating a comprehensive protocol and procedure manual for the benefit of the members of
the Town Board; and ]
WHEREAS, the committee has had the manual reviewed by the Town Board at 2
meetings in February for discussion and recommended changes; and
WHEREAS, the Policy and Protocol Committee has reviewed the items flagged by the
Town Board and have made recommendations for those items; and
WHEREAS, Councilman Engman and Councilwomen Leary made recommendations
for the flagged items referring to the committee structure;
Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve and adopt
the Board Protocol and Procedures Manual for the Town Board, effective, March 13, 2006,
with the changes as discussed during the Town Board meeting, except for the appendices.
MOVED; Councilman Engman
SECONDED: Councilman Stein
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye; !
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Supervisor Valentino commended everyone for their work on the manual.
Agenda Item No. 24 - Consider Resolution Endorsing Paper Based Optical Scan
Voting Machines
Supervisor Valentino told the Board that Councilwoman Leary had put together the resolution
regarding optical scan voting machines for Board consideration.
Ms. Leary told the Board that the latest information is that the State Board of Elections has
put out bids for a handicapped accessible marking device that could be used with the level
machines. This is what is referred to in the resolution's second resolve. Tomorrow all the
parties are getting together in front of a judge to try to work something out. Ms. Leary's
resolution aims to cover every contingency, including losing the money that is currently in
escrow and having the State pay for the machines. The point is not to be forced into the
touch screens with no voter verified paper record. Ms. Leary reported having spoken with
Steve DeWitt and Barbara Lifton's office, and they have placed calls to the State on the
status of things. Ms. Leary stated she tried to make the resolution accurate. She asked that
the resolution be sent to the County Board of Elections, the State Board of Elections, Barbara
Lifton's office, and the local media.
1
1 I
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-073: Endorsing Paper Based Optical Scan Voting
Machines
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March 13, 2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Whereas, free and fair elections provide the backbone of our democracy, and public
confidence in the election system is crucial, and
Whereas, in October 2002, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), mandating
that states replace older or unreliable voting systems and make voting more accessible to
people with disabilities, and
Whereas, the State of New York has mandated that lever voting machines be discontinued
no later than September 2007, and
Whereas, election experience in recent years, particularly with new electronic voting systems,
has demonstrated the need for transparent detection of errors and the need for a voter-
verified, auditable paper trail in the event of contested elections, and
Whereas the State of New York has delegated the selection of replacement machines to
county Boards of Elections, and
Whereas paper-ballot, election district-based optical scan voting systems have been found
after exhaustive study by impartial experts to be the most reliable, user-friendly, and cost-
effective technology, and
Whereas the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to compel New York State to certify
equipment under HAVA on a short deadline.
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca urges the New York State Board of
Elections to certify and the Tompkins County Board of Elections to select paper-ballot,
election district-based optical scan voting systems as the voting machines of choice for
Tompkins County, and
Be it further resolved that if the selection process is delayed, the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca urges the Tompkins County Board of Elections to retain the lever voting machines
through the 2006 elections, supplemented by handicap-accessible marking systems such as
the Automark, in compliance with HAVA requirements, and
Be it further resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca urges New York State to
preserve our right to vote by providing state funding to localities for any election expenses
associated with compliance with HAVA in the event that federal funds are not forthcoming for
the 2006 elections.
MOVED: Councilwoman Leary
SECONDED: Councilman Cowie
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item No. 22 - Consider Adoption of Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-074: Adoption of the Tompkins County Multi- Jurisdictional ^
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
WHEREAS, Tompkins County and the municipalities therein have identified a history
of damages resulting from flooding, severe storms, winter storms, and other weather-related
phenomena, and have recognized the potential for future damages resulting from natural,
human-caused, and technological disasters, and
WHEREAS, an all-hazards mitigation plan can provide recommendations to help
prevent and minimize the damages resulting from such events, and
WHEREAS, the adoption of an all-hazards mitigation plan is required to be eligible to
receive State and Federal funding for hazard mitigation initiatives, and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins and the towns of Caroline, Danby, Enfield,
Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, and Ulysses (Partners) executed a Memorandum of Understanding
in 2003 to develop a Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan (Plan), and
WHEREAS, the Plan has been drafted in accordance with the requirements of the
New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), and Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and
rnWHEREAS, the Plan includes jurisdiction-specific recommendations to minimize the j j
damages associated with natural, human-caused, and technological disasters, and
WHEREAS, the Plan has been made available for public review online at the
Tompkins County Planning Department Hazard Mitigation website and by placement in
municipal offices, the Tompkins County Planning office, and the Tompkins County Public
Library, with notices published in the Ithaca Journal, the local paper of record, inviting public
comment, and
WHEREAS, public meetings were hosted by the Partners throughout the development
of the Plan to discuss the contents of the Plan with members of the public, and
WHEREAS, comments from the public and Partners have been incorporated into the
Plan, and
WHEREAS, the Plan is wholly supported by its reviewers, and
WHEREAS, The Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has reviewed the Plan and affirms
that the Plan will be updated no less than every five years, and
WHEREAS, The Tompkins County Legislature has determined that this is a Type II
action under SEQR and requires no further review, and the Town Board concurs with this
determination; now therefore be it
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
RESOLVED, by The Town Board, that Town of Ithaca adopts the Tompkins County
Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan as its all-hazards mitigation plan, and resolves
to execute the actions in the Plan.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Burbank
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, absent;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item No. 25 - Resolution of Condolence
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006- 075: Resolution of Condolence to Carolvn Griaorov
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca extends its heart-felt
condolences and support to Carolyn Grigorov and her family following the loss of Grigor
Peter Grigorov.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Burbank
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, absent;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda Item NO. 27 - Consider Letter of Engagement for Additional Legal Services
(Attachment #9 - Agreement as to Legal Representation between the Town of Ithaca
and Guv K. Krogh. Esg.. of Thaler and Thaler and letter from Susan Brock regarding
Legal Work for the Town of Ithaca)
Ms. Brock told the Board that the letter of engagement is to retain Gay Krogh of Thaler and
Thaler to provide back up to Ms. Brock when she is out of Town or unavailable to attend
Town Board, Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. It would also authorize
him to work on any real estate related matters regarding which Ms. Brock does not now have
the expertise. She also asked for authorization that Mr. Krogh be able to work on other
matters on which he might have specific expertise stating it would be much more efficient if
he has knowledge in a certain area that she be able to consult with him or have him work on
a matter rather than have her try to get up to speed on it. She told the Board it was not her
intent to move massive amounts of projects and work to him wholesale. She is going to do
as much as she can herself, but she thought in particular areas where he has expertise it
might make sense for her to be able to have him to consult with or have him to actually work
on specific projects. The agreement would not include litigation. That would come back to
the Town Board on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Krogh is currently the attorney for the Town of
Lansing and for the Town of Caroline.
Councilman Stein asked who had suggested him. Ms. Brock stated she knows him and it
29
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
was a name she came up with.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-076: Authorization for Supervisor to Sign Agreement as To
Legal Representation between the Town of Ithaca and Guv K. Krogh. Esq.. of Thaler &
Thaler
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorize Supervisor
Valentino to sign the Agreement as to Legal Representation between the Town of Ithaca and
Guy K. Krogh, Esq., of Thaler and Thaler.
MOVED: Councilman Burbank
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Supervisor Valentino brought the Board's attention to two letters from Ms. Brock about legal
work she does for other entities. Ms. Brock stated there might be situations where she is
conflicted out of representing the Town, specifically on sewer related matters. The Board
may want to discuss who it would make sense to have work on those, whether it be John
Barney because he has done that historically or not. Supervisor Valentino felt that would
make the most sense because he has all the historical background on those. Attorney Brock
and Ms. Valentino would be looking at the existing agreement with Mr. Barney to see if
another letter should come before the Board for their review and approval.
Agenda item No. 29 - Consider Appointment of Civil Engineer
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006- 077: Regular Appointment of Civil Engineer
WHEREAS, there is presently a vacancy in the full time position of Civil Engineer; and
WHEREAS, the Interview Group comprised of Director of Engineering, Assistant
Director of Engineering and Human Resources Manager, interviewed two candidates from
the certified eligible listing for the Civil Engineer position; and
WHEREAS, the Interview Group has determined that Kristen Taylor possess the
necessary knowledge and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the Civil Engineer and
make the recommendation for appointment;
Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the regular
appointment of Kristen Taylor as full time Civil Engineer, effective March 20, 2006; and be it
further
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
^ RESOLVED, this is a 40 hours a week position, at the hourly wage of $21.08, which is
an estimated annual salary of $43,846, from account number A1440.100, in Job
Classification "N", with full time benefits; and be it further
RESOLVED, if the said successfully completes the mandatory twenty six (26) week
probationary period, which ends September 17, 2006, there will no further action required by
the Town Board.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye
Agenda Item No. 28 - Consider Executive Session regarding proposed litigation
regarding Lakeside Nursing Home and Bankruptcv (Attachment #13 - Summary of
disputed real property taxes for the years 2000. 2001. and 2002)
TB. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-078Mar: Executive Session to receive Legal Advise
regarding Lakeside Nursing Home and Bankruptcv
^ BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca enter into executive
session at 8:20 p.m. to receive legal advise regard proposed litigation concerning Lakeside
Nursing Home and bankruptcy.
MOVED: Supervisor Valentino
SECONDED: Councilman Engman
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-079Mar: Return to Regular Session
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca return to regular session
at 9:08 p.m.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Councilman Burbank
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda item No. 30 - Consent Agenda
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-080Mar: Consent Agenda Items.
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
BE IT RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
approves and/or adopts the resolutions for Consent Agenda Items as presented. I
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-080aMar: Town Board Minutes of January 26. 2006.
February 6. 2006. February 13. 2006 and Februarv 16. 2006
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has presented the minutes for Special Town Board
meetings held on January 26, 2006, February 6, 2006, and February 16, 2006, and Regular
Town Board meeting held on February 13, 2006 to the governing Town Board for their review
and approval of filing; now therefore be it
n
RESOLVED, the governing Town Board does hereby approve for filing the minutes for
the meetings held January 26, 2006, February 6, 2006, February 13, 2006 and February 16,
2006 as presented at the March 13, 2006 board meeting.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-080bMar : Town of Ithaca Abstract
WHEREAS, the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca
Town Board for approval of payment; and
WHEREAS, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town
Board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the
said vouchers in total for the amounts indicated.
VOUCHER NOS. 1752-1862
General Fund Townwide $ 49,969.05
General Fund Part Town $ 9,076.21 !
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March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
Highway Fund Part Town $ 32,110.89
Water Fund $ 13,680.32
Sewer Fund $ 21,455.04
Fire Protection Fund $452,557.87
TOTAL: $578.849.38
MOVED; Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-080cMar: Bolton Points Abstract.
WHEREAS, the following numbered vouchers for the Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission have been presented to the governing Town Board for
approval of payment; and
WHEREAS, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town
Board; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the
said vouchers.
Voucher Numbers: 10-11, 70-77, 79-136, 138-142
Check Numbers: 8884-8885, 8965-8972, 8975-9037
Operating Fund $159,910.40
1998 SCADA Capital Project $ 21,131.17
2003 East Hill Tank Proiect $ 20.636.47
TOTAL $201.678.04
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
^ Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006-080dMar: RECORDS MANAGEMENT DISPOSITION LISTING
(Attachment #10 - Disposition List)
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March 13, 2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
WHEREAS, the Records Management Officer has determined that the attached listing
of outdated and duplicate copies of records are eligible for disposition according to the State
Archives and Records Administration (SARA) Records Retention and Disposition Schedule 1
MU-1:and
WHEREAS, the Records Management Officer (Town Clerk), and Human Resources
Specialist have reviewed and approved the disposition of the said records; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, the governing Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Records
Management Officer to dispose of the records as described in the attached listing according
to the procedure developed by SARA.
MOVED: Councilman Stein
SECONDED: Supervisor Valentino
VOTE: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilman Burbank, aye; Councilman Engman, aye;
Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Cowie, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye.
Agenda item No. 31 ~ Report of Town Committees
There were no committee reports. '
f '
Agenda Item No. 33 - Report of Town Officials (Attachment #11 - Monthly reports)
Town Clerk
Board agreed to a date of June 8, 2006 for the open house for the grant funded Town history
project.
Highway Superintendent
The Town will begin the brush and leaf pick up on April 17^*^. The date will be published in the
upcoming newsletter and the resolution will be before the Board at it's April 13^^ meeting.
Director of Engineering
Mr. Walker reported that he and Ms. Leary had gone up to Ithaca College and met with the
community group dealing with the student issues. The College has said that they will assist
in communicating with the students in the Town. They have been working with the City,
going door to door to some of the trouble house, and they have a program that if they get a
report of two or three problems at a particular location they will send a letter to the students
and their parents. They have said they will extend that program into the Town. Mr. Walker
reported that he will be sitting down with the College's security person soon.
Mr. Burbank stated he continued to be concerned over the poorly defined access of the newly
named Glenside Preserve off Floral Avenue. There's a 20 some odd strip that is being |
encroached on by one or both of the properties on either side and there needs to be some
34
March 13,2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10, 2006
definition. Mr. Walker told him they would be going out there and identify the location with
survey pins and then they can post it.
Director of Planning
Mr. Kanter reported that the Codes and Ordinances Committee would be meeting on
Wednesday. He thought the Committee might want to talk about how they might start
addressing the issues the Board talked about regarding the Juniper Drive neighborhood.
There is also an issue regarding solar panels that will be on the Committee's agenda. This is
something that isn't addressed in the Town's zoning but seems to be something they should
address if they want to address alternative energy.
Councilman Stein recalled that the Town Board had sent some suggestions regarding Conifer
to the Planning Board and wondered what that Board's responses were. Ms. Valentino told
him the information was in the Planning Department report.
Councilman Burbank asked if there had been any discussions at the Codes and Ordinances
Committee of the rental unit boxes called Pods. Mr. Burbank stated he was throwing it out as
something that was just beginning to emerge and it might be good for the Town to get a
handle on it.
Mr. Kanter felt another big issue was wind energy and wind structures about which the Town
has absolutely no regulations. There are some model regulations around the State that they
could look at. He felt it would be a more complicated issue than the solar panels.
Budget Officer
Councilman Engman stated he had seen in the Capital Projects Fund H1 Interceptor the
purchase of a $500,000 certificate of deposit. He asked where the $500,000 came from. Mr.
Carvill told him that last year to Board establish the capital project for the First Street
interceptors by depositing $500,000 from the Sewer Fund into the H Fund. Mr. Carvill
reported that he had invested that money until such time that the contract begins.
Human Resources Manager
Ms. Drake told the Board there were laborer interviews scheduled for Wednesday. There will
be an appointment before the Board at next month's meeting.
Attorney for the Town
Attorney Brock reminded the Board of Gary Ferguson's appearance before them regarding
the business improvement district. She told the Board that the New York State Constitutions
prohibits a municipality from making gifts and private entities, but that prohibition doesn't
apply to making gifts to municipalities. The Ithaca Downtown Partnership is a private, not for
profit corporation so the Town cannot make a donation to the IDP. It could enter into a
contract with the IDP to provide it services above and beyond what it is providing currently to
the bid, something that benefits the Town directly. A better approach might be, if the Town
wants to make a contribution, to make a gift directly to the City which created the BID, the
BID is actually part of the city. The Town can make a gift to a municipality only if that gift is
going to be used for something that is furthering the Town's public purposes. Ms. Brock
reported that she had spoken with Mitch Morris of the State Comptroller's office and thrown
35
March 13, 2006 Regular Town Board Meeting
Approved April 10. 2006
out some of the benefits that Mr. Ferguson had described such as the fact there is more foot
traffic on the Commons or the fact that it's a more vibrant downtown area, but the State
Comptroller's office said that these did not really benefit the Town residents. The cleanest
way to do it is if you can show that there is some benefit to the Town Hall property itself such
as removing snow or picking up garbage. Mr. Burbank wondered if the vibrancy of the
Commons and the comfort level it provided employees would justify a contribution. Ms.
Brock said she would check on that.
Councllwoman Leary thought If it was that much of a stretch she could not see justifying
paying the money.
Supervisor Valentino recommended putting the issue on the agenda for the next meeting.
She would get information regarding what the IDP was requesting.
Recreation Partnership
Councilman Cowie told the Board that the Recreation Partnership will be having an open
house for elected officials on April 6^*^ at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Adjounment
On motion by Councilman Stein, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
R^pectfully submitted, .
Tee-Ann Hunter
Town Clerk
Next Meeting April 10, 2006
36
TOWN OF ITHACA
TOWN BOARD
SISN-IN SHEET
DATE: Monday, March 13, 2006
(PLEASE PRINT TO ENSURE ACCURACY IN OFFICIAL MINUTES)
PLEASE PRINT NAME PLEASE ARTA/rADDRESS/AFFILIATTON
a Pf-viO. m'rr.,I (.A TeAAgy-f./^.OL.
i >spf<ZSL
/ '^C2~. (J7L/AZ —f--/
D>lcJl '^J^CO'.cA /f. 5^/^ 3g<^ THac.A
TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Tee-Ann Hunter, being duly sworn, say that I am the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompklns County, New York that the following notice has been duly posted on the sign board
of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca and the notice has been duly published in the official
newspaper, Ithaca Journal:
ADVERTISEMENT: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERING A
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE CODE OF
THE TOWN OF ITHACA TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 18
GOVERNING THE CREATION AND APPOINTMENT OF
CITIZEN AND STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEES FOR
THE TOWN OF ITHACA
Location of Sign Board Used for Posting: Town Clerk's Office
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
\ Date of Posting: Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Date of Publication: Friday, March 3, 2006
Tee-Ann Hunter,
Town Clerk,
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK)
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) SS:
TOWN OF ITHACA)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3"^ day of March, 2006
> 4.
Notary Public
CARRIE WHITMORE
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01WH6052877
r Tloga County
\ Commission Expires December 26,
TOWN OF tlHACA
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
NOtiCE 15 HEREBY GIVEN,
thol the Town Board of the
Town of ItHoco will hold a
public hearing of 7:15 p.m.
on the 13m day of
March 2006 at Town
Hoi, 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, New Yort;,
for the purpose of consider
ing a proposed local low
amending the Code of the
Town of Ithaca to add p
new Chopter 18 Governing
the Creation and Appoint
ment of Citizen and Staff
Advisory Committees for the
Town or Ithaca. A copy of
the proposed Local Law is
on file at the Town Clerk's
Office ond availoble for re
view during regular office
hours, Monday through Fri
day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and .
' FURTHER .NOTICE iSL
HEREBY GIVEN, that at. such:
time and place all persons
interested in the proposed
amendment may be heard
concerning the some; and
FURTHER NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN, that indi
viduals with visual or hear
ing impoirmenfs or other
special needs will be prowd-
ed with assistance os neces
sary, upon request. Persons
desiring assistance rhust
moke a request to the Town
Clerk not less than 48 hours
prior to the time of tfre pub
lic hearing.
Date: March 1,2006
Tee-Ann Hunter
Town Cleric
f 1
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting ATTACHMENT #1
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. OF THE YEAR 2006
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 270 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE,
TITLED "ZONING", AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REZONE CERTAIN
LANDS ALONG AND WEST OF TAUGHANNOCK BOULEVARD FROM LOW
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE TO CONSERVATION ZONE
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Rezoning of Lands, Chapter 270 of the Town of Ithaca Code, titled
"Zoning," is amended by rezoning the area denominated by shading as "Proposed Conservation
Zone" on the map attached as "Exhibit A" to this local law from its present zoning classification
of Low Density Residential Zone to Conservation Zone.
Section 2. Amendment of Zoning Map. The official zoning map of the Tovm of
Ithaca, Effective April 1, 2004, Revised December 12, 2005, as amended to date, is hereby
further amended by rezoning the lands described in this local law in the manner set forth in this
local law.
Section 3. Partial Invalidity. In the event that any portion of this law is declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be
affected by such declaration of invalidity.
Section 4. Effective Date. This local law shall take effect upon publication of the
local law or an abstract of same in the official newspaper of the Tovm, or upon its filing with the
New York Secretary of State, whichever is the last to occur.
Cayuga Lake
TownofMbiss
Center
useum-Q
Vvil
Proposed Conservation Zone
Existing Buildings (2005 data)
Property lines
Data Source: Tompkins County
Information Technology Services,
GIS Division
EXHIBIT A
Proposed Conservation Zone 0.1 0.1 0.2 Miles
Map produced 2/06
~^SSS»=r^
f.
CITIZENS TO RESTORE TRANQUILITY TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
We, THE NEIGHBORS OF ITHACA COLLEGE, residents of South Hill in the Town of
Ithaca, strongly suggest that the Town of Ithaca take immediate action to eliminate growing
neighborhood problems including, noise, litter, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.
We suggest:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
that an enforceable noise ordinance be written. This ordinance would assure peace
in the neighborhood between the hours of 11 pm and 7:30 am on weekends and
10 pm and 7:30 am Sunday through Thursday.
that an enforceable disorderly conduct ordinance be written.
that the sheriff be provided with enough manpower to effectively deal in a timely
manner with the noise and disorderly conduct and that fines be high enough to be a
deterrent to future offences: ex. $500 rather than $25. Court dates need to be issued
with escalating fees for repeat offenders.
that landlords be informed when offenses occur on their properties. If Ithaca
College students commit offenses, the tickets are to be sent to Ithaca College so the
college can get involved with the offending students and their parents,
that every landlord be required to supply a copy of the noise and disorderly conduct
ordinances to every person who signs a lease.
^ NAME ADDRESS PHONE & E-MAIL
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i \
CITIZENS TO RESTORE TRANQUILITY TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
We, THE NEIGHBORS OF ITHACA COLLEGE, residents of South Hill in the Town of
Ithaca, strongly suggest that the Town of Ithaca take immediate action to eliminate growing
neighborhood problems including, noise, litter, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.
We suggest:
1. that an enforceable noise ordinance be written. This ordinance would assure peace
in the neighborhood between the hours of 11 pm and 7:30 am on weekends and
10 pm and 7:30 am Sunday through Thursday.
2. that an enforceable disorderly conduct ordinance be written.
3. that the sheriff be provided with enough manpower to effectively deal in a timely
manner with the noise and disorderly conduct and that fines be high enough to be a
deterrent to future offences: ex. $500 rather than $25. Court dates need to be issued
with escalating fees for repeat offenders.
that landlords be informed when offenses occur on their properties. If Ithaca
College students commit offenses, the tickets are to be sent to Ithaca College so the
college can get involved with the offending students and their parents,
that every landlord be required to supply a copy of the noise and disorderly conduct
ordinances to every person who signs a lease.
4.
NAME ADDRESS PHONE & E-MAIL
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\ ^r&^U'Vg.r nti/.-Lii
CITIZENS TO RESTORE TRANQUILITY TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
We, THE NEIGHBORS OF ITHACA COLLEGE, residents of South Hill in the Town of
Ithaca, strongly suggest that the Town of Ithaca take inunediate action to eliminate growing
neighlrorhood problems including, noise, litter, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.
We suggest:
1,
2.
3.
5.
ihat an enforceable noise ordinance be written. This ordinance would assure peace
in the neighborhood between the hours of 11 pm and 7:30 am on weekends and
10 pm and 7:30 am Sunday through Thursday.
that an enforceable disorderly conduct ordinance be written.
that the sheriff be provided with enough manpower to effectively deal in a timely
manner with the noise and disorderly conduct and that fines be high enough to be a
deterrent to future offences: ex. $§00 rather than $25. Court dates need to be issued
with escalating fees for repeat offenders.
that landlords be informed when offenses occur on their properties. If Ithaca
College students commit offenses, the tickets are to be sent to Ithaca College so the
college can get involved with the offending students and their parents,
that every landlord be required to supply a copy of the noise and disorderly conduct
ordinances to every person who signs a lease.
/f r
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NAME
\/a\y\ce.y<^v\ce.
ADDRESS
116 PoAnsijlmnJa A\f^
PHONE & E-MAIL
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I 1
'\y.oP Copies to Town Board 3/14/2006
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting 1 d\ ()
ATTACHMENT #2
CITIZENS TO RESTORE TRANQUILITY TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
We, THE NEIGHBORS OF ITHACA COLLEGE, residents of South hill in the Town of
Ithaca, strongly suggest that the Town of Ithaca take immediate action to eliminate growing
neighborhood problems including, noise, litter, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.
We suggest:
1. that an enforceable noise ordinance be written. This ordinance would assure peace
in the neighborhood between the hours of 11 pm and 7:30 am on weekends and
10 pm and 7:30 am Sunday through Thursday,
that an enforceable disorderly conduct ordinance be written,
that the sheriff be provided with enough manpower to effectively deal in a timely
manner with the noise and disorderly conduct and that fines be high enough to be a
deterrent to future offences: ex. I&500 rather than $25. Court dates need to be issued
with escalating fees for repeat offenders.
that landlords be informed when offenses occur on their properties. If Ithaca
College students commit offenses, the tickets are to be sent to Ithaca College so the
college can get involved with the offending students and their parents,
that every landlord be required to supply a copy of the noise and disorderly conduct
ordinances to eveiy person who signs a lease.
2.
3.
4.
^ NAME ADDRESS
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PHONE & E-MAIL
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•io
CITIZENS TO RESTORE TRANQUILITY TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
We, THE NEIGHBORS OF ITHACA COLLEGE, residents of South kill in the Town of
Ithaca, strongly suggest that the Town of Ithaca take immediate action to eliminate growing
neighborhood problems including, noise, litter, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.
We suggest:
1.
2.
3.
5.
that an enforceable noise ordinance be written. This ordinance would assure peace
in the neighborhood between the hours of 11 pm apd 7:30 am on weekends and
10 pm and 7:30 am Sunday through Thursday.
that an enforceable disorderly conduct ordinance jbe written.
that the sheriff be provided with enough manpower to effectively deal in a timely
manner with the noise and disorderly conduct apd that fines be high enough to be a
deterrent to future offences: ex. SfSOO rather than $25. Court dates need to be issued
with escalating fees for repeat offenders.
that landlords be informed when offenses occur on their properties. If Ithaca
College students commit offenses, the tickets are to be sent to Ithaca College so the
college can get involved with the offending students and their parents,
that every landlord be required to supply a copy of the noise and disorderly conduct
ordinances to every person who signs a lease.
.V
I
r \
NAME ADDRESS
:A)C\\Ml \A/gK5 Wo
^
PHONE & E-MAIL
CO/lnP )1V '
t^vA/iKfT<vjrg, UQ blL 2-5'<C-37^g>
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7
( \
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting ATTACHMENT #4
f \ PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
TO: TOWN BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: SUSAN RITTER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING Z
DATE: MARCH 7, 2006
RE: AUTHORIZATION TO CONSTRUCT A WOODEN NESTING AND
ROOSTING TOWER FOR CHIMNEY SWIFTS NEAR THE PEW TRAIL
Attached is a resolution, for Town Board consideration, authorizing construction of a wooden
nesting and roosting tower for Chimney Swifts (a migratory bird native to North America and a
spring-summer resident of upstate NY) on Town owned land near the Pew Trail and Regency
Lane water tank. The late Richard Fischer initiated this project shortly before his passing with a
written proposal to the Town for a Chimney Swift tower to be built along the new Pew Trail. Dr.
Fischer had studied Chimney Swifts in his early research years, and was considered one of the
world authorities on the species. In his later years, with increasing concern for their declining
numbers, Dr Fischer began to focus on improving habitat for Chimney Swifts, hoping to repeat
his successful involvement with the "bluebird movement," which has facilitated the return of
' V New York state's official bird. The opportunity to fulfill Dr. Fischer's request to construct a
Chimney Swift tower now exists, as volunteers have stepped forward offering to construct the
tower, a home improvement store has offered to supply the construction materials, and a suitable
site on Town owned land has been identified.
The Chimney Swift is a beneficial bird capable of eating nearly one third of their own body
weight in flying insect pests such as mosquitoes, biting flies, and termites, every day.
Historically Chimney Swifts nested in hollow trees, but as forests were cleared, the swift adapted
to using chimneys and other similar human-made structures. Recent changes in chimney designs
have led to a decline in nesting and roosting sites. Many masonry chimneys are being capped
and others torn down in favor of new construction. Theses new chimneys are often lined with
steel rather than brick making them useless to swifts, who are uniquely equipped to roost
clinging to vertical surfaces by their sharp claws. But thanks to the efforts of the Driftwood
Wildlife Association, organized by Paul and Georgean Kyle, construction of artificial chimney's
are catching on. Based on several years of experimentation, the Kyle's have determined the
design and location requirements for a "successful" Chimney Swift tower. They have published
a book entitled Aew Habitat for America's Mysterious Birds - A Construction Guide, which
provides details on the how-to for constructing a tower, and these design guidelines would be
used to construct the proposed Town owned Chimney Swift tower.
Local resident, Alex Hyland, a carpenter and a former student in Cornell's Department of
Natural Resources, has offered his services to construct the tower, and will be coordinating
^ ^ volunteers from a Cornell University student environmental organization to assist. Alex
proposes to use his carpentry shop in Hector (he lives in Ithaca) to construct the tower. Alex
also anticipates obtaining donated locally harvested wood for much of the construction material. ^ ^
He plans to begin construction on Earth Day, and estimates on-site placement of the tower in ' ^
early May. Alex is currently instructing a Cornell Outdoor Education class in timber framing
techniques and is producing a post and beam pavilion for an interpretive sign for Cornell
Plantations.
The local Home Depot store was contacted about the Chimney Swiff tower proposal, and asked
if they would be interested in supporting this project. Home Depot is known to support local
projects that are conservation oriented. The store was provided with a complete list of building
materials, as outlined in the Kyle's book, and they have agreed to supply all of those materials
that they carry in-store.
The proposed location for the tower is on Town owned land near the Pew Trail and Regency
Lane water tank. This site provides suitable open space, but close enough to nearby trees to
provide adequate shade from the afternoon summer sun. (See enclosed map for general
location.)
Town staff will be responsible for coordinating the project, and a Highway crew, along with
equipment, will be needed to prepare the site and construct the concrete foundation. Town staff
will also need to maintain and annually clean out the structure.
The Conservation Board has discussed the proposed project and supports construction of the
Chimney Swift tower. Cornell Lab of Ornithology was initially contacted about Dr. Fischer's f \
proposal and stated that the Lab would encourage any projects that might help the swifts. The i \
Lab of Ornithology website contains information about the Chimney Swift, and provides a link
to the Kyle's Chimney Swift tower project site.
f \
f \
(Compiele the certiflcataoK to the paragraph that appMes to the fihmig of this local law and
strike oat that which is sjot applicable.)
\
s (Final adoption by local legislative body only.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No ,5 20Q^
of ">e (Coon^ty^w^^WtfagS) of... ITHACA was duly passed by the
ai:; °° »<=oordance with the applicable provisions of law.
2. (Passage by local legislative body with approval, no disapproval or repassage after disapproval
by the Elective Chief Executive Officer*.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20
of the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by Vhe
(approved)(not approvedXrepassed after
disapproval) by the — and was deemed duly adopted on 20
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*) '
in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
^J[^(Final adoption by referendum.)
I
?reby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No - of 20
' f"® (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly'passed by the
^ (spproved)(not approvedXrepassed after
disapproval) by the on. 20— . Such local law was submitted
(Elective ChiefExecutive Officer*)
to the people by reason of a (mandatory)(permissive) referendum, and received the affirmative vote of a majority of
the qualified electors voting thereon at the (general)(special)(annual) election held on 20—- , in
accordance with the applicable provisions of law. '
4. (Subject to permissive referendum and final adoption because no valid petition was filed requestins
referendum.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20
of the (County)(City)CIbwn)(Vdlage) of w«"duTy"passed by "the
(approved)(not approved)(repassed after
disapproval) by the^----..^^.^^^..„^^ o„ 20.... Such local law was subject to
permissive referendum and no valid petition requesting such referendum was filed as of 20-— in
accordance with the applicable provisions of law. *
ctive Chief Executive Officer means or includes the chief executive officer of a county elected on a county-
.de basis or, if there be none, the chairperson of the county legislative body, the mayor of a city or village, or
the supervisor of a town where such officer is vested with the power to approve or veto local laws or ordinances.
(2)
S, (CEy local law cosjceoiSjiig Charier revision proposed by petitiosi,)
lereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20 f ^
. the City of having been submitted to referendum pursuant to the provisions of
section (36)(37) of the Municipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the
qualified electors of such city voting thereon at the (special)(general) election held on 20—.,
became operative.
6. (County local law concerning adoption of Charter.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20
of the ^unty of — State of New York, having been submitted to the electors
at the General Election of November 20...., pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 7 of section 33 of the
Municipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the cit
ies of said county as a unit and a majority of the qualified electors of the towns of said county considered as a unit
voting at said general election, became operative.
(If any other authorized form of final adoption has been followed, please provide an appropriate certification.)
I further certify that I have compared the preceding local law with the original on file in this office and that the same
is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of such original local law, and was finally adopted in the manner in
dicated in paragraph 1., above. —r-;;;; ^
(Seal) nof... MARCH 20 ^ 2006
*"^lfrfrTTf thf r*niinlY Inrirrlnthrr Imiljti filyi Timiii iii Villigii (~|i i[i
or ofHcer designated by local legislative body i
t '■
I h
(Certification to be executed by County Attorney, Corporation Counsel, Town Attorney, Village Attorney or
other authorized attorney of locality.)
STATE OF NEW YORK
CX>UNTYOF TOMPKINS
I, the underei^ed, hereby certify that the foregoing local law contains the correct text and that all proper proceedings
have been had or taken for the enactment of the local law annexed hereto.
Signature
ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN
Title
-Goamy
^of ITHACA
Town
c^ilJage^
liADate:
(3)
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting ATTACHMENT #3
I inrnl J nvu Pilirsa new york state department of stateIjOLUI i^uw ruing street,albany,ny 12231
^,^1^ _
r S (Use this form to file a local law with the Secretary of State.)
Text of law should be given as amended. Do not include matter being eliminated and do not use
italics or underlining to indicate new matter.
*=€0UJltjL.
-eity . ITHACA
Town
Vlll&ge
Local Law No of the year 20..^^
A local law AMENDING..CHAPTEE-230..0E-.THE-T0WN-0E-ITHACA-C0DE.^-.TI.TLED
(insert Title)
...."STREETS„AND.SIDEMLKS.'.'^..TQ..ESTABLISH..TQKNAS..ASSUMP.TL0N
..-.PF..QMERSHIPj,..MAINTMMCE„MD .LIABILITY„F0R..HAN^^^^
....MAD .MLKWAY ■;
Be it enacted by the TP]yN__BOARp_ of the
(ifcme of Legislative Body)
jCiiuiity—-^^of ITHACA 3,
<3^lllage
SEE ATTACHED PAGE
DOS-239 (Rev. 11/99)
(If additional space is needed, attach pages the same size as this sheet, and number each.)
(1)
TOWN OF ITHACA '
LOCAL LAW NO. 5 OF THE YEAR 2006
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 230 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA
CODE, TITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS", TO ESTABLISH TOWN'S
ASSUMPTION OF OWNERSHIP, MAINTENANCE AND LIABILITY FOR
HANSHAW ROAD WALKWAY
Be it enacted by the Town Board ..of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 230 of the Town of Ithaca Code, titled "Streets and Sidewalks", is
amended by adding Article 111, titled "Hanshaw Road Walkway", Section 230-10, titled
"Ownership, Maintenance and Liability", as follows:
"ARTICLE HI
HANSHAW ROAD WALKWAY
§ 230-10. Ownership, Maintenance and Liability.
If a Town-sponsored walkway is built along part or all of Hanshaw Road within the
Town of Ithaca, the Town will assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities for said
walkway within the Town, and the Town will further assume liability for its negligent acts and
omissions related to defects in, or snow or ice upon, said walkway within the Town; provided,
however, that nothing in this section shall be deemed to dispense with the requirement of
advance wntten notice to the Town of the defect or the existence of snow or ice thereon, or with
the requirement that the Town have the opportunity to repair or remove the same within a
reasonable time after receipt of such notice, as set forth in Town Law Section 65-a, as conditions
precedent to liability."
Section 2. In the event that any portion of this law is declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by such
declaration of invalidity.
Section 3. This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary
of State of the State of New York.
I \
f \
( S
A CHIMNEY FOR THE SWIFTS: An Action Proposal
Submitted by Richard B. Fischer
g g H fl w n
fill
lJu JUL 2 1 2004
j
town OF ITHACAPLANfNtNG. ZOMiiVG ENGINEERING
Of all the birds listed in the American Ornithologists' Union checklist of North
American birds, the chimney swift holds the record for speed when flying. It also has the
longest migration of any of our song birds. If you are so fortunate as to see a clumney
swift, it will be in flight, because swifts do not perch on tree branches, utility wires or
telephone poles. Instead, swifts go to roost in cavities, such as hollow trees, bams, or
chimneys. They simply do not sit around, like our other birds. They cling to the inside
of the chosen cavity, with legs that are armed with powerful, needle-sharp claws.
This is where we enter the picture. Throughout most of the eastem United States,
the chimney swift is in danger: roosting and nest building places are becoming
increasingly scarce. What can we do about it? We can build artificial chimneys, and
experience has shown that the birds will use them, not only for nesting sites, but also as
resting places while on their long migration to and from the headwaters of the Amazon
Basin.
In Austin, Texas, a bird-lover who was aware of the swifts' need for places to live
and rest, wondered if chimney swifts would accept an artificial chimney. So, to answer
this question, she constructed a tower. The swifts accepted the invitation. And the idea
caught on. That was in the year 1925, and there are now many such towers in the Austin
area. Together, they produce hundreds of chimney swifts each year. I propose a tower
to be built "behind" Pine Tree Road, at some point yet to be determined along the new
walkway. It would be a simple but attractive structure, approximately 16 feet high and
30 inches across, using local lumber and simple construction methods.
The authorities in Chimney Swift towers are a great husband and wife team
named Paul and Georgean Kyle. They reside in Austin, where they also operate a
rehabilitation station for sick and injured wildlife. They are prepared to offer their
considerable expertise to this project and serve as advisors. I see this as an unusual
opportunity to enhance the quality of life for town residents, while simultaneously aiding
one of our native birds. It would stand as a silent reminder that humans can improve the
environment for birds as well as for man.
This short proposal assumes many details left for later discussion and
implementation. I look forward keenly to working with you on this project.
Ch S w iftim ney ^ w
Nest Site Research Project
Driftwood Wildlife Association P.O. Box 300369 Austin, Texas 78703
Chimney Swifts historically
nested and roosted in hollow trees.
As American pioneers moved
westward across the continent, they
cleared forests and removed the
swifts' natural habitat. The birds
that Audubon called American
Swifts became known as Chimney
Swifts as they readily adapted to the
masonry chimneys erected by those
same pioneers. Over the decades,
the range of the swifts expanded and
their numbers swelled with the ever
increasing availability of this new,
man-made habitat. However,
changes are again challenging this
adaptable species.
The North American Chimney
Swift Nest Site Research Project is
an effort to promote Chimney Swift
conservation by identifying and
monitoring existing nest and roost
sites, educating property owners
about the beneficial nature of
Chimney Swifts as insectivores,
designing, installing and monitoring
new structures specifically for use
by Chimney Swifts as nest and roost
sites. Our newsletter, Chaetura, is
distributed to hundreds of volunteer
Research Associates all across
North America. We hope that you
will join us!
Paul and Georgean Kyle
Project Directors
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT SOUND ?
Chimney Swifts create a variety of sounds during their stay with
us in North America during the warmer months. There is the
"whooshing" sound of their wings as they come and go from the
chimney. They utter a gentle "chippering" as they socialize with one
another in the roost during nest-building and at night. The most
audible sounds are those of the young which have two basic
vocalizations: the feeding call which is a very loud, high-pitched
"yippering" as they beg for food from the returning parents, and their
mechanical, hissing alarm call which they make when disturbed or
frightened.
As long as the young are making the loud feeding call, they are
incapable of sustained flight and are completely dependent on their
parents for food. Homeowners' tolerance during this critical period
of the swifts' development is very important. If the young are forced
from the chimney during this period, they will perish — slowly starve
to death over a period of several days. The parents are unable to care
for them outside of their chimney.
Once the sound of the young becomes noticeable, they are usually
only 10 days or so from fledging. Keeping the damper closed and
packing the fireplace with insulation can dampen the sound to
tolerable levels. If additional incentive is needed to allow the swifts
to continue their breeding cycle, consider this: the raucous sound
emanating from your fireplace is the sound of thousands of annoying
mosquitoes, biting flies and flying ants being converted into
beautiful, graceful migratory avian insectivores which will consume
thousands more of the insect pests we swat and curse during the
summer months.
Chimney Swifts, like many of our precious Neotropical migrants,
are declining in numbers throughout North America. We should all
be concemed about their plight and do whatever we can to encourage
their survival. They do not require acres of unspoiled wilderness,
expansive wetlands or complicated wildlife management plans.
They only require one square foot of unused column like our
chimneys diurng the summer when we don't need them...and a little
tolerance.
LIFE HISTORY OF THE CHIMNEY SWIFT
The Chimney Swift is one of four
regularly occurring species of swifts
found in North America, and the
most common one found east of the
Rocky Mountains. As their name
implies, they are accustomed to
building their nests in chimneys as
well as abandoned buildings and
occasionally stone wells.
Adult Chimney Swifts are most
commonly seen in flight — usually in
groups. When soaring, their long,
scythe-shaped wings span about 12.5
inches supporting a proportionally
short body with a squared-off tail.
The flickering, bat-like flight when
flapping is due to short, massive
wing bones. Chimney Swifls' flight
is accompanied by a sharp
"chippering" or "ticking" call.
At rest, an average 5 inch, 22
gram adult is sooty-gray to black
with the throat silvery-gray in color.
Both sexes are identical in
appearance. The long wings cross by
an inch or more over the tail feathers,
which are tipped by pointed bristles.
The claws and tail bristles are used to
cling to rough vertical surfaces.
Swifts are unable to perch or stand
upright in passerine fashion.
Chimney Swifts winter in the
Amazon Basin of Peru. They arrive
in the continental United States in
late March and are gone by early
November. Nesting begins in May,
and has been known to continue into
August. Chimney Swifts are usually
single-brooded, and there will be
only one active nest in any structure
regardless of the size of the site.
The female normally lays three to
five white eggs in a nest of twigs
which are broken from the tips of tree
branches, glued together with saliva
and attached to a vertical surface.
Both sexes are involved in nest
construction. The eggs are incubated
by altemating adults for eighteen to
nineteen days. Chimney Swifts catch
flying insects on the wing. Baby
Chimney Swifts are fed by both
Newly hatched Chimney Swifts
are naked and completely helpless
Five day old Chimney Swifts have
pin feathers on their heads and bodies
When ten days old. the tips ofthe swifts'
flightfeathers begin to unfurl
Fledgling swifts will exercise by
"practice-flapping " while clinging
tightly to the nest or chimney wall
■» j
«*»
Chimney Swifts congregate in the fall at
suitable roost sites
parents. The feeding continues until tho \
birds fledge from the chimney about 30
days after hatching.
The hatchlings are pink, altricial
and completely naked at birth. They
have sharp claws which enable them to
cling to textured surfaces. Within a
few days, black pin feathers begin to
appear. The young are able to climb,
and they exhibit preening behavior
even before their feathers emerge.
By the time they are eight to ten
days of age, the babies' feathers begin
to unfurl. By fifteen to seventeen days
of age, their eyes begin to open.
Shortly after their eyes open, most
of the flight and body feathers will be
unfurled. However, the feathers
around the face and head will stay in
sheath for several days ~ giving the
birds a "frosty-faced" appearance.
By the time Chimney Swifts are 21
days old, they will cling tightly to the,^«*^
nest or chimney wall, rear back anc
flap their wings furiously until they are' ^
panting and out of breath. Twenty;
eight to thirty days after hatching,
young Chimney Swifts will leave the
safety of the chimney for their first
flight.
Once an entire brood has fledged,
they will fly with their parents in slow,
noisy parades around the area of the
nest site. The young will return
frequently to the roost during the fi rst
few days, but may soon begin to visit
other roosts in the area.
At the end of the breeding season,
the swifts' communal instincts peak
prior to fall migration. They
congregate in flocks of hundreds and
even thousands at suitable roost sites.
Although Chimney Swifts can
withstand a few early cool snaps, they
will usually ride south on the fi rst
major cold-front that blows through in
the fall.
This is an edited excerpt from Rehabilitalior^^^\^
and Conservation of Chimney Swifts, Fourth
Edition by Paul and Georgean Kyle^
Copyright. 2004
CHIMNEY SWIFT TOWER DESIGN BASICS
metal flashing
■exterior sheathing
' Air space / insulation
r*x4" spacers
Experimentation with new
materials, designs and methods of
installation continue. However,
several principals are known towork well in wooden Chimney , rL. - . , .•' Top piece with reouceaopeningSwift towers. I 1 on north side
Heavy texture on the inside is , I
essential. 5/8" Textured 1-11 'siding is readily available and fi ashmg ^
easy to work with. [ |
Wooden towers should be
double-walled with a space
between the inner nest chamber \
wall and the outer skin. This trim boards a-
space should be filled with some x \ \ . c^ \ \ - — exterior sheathingform of insulation to prevent \ X
overheating. A minimum of 3/4"
rigid foam insulation is --\v
recommended.
The recommended minimum
height is 8', but 12' is preferable. "3^"
The inside diameter should be no Air space/insulation
lessthanl4".
A 24" band of metal fl ashing ' '
around the top is also mandatory. ---- ' i"x4"spacers
This will prevent predators from 5/8"Texturedi-] i siding. ' , With grooves facing inside —*being able to climb the tower and Andrunninghorizomally
gain access to the nest chamber. IIZ:
The bottom of the tower should
be made from 3/4" treated
plywood and have a grid of 3/8"
holes spaced 1 1/2" apart for IIZI
ventilation and installed with ventilation holes ^
wood screws for easy removal. T ^•' * ^— angle steel legsThe top should be also be mader ooooooofrom 3/4" treated plywood and ililsiihave a opening cut that is no more lUUU ^ stecl-reinlbrced concrete fo undationthat half of the area of the inside I i ^—- ^ 1
of the tower. The opening must - . ^ ground level
be placed on the north top edge of ' ^" —
the tower to exclude as much
summer sun from the nest
chamber as possible.
A free-standing tower on steel legs is easier to protect against ants. A 2" band of Tanglefoot (brand) sticky insect
trap can be applied around each leg. A concrete foundation will eliminate the need for guy lines. Towers that are 12'
tall will require a 48" x 48" x 10" steel-reinforced concrete slab. Towers that are 8' tall will need a slab measuring
36" X 36" X 6". In areas where frost heave is a potential problem, consult local building codes for advice.
In the fall, after the swifts have migrated out of the area, the bottom should be removed and droppings cleaned
from the tower. This is a good time to count egg shells and assess the success of the nesting season. Old nests should
also be removed at this time. Covering the tower during the winter months will extend the life of wooden towers.
5/8" Textured l-l I siding
With grooves facing inside
And running horizontally
bottom with
ventilation holes
angle steel legs
- steel-reinforced concrete fo undation
ground level
DRIFTWOOD WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION Page 3
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT CHIMNEY SWIFTS?
Chimney Swifts eat nearly one third of their own weight in flying insect pests such as mosquitoes, biting
flies and termites every day.
Chimney Swifts historically used large, hollow trees for nests and roosts. As the ancient forests were cut
down, they learned to use chimneys and other structures instead.
Today, just like Purple Martins, Chimney Swifts rely almost entirely on man-made structures for nest sites.
Because they cannot perch like songbirds. Chimney Swifts must have deep shafts in which to raise their
families and roost at night.
Chimney Swifts are protected by State Wildlife Codes and Federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act of 1916.
Like all Neotropical Migrants, Chimney Swifts are declining in numbers and need our assistance.
Like watching a beautiful sunset, the aesthetic value of observing Chimney Swifts' aerial acrobatics and
interactions is a simple pleasure that nature has to offer.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP CHIMNEY SWIFTS?
If you have a masonry or clay flue-tile chimney, keep the top open and the damper closed from March
through October to provide a nest site for these insect-eaters. Metal chimneys should be permanently
capped to prevent birds and other wildlife from being trapped.
Have your chimney cleaned in early March before the Chimney Swifts return from their winter home in
South America.
Work with local conservation groups to construct Chimney Swift Towers and educate your friends and
neighbors about Chimney Swifts.
Join the North American Chimney Swift Nest Site Research Project as a Research Associate!
HOME CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE: SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE CHIMNEY SWEEP
Every chimney needs to be professionally cleaned each year for the safety of the homeowner as well as for the safety
of the Chimney Swifts. Although attitudes are changing within the chimney sweeping industry, there are still
companies that will remove active nests and kill or discard the young. Before hiring a chimney sweep, ask what
action they take when they find birds in a chimney. NEVER hire a company that openly advertises "Bird Removal".
Visit our web site at:
www.chimneyswifts.org
In addition to leaming more about the North American
Chimney Swift Nest Site Research Project, you can: [r
E
0 learn about wildlife rehabilitation ^
0 download past issues of Chaetura
0 watch the real-time Chimney Swift Web Cam E
0 order publications from Driftwood ^
0 learn more about Membership in DWA
Send your e-mail to DWA@austin.rr.com
North American Chimney Swift Nest Site
Research Project
is one of several projects of the
Driftwood Wildlife Association,
a non-profit all volunteer organization supported by
tax-deductible contributions. DWA is dedicated to
promoting research and providing community
education in the areas of wildlife rehabilitation and
avian natural history.
Membership categories are;
S 10.00 Research Associateship
$ 30.00 Research Associateship plus one year's
Supporting Membership in DWA.
DRIFTWOOD WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 300369
Austin, TX 78703
Artwork and Text by Georgean Z. and Paul D. Kyle
Copyright, Driftwood Wildlife Association, 2005
All Rights Reserved
Page 4 DRIFTWOOD WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION
■4>1^ T - Ifv*€■ » . '-fei L'L'i^Xi^'i^sS:;'-M. ,^, I~^ ■. Vw^bdiff R«-fciV * , •": *' n ■■<, !(r*'v-*::'p.. ' uite:J » ' -'k;•%/ :«-i(i|:-^ ■■'"■"Sligl'— wL % VV-,,-"r«v> <»' ^ ^ ^ y •^WV'.r V -•■v'^/'# #■ ^ ' *« • ■^ Lr.*'.f--A :•■>-"Location MapProposed Chimney Swift Tower200NA200(4003/7/06
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting ATTACHMENT §5
Department of Assessment
128 East Buffalo Street
Valeria Coggin
Director
Jay Franklin
Assistant Director
February 3, 2005
Town of Ithaca
Debra Kelly
215NTioga St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Debra,
We are sending this letter as an early reminder that your municipality commence with the process
of establishing a Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review. For administrative purposes, the
panel must be in place by April 1, 2006.
If we do not hear from you by the above date, our office will be contacting you on April 4, 2006 to
obtain the names of the individuals assigned to the panel. At that time, we will also ask you to
(provide us with a date in May for the local hearings at your town hall. The hearings will need to
^ :^ke place between May 8 thru May 19 and will run from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Enclosed you will also
.nd a request from the County Legislature regarding setting the dates for the Local Advisory Board
jf Assessment Review.
We have scheduled a training session for Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review members
for May 2"^ at 9:00 am at our office. Since the Tompkins County Legislature has enacted a
Triennial Revaluation Cycle and some procedures have changed since the prior year, we strongly
encourage all appointees to attend this training session.
Since it is the municipalitv's responsibilitv to appoint people to this board, vou will have to
notify appointees of the training date and more importantiv notify appointees of the date
and time of the actual meeting.
If you should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Sincerely,
^Jay Franklin
^^Assistant Director
Mail Address:
128 East Buffalo Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
http://www.tompklns-co.org/assessment/
Tel: 607-274-5517
Fax: 607-274-5507
assessment@tompklns-co.org
DJ #2 0
Department of Assessment
128 East Buffalo Street
Valeria Coggin Jay Franklin
Director Assistant Director
Local Advisorv Board of Assessment Review
The Tompkins County Legislature has requested that when a municipality schedules their meeting
date for the Local BAR, they take into consideration the meeting schedule of the Tompkins County
Legislature. Starting with this year, all standing committee meetings are scheduled from 3-6 PM.
The following list shows the dates when the municipality is requested NOT to schedule their Local
BAR meeting. ^
f S
City of Ithaca May 8,9,10,16,17,18
Caroline May 10,16,18
Danby May 10,16,18
Dryden May 16,18
Enfield May 16,17
Groton May 9,16,17,18
Town of Ithaca May 8,9,10,16,17
Lansing May 8,9,10,16,17
Newfield May 16,17
Ulysses May 10,16,18
Also, since some legislators have been appointed to serve on multiple Local Boards of
Assessment Review, the following list shows the towns that have been requested NOT to
schedule their Local BAR meeting on the same date.
Multiple towns for the same county legislator
• Caroline & Danby
• Town of Ithaca & Lansing
• Enfield & Newfield
Before a municipality considers setting a specific date, it should contact the sister town for
coordinating the schedule.
Finally, the Department of Assessment has the capability of staffing only 2 meetings per night. If
three hearings happen to be scheduled on one night, the Department of Assessment reserves the
right to request that one of the municipalities change their meeting date.
appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter, as our goal is to accommodate
f l;jie property owners' best interest.
' ^
Mail Address; Tel: 607-274-5517
128 East Buffalo street Fax: 607-274-5507
Ithaca, New York 14850 assessment@tompkins-co.org
http://www.tompkins-co.org/assessment/
/ ^ This chapter supercedes § 63 of the Town Law of the State of New York to the
extent the provisions of § 63 regarding committees are inconsistent with this
chapter.
§ 18-3. Creation and appointment of citizen advisory committees.
The Town Board may, from time to time, create and appoint one or more citizen
advisory committees to aid and assist the Town.
§ 18-4. Members of citizen advisory committees.
The citizen advisory committees so created and appointed shall consist of persons
who are not members of the Town Board, or persons not members of the Town
Board together with Town Board members. Without limiting the foregoing, the
Town Board may appoint persons who are serving as Town staff to be members
of any such citizen advisory committee.
§ 18-5. Terms of citizen advisory committee members.
Citizen advisory committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Town
Board and may be removed by the Town Board at any time, with or without
cause.
, § 18-6. Authority of citizen advisory committees.
The duties of all citizen advisory committees shall be as stated from time to time
by the Town Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all citizen advisory
committees shall be advisory in nature, and while they may make
recommendations on various matters, no such recommendation shall be binding
on the Town Board, Town Board committees, or other boards of the Town.
§ 18-7. Compensation.
Citizen advisory committee members shall serve without compensation, except
the Town Board may authorize committee members to be reimbursed for out-of-
pocket expenses incurred by members in the course of performing their duties,
provided such reimbursement is consistent with policies for reimbursement of
expenses applicable generally to employees of the Town and appropriation for
such expenses are made by the Town Board.
§ 18-8. Staff advisory committees.
The Town Board may from time to time create staff advisory committees,
consistingprimarily of Town staff members, to assist the Town. Town Board
members may serve on staff advisory committees. The Town Supervisor shall
^ appoint the members of the staff advisory committees, and they shall serve at the
' 'i
pleasure of the Town Supervisor and may be removed by the Town Supervisor at ^ ^
any time, with or without cause. The provisions of §§ 18-6 and 18-7 above
regarding authority and compensation, respectively, shall apply to staff advisory '
committees.
§ 18-9. Inapplicability of this chapter to other committees, boards and
appointments.
The foregoing provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following:
A. Town Board committees, consisting of Town Board members, which the
Town Supervisor has sole discretion to create and appoint to aid and assist
the Town Board in the performance of its duties.
B. Boards and committees established by other local laws or ordinances,
including but not limited to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals,
Conservation Board, Ethics Board, and Records Management Advisory
Board.
C. Appointments of representatives of the Town to joint boards or joint
committees that have been created by agreement with other municipalities
or other governmental agencies. Appointments of Town representatives to
such joint boards or joint committees shall be made in accordance with the
provisions of the respective agreements creating such joint boards or
committees, and in the absence of any specific provision governing
appointment, shall be made by the Town Board. Such appointments
include, but are not limited to, appointments of the Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission, and the City of Ithaca-Town of Ithaca-
Town of Dryden Special Joint Committee related to the Ithaca Area
Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Section 2. In the event any portion of this law is declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by
such declaration of invalidity.
Section 3. This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the
Secretary of State of the State of New York.
r ^
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TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Tee-Ann Hunter, being duly sworn, say that I am the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York that the following notice has been duly posted on the sign board
of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca and the notice has been duly published in the official
newspaper, Ithaca Journal:
ADVERTISEMENT: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERING A
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 230 OF
THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE, TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS", TO ESTABLISH TOWNS ASSUMPTION
OF OWNERSHIP, MAINTENANCE AND LIABILITY FOR
HANSHAW ROAD WALKWAY
Location of Sign Board Used for Posting: Town Clerk's Office
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Date of Posting: Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Date of Publication: Friday, March 3, 2006
\vig-Qu
Tee-Ann Hunter,
Town Clerk,
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK)
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) SS:
TOWN OF ITHACA)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3"^ day of March, 2006
tikks
Notary Public
SwH6052877 .
Tioga Cpu.l'y
^ commission Expires December 20
TOWN OF ITHACA
NOnce OF
PUBUC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
that the Town Board of the
Town of Ithaca will hold a
public hearing at 7:00
p.m. on fhe ISth doy
of March 2006 of Town
Hpll, 2)5 North Tiogo
Street, Ithoco, New YorK,
for the purpose of consider
ing o proposed local low to
omena Chapter 230 of the
Town of Ithoco Code, titled
"Streets and Sidewolb", to
Establish Town's Assumption
of Ownership, Maintenonce
and Liobilify for Hanshow
Road Walkway. A copy of
the proposed local Low is
on file of the Town Clerk's
Office and available for re
view during regulor office
hours, Moriooy through Fri
day 8 a.m. to 4 p.ni.; end
FURTHER NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN, that at such
time ond place oil persons
interested in the proposed
amendment may be heard
concerning the some; ond
FURTHER NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN, that indi
viduals with visuol or hear
ing impairments or other
special needs will be provid
ed with assistance os neces
sary, upon request. Persons
desiring assistance must
make a request to the Town
Clerk not less than 48 hours
prior to the time of the pub
lic hedfing.
Dofe: March 1,2006
Tee-Ann Hunter
Town Clerk
3/3/06
f
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting ATTACHMENT #6
J r>.nnl J n\A J NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATEJ^OCUl JUUVV 1 UUl^ 41 STATE STREET, ALBANY, NY 12231
(Use this form to file a local law with the Secretary of State.)
\
Text of law should be given as amended. Do not include matter being eliminated and do not use
italics or underlining to indicate new matter.
Ctfuiily-
of LTHACA
Town
.SOUage-
Local Law No -6. of the year 20-0.6..
A local law --...AM®DJNG. TOE ..C.OJ)E..O.F...TJHE...T.O.WJi..aF-..LTJHACA..T.O..ADD..A..NE3y..
(Insert Title)
.....CmP.TER..18...aQ.y.ERNlNG..TEH..CJREA.T.L0Ji.AJm.AJPI>.0TNTMENT..DE..
.....CJTJZM..4ND. STAFF.. APVJS0RX..CPMI^^^^
.....OF..ITEACA
Be It enacted by the .....T-Q.W...P.QARD of tjjg
(Name of Legislative Body)
"County n
of I.THACA as follows:
Town
¥i4toser
r S
SEE ATTACHED PAGES 1-3
DOS-239 (Rev. 11/99)
(If additional space Is needed, attach pages the same size as this sheet, and number each.)
(1)
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF THE YEAR 2006
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA TO
ADD A NEW CHAPTER 18 GOVERNING THE CREATION AND
APPOINTMENT OF CITIZEN AND STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEES FOR
THE TOWN OF ITHACA
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. The Code of the Town of Ithaca is amended by adding a new Chapter
18 entitled "Citizen and Staff Advisory Committees" reading as follows:
Chapter 18
CITIZEN AND STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
§ 18-1. Legislative authority.
§18-2. Supercession of Town Law.
/ \
§18-3. Creation and appointment of citizen advisory committees. n ^
§ 18-4. Members of citizen advisory committees.
§ 18-5. Terms of citizen advisory committee members.
§ 18-6. Authority of citizen advisory committees.
§ 18-7. Compensation.
§ 18-8. Staff advisory committees.
§ 18-9. Inapplicability of this chapter to other committees, boards and
appointments.
§18-1. Legislative authority.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 10, Subdivision l(ii)d(3), of the Municipal
Home Rule Law of the State of New York.
§18-2. Supercession of Town Law. ^
(Complete the certification in the paragraph that applies to the filing of this local law and
strike out that which is not applicable.)
' V. (Final adoption by local legislative body only.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No 3. of 20-Q-^-.
of the ... iTmCA was duly passed by the
: S.v.ARP. on ..mar..!?..... 20.9.®, in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
(Nam* of Legislative Body)
2. (Passage by local legislative body with approval, no disapproval or repassage after disapproval
by the Elective Chief Executive Officer*.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20
of the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
7 on 20 ..., and was (approved)(not approved)(repassed after
(Name ofLegislative Body)
disapproval) by the - and was deemed duly adopted on 20
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
(Final adoption by referendum.)
^ \ereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20
>the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20-— , and was (approved)(not approved)(repassed after
(Name of Legislative Body)
disapproval) by the — on 20 Such local law was submitted
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
to the people by reason of a (mandatory)(permissive) referendum, and received the affirmative vote of a majority of
the qualified electors voting thereon at the (general)(special)(annual) election held on 20— , in
accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
4. (Subject to permissive referendum and final adoption because no valid petition was filed requesting
referendum.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20
of the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20— , and was (approved)(not approved)(repassed after
(Name of Legislative Body)
disapproval) by the— on 20 --- . Such local law was subject to
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
permissive referendum and no valid petition requesting such referendum was filed as of 20— , in
accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
I
^active Chief Executive Officer means or includes the chief executive officer of a county elected on a county-
./ide basis or, if there be none, the chairperson of the county iegislative body, the mayor of a city or village, or
the supervisor of a town where such officer is vested with the power to approve or veto local laws or ordinances.
(2)
5. (City local law concerning Charter revision proposed by petition.)
aereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 ^
. the City of - - having been submitted to referendum pursuant to the provisions ofs' ^
section (36)(37) of the Municipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the
qualified electors of such city voting thereon at the (special)(general) election held on 20-—,
became operative.
6. (County local law concerning adoption of Charter.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No of 20
of the County of State of New York, having been submitted to the electors
at the General Election of November 20—., pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 7 of section 33 of the
Municipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the cit
ies of said county as a unit and a majority of the qualiHed electors of the towns of said county considered as a unit
voting at said general election, became operative.
(If any other authorized form of final adoption has been followed, please provide an appropriate certification.)
I further certify that I have compared the preceding local law with the original on file in this office and that the same
IS a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of such original local law, and was finally adopted in the manner in
dicated in paragraph 1 , above. ^
^
(Seal) not..- MARCH 20. 2006 f
Clerk of thtCtwuly Lgklailvtt UodyrGilyvTown orJWHago-CIerk
or officer designated by local legislative body
(Certification to be executed by County Attorney, Corporation Counsel, Town Attorney, Village Attorney or
other authorized attorney of locality.) » j
STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing local law contains the correct text and that all proper proceedings
have been had or taken for the enactment of the local law annexed hereto.
Signature
attorney for the town
TTtie
^.County—
—of ITHACA ^
Town 1
3- I (
Date:
(3)
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting A CEIV I).A # 3 ij'
ATTACHMENT #7
f J TOWN OF ITHACA
^ ^ PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
TO: TOWN BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: MICHAEL SMITH, ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER^^
DATE: MARCH 6, 2006
RE: 1) UPDATING "PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION
EASEMENTS TARGET AREAS" MAP
2) AUTHORIZATION FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES ON TWO
PARCELS
Attached are materials relating to the Town's Agricultural Land Preservation Program for
consideration at the March 13, 2006 Town Board meeting. The Town has recently
received two new applications from farmland owners who are interested in agricultural
conservation easements through the Town's Agricultural Land Preservation Program.
The two properties total approximately 130 acres and are both currently being farmed as
either a fruit and vegetable farm (Cummins) or open fields of com, hay and soybeans
(Drake). Both properties are located on West Hill and are within the Town's Agricultural
Zone and the Tompkins County Agricultural District No. 2. Along with the application
to the Town, both of the applicants, based on initial conversations, are willing to
participate with the Town in applying for a grant through the State of New York farmland
protection program. While the grant request has not been released yet, it is anticipated
that it will be released sometime in April with a June submission date for the application.
In anticipation of this grant, there are a couple items that can be started at this point to
prepare for the application. The Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee met
on Monday, February 27'^^ to discuss these two new applications and the activities that
need to be accomplished in preparing for the State grant application. The Committee
recommended pursuing both of these new applications, starting with updating the target
areas map and having appraisals completed.
Target Areas Map: The two properties submitted to the Town's program are not located
within, but are adjacent to, the original target area designated in the 1999 Policy and
Procedures Manual. For the Town to proceed with pursuing easements on the properties,
these two parcels should be included in the target area. Having them included in the
target area will also be important with presenting the grant applications to the Tompkins
County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (they must endorse all applications
to the State) and the State. As mentioned above, both parcels are located within the
Town's Agricultural Zoning and the County Agricultural District and they are adjacent to
existing target areas. The original targets areas were never analyzed by parcel and were
designated in the Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan only by general areas to include.
The Policies and Procedures Manual discusses that the Targets Areas Map can be
"amended from time to time by formal resolution" if necessary (pg. 4). Included is a ' ^
draft resolution updating the map along with a couple of maps showing the location of , .
the two parcels and the Target Areas map. ^
Appraisals: The first step in pursuing the conservation easement is to have an appraisal
completed for each property. As mentioned above, the Agricultural Land Preservation
Advisory Committee has recommended an appraisal be completed for each property as
discussed at the February 21^^ meeting. The completed appraisal will provide the
property owner their first estimate of what the Town can offer and they can decide if they
would like to continue pursuing the easement with the Town. The appraisal will also give
the Town a dollar value we are more confident using to include in the State grant
application, instead of just an estimate by staff. I have obtained cost estimates and
general timeframes to complete the appraisals from two qualified appraisers and have
attached both proposals. While the Town has used North East Appraisals in the past and
that proposal is cheaper. Planning Staff is suggesting that the Town use Pomeroy
Appraisal Associates for these two new appraisals. Pomeroy appears to have a
significant amount of experience doing appraisals for conservation easements and it
might be nice to try a different appraiser to see if the end values are any different than we
have received in the past for other properties. The Tompkins County Agricultural and
Farmland Protection Board and the Cooperative Extension recently used Pomeroy for a
conservation easement proposal in the Town of Lansing, and were very happy with the
company and the overall appraisal value they received. Included are copies of both
appraisal proposals along with a draft resolution allowing staff to proceed with having the
appraisals completed by Pomeroy (resolution can be changed to North East at the
meeting if the Board desires).
Please contact me at 273-1747 or email me at msmith@town.ithaca.nv.us if you have any
questions prior to the meeting.
Enc.
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jbltural Land PreservationAdvisory CommitteeExisting and Town Conservation Easement Propc.-.-^ ^Shefneld RdiiiiHi*\ w-. \\ \■.\<>.\'--\\\' .-Nviiiiiilik\W<.->skvk<k»iimkki^^Wxkx'^k>kk^iMkMkkwwvww \\ xN wxN'r§mMkk>k$kk^kkk;W .N "< N - XV • V\ \ \\V X SN '.X vx V V X\ \x vX XXX XV XN XxX>XX-:XX\\
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2006
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2006 - : APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO "PURCHASE OF
AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENTS TARGET AREAS" MAP (MARCH
1999. UPDATED MARCH 13. 2006)
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has received agricultural conservation easement
applications from two landowners who's properties are not located within the original
target areas identified in the Policies and Procedures Manual, and
WHEREAS, both of the properties are located within the Town's Agricultural
Zone and within the Tompkins County Agricultural District No. 2, and
WHEREAS, both properties are located adjacent to other properties located
within the original target area boundaries, and
WHEREAS, both properties are currently in active agriculture use, and
WHEREAS, the Town's Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee has
reviewed the updates at a meeting on February 27, 2006, and recommend the two
parcels be added to the target areas map, and
WHEREAS, at the regular meeting on March 13, 2006, the Town Board of the
Town of Ithaca has reviewed the revised targets areas map referenced above, and
WHEREAS, this action is a Type II action pursuant to Part 617.5 of the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act, and Chapter 148 of the Code of the Town of
Ithaca titled "Environmental Quality Review", thereby not being subject to further
environmental review,
NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby approves and accepts the revised "Purchase of Agricultural Conservation
Easements Target Areas" map (March 1999, Updated March 13, 2006), and determines
that such map shall be inserted into the agricultural land preservation program's
"Policies and Procedures Manual".
MOVED:
SECONDED:
VOTE:
Cayuga LakeVillage ofCayuga HeightsKAYISRSCity of IthacaParcels to be Added to theAgricultural Conservation EasementsTarget Areas MapMarch 2, 2006Target Areas for Purchase ofAgricultural Conservation Easements(3D Parcels to be added to Target AreaA
Purchase of Agricultural ConservationEasements Target AreasTown of IthacaTompkins CountyNew YorkMarch 1999Updated March 13, 2006_c£ —>-I Target Areas for Purchase of ]1 Agricultural Conservation Easements 1JNOTE:Formal deilneaticm of areas to beprotected wlll occur on a parcel byparcel basis.AN^^■P»hP!P^ / Jj \ > 10.5 0 0.5 1 Milesfmwrmx^Map Prepared By;Town of IthacaNY 'l*tOtA>
War 07 06 08:53a Ken Gardner 307-273<l703 p.1
f north east
appraisals
& MANAGBMENT CO.iNC.
March 6, 2006
Michael Smith
EnvircHimental Planner
Town of Ithaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
RE: Proposal for the Appraisal of Agricultural
Conservation Easements Tax Parcels #24-1-25.21 &
#27-1-15.2
Dear Michael:
I am writing to provide you with a proposal to prepare the
acquisition of agricultural conservation easements by the Town of Ithaca on Ae abovereferenced properties. My proposal is based on being select^ to prepare both apprasals,
as there are efficiencies that can be realized by domg multiple appraials residtmg mreduced fees. If I am selected, I will prepare complete appraisal rep^ wnsistent withthe format ofprevious appraisals that I have prepared for the To^^Ithacam
conformance with the Uniform Standards of Professional
fee for this assignment including both properties would be p,995. I anticipate that my
work would be completed within 30 to 45 d^s of your authorization to proceed.
If you have any questions or require additional information please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Very truly yours,
NORTH EASTAPPRAJSAIS & MANAGEMENT CO., INC.
Kenneth V. Gardner II
President
KVG/vcg
PO Box 4805. Ithaca. NY 14852^805 1607) 272-9500 Fax [607] 273G7G3
APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
Real Estate Appraisers - Consultants
POMEROY PLACE. 225 WEST JEFFERSON ST., SYRACUSE. N. Y. 13202
TELEPHONE: 315-422-7106
FAX: 315-476-1011
E-MAIL: info@pomeroyappraisal.com
http://pomeroyappraisal.com
March 6,2006
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Environmental Planner
Town of Ithaca
215 N. Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 13850
TELECOPY: (607) 273-1704
HARD COPY TO FOLLOW
; !'. i is '.y- -1' n I
MAR 7 2006
FEE PROPOSAL
to appraise
Cummins and Drake Agricultural Conservation Easements
Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York
Dear Mr. Smith:
Request for Proposal: In accordance with your request we submit our proposal for providing a
Complete Appraisal prepared in a Summary (abbreviated) Appraisal Report format on the above
referenced properties.
Date of Appraisal: Each property will be valued as of the date of our inspection.
Purpose of Appraisal: The purpose of each report is to estimate the market value of the
property both before and after the placement of an agricultural conservation easement, predicated
upon a normal marketing period for this type of property unless otherwise requested by the
client.
Intended Use of Appraisal: The intended use of this appraisal report is for conservation
easement purposes. These appraisal reports are not intended for any other use.
Intended Users of Appraisal: Each appraisal report is intended for use only by the client and its
assigns. Use of these reports by others is not intended by the appraiser. We request that you
seek our written authorization before releasing the reports to any other party.
Property Interest Appraised: The legal property appraised would be the fee simple interest and
the interest subject to the agricultural conservation easement.
Scope of Work: The scope of this assignment is for the sole and exclusive use of the client to
establish the value of the agricultural conservation easement proposed to be placed on each
subject parcel.
POMEROY^^^^^ APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page two
March 6,2006
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This appraisal assignment will be developed and the report will be in conformity with
• The Appraisal Institute's Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice
• The appraisal guidelines required as outlined by the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency (OCC) mandating the adherence of the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice (USPAP) issued by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal
Foundation as established by Title XI of the Federal Financial Institutions Reform,
Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) of 1989, as amended since that initial date.
Property Description; The properties, both located in the Town of Ithaca, are briefly described
as follows, based on information firom the assessor's records:
Owner.Tax Man*#?' ,fRoad Tfrbbertv Tvoe' •
Stephen
Ciunmings 24-1-25.21 1408 Trumansburg Rd.Distribution
Facility 41.28
Warehouse,
greenhouses, bams
Robert Drake 27-1-15.2 N/S Mecklenburg Rd.Farm Vacant
Land
91.12 None 1
Appraisal Assignment: ''Before and After Appraisal Analvses": Two appraisal valuations will
be completed on each property, commonly identified as the "Before Appraisal" and "After
Appraisal". The "Before Appraisal" estimates the value of the subject property before the
placement of the ACE (with full development rights) while the "After Appraisal" estimates the
value of the property (land plus buildings) with the encumbrance of the ACE. The difference
between the two appraisals represents the value of the ACE (i.e. development rights). The
"subject property" will consist of land only if no charitable donation is to be made, or land and
bnildings if a charitable donation is to be made as all or part of the transaction {see "Internal
Revenue Service Requirements" below).
The "Before Appraisal" includes the completion of a market study to determine the size range,
price range, and frequency of sales of development land in the subject's marketing area. This
market study is essential in order to determine how to estimate subject's value as if it were to be
sold to developers. Breaking up a large tract of land such as yours more accurately reflects the
"highest and best use" of the land for development purposes - developers typically prefer to
purchase relatively small (5 to 25 acre tracts) instead of a single 50- or 100-acre parcel so they
don't have large capital investments in land; smaller tracts typically sell at higher unit (dollars
per acre) prices and more frequently than larger parcels, also indicating that a hi^er total value
could be achieved with this method of valuation. Based on our preliminary review of the tax
maps and satellite photographs depicting the subject property, it is our initial opinion that each
subject property can be divided into two to five rural lots or economic units.
> s
po'^^OY APPRAISAL. ASSOCIATES. INC.
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page three
March 6,2006
The "After Appraisal" considers the market value of the subject as a single tract of agricultural
land used for agricultural purposes, devoid of all development rights. This after venation
analysis will use sales purchased primarily for agricultural usage as well as considering the
agricultural potential of the soils.
Internal Revenue Service Requirements: If the Federal government is to be involved with this
project of preserving farmland (e.g. includes a charitable donation), two requirements must be
incorporated into this assignment — the inclusion of all improvements and the analysis of all
other related properties.
• All buildings on the subject's land must be included in the valuation analyses in order to
evaluate the contributory value of each building before and after the placement of the
ACE
o The Intemal Revenue Service requires this "before and after" analysis of building
values in order to determine if the buildings have been enhanced by the ACE
whenever donated property is involved
o USDA programs require all buildings on the appraised property to be included in
the appraisal analysis (we assume that the USDA is not an intended user for this
appraisal report)
• All other properties not included in the proposed ACE but under similar or related
ownerships must be included in the appraisal analyses
o IRS requires that all properties under the same ownership must be included so that
any enhancement in value realized by the non-ACE property is recognized and
deducted firom the gross value of the ACE
o IRS also requires that all other property owned by related parties tha,t is in close
proximity to the subject property and which may be enhanced by being
surrounded by protected farmland must also be included in the appraisal; any
increase in said values must also be deducted from the gross value of the ACE
• Failure to include either or both of the above-described sets of requirements will result in
rejection of the appraisal by the IRS as well as penalties to the appUcants, appraiser and
oAer involved parties
Based on the information provided by you, we assume that there are no other properties that need
to be considered as part of this assignment. If such properties are subsequently identified, then
the fees stated later in this Fee Proposal will be subject to change to accommodate the added
parcels.
Appraisal Experience; Pomeroy's appraisers have extensive valuation experience in all t^es of
land and improved properties found throughout Upstate New York, including properties sumlar
to the parcel described herein. Lists of recent assignments and projects can be provided upon
request.
POMEROY^^^^^ APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES. INC.
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Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page four
March 6, 2006
Pomeroy has appraised conservation easements in at least 24 counties in New York, including:
Broome Cayuga Cortland Delaware
Erie Essex Franklin Greene
Hamilton Herkimer Madison Monroe
Montgomery Onondaga Orange Oswego
St. Lawrence Schoharie Seneca Tompkins
Washington Wayne Westchester Ulster
The following provides a summary of some of the assignments completed for a variety of clients:
: ' .Client '
Number of
ApprMsals
Wayne County Planning Board 22
Watershed Agricultural Council 27
United States Department of Agriculture 5
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 12
NYC Department of Environmental Protection 90
Finch, Pruyn and Company *132
1 American Farmland Trust ^10+
1 Total 298
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* One assignment included 132 separate appraisals
^AFT works with individualfarm owners - our records list some assignments
under the owner's name and others are listed under AFT
Pomeroy currently has four members holding the MAI (Member, Appraisal Institute)
designation, recognized as the premier professional appraisal designation by the appraisal
industry. The three principal members have about 120 years of combined appraisal experience,
and when combined with the rest of the Pomeroy staff, the company offers almost two centuries
of experience and skills to assist its clients.
In addition, Pomeroy's owners and several of its members hold additional professional
designations as well as memberships in over a dozen other appraisal organizations. Pomeroy's
principal members have held or are holding elected and appointed officer and committee
positions on both chapter and national levels. Examples include: Chairs of several National
appraisal committees (Editorial Committee for the American Society of Farm Managers and
Rural Appraisers or ASPMRA, National Appraisal Review Committee for ASFMRA,
Publications Commission for Valuation 2000 [the largest appraisal convention ever held - July
2000 in Las Vegas], Division of Faculty Committee of Appraisal Institute), President of local
chapters (Appraisal Institute, ASFMRA and Intemational Right-of-Way Association); and
serving on the Appraisal Institute Board of Governors (5 years) and as District Vice-President for
ASFMRA (3 years).
PO'^^'^OY APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
I
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page five
March 6, 2006
As a bare minimum, all of Pomeroy's principal members and most of its staff are Certified
General Real Estate Appraisers in New York State.
Information describing some of the experiences of Pomeroy Appraisal Associates and its
principal members can be viewed on the firm's website at http:/^omerovappraisal.com.
The principal appraiser for this assignment will be Donald A. Fisher, MAI, ARA, president of
Pomeroy Appraisal Associates. A copy of his curriculum vitae is attached for your review.
Value Approaches to be Used: All three valuation approaches will be considered for this
appraisal analysis.
Appraisal Report Alternatives: A Summary (limited-format) Appraisal Report can be provided
initially if full details of the property and the valuation analyses are not required for your needs
at this time. While including the same degree of market research and valuation analysis, the
' description of the property and steps of the v£urious valuation methods are summarized and will
not include all explanations and supporting documentation. Such documentation is retained in
our files for future needs, if required for future purposes.
The Summary Appraisal Report can be expanded to a Self-contained Appraisal Report, as of the
same date, for an additional fee. However, if the completion of the Self-contained Appraisal
Report requires a second inspection of the property for a new valuation date and/or additional
market research will be required, than the fee will have to be re-negotiated dependent upon how
much additional time will be required.
If a Self-contained (fully-documented) Appraisal Report suitable for financing or court testimony
is initially required instead of the limited format letter-type report, it can be provided instead of
the Summary Appraisal Report originally described.
The Summary Appraisal Report is usually not suitable for financing and is never adequate for
court testimony purposes. A Self-contained Appraisal Report must be prepared prior to any
court appearance. If a court appearance is likely, we must be notified a minimum of 50 days
prior to the trial date to provide adequate time to prepare a Self-contained (court acceptable)
Appraisal Report.
Based on my understanding of your current needs, the Summary Appraisal Report should be
sufficient for this assignment.
POMEROY /-^ APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page six
March 6,2006
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Types of Appraisal Reports; The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice permit
two types of appraisal reports: Complete and Limited. The former utilizes all of the applicable
valuation methods for the selected property type while the latter report type may include only
one or two of the normally accepted valuation methods.
In the case of this property, all of the applicable valuation methods will be considered, indicating
that this report will be a "Complete" appraisal.
Appraisal Fee; Our fees for providing a Sununary Appraisal Report on each of the subject
properties is identified in the following table. Fees for both "land only" and "land and buildings"
for the Cummins property are included - dependent upon which scenario is required.
We require a 50% retainer prior to commencing work, with the balance due immediately upon
delivery of the report. The retainer for this assignment is identified in the following table (if it
the Town of Ithaca's policy not to pay retainers, please contact me to verify altemative
arrangements):
Owner " ^ ' /
Fee Per,
Appra|jsal vApprJaisiF^^.
Requ|re|^^ '
Stephen Cummings - "land only"$2,800 $1,900 $950
Stephen Cummings - "land and buildings"$4,500 $3,300 $1,650
Robert Drake - "land only"$2,800 $1,900 $950
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*Discountedfee only if both properties are appraised at the same time; if one appraisal is
deleted or droppedfrom the original assignment, then the full appraisal fee will be in effect
Accounts that are more than thirty (30) days past due are subject to finance charges of 1.5% per
month. Any payments made in satisfaction of this debt will be applied first to the amount of
interest due, ^en to the principal. Accoimts subject to collection will require the client to pay all
reasonable attorney and/or collection charges in addition to any late charges.
Consulting, Preparation and Court Fees: The above fee does not include post-appraisal
consulting services (e.g. reviewing other reports, considering supplemental information or
altemative scenarios) or preparation and appearance in court or other situations requiring
testimony or representation for the appraisal report. The above fee also does not include
addition^ valuation scenarios or other projections outside of the scope of the appraisal
assignment described in this Fee Proposal. Such time, if required, will be charged at the current
rate schedule in effect at the time the services are required. Currently, my rate for consulting and
court testimony services is $150 per hour plus out-of-pocket expenses.: ^
Term of Proposal: This proposal is valid for 20 days.
PC^ov W APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page seven
March 6, 2006
Property Docmnentation Needed: In order to complete this appraisal, the following
information will be needed if available and not already provided:
• A copy of the deed(s) and any other records of title transfer, including all easements
encumbering the property (e.g., utility and conservation easements, land use restrictions,
building use restrictions, etc.)
• Copies of any purchase offers on all or part of the property being appraised
• A copy of the property survey and/or other property maps and aerial photographs
• Access to building plans
• Copies of any leases that are currently in effect
• Itemized income and expense statements for at least 3 years identifying all sources of
income and all real estate-related expenses (fire insurance, utility costs, repairs, taxes,
etc.) - only needed for the Cummins property if the buildings are to be appraised
• Environmental audits or statement certifying the absence and/or presence of any known
hazardous substances on the site—itemized by type or material
Please indicate with your response which of the above items will be provided by you or
your representative.
While the above list may seem overly extensive, please be assured that it consists of items that
may be necessary and even essential to complete the appraisal on this property. We recognize
that other appraisers may not require such an extensive list of materials prior to authorization of
an appraisal assignment, but will later beg for extensions when these materials are eventually
requested partway into the assignment. We prefer to notify the client upfiront to hopefully
prevent any such delays.
Appraisal Limitations: We also request that you review and initial the conies of the
"Assumptions and Limiting Conditions" and the appraiser's "Certification" which are
attached to this proposal, returning them with the signed copy of this proposal letter. The
appraisal report to be prepared for this assignment will be subject to these limiting conditions as
well as any other conditions deemed appropriate as our investigation and research progresses. If
^ you have questions or concerns involving any of these items, please inquire for a more detailed
explanation.
POMEROY appraisal ASSOCIATES, INC.
Mr. Michael J. Smith
Page eight
March 6,2006
Appraisal Authorization; The authorized signature of the person responsible for payment of
these services on the enclosed copy of this letter or a standard contract from your orgamzation
stating these same terms and conditions together with the retainer stated previously (see table in
"Appraisal Fee" section) will serve as our authorization to proceed.
nelivery Time: We will be able to complete this assignment within 35 to 45 days after receipt
of authorization to proceed and the above requested data has been provided.
Number of Report Copies; The above fee includes the provision of four copies of this
appraisal report to you. Please notify us before completion of the assignment if additional report
copies will be required.
Thank you for your confidence in our services. If there is anything you would like to discuss
further, please call at your convenience.
Very truly yours,
POMEROY APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
\ j
Donald A. Fisher, MAI, ARA
President
DAF/bh
ends.
AUTHORIZED BY:
Signature Date
Print Name
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March 1,2006
Page 2 ^
recent list of outstanding Group of Six projects. Because I have always represented the three ,
lAWTF owners, my appointment as attorney for the Town of Ithaca may not change things from ^
a conflict standpoint for the Village of Cayuga Heights and the Lansings for certain matters. For _
example, I could continue to work on the pretreatment law that Cayuga Heights and the Lansing
need to adopt. But I would be conflicted out of working on bilateral sewer agreements between
the Town oflthaca and any other municipality in the Group of Six.
I would be happy to meet with your municipality, the SJC, or the Group of Six to discuss
these matters and answer any questions. Regardless of your decision as to my future role, I have
enjoyed working with you on these important and interesting intermunicipal matters.
Sincerely,
Susan Hajda Brock
Enclosures
cc: Dan Cogan, SJC Chair
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TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT
TOWN OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
THE SUPERVISOR:
Cr."DA#3^
ATTACHMENT #11
FEBRUARY, 2006
PAGE 1
uant to Section 27, Subd 1 of the Town Law, I hereby make the following statement of all fees and moneys received
b^ me in connection with my office during the month stated above, excepting only such fees and moneys the application
and payment of which are otherwise provided for by Law:
A1255
5 MARRIAGE LICENSES NO. 06006 TO 06010 87.50
2 ZONING ORDINANCE 25.60
1 SIGN ORDINANCE 1.40
6 TAX SEARCH 30.00
2 MARRIAGE TRANSCRIPT
?
TOTAL TOWN CLERK FEES
20.00
164.50
A1556
1 SPCA CONTRACT
TOTAL A1556
60.00
60.00
A2544
DOG LICENSES
TOTAL A2544
488.33
488.33
10 BUILDING PERMIT 3,570.00
( :3 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS 150.00
3 ZONING BOARD MTG 300.00
4 TEMP CERTIFICATE OCCUP 1,442.50
1 OPERATING PERMIT
TOTAL B2110
50.00
5,512.50
B2115
1 SUBDV. REV. PRELIM. PLAT 2,060.00
2 SITE PLAN INIT. APL. FEE 200.00
1 SITE PLAN PRELIM. PLAN 1,000.00
3 SITE PLAN FINAL PLAN
TOTAL B2115
2,450.00
5,710.00
TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT
FEBRUARY, 2006
-ge 2
DISBURSEMENTS
PAID TO SUPERVISOR FOR GENERAL FUND
PAID TO SUPERVISOR FOR PART TOWN FUND
PAID TO COUNTY TREASURER FOR DOG LICENSES
PAID TO AG & MARKETS FOR DOG LICENSES
PAID TO NYS HEALTH DEPT FOR MARRIAGE LICENSES
712.83
11,222.50
99.17
30.00
112.50
f OTAL DISBURSEMENTS 12,177.00
MARCH 1,2006
CATHERINE VALENTINO
SUPERVISOR
STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, TOWN OF ITHACA
I, TEE-ANN HUNTER, being duly sworn, says that I am the Clerk of the TOWN OF ITHACA
that the foregoing is a full and true statement of all Fees and moneys received by me during the month above stated, excepting
only such Fees the application and payment of which are otherwise provided for by law.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
Town Clerk
day of_20
Notary Public
TOWN OF ITHACA
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
www.town.ithaca.ny.us
TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY (Roads, Parks, Trails, Water &Sewer) 273-1656 ENGINEERING 273-1747
PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783
FAX (607) 273-1704
To: Cathy Valentino, Supervisor Town Of Ithaca
Sandy Gittelman, Chair Recreation & Human Services Committee
Will Burbank, Councilperson
Peter Stein, Councilperson
Pat Leary, Councilperson
Jeff Cowie, Councilperson
Herb Engman, Councilperson
From: Mamie Kirchgessner, Recreation and Youth Coordinator
January- Febmary 2005
Youth Employmeiit
The months of January and Febmary are always interesting and challenging in Ithaca.
Activities are being institutionalized and continue to expand. An Ithaca College Field
work 11 (administration) Nick Tessori chose the Town for his placement. He has been
/ working on creating an orientation manual for all of the many aspects of the position of
Youth and Recreation Coordinator; attending and participating in the various meetings
associated with the position and working on improving materials given to individuals
participating in the town's Student Work Initiative. The increase in minimum wage has
effectively reduced the number of youth who will be able to obtain subsidized
employment. At this point last year we had two students "carry" over from 2003 and only
one inquiry. This year I still have five students actively working for the history project
(grant supported) and have already had contact with eight students, one has been placed,
one interviewed and pending placement, two accepted in the Joblink program and the
others are in various stages of the process.
Joint Youth Commission
Primary work involved gaining clarity on appropriations for the contract agencies. The
traditional time line for recommendation by JYC requires the supervisor to place figures
in the budget adopted by the board that do not necessarily correspond with their
recommendations. Other factors such as county reimbursement also affect these numbers.
The JYC has had vacancies and is in the process of recruitment. Appointments are
needed for Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing and Youth.
Recreation Partnership
Continues to grapple with quorum issues. The Spring offerings brochure is now available
\with a supply in the Town lobby. A dinner information meeting to be held here is
scheduled for April 6, 2006 at 5:30 with invitations being mailed.
Recreation and Human Service Committee
Although the Recreation and Human Service Committee did not meet in January there
was a full agenda in February with actions taken by the committee to move forward the
process of naming parks and creating a map for constituents reference and use. The
committee will be considering policy for the utilization of Tutelo Park ball field and
pavilion. The committee has requested a status report on aspects of project still needing
completion to be given at its next meeting. Will Burbank will act as chair until Sandy's
return. Application was completed for a second celebration grant to support a planned
interpretive sign on the indigenous people of the area. Town Historian Laura Johnson
Kelly is coordinating content with all interested parties and will give recommendation to
board and committee.
Related Activity
Attendance at aforementioned committees as well related public meetings and
participation in an skill building class in excel.
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TOWN ENGINEERS REPORT 3/13/2006
The Tompkins County Stormwater Working Group was established in October 2003 and is comprised of
representatives from Tompkins County; City of Ithaca; Tovms of Caroline, Dryden, Ithaca, Lansing,
Newfield and Ulysses; and Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing. The New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York State Department of Transportation, Tompkins County
Soil and Water Conservation District (TCSWCD), Tompkins County Cooperative Extension (CCE), Cornell
University, Ithaca City School District, BOCES, T.G. Miller, Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal
Organization (10), and Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (Network) also participate in and contribute to the
group.
The purpose of the SWG is to facilitate cooperation among the municipalities in their efforts to comply with
the Phase II Stormwater Regulations and thus maximize resources and save money. The SWG meets on a
monthly basis with meeting facilitation and minute recording shared among participants.
Past participation in the SWG was free and voluntary. No formal agreement exists to be a member;
however, starting in 2006, a municipality must sign an intermunicipal agreement and pay an annual fee to be
a member and receive benefits of the SWG. The SWG is proposing that the MS4 municipalities (County,
City, 6 Towns, and 2 Villages) would each pay a membership fee of $1500.
The Town Engineer has recommended that this fee be included in the 2006 Town Budget and is working
with the SWG along with the assistant Director of Planning to develop the memo of understanding of
' ' participation in the SWG which will be brought to the Town Board for approval before the end of the year.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER
Engineering staff is monitoring the sediment and erosion control practices.
WEIDERMEIR SUBDIVISION
Sediment and erosion controls are being monitored. One of the lots has been sold and a house built. The
NYS stormwater monitoring regulations require a subdivision developer to maintain the sediment and
erosion control components of the entire site until all construction is completed on all lots in the subdivision.
SOUTHWOODS
Construction of phase II improvements is substantially complete. The Town is working with the developer
to complete aspects of the stormwater management system, which protects properties down stream of the
development. Legal responsibility for maintenance of the permanent storm water management measures is
in the process of being finalized.
Town Engineer's Report March 13, 2006
Daniel R. Walker Page 3 3/7/2006
TOWN ENGINEERS REPORT 3/13/2006
WESTVIEW SUBDIVISION
Construction of Phase I of the roads and utilities has been substantially completed, and the Town Board has
accepted that portion of the project. The Engineering staff is monitoring the sediment and erosion control
program for the site, which is currently in compliance with the sediment and erosion control plan and
general permit from DEC.
OVERLOOK ON THE WEST HILL
Site work is underway for Phase lb including stormwater detention, mass grading, relocation of the water
main and sewer improvements. The Engineering staff is monitoring the site sediment and erosion control
measures.
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Town Engineer's Report March 13,2006
Daniel R. Walker Page 4 3/7/2006
Town Engineer's Report for 3/13/2006
Town Board Meeting
GENERAL
Emergency Management Tompkins County Table Top Exercise
On February participated in a Table Top Exercise designed to exercise the setting up of an Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) during a major emergency incident in Tompkins County.
The exercise included participants from most of the agencies in the county including Cornell (the site of the
simulated incident), TC emergency management, TC Department of Health, TC public Works, TC Sheriff,
Ithaca Police Department, NYS Police, the State Emergency Management Office, IFD, and the City of
Ithaca clerk and DPW. There were over 40 participants.
The purpose of the training was to review the functions of the EOC in coordination of efforts to respond to
and recover from a major emergency incident. The particular incident for this exercise was a release of
poison gas at a livestock show at the CU livestock pavilion. This had been run as a field exercise for
emergency responders last year and the tabletop was designed to specifically review the procedures for
establishing the EOC.
Objectives included:
• Communications
o Identify and discuss the EOC activation call up procedure
o Identify which officials should be in the EOC
o Identify and discuss the interface between different entities
, • Public Information
o Identify means of managing media concerns and access
o Provide public information and control rumors
• Protective actions for the public
• Continuity of operations
EARTH FILL PERMITS
A fill permit for drainage improvements was issued for the Economy Inn on Elmira Road.
WATER PROJECTS
East Hill Transmission Main and Storage Tank
Excavation for the Three Million Water Storage Tank is nearly complete and work on the site has been
limited to maintenance of the sediment and erosion control measures and removal of excess crushed rock
from the site. The project is a SCLIWC funded and contracted project and the Town Engineering Staff is
providing Construction Inspection and project management services with reimbursement from the
Commission.
^^1^ Trumansburg Road Water Tank
The Engineering staff is completing plans and specifications to make minor improvements to the tank
' overflow and for recoating the interior and exterior of the tank. The project has been budgeted for in 2006,
and will be advertised for bids in March with a contract award anticipated at the April Town Board meeting.
TOWN ENGINEERS REPORT 3/13/2006
Trumansburg Road Water Main Improvements
Planning has started for a capital project to replace the 80-year-old, 6-inch cast iron water main, which
serves Trumansburg Road from the city line to Harris Dates drive.
SEWER PROJECTS
lAWWTF Phosphorus Removal Project
Installation of the process equipment has been completed and startup is scheduled for early March. The
general contractor has made a claim for additional payment for delays caused by concrete mix availability. The
claim has been evaluated by the engineer and the City Staff and is being denied because the delay was actually
caused by the Contractor.
Joint Interceptor Sewer Projects
The First Street Interceptor construction is proceeding with City of Ithaca forces doing the work. Town Staff is
monitoring the construction process, which has been proceeding smoothly.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT *
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The Town Engineers office is continuing to work on the watershed plan and model for the Town. Data that
was collected by the engineering interns will be processed and developed into a stormwater model for the
Town.
Northeast
Development of the drainage plan is continuing with an initial concentration of the Salem Drive area and the
Hanshaw Road drainage system. Drainage improvements are being coordinated with the County plan for
reconstruction of Hanshaw Road.
Storm Water Working Group
The Town of Ithaca is a participant in the Tompkins County Stormwater Working Group (SWG), which
was formed to meet the needs of municipalities that must comply with the NYSDEC Phase II stormwater
regulations. These municipalities are owners of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and are
required to meet the "minimum measures" of the law. Failure to comply with these regulations (e.g. failure
to submit an annual report, failure to adopt required local laws, failure to enforce regulations) may result in
fines (up to $37,500 per day). A second component of these regulations is a state-wide requirement for all
land disturbance activities (such as construction) that exceed one-acre in size to apply for a stormwater
permit.
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Town Engineer's Report March 13,2006
Daniel R. Walker Page 2 3/7/2006
To\vn of Ithaca Planning Director's .o-"—
MmMJIMOMJEpMihRQmidM^im
College, Appellant; (4) Variance to allow the continuation of an existing two-family dwelling with
two units of equal size in a duplex building was granted, located at 133 Snyder Hill Road, Dennis
Stein, Appellant; and (5) Variances were granted to allow a dock to be constructed exceeding the
maximum surface area and width of the "L" at the end of the dock, located at 1126 East Shore
Drive, Jason Sokoloff, Appellant, Ronald Knewstub, Agent.
Codes and Ordinances Committee fCOO: The Committee met on January 18^*^ and February 15**^,
2006 to discuss the proposed Indian Creek & Lake Slopes Conservation Zone, update on the
boundary and mapping of the proposed Coy Glen Conservation Zone, and the possible amendment
of permitted uses in the Conservation Zone to allow hospitals. The Committee continued discussion
regarding work plan priorities for 2006. The Committee held a public information meeting
regarding the proposed Indian Creek/Lake Slopes Conservation Zone and also held individual
meetings with two of the large landowners in the area of the proposed Zone. The next COC
meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2006.
Transportation Committee: The Committee met on February 14, 2006 to discuss progress on the
preparation of the Transportation Plan. In addition to a revised draft of the pedestrian connections
map and a chapter describing the criteria that went into the preparation of the map, a new draft
bicycle issues section and map was prepared. Draft pedestrian and bicycle facility design guidelines
have been drafted in an Appendix to be included in the Plan. The next meeting is scheduled for
March 23, 2006 to discuss a new section on traffic calming, follow-up discussion on the bicycle and
pedestrian sections, and an update on any remaining work that we may want our consultants to do.
Conservation Board: A meeting was held on February 2, 2006. Agenda items included a discussion
of work plan priorities for 2006, reports of sub-committees, update on the proposed Indian
Creek/Lake Slopes Conservation Zone, and ideas for the Spring Newsletter. The March 2, 2006
meeting was cancelled due to snow. The next meeting will either be re-scheduled for March 16,
2006 or will be scheduled at the regular meeting on April 6, 2006.
ITCTC Planning Committee: The Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Planning Committee met on February 21, 2006. The main agenda item included a Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) amendment to add three SAFETEA-LU earmark projects to the TIP,
including the Town of Ithaca Gateway Trail project and the City of Ithaca Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
The Policy Committee also held a short special meeting to approve the TIP amendment mentioned
above. The Planning Committee agenda also included a review of the 2006/07 work program and
an update on the Downtown Commuter Survey. The Policy Committee will meet on March 14,
2006. The next meeting of the Planning Committee is scheduled for April 18, 2006.
2005 Annual Report and Work Plan Priorities: The 2005 Planning Department Annual Report was
prepared and presented to the Town Board at the February 13, 2006 meeting, along with a memo
outlining possible work plan priorities for 2006 and future years, which was also discussed with the
Town Board.
Affordable Housing Workshop - Better Housing for Tompkins County: The Planning Director
attended a workshop on affordable housing co-sponsored by the NYS Rural Housing Coalition and
Better Housing for Tompkins County on January 26, 2006. The workshop included an overview of
the models, tools, innovative ideas and funding options available to municipalities interested in
Town ofIthaca Plahnm§%iMW^s'R^^T^
March 13 2006 Town BiHinl Meeting
providing affordable housing. Some of the interesting ideas that the Town of Ithaca might want to
pursue include housing land trusts (in which the land trust purchases land, has housing units built,
and the housing is either leased or sold to households within specified income ranges, while the land
trust holds the land on which the housing is situated, which reduces the value/cost of the housing);
and inclusionary zoning regulations (in which a set percentage of affordable housing units are
required to be included in any new residential development - we are already researching what other
areas are doing in this regard).
Spring Newsletter: The deadline for Spring Newsletter articles has passed. Possible articles may
include an introduction to the new Town Board members, an overview of the re-organization of the
Building & Zoning Department, a storm water column, highlight of work by the Public Works and
Engineering Departments, an announcement of the acquisition of the Dress property (if the closing
occurs soon), an update on progress of the Transportation Plan, a Conservation Board article (to be
determined), a reminder regarding spring brush and leaf collection, and other general
announcements. The anticipated schedule is to have the finalized Newsletter in the mail during the
beginning of the first week of April. We continue our working relationship with Challenge, which
provides sorting and bulk mailing services at a very reasonable cost.
I Town of Ithaca Planning Director's
Parcel No. 24-5-1, Agricultural Zone. The proposal involves constructing a +/- 10,000 square foot
addition on the west side of the existing building to house offices and research facilities. Genex
Cooperative, Inc., Owner/Applicant; Egnef Architectural Assoc., LLC, Agent.
Moore Dock, Sea Wall, Boat Lift & Mooring, 1028 East Shore Drive: The Planning board
granted Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a Special Permit for the proposed
construction of a rock riprap wall, a dock, a boat lift and mooring at 1028 East Shore Drive, Town
of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 19-2-16, Lakefront Residential Zone. The proposal includes constructing
an open pile wooden dock, 6' wide by 30' long with an "L" extension to the south 15' wide by 8'
long. The plans also include a 10' wide by 15' long boatlift, a mooring placed approximately 65'-
75' from the shoreline and the construction of a sea wall along the length of the property's
shoreline. Timothy J. Moore and Michael C. Moore, Owners/Applicants.
Sokoloff Dock, 1126 East Shore Drive; The Planning Board considered a modification of the
approval for the dock that received Preliminary Approval on January 3, 2006, to allow a longer,
narrower dock with a larger "L" at the end than was approved. Based on a negative reaction by the
Planning Board, the applicant withdrew the proposed modification. Jason Sokoloff, Owner; Ronald
B. Knewstub, Applicant/Agent.
Cornell t-GEIS: Based on revisions that were discussed at the January 17, 2006 meeting, the
Planning Board accepted the Draft Scope document (revised February 7, 2006) as the Final Scope
document for the transportation-focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t-GEIS) for a
Ten-year Transportation Impact Mitigation Strategy (TIMS) being prepared by Cornell University
in cooperation with the Town of Ithaca. Kathryn Wolf, RLA, Principal-in-Charge.
Nomination and Election of Vice Chair for 2006: The Planning Board unanimously nominated
and elected Eva Hoffmann to continue to serve as Vice Chair for 2006.
Februarv 21. 2006 Meeting:
Raponi 4-Lot Subdivision, Pennsylvania Avenue: The Planning Board granted Preliminary and
Final Subdivision approval for the proposed 4-lot subdivision located on Pennsylvania Avenue
northwest of 116 Pennsylvania Avenue, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 54-7-2, High Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the existing +/- 29,585 square foot parcel into
3 new building lots with an additional +/- 977 square foot lot to be attached to an adjacent parcel
(725 Hudson St.) located in the City of Ithaca. Mary Raponi, Owner/Applicant.
Conifer Village Ithaca Senior Living Community, Conifer Drive: The Planning Board granted
Final Subdivision Approval and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Conifer Village Ithaca
Senior Living Community, consisting of a seventy-two (72) unit independent living and affordable
rental project for seniors 55 years of age and older, located on a 9.0 +/- acre parcel north of the
existing Linderman Creek Apartments Phase II and III, Tax Parcel No.'s 27-1-13.12 and 27-1-
13.162, Multiple Residential Zone. The proposal involves construction of a +/- 80,555 square foot,
three-story building, with an 82-space parking lot, stormwater facilities, landscaping, and associated
utilities. The project also includes a secondary "emergency only" access drive to NYS Route 79
using Cypress Court on Tax Parcel No.'s 27-1-13.18 and 27-1-13.17. The remaining +/- 49 acres
of the property are proposed for future development phases over a period of years depending on
j' Tmm ofIthaca Planning Director's
V March !3,2006 Town Board Meeting B ^t ^ ^
market conditions. Conifer Realty, LLC, Owner/Applicant; John H. Fennessey, Agent. The ' }
recommendations of the Town Board were addressed as follows: *
• Walkways were extended to include a walkway in the rear of the building to make a
connecting loop around the entire perimeter of the building;
• A certified wetland consultant prepared landscaping plans to provide for wetland plantings
in the storm water detention facilities. These had already been designed as micro pools that
would provide a wetland-like environment;
• Adequate right-of-way was added on the lower portion of Conifer Drive to include an off-
road bicycle/pedestrian path if determined to be desirable. A condition was included in the
resolution of approval indicating that additional right-of-way width will be required on the
upper portion of Conifer Drive (through the remaining vacant Conifer land) if determined to
be needed for an off-road bicycle/pedestrian path (Conifer was agreeable to this condition).
The Planning Board will continue discussions regarding the options for providing bicycle
and pedestrian facilities through the Conifer lands; and
• Conifer's building plans incorporated the provision for a possible future second elevator by
reserving an area where it can be installed if the need should become apparent.
Recommendation Regarding Proposed Indian Creek Gorge «& Lake Slopes Conservation
Zone: The Planning Board, after holding a public hearing, issued a positive recommendation to the '
Town Board regarding the proposed rezoning of a portion of land between Taughannock Boulevard ' ^
and Trumansburg Road from Low Density Residential to Conservation Zone.
CURRENT PLANNING DEPARTMENT PROJECTS/FUNCTIONS
The following have been accomplished over the past two months (since the January 2006 Report).
Reviews for Zoning Board: Nine applications for the Zoning Board were processed since the
January report as follows:
January 23, 2006 Meeting: (1) Front yard setback variance for a single-family home was granted at
303 Old Gorge Road, Chad Horihan, Appellant; (2) Height variance for rugby goalposts was
granted at Precinct 9 Athletic Fields, Cornell University, Appellant; (3) Height variance for Conifer
Village Ithaca Senior Apartment Building was granted, proposed off of Conifer Drive, Conifer
LLC, Appellant; (4) An interpretation was issued confirming that ice cream and concession sales
are permitted as a normal function of a miniature golf course, proposed at 869 Elmira Road, Bonnie
and James Warren, Appellants.
February 27, 2006 Meeting: (1) Height variance was granted for a garage, located at 131 West King
Road, Bruno Schickel, Appellant; (2) Height variance for a single-family home with a walk-out
basement was granted, located at 108 Southwoods Drive, James A. Clark, Appellant; (3) Height
variance for the proposed School of Business building at Ithaca College was granted, Ithaca
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING DEPARTMENT
215 NORTH nOGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
Jonathan Kanter, A.LC.P. (607) 273-1747
Director of Planning FAX (607) 273-1704
Planning Director's Report for March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
January 3.2006 Meeting:
Cornell t-GEIS: The Planning Board held the second of two public scoping meetings in
consideration of the Draft Scope outline (dated November 15, 2005) for the transportation-focused
Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t-GElS) being prepared by Cornell University in
cooperation with the Town of Ithaca. The t-GElS will address transportation impacts on the
community surrounding the campus related to an increasing population traveling to Cornell, and
may include recommendations for transportation demand management, multi-modal transportation
strategies, access and circulation modifications, and zoning changes. Kathryn Wolf, RLA,
Principal-in-Charge.
Fain 2-Lot Subdivision, 131 West King Road: The Planning Board granted Preliminary and Final
^ Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot subdivision located at 133 and 131 West King Road,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 37-1-13.11 and 37-1-28, Low Density Residential Zone. The
propos2il involves reaffirmation of these two existing lots (vacant lot - 0.889 +/- acres, existing
house lot - 1.0 +/- acres) which were previously subdivided but did not receive Planning Board
approval. Schickel Construction Co., Inc., Owner/Applicant.
Namgyal Monastery, Danby Road: The Planning Board granted Preliminary Site Plan Approval
and a Special Permit for the proposed Namgyal Monastery development located on the east side of
Danby Road (NYS Route 96B) across from Sesame Street, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 43-2-10,
Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal includes the construction of multiple buildings
(main building, monk's residence, student dormitories, student rooms/apartments, shrine) on the
property totaling approximately 13,000 square feet, to house the local Namgyal Monastery branch
in Ithaca. The plans also include parking for 66 vehicles, five seasonal cabins and a bathhouse, a
maintenance building, lighting, trails, and new stormwater facilities. Namgyal Monastery Institute
of Buddhist Studies, Owner/Applicant.
Sokoloff Dock, 1126 East Shore Drive: After considering a proposal to construct an open pile
dock, 8' wide by 75' long with an "L" to the north 15'6" wide by 15'5" long, located at 1126 East
Shore Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 19-2-5.2, Lakefront Residential Zone, the Planning
Board granted Preliminary Site Plan Approval and a Special Permit for a reduced size version of the
dock, not to exceed 60 feet in length and to reduce the area at the end of the dock to no more than
\ 12' by 12'. Jason Sokoloff, Owner; Ronald B. Knewstub, Applicant.
Town of Ithaca Flanhing'Dif^Ctoy-s^epi •»
March 13, 2006 Town BoardMeeting
Genex/Monsanto Building Addition, 521 Sheffield Road: The Planning Board considered a
sketch plan for the proposed addition at the Genex Monsanto Building, Production Center # 2,
located at 521 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24-5-1, Agricultural Zone. The
proposal involves constructing a +/- 10,000 square foot addition on the west side of the existing
building to house offices and research facilities. Genex Cooperative, Inc., Owner/Applicant; Egner
Architectural Assoc., LLC, Agent.
January 17. 2006 Meeting:
La Tourelle Site Plan Modifications (Spa and Room Addition), 1150 Danby Road: The
Planning Board granted Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for modifications to the
previously approved plan for the spa and room addition project at the La Tourelle Country Inn
located at 1150 Danby Road (NYS Route 96B), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 36-1-4.2, Planned
Development Zone No. 1. The proposal involves changes to the proposed stormwater facilities, to
the number and location of some of the parking, and modifications to the arrangement of the
landscaping and lighting. Walter J. Wiggins, Owner/Applicant.
Three Rivers Mini Golf & Creamery, 869 Elmira Road: The Planning Board granted
Preliminary Site Plan Approval and a Special Permit for the proposed Three Rivers Mini Golf &
Creamery located at 869 Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35-1-10.2, Low Density
Residential Zone. The proposal includes the construction of a 18 hole miniature golf course, a 29
space parking lot and entrance drive, a small building for ice cream sales and storage, a gazebo,
lighting, and stormwater facilities. Bonnie and James Warren, Owners/Applicants; Robert M.
Drew, Project Engineer, Hunt Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, P.C., Agent.
Cornell t-GEIS: The Planning Board considered acceptance of the Draft Scope document (dated
November 15, 2005, revised January 11, 2006) as the Final Scope document for the proposed
transportation-focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t-GEIS) being prepared by
Cornell University in cooperation with the Town of Ithaca. Kathryn Wolf, RLA, Principal-in-
Charge. The Planning Board suggested additional revisions and postponed their decision until the
February 7, 2006 meeting.
February 7, 2006 Meeting:
Cornell University Pine Tree Road Office Building, 391 Pine Tree Road: The Planning Board
granted Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Pine Tree Road Office Building project located to
the east of 391 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 63-1-3.4, Low Density Residential
Zone. The proposal includes demolishing several existing bams and related abandoned buildings
and constructing a new three story, +/- 60,000 square foot office building for Comell University.
The project will also include new lighting, landscaping, walkways, stormwater facilities and
approximately 250 parking spaces. The proposal also requires a recommendation to the Zoning
Board of Appeals regarding the proposed sign variances. Comell University, Owner; Integrated
Acquisition & Development, Applicant.
Genex/Monsanto Building Addition, 521 Sheffield Road: The Planning Board granted
Preliminary Site Plan Approval and a Special Permit for the proposed addition at the Genex
Monsanto Building, Production Center # 2, located at 521 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Works Department's Monthly Board Report
February 2006 for the March 13,2006 Meeting
ROADS:
Relatively mild winter weather allowed us to accomplish several jobs in between snow
plowing and salting. Hazardous trees were removed on Sandbank Road and Burns
Road. Cleanup from heavy winds was required and brush was trimmed at numerous
locations to improve sight distances.
Rip rap stone was installed along several areas on lower Culver Road where the
adjacent creek has been eroding the edge of the road.
We hauled crusher run for our stockpile, cold patched potholes and recent water
breaks, mixed salt and Majic, sign maintenance, worked on trucks and equipment,
finished Christmas tree pickup, and painted interior walls in the Public Works Facility.
'"'N PARKS AND TRAILS:
We rented a brush hog attachment that fits our Bobcat skid steer with tracks and took
advantage of the mild weather to trim back the sides of several trails and opened up
drainage swales at Troy Park. Hazardous trees and wind damaged trees along the trails
and in several parks were cleaned up. Electrical and plumbing work on the Tutelo
comfort station was continued. We backed up the parking lot pavement with crusher
run and Item 4 gravel.
WATER:
Water main breaks at 219 Tareyton Drive and 600 Winston Court were repaired. We
assisted Bolton Point on their regular PRV tour and two other confined space entries.
We ditched along the new water main off Stone Quarry Road. A pressure gauge and a
new heater were installed at Ulysses' water tank.
SEWER:
Sewer manholes were located and checked for needed repairs. A crew was sent out to
perform the repairs, which have eliminated ground water infiltration. We repaired the
sewer pump at Inlet Valley #1 (Wonderland Motel) pump station and replaced a failed
pump at Forest Home #1. These are two of our major sewer pump stations in the
Town. We also brush hogged around manholes to clear away brush. We repaired the
n
sewer meter at 1006 Hanshaw Road. Our annual bluebird box maintenance program ^ ^
was done. The mild weather allowed us to get this done early this year. We have plans !
to build more nesting boxes to install at manholes that have been located and cleared —
around. Continued inspection at Overlook.
Projects to be worked on in March:
1. Snow removal and salt mixing as needed.
2. Continue sewer manhole repairs.
3. Sewer jetting.
4. Continue work on Tutelo Park comfort station.
5. Cold patching.
6. Haul lA gravel for stockpile.
7. Sign maintenance.
8. Continue tree and brush removals.
ghk
' \
n
03/01/2006
08:4^
TOWN OF ITHACA
B2110-B2110 Transaction Report
For the period 02/01/2006 through 02/28/2006
QuantityNameComment
2110
62.-1-3.2. BP 02/02/2006
. BP 02/03/2006 19.-2-22
. BP 02/08/2006 46.-1-15.14
. BP 02/09/2006 45.-1-10
. BP 02/09/2006 19.-2-16
.. BP 02/15/2006 47.-2-2.31
'. BP 02/15/2006 39.-1-1.1
BP 02/22/2006 31.-5-1.4
). BP 02/24/2006 26.-4-32
). BP 02/27/2006 70.-10-1.122
I. FSI 02/16/2006 59.-2-16
2. FSI 02/22/2006 39.-1-1.31
3. FSI 02/24/2006 47.-1-11.3
4.C'^ 02/03/2006 357 E KING RD
5. 1 02/03/2006 33.-1-4.14
6. TCO 02/13/2006 28.-1-28.222
7. TCO 02/17/2006 44.2-2-9
8. TCO 02/23/2006 24.-4-14.23, BUlLPrNGS 2 & 4
02/01/2006 24.-5-1
02/07/2006 57.-1-7.8
02/17/2006 21.-2-26
1093 GROUP
PRESTAS, GREGORY
SOUTHWOOD ASSOCIATES
HEATH, BERNIE
MOORE, MICHAEL
JEFFREY HALL
LUCIANO, LINDA
GINENTHAL, LEE
PIERCE, DAN AND ANGELA
GRAVANI, BOB
KNITTING MACHINE INC
LONGVIEW
CODDINGTON ROAD
COMMUNITY CTR
CAPALONGO, PETER
MCAFEE, KEVIN AND
MARYBETH
MOUNTIN, DAVID
MASSICCI, PETER AND
NANCY
OVERLOOK AT WEST HILL
AARON J. EGNER
STEIN, DENNIS
MENNEN, RICHARD &
SALLY
2,000.00
45.00
700.00
60.00
35.00
550.00
25.00
70.00
25.00
60.00
3,570.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
150.00
50.00
50.00
67.50
100.00
275.00
Building Permits
category
11
value of ImprovniBnt PeserlptlGn
$4,000.00 Construct 50' riprap in Cayuga Lake according to plans $35.00
$1,500.00 reshingle roof $25.00
$7,074.00 Re-shingle house $45.00
$45,000.00 Enclose existing porch & remove bearing vvall $60.00
$2,500.00 Convert single family home into two-family home $25.00
$181,663.00 Convert restaurant Into single-family residence $550.00
$2,200.00 Construct demising wall In tenant space - suite 25 In office bidg. $25.00
$100,000.00 Laser Room Microbiology Research Lab
category liUrntf pehftlt ca
1 jnew single-family homes
2jnew two-family homes
3|new multiple residences
4|renovatlons to residential
Sjadditions to residential
Gjconversions of use
7ibusiness
Agricultural
institutional
10 educational
11 miscellaneous
$200.00 < ^
I \
I I
Monthly COs Issued3/6/2006Street N - - ^ StreetName ' ^ - . De^ription '.' ^ -■MCOm6134201 iMaple /\veInstall property/wide fire alarm systems2/13/20066237235 iHungerford Hill RdBaker Institute LAS/Randon Dog area modification2/13/20066542950Danby RdConstruct demising wall in tenent space - suite 25 in office bidg.2/27/20066305361Pine Tree RdRenovate server room including installation of roof equipment2/16/20066473123Judd Falls RdRepair chimney and replace flue^/1/20066329738Elm St ExtNew 2 bedroom house2/13/20066375953Danby RdRenovate storage building2/15/20066417121Pleasant Grove RdUpgrade fire alarm system2/13/20066534950Danby RdInstall overhead door on 1st floor factory wall2/22/20066494405Palm RdLibrary annex extend security system2/16/200659731011Taughannock Blvd jPireplace2/24/2006(cc
monthly COs issued for existing buildings 3/6/2006
/ ")
! \
Page 1
monthly complaints received 3/6/2006
STREEfsNlP'STREEPNAME^^V l-h COMPLAINl|^BEiii?l^:DMRi^li£l!!®
124 Sapsucker Woods Rd Iproperty maintenance |No Violation Found 2/1/2006
120 Sapsucker Woods Rd jprcperty maintenance No Violation Found 2/1/2006
128 Sapsucker Woods Rd Iproperty maintenance [Abated 2/1/2006
1437 [Trumansburg Rd iproperty maintenance jPending 2/21/2006
172 Calkins Rd Iproperty maintenance Pending 2/6/2006
817 Elmira Rd iproperty maintenance [Pending 2/6/2006
Page 1
n
Fiftld Visits { \
Building Code 69
Complaint/Investigation 8
Fire Safety 6
Fire Emergency
" " Total 83"
2006 TAX COLLECTION
RECEIVER OF TAXES
MONTHLY REPORT
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2006
TOTAL NO. OF TAX BILLS ON WARRANT: 5190
TOTAL TOWN WARRANT (LEVY): $ 5,388,474.31
01/31/06 FINAL PAYMENT: TOWN OF ITHACA SUPERVISOR $ 5,388,474.31
TOTAL WARRANT BALANCE DUE: $ 00.00
MISCELLANEOUS PAYMENTS TO TOWN OF ITHACA SUPERVISOR:
' ?
01/31/06 JANUARY INTEREST RECEIVER'S CHECKING ACCOUNT $ 2,057.25
02/28/06 FEBRUARY PENALTIES (PAID TO SUPERVISOR IN APRIL) $ 1,753.84
03/31/06 MARCH PENALTIES (PAID TO SUPERVISOR IN APRIL) $ 0,000,000.00
TOTAL TOMPKINS COUNTY WARRANT: $ 7,162,526.06
02/13/06 l®'^ PAYMENT: TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET/FINANCE $5,400,000.00
03/01/06 2*^° PAYMENT: TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET/FINANCE $ 250,000.00
^ 1/06 3"" PAYMENT: TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET/FINANCE $ 0,000,000.00
/ LANCE DUE TOMPKINS COUNTY WARRANT: $1,151,526.06
\
RECEIVER OF TAXES2006 ACCOUNT REGISTERTOTAL WARRANT AS OF 1/1/06$5,388,474.31DEPOSIT JOURNAL #1$137,434.56Deposit over 98.54 B # 3763DEPOSIT JOURNAL #2$374,985.25DEPOSIT JOURNAL #3$161,846.19REFUND BILL #3763$(98.54)OK #722DEPOSIT JOURNAL #4$126,791.35Deposit over 30 centsDEPOSIT JOURNAL #5$268,920.43Deposit over 63 centsDEPOSIT JOURNAL #6$177,706.97Deposit over 1446.60REFUND BILL #4202$(300.00)OK #723PAID TOWN SUPERVISOR$(1,146.60)In lieu of taxes - Emerson - dep # 6DEPOSIT JOURNAL#?$157,329.28DEPOSIT JOURNAL #8$222,926.36Deposit 30 cts shortDEPOSIT JOURNAL #9$171,088.94DEPOSIT JOURNAL #10$437,201.70deposit over 13.82DEPOSIT JOURNAL #11$333,056.57DEPOSIT JOURNAL #12$311,187.12Deposit over 25.23REFUND BILL# 1355$(25.23)OK #724DEPOSIT JOURNAL #13$217,313.48DEPOSIT JOURNAL #14$506,490.64Deposit over 5 centsDEPOSIT JOURNAL #15$449,541.40Deposit over 2520.15 - CFCU bankcodeDEPOSIT JOURNAL #16$317,965.36Deposit over 71 centsREFUND BILL # 1339 CFCU$(2,520.15)CK# 725$482,941.81Deposit over 1.21DEPOSIT JOURNAL #18$1,599,962.25First American BankcodesDEPOSIT JOURNAL #19$2,759.80Deposit over 103.66 - due to Town of EnfieldREFUND TOWN OF ENFIELD$(103.66)CK#726DEPOSIT JOURNAL #20$401,468.87Deposit over 1 centDEPOSIT JOURNAL #21$460,895.67DEPOSIT JOURNAL #22$1,472,269.54Deposit over 2.52PAID TOWN SUPERVISOR$(5,388,474.31)EFT - 2006 Full warrant paymentINSUFFICIENT FUNDS B # 3337$(2,177.45)BANK CHARGE NSF B # 3337$(10.00)DEPOSIT JOURNAL # 23$864,924.28Tompkins Trust Company Bank CodesDEPOSIT JOURNAL #24$771,266.39Deposit over 3,157.21REDEPOSITED NSF B # 3337$2,192.45JANUARY TOMPKINS INTEREST$2,057.25Interest from checking account-to be paid to supervisor in Apriljj-\
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTTOWN OF ITHACARECEIVER OF TAXES2006 SETTLEMENT OF MONEYJanuary 31, 2006$ 5,388,474.31 TO BE COLLECTED FOR 2006 TAX YEARPD TOWN SUPER FINAL PAYMENT $ (5,388,474.31) CHECK # 727 - FINAL PAYMENT OF TOWN WARRANT$ - TOTAL PAID TO TOWN SUPERVISOR 1/31/06PD TOMPKINS COUNTY 1ST PAYPD TOMPKINS COUNTY 2ND PAYPD TOMPKINS COUNTY 3RD PAYTOMPKINS COUNTY WARRANTTOTAL PD TOMPKINS COUNTYFRANCHISES PAID TO TC2ND INSTALLS TO BE COLLECTEDUNPAID WHITE SHEETS$ 5,400,000.00$ 250,000.00$CK # 732 1ST PAYMENT OF WARRANTCK # 734 2ND PAYMENT OF WARRANTCK# 3RD PAYMENT OF WARRANT$ 5,650,000.00 TOTAL PAID TO TOMPKINS COUNTY AS OF4/10/06$ 7,162,526.06 TO BE COLLECTED FOR 2006 TAX YEAR$ (5,650,000.00) TOTAL PAID TO TOMPKINS COUNTY AS OF 4/10/06$ (326,709.65) NO MONEY TO US-PD TO TOMPKINS COUNTY BUD/FIN$ (528,463.20) TOMPKINS COUNTY TO COLLECT IN JUNE 2006$ - TOMPKINS COUNTY TO COLLECT$ 657,353.21 TOTAL LEFT TO PAY TOMPKINS COUNTY AS OF 4/10/06c(
f* LL # 2787$(3,157.78)CK # 7281dW-doTi journal #25$312,257.56Deposit ov^n .troDEPOSIT JOURNAL #26$326,709.65Franchises are paid to Tompkins County Budget and Finance DeptREMOVE FRACHISE PAYMENT$(326,709.65)Town does not get money - just records paymentDEPOSIT JOURNAL #27$63,859.44NSF BILL #1782$(846.73)NSF BILL# 1783$(151.84)NSF BANK CHARGES$(20.00)DEPOSIT JOURNAL # 28$89,830.32Deposit over 1491.53REFUND BILL # 2289$(1,491.52)CK#729NSF BILL #2010$(2,015.86)NSF BANK CHARGE$(10.00)REDEPOSITED NSF B # 2010$2,030.86NSF BILL #3627$(1,827.49)NSF BILL #4026$(1,827.30)NSF BANK CHARGES$(20.00)DEPOSIT JOURNAL #29$23,306.87Deposit over 147.75REFUND BILL# 1331$(147.74)CK#730PAID T C BUD/FIN$(26,422.09)CK # 731 - First install service chargesPAID T C BUD/FIN$(5,400,000.00)CK # 732 - First payment of warrantDEPOSIT JOURNAL # 30$40,407.48Deposit over 30.26REFUND BILL #2265$(24.84)CK#733REDEPOSIT NSF B # 3627$1,842.49DEPOSIT JOURNAL #31$32,107.89DEPOSIT JOURNAL # 32$3,530.38Redeposit NSF-B #4026DEPOSIT JOURNAL #33$130,670.66FEBRUARY INTEREST TOT$1,753.84DEPOSIT JOURNAL #34$1,951.06Redeposit NSF - B # 1782 & 1783PAID T C BUD/FIN$(250,000.00)CK#734TOTAL IN CHECKING ACCOUNT$53,253.63AS OF 3/1/06Page 2
Network/Record Specialist Report
March 13, 2006
Website
• Site of the Month page...This month; New York State E-file
• Did You Know link ... This month: IRS tax forms
Network Director of Planning and Judge Klein received new computers. A new computer
will be installed this month at Judge's bench to allow court clerk real time access
to data. A new computer and monitor has been ordered for Judge Klein's court clerk.
New software installed on Town Hall and Public Works staffs Palm Pilots.
These devises allow staff to carry documents into the field; reducing time and paper waste.
New hardware has been installed to Town Hall's phone system. The expansion
of the phone system is needed to outfit the Court office with two new phone lines;
one for incoming calls and the other for dial-up internet access to the NYS Division
of Criminal Justice Services eJustice portal.
Additional: 1 continue to support the staff involved with the History Project grant and the Town Clerk with
Records Management issues. Once the Town's new committee structure has been
established, the Records Management Advisor Committee will hopefully begin meeting
again.
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) .: j/Notes:1. Green = Town Board2. Clear = Board Committees3. Red = Citizen/Board Committees4. Blue = Staff CommitteesBoard Committees - Personnel and Operations, Public Works and Recreation, Community Development, and Fiscal Managementand Capital Projects - are created by the Town Supervisor and consist of Town Board members appointed by the Town Supervisorwith the consent of the individual board member and, by tradition in the Town of Ithaca, with the confirmation of the Town Boardunless the Town Supervisor objects.Citizen Advisory Committees - Transportation, Agriculture, and Ag. Land Preservation - if authorized by local law, are created andappointed by the Town Board and consist of Town Board members and community members.Staff Committees - Safety, Supervisor's Advisory Committee, Records and Personnel Policy - if authorized by local law, are createdby the Town Board and consist primarily of staff members appointed by the Town Supervisor.Town of Ithaca CommitteesSection 63 of New York State Law states that "...the supervisor may, from time to time, appoint one or more committees, consisting ofmembers of the board, to aid and assist the board in the performance of its duties." Opinions of the Comptroller (Op. State Compt. 64-1062) and the Attorney General (51 St. Dept. 386 [1934]) state that only town board members may serve on Town Board Committees.In addition, NY town governments commonly establish citizen advisory committees to advise and support town governments incarrying out their duties. Furthermore, the Town of Ithaca has recognized the immense contributions of town officers and staff toeffective committee functioning. Therefore, the Town of Ithaca adopts the above committee structure for the Town.Town Board Committees: Four standing committees consisting of three Town Board members each. Staff and other board andcommunity representatives participate as resources as appropriate.
March 13, 2006 Town Board Meeting)r::)DETAIL TOWNTAX & UNIT RATE $ 1.26ASSESSED VALUATIONDETAILASSESSED VALUATIONTOWN OF ITHACAPROPERTY TAX SETTLEMENTLAKESIDE NURSING HOME BANKRUPTCYSUMMARY OF DISPUTED REAL PROPERTY TAXESFOR THE YEARS 2000, 2001 and 20022000FIRE WATER SEWER DELQ WATER DELQ SEWER3.887 $ 54.00 $ 75.00TOTAL CHARGEBACKCHARGEBACK$7,800,000$-$3,500,000$63,852.25$2,187,500$84,049.00$2,175,000$84,241.35$983,000$102,583.85COKCOoCdri-era>1-3>OwbdS3COPage 1 of 3
rc:c:DETAILTAX RATETOWN OF ITHACAPROPERTY TAX SETTLEMENTLAKESIDE NURSING HOME BANKRUPTCYSUMMARY OF REAL PROPERTY TAX RATE IMPACTBASED ON 2005 FINAL TAXABLE ASSESSMENTSFOR THE YEARS 2000, 2001 and 20022000TOWN CHARGEBACK TAX RATEIMPACT1.26ASSESSED VALUATION9^,l/0,UUU 3>Z,/4U.0U $$983,000$1,238.58 $FIRE3.887CHARGEBACK TAX RATEIMPACT7,087.50 $ 0.006936 $ 8,343.30 $ 21,577.50 $ 0.0211638,589.42 S 0.006951 $ 3.770.79 $ 26,150.01 $ 0.025648Page 2 of 3
4:,))'' IX)SUMMARY OF TAX RATE INCREASE / 000 OF ASSESSED VALUATIONDETAILASSESSED VALUATIONTOWNCHARGEBACK TAX RATEIMPACTFIRECHARGEBACK TAX RATEIMPACT$7,800,000$-$-$-$ -$3,500,000$15,687.00$0.0153857$48,165.25$0.0472401$2,187,500$20,648.25$0.0186296$63,400.75$0.0621829$2,175,000$20,695.50$0.0202825$63,545.85$0.0623252$983,000$25,201.26$0.0232441$77,382.59$0.0758962Page 3 of 3