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Home My WebLink AboutTB Minutes 2010-09-27 ar rr,� Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board Monday, September 27, 2010 at 4 : 30 p.m . 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 Agenda 1 . Call to Order 2 , Consider Entering Executive Session to Consider the Employment History of a Particular Person and to Discuss Matters Leading to the Appointment or Employment of a Particular Person 3 , Review Draft Agenda for Regular Meeting 4 , Town Official's Reports 5 . Report from Committees a . Budget Committee b . Codes and Ordinances Committee c . Comprehensive Plan Committee d . Operations Committee e . Parks & Trails Committee f. Planning Committee g . Personnel Committee h . Public Works Committee 6 . Consider recommendation from Personnel Committee re : Approval of Eligible Employee for the NYS & Local Retirement Incentive Part A a. Consider Approval 7 , Continue Discussion of Asset Management 8 . Discuss West Hill Issues and Development Scenarios 9 . Discuss Town Coverage by the Village of Cayuga Heights Police Department 10 , Review Town Supervisor's Administrative Responsibilities 11 , Discuss October and November Meeting Schedules 12 , Discuss Committee Structure 13 , Consider Consent Agenda Items a . Approval of Town Board Minutes b . Town of Ithaca Abstract c . Appointment of Representative to the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium 's Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design 14 . Review of Correspondence 15 , Consider Adjournment � oF ,� Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board E~ PP Monday, September 27, 2010 at 4 :30 p. m .NIP 311 ,4 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 MINUTES Call to Order Supervisor Engman called the meeting to order at 4 : 33 p . m . AGENDA ITEM Consider Entering Executive Session to Consider the Employment History of a Particular Person and to Discuss Matters Leading to the Appointment or Employment of a Particular Person Motion made by Mr. Levine , seconded by Ms . Riha . Unanimous Motion made by Ms . Hunter, seconded by Mr. DePaolo to return to open meeting at 6 : 05 p . m . Unanimous AGENDA ITEM Review Draft Agenda for Regular Meeting - Dropped due to time AGENDA ITEM Town Official 's Reports - Nothing to report AGENDA ITEM Report from Committees - Dropped due to time AGENDA ITEM Consider recommendation from Personnel Committee re: Approval of Eligible Employee for the NYS & Local Retirement Incentive Part A a. Consider Approval Mr. Engman introduced the item and gave background . The three positions were separated into individual resolutions . TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010 - 171 : Approval of Eligible Position for the NYS& Local Retirement Incentive Part A - Recreation/Youth Coordinator WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca approved Local Law #5 of 2010 " Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter 105 , Laws of 2010 for the Eligible Employees of the Town of Ithaca" for the Part A incentive program on August 9 , 2010 ; and WHEREAS , the Personnel Committee reviewed the request by 4 employees to be considered for the part A incentive program ; and WHEREAS , the Personnel Committee recommends the following positions as the eligible positions for the Part A Retirement Incentive Program : Sr. Civil Engineer Recreation / Youth Coordinator Budget Officer Now, therefore , be it TBS 9-27-2010 RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the following position as an eligible position under the Part A Retirement Incentive (with the corresponding eligible employee currently holding the position ) : Recreation / Youth Coordinator — Margaret Kirchgessner MOVED : Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED : Councilman DePaolo VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Leary, Engman , Goodman , Riha and Levine Nays : None Passed unanimously. TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010 — 172 : Approval of Eligible Position for the NYS& Local Retirement Incentive Part A — Sr. Civil Engineer WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca approved Local Law #5 of 2010 " Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter 105 , Laws of 2010 for the Eligible Employees of the Town of Ithaca" for the Part A incentive program on August 9 , 2010 ; and WHEREAS , the Personnel Committee reviewed the request by 4 employees to be considered for the part A incentive program ; and WHEREAS , the Personnel Committee recommends the following positions as the eligible positions for the Part A Retirement Incentive Program : Sr. Civil Engineer Recreation / Youth Coordinator Budget Officer Now, therefore , be it RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the following position as an eligible position under the Part A Retirement Incentive (with the corresponding eligible employee currently holding the position ) : Sr. Civil Engineer — Daniel Walker MOVED : Councilman DePaolo SECONDED : Councilwoman Hunter VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Leary, Engman , Goodman , Riha and Levine Nays : None Passed unanimously. TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010 — 173 : Approval of Eligible Position for the NYS & Local Retirement Incentive Part A — Budget Officer WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca approved Local Law #5 of 2010 " Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter 105 , Laws of 2010 for the Page 2 of 7 TBS 9-27-2010 Eligible Employees of the Town of Ithaca" for the Part A incentive program on August 9 , 2010 ; and WHEREAS , the Personnel Committee reviewed the request by 4 employees to be considered for the part A incentive program ; and WHEREAS , the Personnel Committee recommends the following positions as the eligible positions for the Part A Retirement Incentive Program : Sr. Civil Engineer Recreation / Youth Coordinator Budget Officer Now, therefore , be it RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the following position as an eligible position under the Part A Retirement Incentive (with the corresponding eligible employee currently holding the position ) : Budget Officer — Alfred Carvill MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Councilwoman Riha VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Engman , Goodman , and Riha Nays : Levine and Leary Passed 5 to 2 AGENDA ITEM Continue Discussion of Asset Management Ms . Hunter reported that she had talked to Amy Santos from Albany and requested that she come and talk to the Town personally. There is a possibility she could do that when she will be in the Syracuse area in the near future . Ms . Hunter requested that the presentation focus on process , and not just water and sewer. The date for the presentation would depend on when she was in the area . The Board agreed that they would be open to that . AGENDA ITEM Discuss West Hill Issues and Development Scenarios Mr. Engman introduced the item and gave some background . A lengthy discussion followed with the Board discussing ways to narrow the study to specific issue (s) that could be used to look at problems and work toward solutions . A narrower focus may give better results for the amount of money we have . It was also noted that the consultants should be given a clear picture of the City/Town issues . The issue of City and County involvement and buy- in for both issues and solutions were discussed . It was noted that the West Hill already has development(s) in the process and that is why the thought is to focus on the West Hill although many areas in the Town have concerns . The end question was what would the action item be? How can we move forward ? Mr. DePaolo volunteered to meet with City and County officials to get their input and gauge their interest in joining financially and conceptually with the study . Page 3 of 7 TBS 9-27-2010 AGENDA ITEM Discuss Town Coverage by the Village of Cayuga Heights Police Department Mr. Engman introduced the item and explained that he had met with the Chief of the Village to start a discussion on the feasibility of providing coverage for the Town . He reported that he found out it is more complicated than it seems as far as deputizing and jurisdiction issues , but , it is feasible and the Village is interested in exploring the idea if the Board is . Discussion followed regarding prioritizing coverage areas , costs and the need for more information . Mr. DePaolo asked that the scenario of a Town Constable or Patrolman also be researched again for comparison sake . Mr. Engman reiterated that this is in the beginning stages and not something the Town would be looking at for 2011 , but possibly 2012 and he would continue to gather information from various law enforcement entities . AGENDA ITEM Review Town Supervisor' s Administrative Responsibilities Mr. Engman introduced the item and explained his handout "Town of Ithaca Administrator's Responsibilities" . He stated that the position as is is really two jobs mixed , that of Supervisor and that of Administrator, but if the Board were to hire an administrator, then the position would have to be looked at differently and he tried to separate out the administrative duties from those duties required by law of the Supervisor. He thought his document detailed duties and qualifications the Board would be looking for in an Administrator. Discussion followed . Ms . Leary was not comfortable with the document and felt that it confused many of the Supervisors duties with the Administrator's . Discussion followed on what is required by law of a Supervisor and the duties that have been historically taken on by the Supervisor in the role of Administrator. Ms . Leary then quoted from past minutes where the Board had considered having an Administrator and rejected that . Ms . Hunter wanted to know what the document would be used for and felt that it had no legal or official use . Ms . Drake noted that the existing "Town Supervisor" job description in a Civil Service format is kept in Human Resources as a guide for people considering running for the position but it was not a Civil Service position and the document would not have a binding or legal aspect . Mr. Engman added that he was comfortable with the existing document but that the Board had asked him to give more detail and that is what he felt he had done . He reiterated that this had to be looked at without the personalities and strictly as a position . He stated that he would not feel comfortable relegating some of the financial duties he now does as the Supervisor but many of those are really not required by law, but , if someone were elected that did not want to do those things , they are not required to do them and that is how he went about composing the document . He also stated that many of the duties do overlap , and many are typical work duties that both positions would do . Ms . Hunter reiterated that this document is an aide for people interested in running . Ms . Riha added that she thought the purpose of asking Mr. Engman to do this was to clarify expectations and Ms . Hunter agreed , saying that the Board has no authority to require Page 4 of 7 TBS 9-27-2010 duties unless it hires an Administrator and it was her understanding that the exercise was meant to start a dialogue regarding expectations and roles . Ms . Leary discussed the two documents stating that she would like to see a lot more reporting to the Town Board and not so many financial duties given to the Administrator. There was more discussion on what the Board wanted to do with the document and it was decided that the title would be changed to " Elaboration of Town Supervisor' s Duties" or similar, and more two-way communication put down . Discussion followed on what would be given to a potential candidate which segued into a discussion on budget lines and wages . Due to time constraints , the discussion ended . AGENDA ITEM Discuss October and November Meeting Schedules Discussion on the number of meetings in October and November between the Study Session , Regular and Budget meetings . It was decided that the October Study Session would be cancelled . AGENDA ITEM Discuss Committee Structure — Postponed due to time Consider Consent Agenda Items a . Approval of Town Board Minutes — Pulled b . Town of Ithaca Abstract c . Appointment of Representative to the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium 's Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-174 : Consent Agenda BE IT RESOLVED , 1hat the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the resolutions for the following Consent Agenda items : b . Approval of Town Board Minutes - Pulled c . Town of Ithaca Abstract d . Appointment of Representative to the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium 's Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Supervisor Engman VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Leary, Engman , Goodman , Riha and Levine Nays : None Passed unanimously. TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-174b : 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 Page 5of7 TBS 9-27-2010 RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said vouchers in total for the amounts indicated . VOUCHER NOS . 8973 - 9054 General Fund Town wide 120, 370. 41 General Fund Part Town 31641 .81 Highway Fund Part Town 31 , 251 . 94 Water Fund 353, 993 . 88 Sewer Fund 71533. 49 Warren Road Walkway 75 .00 Fire Protection Fund 258 , 333.00 Forest Home Lighting District 143.05 Glenside Lighting District 53. 97 Renwick Heights Lighting District 75 . 82 Eastwood Commons Lighting District 163. 95 Clover Lane Lighting District 19. 66 Winner's Circle Lighting District 59 . 89 Burlei h Drive Lighting District 66. 63 West Haven Road Lighting District 210 . 74 Coddin ton Road Lighting District 125 . 14 Trust and Agency 200 . 00 TOTAL 776, 318 . 38 MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Supervisor Engman VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Leary , Engman , Goodman , Riha and Levine Nays : None Passed unanimously . TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010- 174c : Appointment of Representative to the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium 's Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design WHEREAS , the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium ' s Municipal Cooperative Agreement establishes the creation of a Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design , in which each participant may appoint a representative to serve on the committee ; and WHEREAS , the Human Resources Manager serves as the Plan Administrator for the Town ' s health and other insurance benefits and wishes to represent the Town on the said committee ; Now, therefore , be it RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby appoint the Human Resources Manager to serve as the Town 's representative on the Greater Page 6 of 7 TBS 9-27-2010 Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium 's Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design . MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Supervisor Engman VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Leary , Engman , Goodman , Riha and Levine Nays : None Passed unanimously. Pulled — a minor typo was noted and changed TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010- 175 Approval of Minutes of September 13 , 2010 WHEREAS , the draft minutes of the September 13 , 2010 of the Town Board have been submitted for review and approval ; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby approves the submitted minutes as the final minutes of the September 13 , 2010 of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca . MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Councilwoman Hunter VOTE : Ayes : Hunter, DePaolo , Leary , Engman , Goodman , Riha and Levine Nays : None Passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Review of Correspondence -- . None Upon motion , the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 32 p . m . Page 7of7 The Pine Tree Road Residential District and Traffic Calming The Pine Tree Road Residential District is a densely populated residential area located between Route 79 and the. intersection with Snyder Hill Road. It includes 50 homes , of which over 90% are owner occupied. Many of the residents are long term, with the average residency rate being approximately 18 years . Along this stretch of road that is less that 7/ 10'h of a mile, there are between 17-20 children residing in the homes , 3 which require special needs . As stated in the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council ' s 2004 Park and Ride Options Report, the area " suffers considerably from high traffic" . The amount and speed of the traffic is unsafe for this residential area. Exiting driveways is often difficult, and particularly dangerous with large trucks. moving along the road. The Town of Ithaca Transportation Plan of 2007 cites Pine Tree Road as an area which includes "crash clusters" and is "in need of speed mitigation" . To provide the residents in this area with an acceptable degree of safety and livability, we ask that the town and county begin to provide traffic calming devices to improve the road conditions . These include such measures as : • Reduce the speed limit to 30 mph, and enforce the speed limit. • Installation of full traffic lights . The main location where this is essential is at the intersection of Route 79 and Pine Tree Rd. Another location that might benefit from this would be the intersection of Route 366 and Pine Tree Road. • "No thru trucks — local deliveries only" — for the residential span of Pine Tree Road • Incorporate visual narrowing. The road should not be widened or shoulders paved. Just repair the holes (gravel) for safer walking and biking. • Include such elements as raised crosswalks for pedestrians, speed bumps,. a traffic circle at the intersection of Pine Tree Road and Snyder Hill Road where traffic enters the residential district. py Petition Regarding the Pine Tree Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Path Project We , the undersigned , strongly oppose changing the vertical clearance of the old railroad overpass thereby allowing larger truck traff=ic to . use Pine Tree Road . This plan , which describes one of groups benefited by the project as being freight carriers , is in direct conflict with the safety and well- being of the residents in the area . Pine Tree Ifoad - is a densely populated residential area , almost entirely owner occupied , with long term residents . Adding increased and larger truck traffic to an already heavily traveled road , is not acceptable , and should not be part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Project . This road was already determined in prior studies to be an unacceptable truck route due to safety issues . Additionally, the road is not a dedicated roadway, and only allows the county an easement of use through the right of prescription . We therefore ask ' that you do not change the height of the existing overpass and that you begin to add d -traff-ic calming elements to the residential district of Pine Tree Road , LAS Signature Name Printed Address k P, 41 l -� f✓�r t C 66V A S l a LAI 4z If if AM 001 �.. 7 r 3 ne ripe e � IJAO L/ E 1 �2 ?I"kLe TW-R OVJ -, 1z ► e tee.IAA1 141 T'AA 3n V_/ 7 // ?lAoc� Petition Regarding the Pine Tree Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Path Project We , the undersigned , strongly oppose changing the vertical clearance of the old railroad overpass thereby.�.�.� owing larger truck traffic . to use Pine Tree Road . This plan , which describes one o�grtiups benefited by the project as being freight carriers , is in direct conflict with the safety and well- being of the residents in the area . Pine Tree Road is a densely populated residential area , almost entirely owner occupied, with . long term residents . . Adding increased and larger truck traffic to an already heavily traveled road ; is not acceptable , and should not be part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Project. This road was already determined in prior studies to be an unacceptable truck route due to safety issues . Additionally, the road is not a dedicated roadway, and only . allows the county an easement of use through the right of prescription . We therefore ask that you do not change the height of the existing overpass and that you begin to add traffic calming elements to the residential district of Pine Tree Road . v �re� Signature Name Printed Address W (� � L� Z/Gy� Fya �; l c C i Q �`` t 'h / ` / I K7 -e . 135 &'h LOK s � u r Lk f2 l So 'n r � ei ,5— � s t A TVe_ e - AA c4 e- �5 n e Tree.f ee or' ,. UP 1 r � Petition Regarding the Pine Tree Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Path Project We, the undersigned, strongly oppose changing the vertical clearance of the old railroad overpass thereby allowing larger truck traffic to use Pine . Tree Road . This plan , , which describes one of groups benefited by the project as being freight carriers, is in direct conflict with the safety and well - being of the residents in the area . Pine Tree Road is a densely . populated residential area , almost entirely owner occupied , . with long term residents. Adding increased and larger truck traffic to an already heavily traveled road , is not - . acceptable, and should not be part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Project. This road was already determined in prior studies to be an unacceptable truck route due to safety issues . Additionally, the road is not a dedicated roadway, and only allows the county an easement of use through the right of prescription . We therefore ask that you do not change the height of the existing overpass and that you begin to add traffic calming elements to the residential district of Pine Tree Road . Signature Name Printed Address Oct))� k eI : .ne �,,> �kC�A a oY A 'n IC irGL' R �Q b ""*^Ym V-A T 0 6C'D Pi vVLTWI v o � � Ic�10� Q� N e FO� "00 ozP �e limo- , C' (4�7( 1/ � v P /(e T rd , "VP I � raa �- n� r � ►� � � i� r ly fa Wa (M. �W 7Z "'0/ j)qnl Ile Wea4WIn e /0?0 �ne rr # , Petition Regarding the Pine Tree Road Ped trian [ Bicycle Path Project We, the undersigned , strongly oppose changing the , Vertical clearance of the old railroad overpass thereby allowing larger truck traffic to us Pine Tree Road . This plan, which describes one of groups benefited by the project as being freight carriers, is in direct conflict with the safety and well - being of the residents . in the area . Pine Tree Road is a densely populated residential area , almost entirely owner occupied , with long term residents. Adding increased and larger truck traffic to an already heavily traveled road , is not acceptable, and should not be part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Project. This road was already determined in prior studies `to be an unacceptable truck route due to safety issues . Additionally, the road is not a dedicated roadway, and only allows the ,county an easement of use through the right of prescription_. We therefore ask that you do not change the height of the existing overpass and that you begin to add traffic calming elements to the residential district of Pine Tree Road . Signature Name Printed Address 0 ITIP e , Y � E 6 P Po y r-ri- CO s:�-�. 12, 1 � � �.e. IY�, � , PI Y1 C eT rd -F;Ci/tfX Ge r rd I 'fq 0-70 RT cm d 9Ea Z /al"to 1 6a4o,!r�ez OeNl/ Nil Ile r�Aelo- Ar Oz 44Aw OARIMi 4�z4 112 Petition Regarding the Pine Tree Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Path Project We , the undersigned , strongly oppose changing the vertical clearance of the old railroad over thereby allowing larger truck traffic to use Pine Tree Road . This plan , which describes one of the groups benefited by the project as being freight carriers, is in direct conflict with the safety and well - being _ of the residents in the area . Pine Tree Road is a densely populated residential area , almost entirely owner occupied , with long term residents . Adding increased and larger truck traffic to an already heavily traveled road , is not acceptable, and should not be part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Project . This road was already, determined in prior studies to be an unacceptable truck route due to safety issues . Additionally, the road is not a dedicated roadway, and only allows the county an easement of use through the right of prescription . We therefore ask that you do not change the height of the existing overpass and that you begin to add traffic calming elements to the residential district of Pine Tree Road. Signature Name Printed . Address UGf it d . SCW E / -)-q &kit TA o(MCC cam. NoW J , :$edft 11 :7 e `�-- L49.1 i ze uy r' plow 71 r Petition Regarding the Pine Tree Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Path Project We , the undersigned , strongly oppose changing the vertical clearance of the old railroad overpass thereby allowing larger truck traffic to use Pine Tree Road . , This . plan , which describes one of the groups benefited by the project as being freight carriers, , is in direct conflict with . the safety and well - being _of. the residents in the area . Pine Tree Road is a densely populated residential area , almost entirely owner occupied , with long term residents. Adding increased and larger truck traffic to an already heavily traveled road , is not acceptable, and should not be part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Project . This road was already determined in prior studies to be an unacceptable truck route due to safety issues . Additionally, the road is not a dedicated roadway, and only allows the county an easement of use through the right of prescription , We therefore ask that you do not change the height of the existing overpass and that you begin to add traffic calming elements to the residential district of Pine Tree Road . Signature Name Printed Address ` � SSe f22 l(j� �i rc4e � �B d 1 J Com rehepsive P eighborhood Focus Group Meeting February 26, 2009 Neighborhood Issues : Growth and Development: • South Hill/Ithaca College area - student developments create problems. Housing is being designed and targeted to students. . . Kendall and Pennsylvania Avenue area have problems with trash, noise, speeding, traffic, transient population. Single family homes are being converted to student housing in the City/Town border around the Coddington Road area. This makes for a different feel in the neighborhood. This poses problems for elderly people who still live in the area. The large parking lots created for the student housing results in . a loss of green space. • Eastwood Commons — remaining open space was threatened with a development proposal for student housing. • East Hill area — Cornell' s 30 year Master Plan? Plans on East Hill. • Honness Lane — houses being purchased for rentals, packing them with Stu • Pine Tree Road — mostly grad students zoning helps control occupancy —. ac or loss of services in East 1 aza area — loss of identity — walkways / trails very nice — highly used in area. • Northeast — proposed Lucente subdivision development adjacent to Sapsucker ` Woods— looking for resolution. • : Hanshaw Road — last 3 years homes converted from single family to multi- dwelling — properties not maintained by landowners — parking, traffic problems. • Forest Home — commuter traffic issue. • South Hill infill development, but should not be directed to only students, ,d need a mixed population. • Need for some convenience development so no need to drive; having small / walkable commercial nearby — mail, bakery, fruit market, general services, cafe. • Geography/topography limits.walking to services even if they were nearby — expect most would still drive. • Assume town will grow — surprised if agriculture stays in Mecklenburg Road/EcoVillage area • Start with transportation - bus routes - build density along routes (nodes) — then work to protect other areas. • Development should be close to Cornell University, Ithaca College and downtown — especially commercial (new development). • Clusters of development with transportation connections to Cornell University, Ithaca College and downtown. 1 information, can be compiled as it is accessed? : The Committee thought that it would be helpful to map critical wildlife habitats and corridors. Herb said that the UNAs are designated with those ideas in mind, including biological highlights . CEAs could also be designated. Dave added that the emerald ash borer (insect that kills ash trees) is coming and asked if we have an inventory of tree .species. Some landowners are harvesting ash trees while they are still economically viable . It would be difficult to do a tree inventory for the entire town. When areas are cleared, how is the area restored (should that be included in tree regulations) . Diane suggested that similar to the City' s Citizen Pruner program, maybe the Town needs Citizen "weeders" to help remove invasive plants along walkways and in parks. There need to be more opportunities to connect people to their surrounding natural resources . Jonathan said that when the town board members reviewed the 1993 Comp, there was a question regarding spending money on natural areas, similar to the reviewed, program for ag. On and off, the Conservation Board has looked into a natural heritage program. There should be a. stronger statement about the program and what that means in terms of priorities and funding. There is not a huge amount of money in the fund but if priority land becomes available, the .town could consider purchasing it. There are a number of properties that would be appropriate for acquisition and development rights purchasing. What about purchasing corridor rights? Also discussed was what to do when there are permanent easements and farmers want to get out of farming. Farmland includes woodlots, which are just as important to protect. ' Pat added that we do not want to, take away possibility of using land for development. If farming is not working, we might consider some of these changed situations as candidates for development: Jonathan said that there is a legal process to extinguish the easements, but it is difficult. There could also be easements that are not permanent but are shorter term, such as 20-30 years . Herb added that with nodal development plans these will specify where development should take place, then can steer development there and away from natural areas that can then be protected. Institutions and Institutional Land Use The committee discussed how some municipalities have adopted zoning regulations specific for institutions (colleges, hospitals, churches) but the Town has not gone that route. Instead, some Cornell, land is in a Planned Development Zone and most of the institutions are in residential zones that would need special permits and site plan approval from the Planning Board. The 1993 Plan mentions fire costs because the colleges do not pay for the service but recently Cornell began voluntarily donating funding. Another section mentions. that the town should work to educate public on institutional resources, but that is a little confusing. Diane added that students work on various projects for the town. Diana said that Cayuga Heights will be the subject of classes at Cornell to develop a comp plan. Both IC and CU have campus master plans, which may have big implications to areas immediately surrounding; the Town needs to continually revisit what that means for residents. The committee s ou d invite IC to a meeting to iscuss eir Oq 3 Based on the data Crashes i collected for the Plan , + • ` In 2003, the . Town Planning Department created a some areas in the Town g p that may need spee database of crash information . The information was • • mitigation include the extracted from NYSDOT crash reports from 1999 to 2001 ' Northeast, tJRoadnear and was restricted to serious crashes, that is, those Speeding is common in some part of Pine causing injury or more than $ 1,000 in property damage. residential areas of the Town . Forest Ho Coddington Based on the information in this database, forty-eight Ithaca College. All of these areas are in neigh percent of crashes involved another vehicle, while thirty- medium-density with significant pedestrian actfour percent involved an animal ( probably a deer). The see the Plan itself for more information . remainder involved roadway elements such as guardrails or utility posts. Fortunately, only five crashes over three Many motorists speed without realizing how fast they are years involved bicyclists or pedestrians (less than 1%) . traveling because the road on which . they are driving is . . Still, bicyclists and pedestrians involved in motor vehicle flatter, straighter, and wider than it needs to be. This can accidents are easily injured or even killed . be caused by the overly generous geometric characteristics associated with each design speed (see the Roadway Fully one third of the, crashes in the database were caused Function & Right-of-Way Design section, above) . Alerting by animal actions. The second most common causes of motorists that they need to slow down and drive carefully crashes are failure to yield and driver error (including via design cues (such as a narrow roadway, pedestrian inattention , inexperience, distraction , falling asleep, or losing consciousness), causing 11% of crashes each . walkways, or traffic calming) improves safety, speed limit compliance, and protects the livability of neighborhoods External factors (such as slippery pavement or glare) and through which the road passes. following too closely account for 9% of crashes each . This section of the Plan identifies the following as needs: Locations of crash clusters in thD are fairly • Speed mitigation program that would identify locations predictable; the vast majority occur on utes where where speeding is a problem , determine the cause of volumes and speed limits are highes clusters of the speeding, and devise a mitigation strategy; crashes on County roads occur on Co Road, East King- Road, Pine Tree Road, Warren d Hanshaw • Continued , and perhaps increased, enforcement to Road . ' Very few crashes occur on rned by the catch intentional speeders;- Town ; most crashes on Town-ownewere one- • Exploration of .traffic calming to discourage excessive vehicle crashes involvin an animal or ject. speed in residential areas; • Continued collection of speed data at regular intervals In the fall_ of 2005, the Transportation Committee worked at the same and new locations. with Fisher Associates, a consulting firm from Rochester, to analyze safety at several intersections and along several locations of Serious Crashesc 1999-2001 road segments in the Town . Building on Fisher Associates' r � ; �« work, Town Planning staff evaluated the crashes at the locations to determine if there was a pattern . The crash screenings showed no obvious, immediate safety hazards. Please see Volume Il: The Appendices, Appendix IV for za_ Fisher -Associates' final report and the Town 's Crash Screening Report. In addition , the Town Engineering Department is in the process of surveying every intersection in the Town to : measure sight distances. Addressing sight distance . " ' problems does not necessarily mean removal of roadside „€ vegetation and other features. Instead , the speed limit on the through-road could be lowered or traffic calming could be installed , increasing the amount of time available for vehicles to turn onto the through-road. Alternately, the Excerpts from the Ithaca Journal — Sept 21 , 2010 Cornell University's proposed Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) project. Like the board itself, speakers were generally supportive of Cornell 's efforts to create a state-of-the-art facility that would make Ithaca home to the most powerful X-ray technology in the world, but they worried about the impact of traffic on surrounding neighborhoods to build the estimated $500 million facility. The project will require excavating 225,000 cubic yards of dirt and include two years of heavy construction out of a total five years of construction, Bilderback said. Cornell should develop a truck-routing plan that's " clearly stated, monitored, and enforced," Town Planning Director Jonathan Kanter said. The Impact on Traffic — a resident did the math Just FYI, the attached photo is of an 18 yard dump truck. (The box's inside dimensions measure 16 ft long x 7 ft wide x 4 ft 4 inches high = 485 cubic feet = 18 cubic yards. ) It would take 12 ,500 round trips with a truck this size to move 225 ,000 cubic yards of material, or a total of 25 ,000 trips : 12,500 trips loaded, heading out, and 12,500 trips empty, coming back for the next load. Given that each of these trips is obliged to pass through a residential neighborhood, they are not likely to go unnoticed. And this is in addition to the other construction traffic that would be expected for a project of this size. It might help put the, potential impact of moving 225 ,000 cubic yards of material into better perspective. ��" COO Project Name : Pine Tree Road = Pedestrian Project # 09-01 1 A Proiect Summary .`. Program Committee. Facilities and Infrastructure Department: DPW-Highway Start Year: 2008 Project Manager. . John Lampman Completion Year: 2011 Program Manager: William Sczesny Jurisdiction: Town of Ithaca Functional Unit: 5500 Address: Pine Tree Road Ithaca c Project Type: Other, Is this a new project? : Yes Project Status : PD=PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Is this Project Mandated? B Pioiect Description Cornell Community Transportation Initiative funding will be leveraged with County, Town, and federal transportation enhancement funding to provide adequate width travel lanes and shoulders through the area of the abandoned railroad nNi� overpass on Pine Tree Road near Route 366, thereby accommodating. bicycle traffic. The overpass will be replaced and { 1�" continue to carry the East Ithaca Recreation Way. An ADA-compliant bike/pedestrian trail would link the bridge to the intersection of Route 366 and a similar trail on the Cornell campus . A pedestrian trail on Cornell property would also be built between the bridge and sidewalk south of the Pine Tree .Road - Maple Avenue intersection. This project will also greatly enhance a gateway entrance to Cornell identified in the Campus Master Plan. The existing and replacement bridges would be owned by Cornell. Describe this project's relationship to other capital projects, and/or operational programs: Contributes to decreasing the backlog of countywide highway reconstruction needs. Federal funding was granted to supplement County, Town, and Cornell funding. Local share available from previously budgeted capital costs on Hanshaw Road and Forest Home Bridge Projects due to partial Cornell Funding of those projects. Summarize the u�rpose of and need for this ro'e . : This project will restore badly deteriorated pavement and replace inadequate drainage facilities in the area of the Pine Tree Road ss. It will rovide ade ate ulti-mo arrow section of a minor arterial highway. It will a the limited .vertical .clearance under.the brid which is an obstacle to movement of goods. T e project will replace the overpass to provide adequate width travel lanes an s ou ers on me ree Road, thereby accommodating bicycle and pedestrian,traffic. It will connect the East Ithaca Recreation Way, which crosses the overpass, via an ADA-compliant bike/pedestrian trail to the intersection of Route 366 and multi-modal trails on the Cornell campus. A . pedestrian trail on Cornell property connecting the bridge and Pine Tree Road sidewalks south of Maple Avenue would also be built. This latter link is considered essential by Town planners as Cornell develops plans to construct a new residential community in the East Hill. area. This project will also construct an enhanced gateway entrance to Cornell, a need identified in the Campus Master Plan. The new bridge would be owned by Cornell. The expected outcome of this project is: Multi-modal connections between •Cornell at route 366 and Ellis Hollow ill Road East Hill Plaza and other exi and fanned reside ntial/commer ' I areas in eastern hei Replacement of the old overpass to eliminate a mu i odal bottle-neck as well as a vertical clearance obstac a or arge truck mproved pavement, drainage, and safety conditions on the north end of Pine Tree oa . County and Customer service(s) improved by project include : Safely accommodate pedestrians and bicycles and improve ride-ability and safety for vehicular traffic; improved mobility; cost-effective maintenance of infrastructure; and reduced maintenance efforts upon completion. How this project relates to the vision, goals and objectives of the department and county government? Vision: People, goods, and information travel easily and safely on networks that are well-integrated into the environment. Goal: Maintain a transportation infrastructure network in accordance with established plans and programs. Project need : Highway rehabilitation, providing a safe and functional roadway for its multi-modal users and accommodating movement of goods in a planned , cost-effective, community-endorsed manner. Upgrading pavement and related roadside drainage is also basic to our long stated goals. o 1101 04 Page 19 of 51 C 'Financial.informatron Local Share 35,000 Proposed Implementation Schedule: Annual and Total Funding, Request TOTAL Previous Yrs 2010 2011 2012 2013 "2014 Planning $76,000 _ $359000 $410000 $0 $0 $0 $0 Land $20000 $0 $2,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 Design $ 100,000 . $0 $1000000 $0 $0 $0 $0 Construction $7190454 $0 $0 $719,454 . $0 $0 $0 Equipment $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 . Other $59,000 $0 $0 $591000 $0 $0 . $0 Project Cost $956,454 $35,000 $143 ,000 $7789454 $0 $0 $0 Other' Fundinp Federal Share $686,734 Comell Community $199,720 Transportation Initiative Town of Ithaca $35,000 Local Share $35,000 $359000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 D Administrative Information If this project requires the acquisition or disposition of land, has the County Land Acquisition Policy been followed? Yes Is controversy anticipated? No RFP or Bid Proposal necessary? Yes Anticipated Award Date: September 2010 Will outside consultants be required? Yes Engineering E. OperationaFCosts: and Impacts Will this impact the program's operational budget? Yes Funds will be able to be dedicated .to a backlog of other pressing highway maintenance and construction needs Will this impact: ♦ maintenance costs : No ♦ cleaning costs: No utility costs : No ♦ Other: No ♦ Information Technology Services :No F. Environmental: liripacts/SEAR Compliance ` Other Involved Agencies Anticipated SEQR Review Level: EAF Long Town of Ithaca, NYSDOT SEAR Type: TYPEII NYSDEC, SHPO, FHWA G. Munic - ipal 'Involvement ry Approvals Are there zoning or other local planning Issues that should be addressed? No Are there licenses or permits required for this project? No Has a site plan review been completed by the municipal jurisdiction? No Has there been any public input sought for this project Le. public meetings, neighborhood outreach etc.)? - have been held with muni ' al officials from the. Town of Ithaca. Public Information Meetin swill be held during project scoping "��JJJ d design .develo ment: nput has also been prove a roug regu ar ig way ape rolects Status ep pe or highway supenntendent. County Highway website is also used to reach the public. Page 21 of 51 UF',a cili ties and Infrastructure Committee ay 15, 2008 nds would not be in jeopardy. He . expects information to come quickly. Ms: Kiefer then said due to the Co ty appealing Judge Mulvey's ruling it wuld not be appropriate to consider the suggested amendments. Ms. Herrera said if the work has not yet begun she does not believe a public hearing is in order. On motion, and agreed by consensus of the Committee, the resolution was tabled until June 19''. WHEREAS, Resolution No. 9 of 2005 authorized an agreement between Tompkins County and the State of New York Department of Transportation to fund design of the reconstruction of County Road 109, Hanshaw Road, (the "Action") in the Towns of Ithaca and Dryden and Village of Cayuga Heights, and WHEREAS, funding for the Hanshaw Road reconstruction project is in jeopardy unless the project can be moved forward in an expeditious manner, and WHEREAS Resolution No. 166 of 2007 issued a "Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance" in accordance with SEQRA, and WHEREAS, Resolution No. 167 of 2007 granted Design and Right of Way Plan approval of the referenced project . in accordance with applicable federal regulations ands guidelines . finding that the individual and cumulative impacts of right of way acquisition are considered total de minimus in nature, and WHEREAS, negotiations regarding approximately two small fee acquisitions and thirty permanent and fifty-six temporary easements for the project have not yet been completed, and WHEREAS; the County intends to pursue all means to complete these negotiations in a timely manner without necessitating legal measures, but must provide for the contingency that the properties in question may need to be acquired via eminent domain procedures as a last resort, now therefore be it RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature conduct a public hearing pursuant to Section 201 of the Eminent Domain Procedure Law at the Tompkins County Courthouse on the 17th day of June, 2008, at 5 :30 o ' clock in the evening thereof, RESOLVED,. further, That the purpose of said hearing is to inform the public and to review the public use to be served by the reconstruction of the Hanshaw Road in the Towns of Ithaca and Dryden and Village of Cayuga Heights, and the impact on the environment and residents of the locality where said project will be constructed, RESOLVED further, That pursuant to Section 202 of the Eminent Domain Procedure Law, the Clerk of the Legislature shall cause to. be published at least ten days and not more than thirty days prior to said hearing. a notice of same in at least five consecutive issues of the Ithaca Journal, SEQR ACTION: Unlisted, Negative Declaration Issued (No further action required) RESOLUTION NO. - SUPPORTING PINE TREE ROAD PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND ITS INCLUSION IN THE CORNELL--COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT INITIATIVE It as MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Ms. Chock, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature. Mr. Sczesny reviewed the proposed work that would be a joint project of the County, Town of Ithaca, and Cornell University. Mr. Marx stated the amount to be paid by each party would be negotiated and based on the various elements of the project: A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes — 4; Noes — 0; Excused — 1 (Legislator Randall) RESOLUTION ADOPTED. WHEREAS, the former Lehigh Valle Railroad bride over Pine Tree Road i the Town of Ithaca, os stacle o safe pedestrian and bicycle traffic s well as the movement of goods between New York State Route 366 and Cornell University on the north and New York State Route 79 and the East Hill commercial /residential area on the south and WHEREAS ; the former railroad bridge is now owned by Cornell University and leased by the Town of Ithaca for use as a pedestrian and bicycle trail (East Ithaca Recreation Way), and WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation is accepting applications for Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) funding which will fund up to eighty percent of costs for projects that provide facilities for pedestrians and bicycles and/or preserve abandoned railway corridors for pedestrian or bicycle trails, and WHEREAS, a project to provide multi-modal enhancements along Pine Tree Road between Route 366 and Maple Avenue and also eliminate this obstacle is included in the draft Cornell--Community Transportation Investment Initiative h 7 • a • V�S Y�ZS� � �y 3^3 :PINE. TREE ROAD BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PATHS . ROUTE 366 TO MAPLE f � Y� 2 pjlg AVENUE ATTACHMENT F ELIGIBILITY: BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST a This project will provide public facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. It will also enhance the travel corridor' s visual environment for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motorists on Pine Tree:F Road_ No tolls or fees will be charged for access to any of the proposed features. The facilities will be open at all times. The railway ;corridor. trail, although located on private (Cornell University) property, will remain open to the general public as a Town of Ithaca walkway via long-term lease, It and the 'connection to the intersection of Pine Tree Road and NYS Route 366 will be .open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The leg between the rail corridor. and Maple Avenue will be open only to pedestrians. All prQject- built facilities will be in compliance with American with Disabilities Act provisions. Pine, Tree Road shoulders will be constructed to NYS standards and will be used primarily by bicycles, , but will be, of sufficient width to . provide the motoring public with proper space for L mobilized' vehicles, emergency maneuver room, or an-.area .for-pedestrians. - Cur-rent _horizontal and tical• clearance limitations on Pine Tree Road at the railway - . overpass will .be removed . by nstruction of the project. This will also safely allow use of the Pine Tree Road corridor b legal ght truck traffic` r as '� T - Transportation modes that will be connected are primarily bike-to-bike and pek5-istrAn-to-pedearian with the filling of gaps in the multi-modal network along PinefireeRoad:' However, bus-to-bike and ' bus-to-pedestrian connections will . also be made possible since the Pine Tree Road/rail trail A intersection is on a transit route. (Every bus in the transit fleet has a bicycle rack mounted on the front.) Auto-to-bike and auto-to-pedestrian. connections with also be feasible with the creation of continuous bike- and walkways from the Eastern Heights park and ride facility to Cornell University, 3 . Relationship to / Support for Other Plans; Projects, This, project is supportive of local transportation plans. The Town of Ithaca Transportation Plan labels Pine Tree Road an essential . corridor for ; ; pedestrian and a hi h _2riority for bicycle infrastructure m r eme s Citing the Come I Master.:007 r an, "Using existing and new sidewalks and off-road paths, the pedestrian network. should be i extended to all populated areas of campus, including East Hill Village and the Ellis Hollow and Pine Tree Road. . . . Not only will well-designed paths and trails encourage walking and cycling to these areas; they, will also provide access to the natural features of Cascadilla Creek. " The plan farther states, "As part of the completion and enhancement of the [campus] pedestrian network, Cornell should coordinate with surrounding neighborhoods to connect the campus pedestrian network with t re , community network, thereby encouraging commuting by foot to campus." This project is an integral element of advancing the principles of Smart Growth in the local area. It3 implements such planning policies found in the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan by: • Coordinating land use and infrastructure planning to meet the needs of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and community residents . [Proposed high-density, mixed-use nodal development at East Hill Village is coordinated with provision of multi-modal. connections to Cornell and other county destinations. Highway mode performance is improved to complement the existing Eastern Heights neighborhood and reflect the goals of the community.] • ' Enhancing and promoting the use of bicycles and walking as viable forms of transportation by supporting the provision of safe public facilities, including multi-use trails, bicycle routes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks. [Transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities are viable options- to i driving via this project. ] • Enhancing transportation options and providing facilities that allow passengers, to transfer easily and safely from one mode of transportation to another (e.g., biking to bus service). [The project advances public/private investments to knit transportation improvements to merge as seamlessly as possible into the community. ] All- these project benefits echo FHWA' s explanations of Smart Growth, including "accommodating j the flow of freight throughout the country so that the economy can continue to grow." [Project Id eliminates clearance restrictions for freight movement. ] As indicated by the letters included in Attachment L, the project has received broad-based community support 4. Assurance of Availability and/or Size of Matching Share. The local share of funds for this project • will be provided cooperatively by Tompkins County (thee sponsor), the Town of Ithaca, and Cornell Universi . Since the sponsor is a municipal government, the Enhancement Project Rating Committee can be reasonably assured that the 20% match will be readily available. In fact, the Protect is proposed with a 28.2 % local match. A resolution supporting the project and ensuring availability of project local share was adopted at the June 3, 2008 County Legislature meeting. The Ithaca Town L Id Board has adopted a similar resolution. Both are included in Attachment L. j 5 . ' Direct User, Immediate Area and Environment Benefits: In addition to environmental benefits, the following groups will be benefited by this project. ■ Pedestrians `Cornell University Neighborhood Residents ■ : Bicyclists ■ , -People with Disabilities Commuters by auto & .transit � MA � aau t 4 i n I c 5 ■ Tourists Freight Carriers Local/Regional Tourist Industry }} ' The pedestrian way, bicycle-accommodating shoulders, bike/ped trail, " and aesthetic gateway bridge built b , this project will provide accessibility to people with disabilities as well as improve safety for j pedestrian users in general. It will provide scenic and environmental benefits for roadway users, both° . tourists and commuters, -and neighborhood residents. Enhanced facilities have -the ability to stimulate community pride. Local and regional businesses involved in the tourist industry will benefit from J, increased marketability of the area. The environment and cultural resources will benefit as visitors apci the li 2jUc are informed on the heritage of the rail/trail corridor through interpretive ignage. and- increased exposure lip one of-the -county's unique natural areas. Additionally. motorists . and freight carriers will beneEt. from the improved clearances afforded by the new I � .61 Innovation. Creativity, Mix of Activities. This project is submitted primarily under eligibility category. #1 -Provision of Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles. It also encompasses enhancement eligibility category: #5-Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification. (See Attachment E for further details.) , The project exhibits an innovative and creative approach to merging . the desire to promote the use of bicycles and walking as viable forms of-transportation and environmental appreciation with the drive to, enhance quality of life for both residents 'and transients in the project area. It will be a model of multi jurisdictional effort as well as public/private partnerships. Tompkins County and the ; Town of Ithaca. will, work together as major project stakeholders. Cornell University is also partnering from the private sector. The. development of this three-way partnership, if encouraged ; through funding of this project, will hopefully Bear continued Trait in future- transportat"ion :end"eavors . 7. Supportive of Master Planning. in Recognized Areas of Special Significance. The project supports: IM The New. York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council which promotes policies, I lans,' and best practices to- encourage full participation of people with disabilities in society. The project will support and implement ADA requirements. ■ The. Erie canalway National Heritage Corridor. Biking and hiking the federally designated ` canalway corridor is a .promotional emphasis of the state. This project provides and enhances ! connections for hiking and biking within the corridor area. In keeping with the canalway web site, this project will support the "[connection] of history and nature with outdoor pursuits from boating to biking to .birding.!" " ■ Aesthetic roadway enhancement promotes the state ' s general `I love NY' travel and tourism efforts as well as those directed towards the Finger Lakes Region, and A Unique Natural Areas of Tompkins County, Trail accessibility and enhancement of the appreciation and enjoyment of the area provided by the project will support all these overlapping local and statewide initiatives. 8 . Level of Communitv/Regional Support and Participation. Direct community, -support for the project is seen in . the level of Cornell University' s involvement. Cornell is contributing approximately 200 of the funding needed to complete the project. Part of their contribution includes provision of all the right-of-way that--will be needed to "build the improvements at no cost. This donation is shown in Attachment H as enabling elimination of a federal share for the right-of-way acquisition of the project; .9. ; Ability :to Deliver Project. As discussed in Attachment A Tompkins County has successfully , delivered two previous projects undertaken with TEP funding. Currently, the County is progressing .its third_ TEP project, the Forest Home Drive over Fall Creek Historic Bridge Rehabilitation, which is in' the preliminary design phase. Page 3 of 3 RESOLUTION NO 112 SUPPORTING PINE TREE ROAD PEDESTRIAN ESTRIAN ENHANCEIVI 11 PROJECT AND :ITS INCLUSION: IN THE CORNELL/COMM jo�7!5_r TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT INITIATIVE4T r y MOVED by Mrs . McBean-Clairbome, seconded by Ms. Chock. ry> . WHEREAS, the former Lehigh` Valley Railroad bridge over Pine Tree Road in the Town of j Ithaca, poses an obstacle to safe pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well as to the movement of goods r , It between New. York State : Route .366 and Cornell Universi on the north rth and NewYork State Route 79 and the East Hill commercial /residential area on the south, and j : WHEREAS, the former railroad bridge is now owned by Cornell University and leased by the Town of Ithaca for use as a pedestrian and bicycle trail :(East Ithaca Recreation Way), and I WHEREAS, the , New, York State. ,Department of Transportation is accepting applications for , I . g Pp Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) funding that will fund up to eighty percent of costs for projects that provide facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, and/or. preserve abandoned. railway corridors for pedestrian or bicycle trails, and WHEREAS, a project to provide multi-modal enhancements along Pine Tree Road between Route ' 366 and Maple Avenue and also eliminate : this obstacle is included in . the : ` draft orneWCommuniry Transportation Investment Initiative that is supportive of Come 1 ' s Transportation Genenc nvironmen a pact tatement S1 S )d Master Plan and local planning 'efforts��and W`HERBAS, Tompkins County, Town of Ithaca; and Cornell University staff: have initiated L . planning for a Pine Tree Road Pedestrian Enhancement Project that is eligible . for TEP funding, now , , therefore be it RESOLVED, on recommendation of the .Facilities and . Infrastructure Committee,: That., the .1.Tompkin s County Legislature supports submission - of a; Transportation Enhancement Program funding application to the New York: State Department of Transportation . for the Pine Tree Road Pedestrian Enhancement Project .where Tompkins County would be the local sponsor, _ RESOLVED, further, Tompkins County Planning and Highway staff hereby are authorized to develop an agreement among the Town of lthaca, Cornell University; and Tompkins County by which. project funding and future ownership and maintenance jurisdictions would be established. SEAR ACTION: TYPE II- 21 i