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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Correspondence 1990-1996 COUNTYTOMPKINS A DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 401 Harris B. Dates Drive Ithaca, New York 14650-1335 (507),,274-6535 December 28, 1993 John Whitcomb, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re: Community Sewage System Dear Supervisor Whitcomb: Enclosed is brief information about a Request for Proposals from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) . The NYSERDA is looking to help fund several projects that will address sewage problems in small communities via individual sand filters with final treatment of the effluent through a subsurface constructed wetland. Opportunities for help with sewage projects are very limited today; if yousee a need in your Town to solve sewage problems, I encourage you to look into this funding source. We have a four page Summary Version of the Request for Proposals which I'll be glad to send you if you like. You might wish to discuss this with your Town Engineer or the Tompkins County Planning Department. Sincerely, � Joh�/M. Andersson, P.E. Environmental Health Director JMA/ch pc: Town of Ithaca Engineer enc. sew#5 Recycled paper Now York State Energy Research and Oevellopment Authority Two Rockefeller Plaza 0 Albany, New York 12223-9998 (518) 465-6251 FAX: (518) 432-4630 J FRANCIS J. MURRAY,JR. F.WitJ LATINO Chairman President December 15, 1993 Dear Health Department Director: The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, in cooperation with the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, is interested in demonstrating a low cost wastewater treatment system specifically designed for small co unities vilth 9=rsting sewage problems. Tf voli know of a m_ community with sewage problems rom an pu lic health or environmental perspective, please read the attached information and discuss it with them. Enclosed is a schematic diagram and a summary version of a Request for Proposals (RFP-287) that briefly describes the technology of interest, and outlines the different phases for implementing the demonstration project and the funding available for each phase of work. The Energy Authority anticipates that over $3,500,000 will be available for the project through a combination of grants and zero interest loans. The proposal:. that would be submitted under this RFP are for the 1st phase of work which includes planning, technical feasibility assessment and cost estimation. A maximum of $250,000 will be made available by the Energy Authority for phase 1 work. Five or more contracts may be awarded. There are two deadlines for submitting a proposal. It can be submitted to the Authority either on or before February 7, 1994 or between February 8 and March 11, 1994. Whatever portion of the $250,000 that is not allocated to proposals received on or before February 7 will be made available for proposals received before the second deadline. This notification of the availability of funds for this RFP has been sent to about 1200 Towns and Villages in New York State that may have an interest and need for this technology to resolve an existing wastewater problem. Again, if you know a community with a sever problem please encourage them to review this material. A copy of the entire RFP may be obtained by contacting Ms. Gina Wilder at extension 232. If you have questions of a technical nature, contact Dr. Joseph Visalli at extension 205 or Mr. Barry Liebowitz at extension 248. Sincerely, Robert Callender Director of Contract Management C ewe .oc r= z cmQ, 3y C~ Si4A:2 M G) mwcoa) u) z cmmciorj=Gi =Q 0 OCLO 0 0= z cmc'— E Cc 0— ►— 0 =CA A 3: ca cmm CL -a-= CA (a Cc JL cLE cc A, r= z 12,0 51.32,2 11 W W rm W.S? = U, OL = =e= — 0 CL rc Rgo-S & =teg E a E 3 G rm .0. = z 0 •O+ 0 -2 CL 22 ME E=— CC 6- C:j 0 U,,= CD r_ E Cc, LO cz 0 c 3ft 0 .0 31 c a to CL (A w 0 C4 co arm v CD C= E m E (A C)S C 06P 06 0— cm 66 G3 E -0 3: 0 E C c-1 W- E It In Q 06 C14 E A N., G; E CX.O eOoMc"ZCieo -0 CL e E C#3 = 40 W�cc 41 CL E If Ch E C, c cme CMO P.;co5 CAB L cm riG John and Lillian Yengo 1147-1155 Danby RDad Ithaca, New York 14850 23 January 1990 Ns . Shirley Raffensperger Supervisor, Town Df Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street 2 b Ithaca, New York 14850 R e: E3 tz x7 In 27 A s; en Dear Ms . Raffensperger: I apologize that my initial contact with you and your new position has to be one of complaint rather than praise but I just left your engineering office with a real surprise . They told me, today, that the property that I purchased at 1.151 Danby Road for which I have been caring for over the past 15 years or more has only water and that sewer is not available . Prior to purchasing the property I made as visit to the Town offices and was assured by Mike Ocello that he recalled being on the job site when the sewer was installed and was absolutely positive that it was there. In addition, I tried to reach Larry Fabroni but he was on vacation. My wife assured me that in our living room, next door to the house and property I bought, Larry and she discussed the placement of water and sewer and we even had an additional "tap" put in on as vacant lot we own . Later. during another visit, Nike and I tried to find maps making reference to the installation for the benefit of the plumbing contractor I aM Wnsidering hiring but could only find partials . He then tracked Larry down and Larry also felt that the sewer was in place and there should be drawings available . With further investigation on my part , I was able to identify two large water pumping stations approximately 50 yards further up the road from the house to be purchased. I felt at this time that the men were right and purchased the property and at a figure about $10 , 000 above my original offer because of the presence of the utilities . I hope that in light of this mistake on the part of your engineering office as solution can be arranged . I am led to believe that the house further up the road also has municipal. water but no sewer . Maybe this is the time to get " two birds'' with one stone . Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Ve'a,-y tru-ly yours , and Li3lian Yengo TOWN OF ITHACA Engineering Department LEETTEM 00 F TM nAKSMIUMA L 126 East Seneca Street ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 DATE TJOB T67 (607) 273-1747 ArTENT_16Ni ............. ....................... RE: TO b L ........................ ........... ------- ................ .......... —------------ ..............__............................ ............... ....... ..................... ----------- -------------- ............................................­.­............... ........... ......... ............ ----------- ................ WE ARCS SENMbIG YOU XAttached _1 Under SePaMtE, Cover .......... fdlowing items� I I Shop drawings El F'Hnts 0 Plarns L-] Sarnpes I'D Specificaflons , "„* Copy of @etter Change order E] ........---------- ----------- ---------------------------------- ""---"... ...........-—----------- 0 P E S DA F 1 NO___ _DESUMMOPq ............... C ........... --- .............................. T ------------- C ........... ----__- .............. .................................. THESd"'L AME 'HMNSMITI Ell) as checked Ihrelmr. For a[t q3rovaV ApI[)roved as submittedR 1 1 F esubrnud for ad)PMVZH F1 Www YOW- USe 1 Ap4 nuved as noT:e�'J 13'ubrnit ___copies for dk'lt6bution >eeS w'Eques�ed F, a°eturined fi)r correcOons I I Rleturr% ___.correded prints " For r,,Melw and cornment r-] F:OR BlIDS [)UE FTHNI S RETURNED AF1 EFZ LOAN TO US 7� V7%11)k) 1EQ, R F.M A R,1,1',S T iP 4'.117 17 -M do y7 Su as_�k'Aeu (A,- 4-- mm Z ...... ........... 6 ........... 7 i�' --------------- -- ---_------------------------- ------------ ................ -------------- -------------- -S A-_..—-— ................ .... ...... .................... .............. ---------- ................. ................. .............. copy ------------_....... SdGNED: M.,01"IN If enctosures are not. puss noted, kiriWy notffy cis at once, MEMORANDUM TO: Erik Whitney FROM: Mike Ocello RE: John Yengo sewer DATE: 1/30/90 In the late 70' s or early 80' s the Town of Ithaca extended water main past 1147 Danby Road. This property was, and is, owned by John Yengo. With this extension the Yengo property now has water and sewer available. The sewer crossing the Yengo property ends at a point on this property. At the time that this water line was extended there was much conversation within the Town engineering office about extending the sewer approximately 125 feet further to pick up the residence at 1151 Danby Road. At the time of these conversations Mr Yengo was involved in a request to extend this sewer line. A decade later Mr Yengo has purchased the property at 1151 Danby Rd. under the impression that this short sewer extension was completed. Mr Yengo, Larry Fabbroni and I all were under this impression. In actuality the extension was recommend, discussed heavily, but some how never came to pass. In light of these circumstances I feel that we should consider this extension at this time. OF IT f TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 June 14, 1990 Gail A. Zabawsky Chief of Administration Southern Cayuga lake Intenmmicipal Water Ommission 1402 East Shore Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Gail: I'm enclosing a copy of the Tom Board resolution, passed June 11, 1990, that was requested by the Commission. You will note that the payment of utilities in advance of an audit meeting was approved. The "previously approved (by SCLIM) purchase" was deleted. John Barney thought that was too general an authorization. If that can be clarified and you want to request another resolution, let me know. Very truly yours, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js enc. RESOLUTION: RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission to make payments for utilities previously approved by the ommission, prior to an audit meeting. Such payments will be presented for approval at the next scheduled audit meeting. r STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF TOMPKINS SS: TOWN OF ITHACA I,Jean H.Swartwood,Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca,New York,do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and exact copy of a resolution duly adopted by the of said Town of Ithaca at�Ge... rz� meeting held on the day of o,and that the same is a complete copy of the whole of such resolution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,I have hereunto set my hand and the Corporate seal of the Town of Ithaca,New York this day of =e- 19 9a WOQa "1m Rook Cm,Rachat".N.Y.14604 own Clerk of the Town of Ithaca �N n BARNEY, GROSSMAN, ROTH & L7l.JBOW ATTORNEYS AT LAW 315 NORTH TIOGA STREET P.O. BOX 6556 .JOHN C. BARNEY ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6556 PETER G.GROSSMAN TELECOPIER NELSON E. ROTH (6077) 273-6841 (6077) 272-88076 DAVID A. DUBOW RICHARD P. RUSWICK January 18, 1990 ROSANNE MAYER Mrs. Shirley Raffensperger Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Shirley: After my earlier letter to you today and our conversation I again reached Noel for further education on the West Hill sewer agreement. Noel advises that he did not agree to waive sewer benefit assessments on the fire station, nor was there any discussion about paying back the City's portion of the costs if the fire station ceased being a joint operation. He did not, however, have any difficulty on this last point. As to the waiver of assessments, it was his feeling that we should not agree to waive the assessment because it might establish a precedent that could cause us a problem in the future. I am also concerned about waiving them because by so doing we would really be altering the benefit formula which is supposed to be applied uniformly in accordance with benefits conferred. Therefore, it would be my recommendation to agree to the payback of the City's portion of the costs if the City and Town part ways, but not agree to the benefit waiver assessment. Thanks to the magic of the word processor enclosed is a revised agreement. The particular revision of note is paragraph 9 . I have not sent copies to Dominick or Shirley Egan pending your review and comments on the above. With best regards. Vere/'tr> ly ,yours, r r ; f JCB:b1 Enc. cc: Mr. Erik Whitney i i iii BARNEY, GROSSMAN, ROTH & DUBOW ATTORNEYS AT LAW 315 NORTH TIOGA STREET P.O. BOX 6556 JOHN C.BARNEY ITHACA. NEW YORK 14851-6556 PETER G.GROSSMAN TELECOPIER NELSON E.ROTH (607) 273-6841 (607) 272-8806 DAVID A.DUBOW RICHARD P.RUSWICK ROSANNE MAYER January 18, 1990 Mrs. Shirley Raffensperger Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Shirley: Enclosed is a proposed agreement between Cornell, the City, and the Town relating to the West Hill Fire Station line for your review and comments. I am sending copies also to Dominick Caf ferillo, Erik Whitney, and Shirley Egan at Cornell for their comments. I spoke to Noel and he indicates that the terms were as he agreed to them. He indicated there was an effort on his part and Dominick's part to try and establish a joint responsibility for construction and joint ownership of the line as a precursor to similar endeavors for interceptor lines and other sewer lines within the City. In talking with Noel and in thinking about the matter I had some difficulty in this particular instance of having a joint ownership with the City. While the line will indeed serve the fire station it will also serve, as I understand it, numerous homes along Trumansburg Road, and may also serve future development north of the fire station site. I can't really see any major reason why the Town should share ownership with the City. Sharing ownership raises a number of other interesting questions such as who maintains the line, who receives the revenues derived from benefit assessments, who controls whether a particular form of maintenance should occur, etc. Given the particular nature of this line it is my recommendation that the Town own it unless that creates a major stumbling block with the City officials, and we reserve for later discussion ownership of interceptors and other different kinds of sewer lines. Accordingly, this is the way I drafted the agreement. If you feel otherwise we can certainly modify the agreement accordingly. Once you have had a chance to look it over I would be delighted to sit down and discuss it with you. We did not attach the amortization statement as Dominick is preparing a new amortization statement starting in 1990. I would certainly welcome any comments that you or Erik might have. With best regards. Yourp-very truly, f �1 r � i JCB:bl +r Enc. cc: Mr. Erik Whitney � BARNEY, GROSSMAN, ROTH & DUBOW ATTORNEYS AT LAW 315 NORTH TIOGA STREET P.O. BOX 6556 JOHN C. BARNEY ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6556 PETER G.GROSSMAN TELECOPIER NELSON E. ROTH (607) 273-6841 (607) 272-8806 DAVID A. Dueow RICHARD P. RUSWICK January 19, 1990 ROSANNE MAYER Mrs, Shirley Raffensperger Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Shirley: Per our conversation this morning, and after talking with Dominick and Noel (Noel indicating now that he does not have a problem with the waiver of sewer benefit for the fire station) enclosed is a further revised edition of the proposed agreement on the West Hill Fire Station sewer line. It incorporates the changes we discussed this morning. I will now go ahead and send copies to Shirley Egan and Dominick. With best regards. Very truly yours, JCB:bl Enc. cc: Mr. Erik Whitney Acting Town Engineer OF IT TOWN OF ITHACA ,y��o,¢� 126 EAST SENEGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y, 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 February 21, 1990 John and Lillian Yengo 1147-1155 Danby Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Yengo: I have been researching the circumstances that surround the confusion regarding sewer availability to 1151 Danby Road. After discussion with the Town Engineering staff, it is my understanding that no investment decision was made by you based on incorrect information received from the Town of Ithaca and that the sewer extension would be of benefit only to you. Therefore, while the Town would have no objection to the extension of sewer to serve 1151 Danby Road, the cost would be your obligation. The cost was estimated by staff at approximately $3,000; that amount includes manhole installation. In order to decrease the cost to you in view of the particular circumstances, the Town would be willing to permit the substitution of an eight inch cleanout instead of a manhole. It is estimated that that would result in a savings of approximately $1,000. I hope this suggestion seems fair to you. I would be glad to discuss the matter further with you if you would find that useful. Yours truly, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js OF IV, TOWN OF ITHACA 0 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 1 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 February 27, 1990 Stuart Grinnell 528 Warren Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Grinnell: This is to confirm the substance of our conversations of February 22 and 23, concerning the availability of public sewer to presently undeveloped lots in the northeast area of the Town of Ithaca. At this time, the Village of Cayuga Heights is not permitting any sewer connections in that area, covered by a 1965 contract between the Town of Ithaca and the Village of Cayuga Heights. That writorium is a matter of litigation between the two municipalities and I cannot estimate when the matter will be resolved. So, absent a change of policy by the Village of Cayuga Heights or a resolution of the litigation, the Town of Ithaca cannot assure that a sewer connection is available at this time. I am enclosing an excerpt from the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance. As indicated, a two family dwelling is allowed in R 15 zones, with certain conditions. I hope this information is helpful to you. Yours truly, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js enc. 1/9/90 ARTICLE IV RESIDENCE DISTRICTS RIS SECTION 11. Use Regulations. In Residence Districts R15 no building shall be erected or -extended and no land or building or part thereof shall be used for other than any of the following purposes: 1. A one-Family Dwelling. A one-family dwelling may be occupied by not more than (a) One family, or (b) One family plus no more than one boarder, roomer, lodger or other occupant. 2. A two family dwelling, provided that the second dwelling unit shall not exceed 50% of the floor area excluding the basement of the primary dwelling unit except where the second dwelling unit is constructed entirely within the basement area, it may exceed 50%. 2a. A two-family dwelling shall be occupied by not more than two families and each dwelling unit in a two- family dwelling shall be occupied by not more than one family. 3. Church or other places of worship, convent and parish house by special approval of the Board of Appeals in accordance with Section 77, Number 7. The application shall then be referred to the Planning Board and no building permit shall be issued unless the proposed structure is in accordance with a site plan approved pursuant to the provisions of Article IX. 4 . Public library, public museum, public, parochial and private schools, day ' care center, nursery school, and any institution of higher learning including dormitory accommodations upon special approval of the Board of Appeals. The application for such approval shall be referred to the Planning Board and no final action shall be taken until the Planning Board has submitted its report or has failed to submit a report within 30 days. 5. Publicly owned park or playground including accessory buildings and improvements by special approval of the Board of Appeals in accordance with Section 77, Number 7. The application shall then be referred to the Planning Board and 20 OF 1p TOWN OF ITHACA 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 March 5, 1990 George J. Conneman, Chairman Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission 1402 East Shore Drive P.O. Box 178 Ithaca, New York 14851 Dear George: Before the next Bolton Point evening meeting, I'd like to clarify the responsibility for the presentation (not preparation) of the monthly budget report. Since it was not on the agenda, the question had not occurred to me but the awkwardness surrounding its addition to the agenda raised the question. I note from past minutes that the Treasurer has made that presentation; with the addition to the staff of an administrative commissioner and the presence of a chief of administration the current responsibility is not clear. I certainly am willing to follow the commission's intent but I need to understand it in order to be prepared. I'd appreciate your guidance. Sincerely, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js OF I TOWN OF ITHACA 21 A 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 .1161 0 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 March 27 , 1990 Mr. Eugene Ball , President West Hill Neighborhood Association 1317 Trumansburg Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Re: West Hill Water, in response to your letter of March 22, 1990 Dear Mr. Ball: The fire hydrants along Trumansburg Road, Grove Road, Grove Place, and Woolf Lane are all presently incapable of supplying the volume of water necessary to serve fire fighting equipment. The water supply system from the intersection of Woolf Lane and DuBois Road, uphill west, and along Trumansburg Road, is presently pressurized by a small temporary hydropneumatic station. The long-term solution to this supply problem is the construction of an additional water storage tank on West Hill at an elevation higher than the existing Hayts Road tank. The Town of Ithaca commissioned an engineering study in 1989 by Lazier Engineers to explore our alternatives in improvements to the West Hill water service area. The study has been completed and will be reviewed by the Town staff. You or any members of your Association are welcome to come in and review the Engineering Report. We welcome your comments and input. The Engineering Department will probably complete our review of this matter in the summer of 1990 and be ready to pass our recommendation on to the Town Board this fall . Sincerely, P. Erik Whitney Assistant Town Engineer PEW/nf le xc - Shirley Raffenspergerv"' OF Ir TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 March 28, 1990 Stuart Grinnell 528 Warren Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Grinnell: This is to confirm the Town of Ithaca's understanding concerning the availability of public sewer to presently undeveloped lots in the northeast area of the Town of Ithaca. At this time, the Village of Cayuga Heights is not permitting any sewer connections in that area, covered by a 1965 contract between the Village and the Town of Ithaca. That moritorium is a matter of litigation between the two municipalities and I cannot estimate when the matter might be resolved. I am not aware that any change in the situation has taken place in the last few months. Absent a change in policy by the Village of Cayuga Heights or a resolution of the litigation, the Town of Ithaca cannot assure that a sewer connection is available at this time for any property that would be served by the Village of Cayuga Heights plant. Very truly yours, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js OF Ir TOWN OF ITHACA 210$ 10 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 April 2, 1990 George Vignaux 1470 Trucriansburg Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear George: I'm enclosing, for your information, a letter sent to the West Hill Neighborhood Association explaining the water supply problem on West Hill. I don't know if this adds much to our phone conversation but the offer to review the engineering report {Lazier, 1989) is, of course, open to you too. The Town Board will have on its agenda, Monday April 9, an information and discussion item on "West Hill Water". I would anticipate that the Town Board will ask our engineering staff for a review of the report by this fall and will consider our options for improving the system then. Very truly yours, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js enc. P TO e H 0 n r b n r, ek,a.,p,e e r F 111 A" L See&so T n h a ma 126 East Seneca W rem 115 c at. Al e Wy Y 0 V* i A S V) 1 n a v e h a 0 s e ki, ri,--�, ri',,rn c t i z e n s N nc,�, i -1 ru,nn�1 u u rq 0 a f] inquiring as --o they can expect to recelve CaFt, sW. ee irm the enclosea letter they ma reason ti st surnr' 1 hope it mil be posubie to accommdate man th-i.s Sei5SQ-,,, The sewer is .n; . rMe once it goes right dowyn MoMf Lane and these mus8s m ao,k Lane, on the east side of TAmansburg R&Q, ri o rt;`h 'i o " h e 8 S -F o v,;n n,e Thank you for your Mention to As matter. Ejest regarvis, Deboran Represmative Districi 12 ancl, F:C t I F d Fcj H i--s c_,1 i S ie n c.'i, F., to, anc mrs. Grover" IT 4 ALI x7& A X, 19 -)At TOVM OF IrrHACA 126 EAST SENECA SVJW MACA, NEW YOM 1 June 19, 1989 Dear Trumansburg Road Property Owners: We are pleased to announce that the Town of Ithaca will be extending sewer service to you. The planned sewer main will extend north from Woolf Lane to the Ulysses Town line, serving all residences on the east side of Trumansburg Road (Route 96) . We. will need to obtain easements from property owners whose property will be traversed by the new sewer main. Once the alignment of the sewer has been determined, if your property is one of those which will be traversed by the new sewer main, we will send you a proposed easement for your review. We expect to be surveying in the area during the next few weeks, with construction to begin in mid-August. Your cooperation in maintaining this schedule is greatly appreciated. We are here to serve you., so please be assured that we will make every effort to keep any inconvenience to a minimum. If you have any questions or helpful input, please give me a call at (607) 273-1747. Sincerely, Sally S. Olsen Town Engineer SSO/nf U OF I W* TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 July 2, 1990 Lisa A. Stephens, Deputy Director Tompkins County Division of Budget & Finance Tompkins County Court House Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Ms. Stephens: The charges of $768-00, assessed to the Finger Lakes State Parks Commission for Parcel #38.-3-16 represent water benefits charges. The Town benefit rolls show 12 Units of water benefit, at $64 per unit, charged to the Commission. The Commission is not liable for any sewer benefit charges. Sincerely, -2f%� �S?hirley'y. Ra fensper er Town Supervisor SA.F:bfp rig,�r�Fdiu, I �F Oil- CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GPEEN STfREE-f ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE:2.72-1713 THE CONTROLLER July 12, 1990 CODE 407 Shirley Raffensperger Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Shirley: I have recently received an initial voucher from Paolangeli Construction relative to the West Hill Fire Station Sewer Project. I must therefore request that the Town now pay over its share of said project ($28,000), plus the Town's proportionate share of the Cornell portion (80% of $25,000 or $20,000) . A breakdown of the total project cost is attached for your review. As reflected in the West Hill Fire Station Sewer agreement, Cornell shall repay its share over twenty years plus 7% interest. Each year, upon receipt of said payment, I will transmit 80% thereof to the Town as partial reimbursement of the original advance. Upon completion of the project and the related satisfaction of all obligations and retainages, any unexpended balance of the project authorization of $60,000, inclusive of any interest earned shall be distributed based on the appropriate percentages of involvement. Should you have any questions in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Sincerely, Dominick R. afferillo City Contr er DRC:br Attachment "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Town Share $28,000 Town Share of Cornell Contribution (subject to pay back) 28,000 = 80% of $25,000 $20,000 35,000 Total Town $48,000 City Share $ 7,000 City Share of Cornell Contribution (subject to pay back) 7,000 = 20% of $25,000 $ 5,000 35,000 Total City $12,000 Total Project $60,000 July 12, 1990 OF 12,, TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 July 26, 1990 Pat Long P 0 B 1050 Dryden, New York 13053 Dear Ms. Long: It is my understanding that your property on Schickel Road, 1163 Danby Road, is part of the Schickel Water District, established by the Town Board of the Tom of Ithaca in 1961, the deed recorded on 1964. In 1971, when the Town consolidated all its special districts, the Schickel District became part of the Townwide Water Benefited Area. As a consequence of that action, the Town is presently maintaining the system, :Including the well and reservoir. I believe that the Town arranged for substantial repairs on the system in 1988 and I have been informed that there has been no recent difficulty with water supply to your property. I hope this statement is sufficient for your purposes, which were not explained in your letter. If not, please let me know. Very truly yours, Shirley A. Raffensperger . . Supervisor SAR/js cc: John Barney S sc SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION New TOWNS OF DRYDEN ITHACA o LANSING — VILLAGES OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS LANSING R O. BOX 178 "�, ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851 August 1 , 1990 Shirley Raffensperger, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, N. Y. 14850 Dear Shirley: We would appreciate your attendance at a meeting to discuss the future of the Village of Lansing elevated tank located at the Tompkins County/Cornell Research Park. The idea is to bring together the parties who have been involved in a number of separate discussions. You may want to bring your engineer and/or send them as a representative. We will try to have an agenda available at the meeting. Please confirm your availability to meet at Bolton Point at noon, Tuesday, August 14 with Leah Carpenter ( 277-0660) . Very truly yours, " Noel Desch Admin. Commissioner ND: lc Commission Offices Plant OperationsGEORGE J. CONNEMAN, Chairmen HAROLD CASE 1402 East Shore Drive MARGARET McELWEE, Vice Chairman JEANNINE KIRBY COMMISSIONER SHIRLEY RAFFENSPERGER, Treasurer LAWRENCE LEVER Ithaca, New York 14850 NOEL DESCH, Admin. Commissioner THOMAS O'ROURKE (607)277-0660 SHAILER PHIL RICK, Consultant JAMES SCHUG GORDON WHEELER NOTES MEETING AUGUST 14, 1990 AT BOLTON POINT ATTENDEES: Lawrence Lever, Jeaninne Kirby, Ron Sherman, John Majeroni, Shirley Raffefisperger, Dan Walker, Noel Desch RE: Future of Airport Tank The Commission was requested to serve as a facilitator on this matter. Noel Desch chaired the meeting. John Majeroni stated a joint desire by Cornell and Tompkins County to have the elevated tank removed if no longer functionally needed, the purpose being to improve the appearance of the "campus." The tank was built in 1963 by Cornell then became part of Town of Lansing Water District #1 which eventually served as the municipal boundaries of the Village of Lansing. It is a 125,000 gallon tank of which 100,000 gallons has been reserved for fire protection. The Town of Lansing Village Circle Tank has the same overflow elevation and through the Warren Rd. Town/Village interconnec- tion provides more effective domestic and fire service. 1. There seems to be a consensus that the Airport Elevated Tank is no longer needed. Hunt Engineers will confirm this for the Village as well as look at the desirability of keeping the pump station. 2. There is an issue of who owns the tank. Was it purchased by the County per an agreement with the Village? Trustee Lever will check on this issue. 3. If reuse costs are cost effective compared to a new tank, the Towns of Ithaca and Lansing have storage needs that potentially could utilize this tank. John Majeroni will check with Cornell Facilities Engineering to get prints of microfilm drawings of the tank so that transportability can be evaluated. Tank is of welded steel construction. No timetable has been set for the possible removal but coordination with Airport improvements is considered desirable. Cornell may be interested in providing $20,000 to encourage the tank removal. Another meeting will be scheduled at Bolton Point when the foregoing information is made available. MEMORANDUM TO: Dominick Cafferillo FROM: Shirley Raffensperger RE: Scope of Services,S&W, 8113/90 re shared sewer transmission lines DATE: August 30, 1990 Here are the proper changes to the Scope of Services from Stearns and Wheler we discussed yesterday: 1. Determine the length and size of sewers and numbers of pump stations needed by the Town of Ithaca........................... 2. [ no change] 3. (no change] 4. From existing data provided by the City and the Town,estimate the total cost relating to the operation and maintenance of the City's sewage collection system. 5. Based upon available data,estimate any maintenance cost differential between the overall cost of the operation of the City's lines and the cost of the lines nod by the Town of Ithaca. 6. Estimate a reasonable share of the transmission line costs allocable to the Town of Ithaca. 7. Prepare a letter report summarizing the basis of the analysis and the findings of the study. Present study findings to the City and Town of Ithaca. Notes on discussion: I will seek authorization from the Town Board to commit up to$2000. as the Town's share of the proposed services if these chanes are acceptable. I could put the item on the September 10 meeting of the Town Board if I hear from you by September 5 when our agency is finalized. You also discussed the City's intention to bill the Town for 1991 on an estimated cast basis. copy: Dan Walker John Barney MEMORANDUM TO: Ted Wixom FROM: Shirley Raffensperger RE: Town Board meeting, 10/ 1 /90 DATE: October 4, 1990 Thank you for the excellent presentation that you made to the Town Board on Monday, October 1 . It was most informative, complete and went a long way to alleviate the immediate concerns of the Town Board, As a summary of the "bottom line" of the discussion, it is my recollection that you assured the Board that additional testing to resolve unanswered questions would proceed, that you would recommend to the Bolton Point Commission that the "lead notification advertisment", last run In In 1988, be rerun as soon as possible and thereafter on a regular schedule, and that apartment complexes would receive a copy of the notification for posting in a common area. The Town Board expressed Its willingness to assist In the notification process, in any way the Bolton Point Commission deems appropriate, We look forward to receiving the results of the additional testing, copy:Zblton Point Commissioners Ithaca Town Board Dan Walker OF I TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENEGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 October 18, 1990 William F. Farrell 581 East Miller Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Farrell: The Town of Ithaca Town Board has scheduled a report from the Town Engineer on the requested water and sewer extensions along Coddington Road for November 8, 1990 at the regular 'Town Board meeting. I anticipate that the Town Board will receive the report and refer the proposal to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board for their canrent, no decision to be made at the November meeting. Nonetheless, I thought you would like to know what progress the Town is making on the petition you presented in March, 1990. 1 will ask the Town Clerk to notify you of any other meetings concerning the possible extension of water and sewer along Coddington Road. Sincerely, Y4 Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js cc: Dan Walker Jean Swartwood IL FHEIGHTS 9 A.M. Office836 HANSHAW ROAD - 4 1. 4 P.M.. hon ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 Tele 7-IZ. November 7, 1990 Shirley Raffensperger Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E. Buffalo Street Ithaca;, NY 14850 Dear Shirley: The Village of Cayuga Heights requests permission to attach a sewer main approximately 900 feet in length to the Renwick Heights collection system. The proposed main will serve four parcels on the southwesterly portion of Remington Road which cannot be served by gravity flow to the present main carrying flow from Cayuga Heights and the Town of Ithaca to the treatment plant. It is expected that the proposed main will tie into the line which presently serves the Stanton property just off East Shore Drive and from there to the Ithaca Area WWTP. Would you please consider this request and carry it forward through proper channels necessary to gain approval. Thank you. Sincerely, Ronald E. Anderson Mayor REA/ak 0 f January 14, 1991 139 Simsbury Dr. Ithaca, N. Y.14850 Shirley Raffensperger, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: Water/Sewer unit charges Dear Shirley: Thank you for the decision of the Town Board to correct the Water/Sewer unit charge from 2 to 1 on our tax bill. I appreciate your action very much. With this note, l would like to give you a brief background on this matter because the problem is not resolved yet fully. In January of 1990, 1 pointed out to the Town Clerk that the Town had changed the W/S units from 1 to 2.- She did not know why and when it was changed. I asked if she would be kind enough, to look into this mistake. Mrs. Swartwood promised,that she would take; care of it. I paid the tax for the two unit-charge with the understanding, that the Clerk would correct the mistake, and I would be' reimbursed the extra payments of the previous years.- Not ears.Not having heard from the Town I called on October 18,1990 to find out what was done and why the delay. She promised to follow up with the matter. On December 19,1990 1 called the Clerk again to inquire the reason for the delay of the review of my request. I asked if this could be resolved before the 1991 tax bills would be issued. Mrs. Swartwood said that she had done the review sometime ago and mentioned it to Noel Desch but did not pursue the matter. I was very disappointed, but to help resolve the problem I offered my help. She said that 1 could come any time and she would help me go through the tax books to find out when thechanges changes occurred. The same afternoon I came to the Town hall, reviewed through the available tax rolls and prepared a schedule of tax bills. Mrs. Swartwood requested from Andy Frost, your zoning officer, that he inspect -my house to see what the problem was. Tuesday morning, December 20,1990 Mr. Frost came and inspected our house. My wife and I live at 139 Simsbury Drive, and my father-in-law lives downstairs. We have a small kitchenette for his exclusive use. I am disappointed that such a small problem has taken over a year and still it is not resolved. Mrs. Swartwood suggested that I pay the 1991 tax bill in full, and the Town will reimburse the extra pay for 1991 soon after. She also said that the Town does not go back to previous years and return the extra monies charged to residents. Well, I do not believe this is the proper way to do business in town government. I noticed this unexpected unit change over a year ago. What else should I have done other than bringing it to the Clerk's attention? Let me tell you a problem very similar to this, and how it was resolved. Recently, when reviewing my returns, the IRS discovered an overpayment on my part to them. They sent me a check for the amount, plus the interest it had accrued. Should not the Town operate on this principle as well?. Attached please find a copy of the schedule of taxes from 1983-90 which I prepared on December 19,1990 and gave it to Mr. Frost. I bring this matter to your attention fully persuaded that, you are able to resolve this matter justly and fairly, for the 1988, 89, and '90 tax bills. Resp Ily, Ha yy A. Missirian cc: J.H.Swartwood C� �7- ql D / ;/ loll 6f IAI & PZ<!s7;4SL=F 5� 70 IT 711,1,S' 44q 77&,- ti fib 0F 13-671M F Z/Ao=7 6TAO -,-� A2 - ---------------- mw�mmwmwwww �,���leyd�� ws ROBER'T' R. FLUMERFELT, P.E. MAR t�a,,... II g CIVIL. ENCINLER MAR w !"/ d 115 CAMPHU AVENUE � r E7NACA,NEW YORK 14850 uuuuuummu 10n 2n 7E117 TOWN OF ITHAWA uuummoummwuw!wuw.amuwomuwouuuuwnw�muw'uu'v7omrvuw-wp M r_s Edgar R a F F e m m b s t p e I°..g ,r Town Superviisor March :p , 1991 as n d Town owa,wn o a r d Town rsI' Ithaca 126 E . Seneca S'P t:6 a:a d:,.,a t: Ithaca , e wed York & ag8"':'n0 ttd,-:a : F,tcamdaao F al t property at 1020 Eaa.K„t. Shore Drive , Tax Map 4'::yasrc-:eI Iessa.V” Mrs . R..af t EEnspU':6°rfl' a,,a,r" and Board Members : Pursuant t:o my telephone conv rsai at 'ion with you as F e w days ca g o as n daR my letter I.c..wa you o F January 30 , I s e s p::a a a c t F u'l 1,y protest t h e decision a � � aTown r ct to t r F ara Phe overcharge :YC a r water a r dp sewer a Vaa asd.assPmm¢ua"¢""0t F o r 1990 . A"���m explained i'n my letter' p o My/o u o'F January 30 , 1 d:I I,d.d tell Jean Swaaar.. tv wood upon paEaying t.!h c�a�b @ a , bill for- 1990 or- I99 that t:h water a r N d sewer assessment Mw8 a{s in Y er.,ror . t'p"q dry assessment a a : been LargwdFrom I unit , vhi : m aE always been t p"d d:$.P assessment , �&;'a b".':. units 1� v.s°s '�`E:a U". m.d Q:"1 apparent p...4<�Ea E:p 8"1 Q:��m t noticed � this change cpc m g until t h d g ay Ipaid the t s x bill m r person o n January 29, t9a0 . The dayaIt2r paying the tax bill , I went in the e hc spa. ta..a'I For a minor operationas n d:.t Forgot to Follow u p with :a Formal 't.etter. recgn.aest. .nmaa <aa reF'unrI . I did not request an inspection by Andy Frost because he iI " d n t g. y (previous t : the. assessment C`:p.1+i,h@ bgv:::e inspected the property in connection with remodeling vaod„.gr aaam"mdmm6 had in hisFiles t p k iI as Floor Fm .0a.dr Ys ma b F to p u ie house . ( .I t is as single F a°'A 6"dm":t l ,),” d. r�,,;�a a d p e n c e with I bath , I. kitchen , living room , porch a s r r d:t tC b da d r n.a a:L m,-, rented ta araoccupied 9y one person "cr the past several atr c, I unduar..sta-hy-hd::p that normally the Town daBaadrvas not d;gs,s bas€..:k more than siiva year in r._e t-.a n d.m 1 a c":g o v y y•r°w"a.?...a d e a_a"_r rm e r N t sa However , { 0.:.:d r t h d'"°'° p'olIovaIrhgg reasons , I believe ve t.V.haa,tw an exception should be masd.tas in this case t t _Ft0e d'_phram'tlga,i to 2 units aaasess6m"Pentwa72e, apparently simply as mistake -. not ca 7t the P° a°.a a ft.t t K a recalculation op'. units . Thum p-'hG dm N. t was a':ii!s e R surprise and not n Pdmfe t g R i m-ba..g s person aaisbn P 86'.:mugd normally notice unless he e c.auho b e@ u:p l'v scrutinized has t a x bill � _p h e w, e w ra s n c,, C p a e rm o t i t .h.a_a t ion d'a F t"a c, change 2) At leastp,b a r t L a I I^y because o f going a.n t P h e hospital , I Forgot t o write t h e Formal letter requesting as r e F c d n dhowever , t don ' t believe this tiCuuII paaa . aan necessary Verbal ndtipucati. m should have poaaem,.m enough . 1hereFore , again I respectfully request that ay o u r..d b pa'u n dad t.h e overcharge of 1126 00 For 1990 . 't have r ucei.ved::p the $126 . 00 o_eFd.mnd requested t°.c I o,... 1991. F o r which t thank ayd:gidu . Copies a';;u F my recent t:a x bills are e a=,dn oc, ed:` Very Y" t0' a¢ y yours , Robert Id p'' g o.armbr.aL,. 6 oI. t. s 199 f George W hr i a.ri 3 1 E. Re'a a.a t. Street; L„ Ithaca NY 1485(,".) N OF ITHACA T h"a e:e Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca , Senecw_aaa Street Ithaca N Y 14850 Delivered b y hand on April 16 , 1991 Dear ..t..quawn of Ithaca Su p dew r...v i.s ca r- s My house a't: 3'1. 1. R <:a t Street i n t h r e Town owr,r c',:r..f::"' Ithaca h r a a-s a septic system as n c1 I: have bo-:e r��,n trying toa connea wt; with t hr e public. sewer . I have now+d found o r,.a'tR after many caIIs to your e n g :1.n e 'r" j.n R"� department , plumbers,aik, exC'avatoors , letters, and an appearance before t h e Cayuga H err z.r 1 f...t t s Village B d�a a r d that t,V rer,..e is ani f.aia w^°a d...b P4:, going o'n between Casyug<"aHeights a:.a n cal Town cr°f Ithaca , rand as "moratorium, " c3 n d;t that I cannot c f r n n rcrc:;r c"twith a public sewer , and 1 that t h e Town never installed a lateral connection to a m y lot . It does not; seem correct for the Town of Ithaca to have charged Nl1e fC"11" use r}'fo- r.=.A sewer when you have not been supp l y/1 nq these sF:er_'Vac;esw e#n d when ;i., t h_d s;a s been ph"Nysk.caeaI. 1"'y a n c':;h 1 e d..f cma.l. .1 y` impossible $o r"" me to connect with"s one. I am sorry1: have beencaught between t app o l a t, .1.r:1 a h, a.n d1:h communities . So this i s a:a request t ra you to stop billing me in the future f o r- sewer =w:aer-vi.cce, <aa n d to refund t:;h amounts wh-cic:h I have been charged (,=and have fsaaId ) in the past . I: am enclosing a-a ,s e r c:r x of f m y last five bills from t h e Town of Ithaca with"a charges "t`o r these non-existent sewer services dating .tr€:am 11 /16/89 thr-ough-r t h"r e rp n e ending 0erg"/1.°5/9:1 . ( There w e r,.-Ea many ot;h°aers before that . ) _l..ha re total s:,a-.P,m I. have h ro a d"a9 to p-r a y in .this last period w Asa s $106 . 74 . I a s k herewith t.;h-ra~at; y o c_c please r"ef-ur act this amount fc r - , with interest . Later T shall c-submi. t, <.:a, bill -f Asa.e._ t:hr da s period before 1. 1. /:1.6/Br.-,au Since there is no way that; 1 could connect , physically or legally , I believe t should not: h"ia:AW°e been charged for services that airerew, non-existent a n e"9 unavailable . Thank you, Sincerely yours C I " George t.p a.b:t.l°n m � ', ,:• ;r, T-r'1..iACA , NY 1 !Q ,.1-,I ME NMI NO P77 (1 0 2770010 9 A ARREARS P -PENALTY A ARREARS P PENALTY W NATER WS WATER SURCHARGE 7 W WATER WS = WATER SURCHARGE SW SEWER SWS= SEWERSURCHARGE SW = SEWER SWS= SEWER SURCHARGE 1 �t? illing Period Cu i . %9to 11 /15/90 billing Pertid 05/16/90 to 08 '15/0 i "M "- METER RL-ADiNG .+ METER READING {;�N7 J(�p. CONSUME- CODE AMOUNT PREVIOUS PRh ENT TION CODE: AMOUNT _ PREVIOUS PRESENT TION 1615 163 19 A 10 . 00 P P $0 . ISI 0 C OF 1' . lr1 t47 , 3.4 i:'r.1F7 . w 130 . 3-11 C 7: $4 . 511. 11.`:i: 1>7 . t ti I { S I,;I 126 c, t.,,r r r • GRt)S:a GROSS .. .� ' ti ) ! $04 ' ..I. L--- PROPERTY LOCATION ACCOUNT NUMBER PROPERTY LOCATION ACCOUNT NUMBER tt..tr-} '' PFi( 1=.`r' r+:i t? 1 r' Frtt - 1 ;:5 f 'I 1 F�(�i E~1`r' STREET T001290- 1 357 hifah:.E PAYMENT TO : Rtl_E_R oI [ tiON!, TOWN OF ITr-InCo rn n;;l Tr.Wr,I[H P ANI 1 6 E(1::;'1` '"'I h11. C'i�l ; j ��,w:�Il'Irinr; II Li Kh uv 1.NO .rTHACA, NY I.�1 C) . Fr, t' 1 'd 277-0660 rrl€(>M1uNE r�(�� _ 277-0660 -ARREARS P PENALTY A ARREARS` P PENALTY - WATER WS WATER SURCHARGE W WATER WS - WATER SURCHARGE SEWE4: SWS SEWER SURCHARGE SW SEWER SWS SEWER SURCHARGE I CJ D:i :i. l i r. r�Period i O d 1 'i , 1 r,/ ; - to 1172/15/9C) 'TfER REAUIhJG •,GONSUMP .r. METER READING {;ODE AMOUNT PREVIOUS PRESENT LOTION P CODE AMOUNT PRESENT . "IION .._,;� 0;1.11.7.1.. sws $2 f E rtc r GROSS ® r07 ' GROSS '7 . Od 1', ;�1� • �';,�. PROPERTY LOCATION ACCOUNT NUMBER PROPERTY LOCATION ACCOUNT NUMBER 1 IR- cO) 1 T v.'!`r�E:L: -r I l.)0 1 t'.�'Cl... •I x, ry E qg=1NnO30d Ndild7O`t A1dBdOdd SSO&D ® # VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS Office Hours 836 HANSHAW ROAD Telephone 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 W7-257-1238 April 9, 1991 George Gibian 311 Roat Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear George: Thank you for the additional data relative to your request for a permit for a sewer connection in the Town of Ithaca. Unfortun- ately, neither of the reasons you advance, i.e. , that your house is old construction and you have been paying sewer taxes for years, speak to the reason for the moratorium on sewer connections. It was put into effect because the wastewater treatment plant was in 1987 operating at or very near the capacity limits of our New York State DEC license. In 1990. and early 1991, total flow is at or over the license permit more often than in 1987. Given the presp-xntcircumstances, we must continue the moratorium. Thus your request cannot be granted. Sincerely, Ronald E. Anderson Mayor REAjak Lj June 10, 1991 ' o Shirley Raffensperger, Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca St, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Re: Water/Sewer unit charges Dear Shirley: Thank you for the Town of Ithaca check in the amount of $252.00 as reimbursement for my overpaid taxes to the Town for the years 1991 & 1990. Please refer to my letter dated, January 14, 1991, copy attached, including a schedule of W/S charges from the Town tax rolls. There is no mention of why overpayments for 1989 & 1988 in the amount of $242.00 were not included. I have eagerly, willingly, and on time paid my taxes to the Town. Now that the books show a mistake, I expect it to be corrected and extra monies returned. I would appreciate it very much if you would give this matter your personal attention. Respectf ° 0 to inuiouuammuuuml Ha ry A.,,lVlissirian 139 ' sbury Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 OF IT`9 �,, ~21 � 126 EAST SENEGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 July 1 , 1991 Harry A. Missirian 139 Simsbury Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Harry: I have reviewed your request for a refund of 1988 and 1989 water and sewer benefit charges for one unit of your two family house at 139 Simsbury Drive . Earlier this vear , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorized a refund to you of one unit of water and sewer benefit for the years 1991 and 1990 . It was understood that , upon your application, the Town had established that you met the requirements of Town regulations re a second unit use , with- out compensation, by a family member. Town policy usually does not permit refunds beyond the current year but, because it was clear that you had attempted to clarify the 1990 charge with Jean Swartwood and Noel Desch, an exception was made and a refund ordered for that year also . It is my understanding that no request for refund or appli- cation for refund was made by you for the years 1988 and 1989 , a procedure which is required. The rules require that , when a second unit in a house is occupied by a family member , without compensation, the Town Board may waive the benefit units for that unit upon application by the owner and an inspection of the premises by the Town Building Inspector . While I felt comfortable recommending to the Town Board an exception for benefit charges for 1990, I can see no extenuating circumstances relating to previous years . If you wish to supply additional information or request that the matter be taken to the full Town Board for a determination, please let me know. Very truly yours , r Shirley Raffensperger Town Supervisor SR:bfp CC : Jean Swartwood Town Board Members, , F1 14 , OF Ir .......... - W. TOWN OF ITHACA Q-., J �� '2i o4� 126 EAST SENEGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 September 9, 1991 Lee Schafrik 1491 Trumansburg Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Lee: Thank you for your recent letter, outlining your many frustrations and dissatisfactions with the restoration of your property after the sewer construction. I do believe having all this on paper is an advantage to you and makes it easier for the Town to address specific items. I know Dan Walker intends to respond to some of the specifics of your letter but I'd like to make some general comments. This is no doubt that the restoration work has taken longer than anticipated. At least two factors that I am aware of contributed to the delay. First, the sewer line on the west side of Trumansburg Road did not pass the necessary tests and, second, you and others protested the quality of the restoration work that had started. You will recall that the Town then required top-soil tests and, subsequently, the removal of the top-soil and hay that had been used. We required that any soil used be tested before application, that straw be used as required in the specifications, and that some regrading be done. The Town then surveyed each homeowner, asking them to list their individual concerns. We will get a sign-off of those, indicating when the work has been satisfactorily completed. I have been assured that your grass seed was used as you requested, even though it contained a higher percentage of annual rye grass than we permitted the contractor to use. I believe both your and the contractor's mix was applied to your lawn; I can only hope the growth will be twice as lush as hoped for. Dan Walker is reevaluating the specifications for restoration included in past contract documents for water and sewer improvements. We hope to redraw them so as to improve the performance of our contractors in the future. I urge you and your neighbors to be patient at this point and wait to see how the most recent efforts turn out. We plan to check with each of you and make any necessary adjustments. The Town is appreciative of the easements granted to the Town for this improvement and I hope the much-needed sewer will, in the long run, balance out the inconvenience. Sincerely, Shirley A. Raffensperger Supervisor SAR/js cc: Dan Walker William Grover .per i ; IT It u CITY OF ITHACA I OB EAST GREEN STREET I" HACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPI-40NE TME CI-IAMBERLAIN (COT)274-6580 November 2S , 1991 Shirley Raffensperger Supervisor , Town of Ithaca 126 E . Seneca St . Ithaca , NY 14850 Dear Ms . Raf f ensperger : The Board of Public Works passed a resolution on November 20 , 1991 , setting the outside user water rate at 1 . 4375 , the same as it was for the Cliff Street pump station in 1991 . This rate is effective with bills rendered and payable after Janu- ary 1 , 1992 . Please let me know if you have any questions . Sincerely , rr /Debra A. Parsons City Chamberlain DAP :bcm An Fqual Oppmtunity P mplbyer with an Affirmative Action I'rogf am" Recycled Paper s(L SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION NEW TOWNS OF DRYDEN a ITHACA e LANSING — VILLAGES OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS LANSING R 0. BOX 178 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851 F !`,�l liav Februa,ry 18, 1.992 Shirley Raffensperger, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 1.23 East Seneca Street Ithaca NY 14850 Be : 1.992 Mater Rate Structure Request for Approval, of Amendment D 811 ri.ey I the t. e Commission water rate structure , previously approved by your Town Board, requires two minor amendments to reflect Commission administrative procedure . The Commission requests the Town Boa,rd ' s approval of the enclosed rate structure dated 2/10/92 , which incorporates the necessary amendments . The first amendment is the inclusion of the minimum charge and allowable consumption figures , as modified by the Commission at their Audit llteting of February 10, 1992 . The second amendment is the inclusion of the retroactive bill. calculation language . Previously, no policy was approved for this calculation. This amendment, fifst recommended by the Commission in our August 14 , 1991. letter wHs not included in your original approval of the 1992 rate structure and is Important for administrati,,P. purposes . The Commission appreciates yo,,ir cooperation and approval of this request. Should you have any questions , please contact this office . Sincerely, Kevin 14. Kauffman , P . E. Executive Dirictor t1992rates Commission Offices GEORGE J.CONNEMAN,Chairman JEFFREY CLEVELAND Plant Operations LAWRENCE LEVER,Vice Chairman JEANNINE KIRBY 1402 East Shore Drive COMMISSIONERS SHIRLEY RAFFENSPERGER,Treasurer JAMESSCHUG Ithaca,New York 14850 LAURENCE FABBRONI GORDON WHEELER (607)277-0660 FAX(607)277-3056 SHAILER PHILBRICK,Consultant STEPHEN LIPINSKI ('NjT ATTR I SCI,IWC* SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION .NEW TOWNS OF DRYDEN • ITHACA • LANSING — VILLAGES OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS • LANSING P.O. BOX 178 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851 1992 Water Rate Schedule Effective 1/1/92 The following declining rate schedule was adopted by the Commission at their Regular Meeting of July 22 , 1991 ( 1992 Bolton Point Water Rate ) : Metered Water Rate per Consumption (gal . ) 1000 gal . xaxamaaaxax aa+xa+�aasa saaaaxaxaaaasamaaaaxaxaxa 0 - 10,000 $2. 15 a•.'t5 10.001 - 150,000 $1 . 95 150,001 - up $1 . 60 /. 7© A minimum quarterly charge, replacing all previously adopted minimum quarterly charges, was adopted by the Commission at their Audit Meeting of February 10, 1992. This minimum charge, effective January 1 , 1992, is calculated using the above schedule and based on an allowable consumption for each meter size as followst Meter Allowable Minimum Size (in. ) Consumption Charge axaaaaaaaaaxar+aamaax�aasaaaaaaaaaaeasaaxaaaaacaaa 3/4 10.000 $21 . 50 gg' SO 1 30,000 $60. 50 43. _`70 1-112 45,000 $89. 75 ? 2 90,000 $177. 50 3 140,000 $275.00 4 200,000 $374 . 50 6 350.000 $614. 50 Retroactive Bill Calculatione All retroactive bills calculated after January 1 , 1992 will be based on the water rate schedule in-place at the time of the billing. twtrrts 2/10/92 _.omission Offices Plant Operations GEORGE J.CONNEMAN,Chairman JEFFREY CLEVELAND 1402 East Shore DriveM LAWRENCE LEVER,Vice Chairman JEANNINE KIRBY COMMISSIONERS SHIRLEY RAFFENSPERGER,Treasurer JAMES SCHUG Ithaca,New York 14850 LAURENCE FABBRONI GORDON WHEELER (607)277-0660 FAX(607)277-3056 SHAILER PHILBRICK,Consultant STEPHEN LIPINSKI A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND LOCAL LAW NO. 21 1976, BY ADOPTING A NEW WATER RATE SCHEDULE FOR WATER RATES, CHARGES, AND OTHER FEES CHARGEABLE TO CONSUMERS OF WATER IN THE TOWN OF ITHACA Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows: "Section 1. Local Law No. 2 for the year 1976, adopted August 23, 1976, as subsequently amended, is hereby further amended by deleting and repealing the water rate schedule previously adopted and inserting the water rate schedule set forth in this local law. The textual materials relating to master meters, etc. presently in the current water rate schedule as amended shall continue in full forcb and effect. The new water rate schedule reads as follows: Gallons per Bolton Point Municipal Combined Rate Quarter Rate Increment payable in Town of Ith. 0 - 10,000 $ 2 . 15 / 1000 $ 0 . 10 / 1000 $ 2 . 25 / 1000 gallons gallons gallons 10,001 - $ 1 . 95 / 1000 $ 0 . 10 / 1000 $ 2 . 05 / 1000 150,000 gallons gallons gallons Over 150,000 $1.60/1000 $ 0 . 10 / 1000 $ 1 . 70 / 1000 gallons gallons gallons Minimum Quarterly $21.50 $1.00 $22.50 Charge Section 2. This local law shall take effect January 1, 1992. A IT TOWN OF ' ITHACA 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 h'Ir Ro TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 February 18, 1992 Donald P. Franklin Director Tompkins County Division of Assessment 128 E. ,Buffalo Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Don: I have discussed your February 10, 1992 letter to me concerning inquiries that your office has received regarding water and sewer unit calculations for Town of Ithaca tax bills. I have been assured that when such inquiries are received by the Town, they are referred to Dan Walker, Town Engineer, and not to Tompkins County Assessment. I believe the difficulty may lie in the lack of specificity in inquiries that we receive regarding tax bills. I have asked Town of Ithaca staff to attempt to discover the nature of such non-specific inquiries so that we may cut down on referrals to -your office on water and sewer assessments. I regret that you have been inconvenienced by receiving such questions. When your office receives water and sewer questions on a first-case basis, please refer them to Dan Walker, telephone 273-1747. Sincerely, Shirley A. Raffensperger Town Supervisor SAR:bfp copy: George LaFave Betty F. Poole Dan Walker Donald P. Franklin Director Tompkins County Division of Assessment Court House Ithaca, NY 1481-50 Dear Don, I have discussed your February 10, 19922 letter to me concerning Inquiries that your office has received regarding water and sewer unit calculations for Town of Ithaca tax bills. I have been assured that when such inquiries are received by the Town, they are referred to Dan Walker, Town Engineer, and not to Tompkins County Assessment. I be]leve the difficulty may lie In the lack of specificity In Inquiries that we receive regarding tax bills. I have asked Town of Ithaca staff to attempt to discover the nature of such non-specific inquiries so that we may cut down on referrals to your office on water and sewer assessments. I regret that you have been inconvenienced by receiving such questions. When your office receives water and sewer questions on a first-case basis, please refer them to Dan Walker, tel: 21-11-13-1 747. Sincerely, SR 2/ 16 copy: George LaFave Betty Poole Dan Walker Cornell University Administrative Services Operations 607/255-4270 � Humphreys Service Building, Ithaca, New York 14853-3701 OF p . May 7,1992 TOWN Mrs. Shirley Raffensperger Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mrs. Raffensperger: The potable water rate for the Cornell water service to Forest Home will be $9.65/MCF from July 1 , 1992 to June 30, 1993. This rate reflects the cost of producing and distributing potable water to Forest Home, but does not include meter reading expense. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter please feel free to contact me at the above number. Sincerely, Diane Duthie, Administrative Associate dd/cp xc:Douglas Clark Forest Home File Datefile OF I TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 July 16, 1992 Peter Hess 131 West Haven Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Hess: The Town Board of the Town of Ithaca on July 13, 1992 authorized the refund of $5. 76 to you, that amount reflecting a sewer arrears charge. The Town Board reviewed the circumstances of that charge as outlined in your letter referred to me on June . 22, 1992 and determined that a refund was appropriate. The Town Board regrets that you did not receive a response to your letter from Bolton Point. There have been a number of personnel changes there recently and I assume that may account for the lapse. We hope that the prompt attention of the Town of Ithaca Town Board to your problem will, to some degree, renew your faith in the intention and ability of local government to meet the needs of its citizens. Very truly yours, Shirley A. Raffensperger Town Supervisor SAR:bfp Copy: Kevin Kauffman, Executive Director Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Town of Ithaca Board Members Pleter He4= 1 -7 1 West Haven Pose Ithaca, N1' 14550 Dear Mr. Hess,- The ess;The Town Board of the Town of Ithaca on July 13, 1992 authorized the refund of $5.76 to you, that amount reflecting a sewer arrears charge. The Town Board reviewed the circumstances of that charge as outlined in your letter referred to me on June 22, 1992 and determined that a refund was appropriate. The Town Board regrets that you did not receive a response to your letter from Bolton Point. There have been a number of personnel changes there recently and I assume that may account for the lapse. We hope that the prompt attention of the Town of Ithaca Town Board to your problem will, to some degree, renew your faith in the intention and ability of local government to meet the needs of its citizens. Very truly yours, SP copy: Kevin Kauffman, Executive Director, Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Town of Ithaca Town Board members (Sally will provide check for $5.76 to be enclosed with letter - SP) W 2 8 �`992 1488 Trumansburg Road PO Box 86 Ithaca, NY 14851 July 27, 1992 Mrs. Shirley Raffensperger Town of Ithaca Supervisor Town Hall 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mrs. Raffensperger: Since we have not been able to reach each other by phone, I thought I had better send you a note regarding my concerns with the sewer installation of last summer. My list is very short but it has been very frustrating to get these things done as throughout the project I was assured everything would be corrected and they still are not. 1. The entrance to our driveway is narrower than before on the right side going out toward Ithaca. Perhaps the drain pipe was not placed correctly but to me that is something you rely on the professional to take care of and frustrating when they don't. In fact two weeks ago when the Town crew were here they uncovered a cinder block that had been part of the original approach and was farther to the right. This was shown to one of the engineers before they covered it up when regrading. Then last week the asst. engineer said they were going to blow up aerial photos to determine the width. Instead of all this double talk why not just add a little to the side of the drive so we can make a safer turn onto Rte. 96 without going over the double line. Also there is a sharp part of the drain pipe that if driven over could damage your tire. (This is hard to describe but can be easily seen and understood.) The approach has also settled making a dip. 2. A crack up the driveway developed from the large trucks coming into the drive and being loaded. At the time everyone agreed that it would be fixed. Now, I am told the engineer decided it was an existing condition contrary to what was said last year. 3. The contractor broke our number sign from the driveway post and said it would be replaced but nothing has been done to date. Another concern may be that the footer drain from our basement has been covered. Prior to this the pipe was higher and exposed. I hope that if, (heaven forbid) we ever got water in the basement it could run out properly. Other than these three concerns the project has been satisfactory (rather drawn out which was hard on everyone). I do appreciate knowing we have a supervisor that we can communicate with. Sincerely, Frances V. Wilson cc: Engineering Dept. r^ .0 c�COMMUNITY DISPUTE .; RESOLUTION CENTERa ,a { _3 0 F ti �" AC/ J, August 20, 1992 Shirley Raffensperger, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms . Rathensberger: This agency has been contacted by William Grover regarding the sewerage installation. We offer a cooperative process that allows people in conflict to work out an agreement satisfactory to all parties involved. I would like to emphasize that we do not represent Mr. Grover in any way and are offering our impartial services to both of you. Please call the Community Dispute Resolution Center between 9 am and 4 : 30 pm within five business days . We would like an opportunity to speak with you about our service and suggest how it might be useful in this situation. Thank you. Yours truly, ail Burgermaster Case Coordinator 124 The Commons Ithaca, New York 14850 (607) 273-9347 Recycled paper f ,,..,,,.�a r,.i.;.I n./l�lfiu�✓yt*I"//�/,i,/�WfGi✓ ",/!/1,"/ ;"' " Ickc NN e x k 14 4, QNE W Its -G--IK-7, mm.._ 7::� "Y _. --Ttel owl � � 60 R � .. � Q M Ej o to w. G I �" � sA,vzn Michael Elmo 139 East King Road Ithaca, New York 14850 October 12, 1992 Ms. Shirley Raffensperger Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Sewer Extension for Elmo Residence, 139 East King Road Dear Ms. Raffensperger, I am writing to request assistance from the Town of Ithaca so that I can connect my property to the Town's sewer on East Ding Road. Several years back Herbert Monkemeyer installed a sanitary sewer for a new development he was building on East King Road area. Although my residence is located directly across from and only 150 feet away the sewer built for Mr. Monkemeyer's development; I was never approached by anyone from the Town's Office about the feasibility of connecting up to that sewer, while it was being constructed. After meeting with Dan Walker and Wayne Sincebaugh and reviewing Mr. Monkemeyer's file, it seems that it would have been logical and inexpensive at the time that sewer was created to advise and permit me to extend that sewer to my home by a lateral connection. In. fact had that been a condition of Mr. Monkemeyer's subdivision plan, both the municipality and my family would have benefited. Now, a few years later it is prohibitively expensive to run that line since the roads and sewers are completed and covered. I understand that the Town has been constructing municipal sewer lines in the Inlet Valley and Bundy Road area, installing lake Ts during the constr.uction at the Town'sax ense. I am applying to iia and n Board to approve "' et � cost sharing for the construction of a similar lateral to my home. Thank you for consideration of this request and I very much appreciated the cooperative and professional assistance your staff provided. Very truly yours, � .� � Michael. Elmo C FINGER LAKES MANAGEMENT T CO P. Post Office Box 400 Ithaca, New York 14850 22 October 21, 1992 Ms. Shirley Raffensperger Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel #33.-3-1.2 Seven Mile Drive Dear Ms. Raffensperger: Early in the month of September I discussed with you the large Water and Sewer bill which had been levied by the Town of Ithaca on our property on Seven Mile Drive. It is our understanding that Section 305, Paragraph 5 of the Agriculture and Markets Law of the State of New York prohibits this type of levy on a property that is in an agricultural district and is actively used in agricultural pursuits. I have also discussed this matter with the Town Engineer, Dan Walker and the Town Attorney, John Barney. We have not received any response from any of the three parties and to avoid losing the propertydue to tax sale we have paid the delinquent taxes and Water and Sewer levies. The Water and Sewer levy has been paid under protest. Copies of the two checks utilized to make those payments are attached to this letter. We are disappointed that we have not yet received a response and would appreciate your taking action to obtain a refund for us for the Water and Sewer bills that have been improperly levied, the penalties associated there- with and interest on the monies deposited with the County under protest. Sincere ;:fiLx. M �eerrg e Ja G °` .. �....- essJein ' e President GJG:m Encls. cc: Dan Walker, Town Engineer John Barney, Town Attorney David Tyler, Esq. BANK OFFICIAL L CHECK 221 o ; 0.0 .. --- 105352 SAVINGS HANK FSB Fpic INSURED ` ITHACA,N.Y. DATE PAY TO THE ORDER OF T QMP f-,IN S .i QIJt-JTYh;,�:��4 i4;:� ;'1� : } <:i�;{ ;}•:� ( �� �� � ;d i�:;4:i' �_'_ t __ :_!.1.5h.s.`:: THOUSAND SIXTY SIX A�D 00/100 NOTICE TO CUSTOMER (---AU Al.1T1 ZPayment of this check may be stopped after(90)clays. TI1O6�fEED SIGC JA i IJ F 1180 1 10 5 3 5 2115 o'4 2 2 1, 3 70 [1 3 DOM0 1, 199 2 L,01120 Los, 158 v BANK OFFICIAL CHECK .,fl}` 13 y p.'. "" " W)ER ,P R(J rvL E,:7 SAVINGS RANK FSB FDICiNr3UR',gin H,rv,ra,N Y. [DATE ._____._._ PAY TO THE ORDER OF F� rI ..0 TH01,JISANra' t140 ,sial"DIRED SIXTY SIX ANIL 4je'4.vv DOLLAF, NOTICE TO CUSTOMER Payment of this check may be stopped after (90)days. , Al.l1"hiOF-tI�ED ;'alCif�JATUF�iF TWC1 CadAT,l,l�. iE..L�1.11FiCev�J �G?:t1ih(�.�C 1110LL05353111 eon 22L3 ?03 2P0.0 L 1, 9 9 2 L,0100 1- lo 5I(3 12 03 East Seneca Street Ithaca, Now York 10850 12, Shirley Raffensberger, Town Oupervisor Town of Itbaca 126 East Seneca Street, ithaca, jew York 14850 Dear Mrs. Raffensea rger, to ask that the property at the corner of Hayts and TrumansburF,, Roads ( 1296 and 1293 Trwnmisburg R(Yad) be provided with sewer service. This request had been made previously at a, public meeting when sewer was bein,, considered Car the Trumansbarg Road aro- allonetholeos this property was ignored in the ins011ation of sewer lines which have benefited the majority of proper- ties in the area; and despite the fact that the ProFassionai Building which has public sewer, is directly across the road. I hope the Town will include oewer service Or this property j.n its, plans for suwer extension an West Hill. TIvank you. Sincerely, 7 66"'a-el Salvatorc Grippi I have also spoken to Lhe Town Engineer About having sewer brought to this properby. xc_ D,,.ua elalher, Tca,rn Lnp ,ineer j 1 'Stearns& %eler ARN �e /0A 46 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERS& SCIENTISTS April 28, 1993 Mrs. Shirley Raffensperger Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re: Troy Road Water Storage Tank S&W No. 1885 Dear Mrs. Raffensperger: We have reviewed your March 4, 1993 response to our request for payment for additional services provided to the Town of Ithaca on the above referenced project. We do not agree with the Town Engineer's analysis of item 2 of our request. A brief description of the history of this project should clarify our position. The proportions of the tank were established based on a water elevation of 1235 USGS and the existing ground elevation of the site ultimately selected for the tank, The new Troy Road tank was first recommended in Stearns & Wheler's February 1983 Report on Water System Improvements. The recommendation from that Study were reviewed and substantially reaffirmed in an April 1989 Engineer's Report - 1989 Water and Sewer Improvements, by Stearns & Wheler. The 1989 Engineer's Report recommended the water elevation of 1235 USGS. The tank site was then selected by the Town principally because it was offered by the developer of the Deer Run Subdivision. The tank proportions were then dictated by the site elevation and the recommended water level previously proposed to and reviewed by the Town. Detailed design of the telemetry system then proceeded based on a 43-foot tall tank. The range of water elevation in the tank (43 ft.from full to empty)dictated replacement of some existing telemetering equipment as well as other telemetry improvements. Design proceeded with extensive communication with Frank Shea of Bolton Point and the Town Engineering Department, Contract Documents were completed June 1, 1990, and distributed for review to the Town of Ithaca and Bolton Point. Revisions were made dated July 31, 1990 to the Contract Documents in response to comments received. Bids were advertised for on August 28, 1990 and at the same time we were instructed by the Town Engineer to issue Addendum No. 1 changing the tank height from 43 feet to 28 feet; effectively lowering the water level 15 feet. Bids were received September 26, 1990. A preconstruction conference was held on November 14, 1990 at which the Town requested the telemetry equipment manhole be ' changed to a 6 ft. by 6 ft, building. Also, at that meeting changes to the telemetry system which,; resulted from the tank height change were discussed ;Change Order No.1 was issued April 8, 1991 which contained details of these changes. One Remington Park Drive Oazenovia, New York 13035 (315)655.8161Fax(315)655-4160 Cazenovia,New Yak Amherst,New Yak Darlen,Connedicat Bedford,New Hampshire•Bowie,Maryland 0--1— Mrs. Shirley Raffensperger, Supervisor April 28, 1993 Town of Ithaca, NY Page two. First, I think the record shows that there was considerable communication with Bolton Point and ample opportunity given to indicate their preference for a building rather than a manhole. Secondly, Mr. Walker's hange in the tank height changed the design of the telemetry system.1 Indeed, the existing teletetry equipment became usable because of this ta e tion however, it j*height r _dup_ �, changed the design which had been completed and required new design, sketches and specifications to be included in Change Order No. 1. Our selection of tank proportions and telemetry equipment and housing were reasonable, appropriate, and based on sound engineering judgment and protocol. The Town Engineering staff and Bolton Point staff were given ample opportunity to participate in the design development and final plan review. While these changes were not technically unreasonable, they were requested at a point in time which resulted in additional effort by Stearns & Wheler, Our request for additional payment should not be denied. We also do not agree with the Town Engineer's analysis of Item 3 of our request. The increase im fence,lengttvwas initiated by the Town's inspector, Wayne Sinsabaugh, on May 3, 1991, by Work Directive Change. The additional services for which we request payment is that time for our staff to prepare Change Order No. 2 as directed by Mr. Sinsabaugh. There were np,,.,d-ficjencie§]n our tp,p,o,gr,a hic,,,survOy'; instead, this change was one of convenience which could have been made p during the design development and review phases at no additional effort by Stearns&Wheler's staff. Enclosed are copies of pertinent correspondence, minutes and change order for your review. It is requested that you reconsider your rejection of Items 2 and 3 of our request. I hope this matter can be resolved in a timely fashion. Ver,�r truly yours, 7 Richard W. Elliott, P.E. Associate RWE:mlh Enclosures .01 fw� AFIR 2 6CORNELL U N I V E R S I T Y „ " Facilities&Business Operations Facilities Engineering Telephone: 607/255-4824 Humphreys Service Building Fax: 607/255-532 Ithaca,New York 14853-3701 April 21, 1993 Ms. Shirley Raffensperger Diez Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: Sewer Overcharge Dear Ms. Raffensperger: Recently, the Cornell University Golf Course received a bill for over $6,000 for water and sewer use at the golf course. The problem, as we understand it, began when the Moakley House and Golf Pro Shop were hooked up to public sewer in the Spring of 1992. These facilities, and the golf course watering system, were hooked up to the Town water system through a master meter, at the time the water main was run down Warren Road from the Christopher Circle tank, in the late 1980s. We respectfully request relief from a major portion of the sewer billing to date, since most of the use is the watering of the golf course. We estimate the annual water usage for the two buildings, Moakley House and Golf Pro Shop, to be 41,000 cubic feet and 5,000 cubic feet respectively. There are existing water meters for these two facilities, but they have not been read since we switched over to the town system, and the master meter at the purnp house has been read by SCLIWC personnel. Upon your approval, we will install two new meters with remote exterior readers, that SCLIWC personnel will read and bill as individual services each quarter. This consumption would then be deducted from the master meter amount to determine "water only" use on a third bill. If you use our above figures as estimates for sewer use in those two buildings, we will remit those sewer charges, surcharges, and penalties to-date when you provide us with recalculation for the two buildings connected in May, 1992. Any discrepancy determined in the first year of use of the new meters can be determined in your favor, if applicable, after a year of readings. Since the amount unpaid is substantial, Cornell would prefer to deal with the resolution of the matter after your consideration of our request by paying a revised bill including any penalties on the reduced water charges that you deem appropriate. Given the complications of creating three services, this would be much more straightforward than paying the current bill and requesting a refund, if this is possible. Thank you, in advance, for your prompt attention to this matter. If the proposed solution, as outlined above, is not possible,please notify us irrunediately as we would like to resolve the matter without any further penalties accruing, while our discussions continue. You may contact me at 255-6614, for any additional information you may require in your investigations. Sincerely, awrence P. Fabbroni, P.E., L.S. Sr. Civil Engineer 1pflbhs#17258 xc. Doug Clark William Szabo Dan Walker, P.E., Town Engineer q, BoLtl' 9'dV>CB4pVV'`." . , a nium winjuit ukia mnERNAUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION TOWNS OF DRYDEN - NTFIACA- LANSING— VILLAGES OF C AYL)GA HEI iiTS m LANSING (637) 277-0660 — FAX(607) 277-3356 Juno 8 , 1993 NAM]N' GADDRESS: 2.Ct 3�:z 17S Theodore C' . Wixom , Mayor ow @thaocc�zp 10.�4S5"i Village ���f Lansing 2405 N . Triphammer Road , Ithaca, New York 14850 "1^ SN°°iWMNG ADDRESS: 1432 East Shos%IDrNe, Ronald E . Anderson , Mayor Ithaca,NY.14850 Village of Cayuga Heights 836 Hanshaw Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor IIP I I E R i t Town of Lansing RD #1 , 523 Auburn Road GEORGE J.CONNEMAN Lansing , New York 14882 C hairrvian woe ,DE NNNNE@CN2S5 Shirley A . Raffensperger, Supervisor Ie VIce,,ON aIrrnan Town of Ithaca SHIRLEY N'AFFENS2E2GER 126 E . Seneca S t:,r e e.t Trea='os. Ithaca , New York 14850 RONALD ANDERSON JEFFREY N_E3ENmAND °[WN"°EC�El�N'o-SitN'OM James F . Scizug, Supervisor DONALD HNNIL Town of Dryden STEPHEN URNS@CN 65 E . Main Street NC.i NCwN°°IAEL.NE. M N Dryden , New York 1.3053 1AMES SCM„iG Re : East”, Hill Tank Project SNCF'LNN.ER R..NNN..MC K Consu%'ul Dear Mayors and Supervisors : The Commission requests the support and commitment of your respective governing board for the above referenced project.. Please provide the, Commission with your written response by July KEMN"C M.KAL)FN'MAN,P.E. 1 , 1393 . N'uecutNe NMiNirootor Enclosed is GAn additional copy of the draft East Hill Tank L4 REqCE R.PARLETT Agreement, dated May 27 , 1993. This is identical to Exhibit # 066 AdrnursN ira%/eMan ger of your Commission packet . The Commission asks 'that you provide your respective governing board with the background and financial. L'10°tECtE'"T ItEC°.VSN CI commitment of this proposed project;. I would be happy to assist Lx1raflon Manager you with this effort; justgive me a call . One possible approach to your governing board is the following summary of the draft agreement: Recitals ( Purpose ) -- 1 . The Town of Dryden (Dryden) , Town of Ithaca (Town) , Village of Lansing (Village ) and Commission need water storage capacity and recognize the benefits of cooperatively constnzctinrj mutually useful facilities . The Town ' s need includes that of Cornell University. Mayors an Supervisors June 8, 1993 page 2 of 3 2 . An ad-hoc committee developed a cost sharing formula for the project. This formula and the committee ' s general understanding of how the project would work were incorporated into the draft agreement developed by the Commission' s Engineering and Operation Committee . The Project and Ownership - 1 . The project consists of the construction and shared use of: A 1 ,000,000 gallon storage tank (nominal size; exact size to be determined in design phase ) ; and, Approximately 3, 200 lineal feet of 16 inch transmission main 2 . Once constructed and operational the project will be owned and operated by the Commission in the same manner as the improvements included in Project I and II of the original Agreement of Municipal Cooperation (A.M. C. ) . Capacity Allocation & A Second Tank - 1 . Distribution storage uses have been allocated, based on the present Dryden, Town, Village and Commission storage capacity need and the cost sharing formula. 2 . The parties agree to construct a second storage tank on this site ( size to be determined) upon the occurrence of any of the following events: a. If Dryden, Town or Village, individually, reach their allocation limit; or, b. The combined distribution storage use of Dryden, Town and Village exceeds 780,000 gallons; or, C. If the required transmission storage capacity of the Commission becomes unavailable. 3. The Commission is given the authority to determine if and when the "triggering" events occur. Financial Commitment - 1 . The financial commitments, based on a preliminary construction cost estimate (Exhibit "A" ) , is summarized below: Party Financial Commitment Town of Dryden $142 . 556 Town of Ithaca 425, 912 Village of Lansing 106, 150 S. C .L. I. W. C. - Bolton Point Water System 302 , 606 Total Estimated Project Cost $977. 224 Mayors an Supervisors June 8 , 1993 page 3 of 3 2 . The Commission plans to pay its share of the chosen financing method with water rate revenues . The good faith and credit of the Municipal parties to the A .M. C . will stand behind the Commission ' s commitment in the proportional manner presently used for our benefit assessment. Based on 1.991 metered consumption figures , the following table shows each Municipalities financial liability assuming the Commission defaulted on this commitment in 1993 : Municipality Credit Share Town of Dryden $ 12 , 104 Town of Ithaca 152 , 816 Town of Lansing 33 , 287 Village of Cayuga Heights 39 , 339 Village of Lansing 65 ,060 Total Commission Commitment $302 , 606 3 . The financing method shown in the draft agreement uses the Town of Ithaca as the financing agent. The viability of such an arrangement is being investigated . The zebra mussel control project financing once considered using the Village of Lansing as the financing agent; but ultimately used a joint borrowing method. 4 . The Town of Ithaca Engineering Department is designated to design and provide all project management needs of this project. No legal review is requested or recommended at this time . What is needed is a brief letter of support or lack thereof for this project and the financial commitment shown above . Thank you for your cooperation with this matter. Should you have any questions , please contact this office . Sincerely, 'a— ""I, cl-, - :7 41 — fi Kevin H. Kauffman , F . E . Executive Director CC : Commission Legal Counsel ( letter only) contracts : ehtnk: smmry6 . 7 n o( UT if "?IlyNHly 4Y/i4" CITY OF ITHACA FINAL 108 EAST GREEN STREET OFFICE OF IT , NEW YORK 14B50 TF_LEPF-ZONE: (607)274-6576 THE CONTROLLER FAX: (607)272-73413 October 25, 1993 Shirley Raffensperger Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 N , r M Dear Shirley: Please find herewith a copy of the direct costselative to the operation and maintenance of the Sewer Correct iol System for 1994 . Any adjustment to said cost would be adjusted as a part of the 1995 charge. The amounts at the bottom show the Town' s share at 17% and 7% . We can meet at your convenience to finalize. We can also finalize the water rate discussion at that time, ,if you have not already done so. Best Regards, ominick R.' fferillo City Contro r DRC: cs Attachment cc : Dan Walker "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Recycled Paper Y� SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM COSTS--1994 BUDGET--SEWCOLL9 TOTAL NON-COLLECTION COLLECTION BUDGET SYSTEM SYSTEM ACCOUNT COST RELATED BUDGET UNDISTRIBUTED INSURANCE $32,000 $5,120 $26,880 CONTINGENCY $30,000 $4,800 $25,200 SEWER ADMINSTRATION $151,243 $24,199 $127,044 TAXES ON CITY PROPERTY $600 $600 $0 GENERAL FUND SERVICE $164,778 $26,364 $138,414 METER SECTION $82,918 $82,918 $0 BUILDING&YARD $64,579 $0 $64,579 SHOP&EQUIPMENT $86,298 $0 $86,298 PLUMBING INSPECTION $21,640 $21,640 $0 GENERAL MAINTENANCE (A) $97,411 $0 $97,411 CLEAN &FLUSH MAIN $19,050 $0 $19,050 MAIN SEWER STOPPAGE $5,050 $0 $5,050 BUFFALO ST.PUMP STATION JOINT $13,410 $0 $13,410 WOOD ST. PUMP STA TOWN/ITH $13,350 $13,350 $0 CHERRY ST.PUMP STA JOINT $6,225 $0 $6,225 GILES ST.PUMP STA JOINT $2,640 $0 $2,640 ELMIRA RD. PUMP STA JOINT $4,655 $0 $4,655 RENWICK HTS. PUMP STA TOWN/ITH $2,150 $2,150 _ $0 VARNA PUMP STA TOWN/DRY $3,950 $3,950 $0 CASS PK PUMP STA JOINT $3,460 $0 $3,460 PIER RD. PUMP STA JOINT $883 $0 $883 PARK RD. PUMP STA JOINT $2,290 $0 $2,290 FOREST HOME PUMP STA#1 TOWN/ITH $1,485 $1,485 $0 FOREST HOME PUMP STA#2 TOWN/ITH $1,310 $1,310 $0 FOREST HOME PUMP STA#3 TOWN/ITH $950 $950 $0 FOREST HOME PUMP STA#4 TOWN/ITH $870 $870 $0 FOREST HOME PUMP STA#5 TOWN/ITH $1,150 $1,150 $0 BURNS RD.PUMP STA TOWN/ITH $1,875 $1,875 $0 STEWART PK PUMP STA #1 CITY/ITH $1,185 $1,185 $0 STEWART PK PUMP STA #2 JOINT $1,910 $0 $1,910 COMMON LANDS PUMP STA TOWN/ITH $1,150 $1,150 $0 DRYDEN PUMP STA TOWN/DRY $1,650 $1,650 $0 EAST SHORE PUMP STA TOWN/ITH $1,250 $1,250 $0 TRANS & DISTRIB. $22,400 $0 $22,400 SEWAGE TRT. PLANT CITY SHARE $1,051,829 $1,051,829 $0 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATE RETIREMENT $26,508 $6,145 $20,363 SOCIAL SECURITY $32,500 $7,475 $25,025 WORKERS COMP $37,900 $8,785 $29,115 UNEMPLOYMENT INSUR. $3,000 $695 $2,305 HEALTH INSUR. $94,110 $21,814 $72,296 DENTAL PLAN $2,200 $510 $1,690 DAY CARE PLAN $3,000 $695 $2,305 DEBT SERVICE CITY DEBT $273,032 $273,032 $0 $700 $700 $0 DEBT SERVICE JOINT $26,728 $0 $26,728 TOTALS 2 397272 1 569 646 827,626 TOTAL JOINT COSTS FOR 1994: $827,626 C?a 17% = $140,696 TOWN OF ITHACA 9.7% = $5,793 TOWN OF DRYDEN (A)EACH SEWER LINE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT WILL BE NEGOTIATED ON A PER INSTANCE BASIS ' I, pGea BOLTON POIN-1 SOUTHERN CAYUGA L111E WrERIM UNICIPAL WAPER COMMISSION 1OWNS OF DRY ENV - &'FFIACA - LANSNNG -- VILLAGES OF CAYUGA FIEIC-3d-fl"S a� NANSNG (607) 277 0660 FAX(607) 277--3056 MAR]NG ADDRESS: January 10, 1994 R0.Box 178 M�aca,N.Y.14861 Theodore C. Wixom, Mayor Village of Lansing 2405 N. Triphammer Road SMPHNIGADDRESS: Ithaca, New York 14850 1402 East Shore,Drivo Ithaca,NX 14850 Ronald E. Anderson, Mayor Village of Cayuga Heights 836 Hanshaw Road Ithaca, New York 14850 COMMISSIONER& Jeannine Kirby, Supervisor Town of Lansing GEORGE J,CONNEMAN RD #1, 523 Auburn Road Chaprnicm Lansing, New York 14882 Jr-AMANE KRBY Vice 01drn mn John G. Whitcomb, Supervisor S@ PLEY RAFFENSPERGER Town of Ithaca Treasurer 126 E. Seneca Street RONALD ANDERSON Ithaca, New York 14850 JEFFREYCLEV.LAND LAWRENCE FABBROM James F. Schug, Supervisor DONALD FMRIML. Town of Dryden STEPFEN URNSM 65 E. Main Street �+MR-'HAEL NFWMAN Dryden, New York 13053 JAMES SCHUG Re : East Hill Tank Agreement January 5, 1994 Draft M VAEP?P110MCK Co=Aant Dear Mayors and Supervisors : Enclosed is a copy of the above referenced document . The Commission requests your administrative, technical and legal review of this draft by February 11, 1994 . Additions since the 12/9/93 draft are KEAN M.KAUFFMAN,RE indicated by underlining. Executive Mrector In June 1993, the Commission requested the support and commitment of your governing board for the above referenced project . No written LAWRENCE R.PARLEM response of this support and commitment was received. Based on verbal Adn,*)�strufive Manager input, there appears to be general support of this project from all five (S) municipalities . 11-IEODORE C." COE Operaflons Manager The Commission also asked, in the June 1993 letter, that you provide your governing board with the background and expected f financial commitment of this proposed project . I suggested a format of which one could use for this purpose . An updated version of this format is repeated on the enclosed "agreement summary" . This summary is in addition to the "East Hill Tank Report" incorporated in the draft Agreement as Exhibit "A" . As offered in the past, I am available to assist you in this effort . Mayors and Supervisors January 10, 1994 page 2 of 2 Thank you for your cooperation with this matter. Should you have any questions, please contact this office . Sincerely, Kevin M. Kauffman, P.E. Executive Director CC : Commission Legal Counsel ins a I SCS!Pd7�V P+C��RV'G �,, TER) SOU-111ERN CAYUGA LAKE INTEIRMUNICIPAL WA1111MII ' iO2t/NS OF DRYDEN N ➢DIAC:;A- LN14MG -....VVi..i.Aau ES OF CAYUGA i-iDC7i•iTS LANSNC (6017) 277-0660 --- 2 (607) 3056 e'Mli.i IP')DRESS: January 12, 1994 P.0,Box 178 Iffhae.C ,N.Y.1821 John Whitcomb, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 2Hilq:Ttli2G E")RESS: 126 East Seneca Street 1402 IEaM Shore i2Cive� Ithaca, NY 14850 ii.i.'Caca,N.`iso 74820 Dear John: During the January 6, 1994 Budget &Finance meeting, you requested a brief letter entailing the possible affect of lengthening the due date on water bills from 20 to 30 days. COMMONERS:1MpNER : As discussed, there are two primary results this change would make: GEORGE1,COi°2o"2Ei2 1) Loss of Penalty Revenue: Generally, the Town customers make payments for water/sewer bills in a pattern similar to the following 9-1-93 period: mce ChaiH°mcn'i 12-1-93 12-1-93 SidRLi`.;°2RFFENSN'RGER Payments % of Remaining Resulting % of 111'eOsrVer Received By Orig. Bill Balance Due Balance Due Ori�Bill I';ZONA DANimCiii'SON .iE i u RE CLEVILAND Day 0 100 396,170 462,341 100 LAWRN77iC IC.7ABBRQMl 2r i Al, Day 30 30 120,260 146,199 32 .. �'ill..i.. Day 60 19 74,896 to be determined H,,iii`i°~iiiii22iiiP7U i�ii'� 'bu�C�iEW Day 90 18 70,000 to be determined i 2N2&ES SCHUG Note the balance figures were adjusted to remove 1993 tax levy amount. SHAH ER R­HLBRK:X 2 ensari wit With the present system, after December 21 we assessed $8408 in penalties to those accounts who paid after the due date. In December, approximately 25% of the penalty amount was assessed to the 151 accounts that paid between the 20 and 30 day period or $2058. The change from 20 to 30 days would therefore decrease Town revenue annually by approximately $8232 (bottom line). The remaining customers who pay after the due date tend to pay after 30 days (30% of original balance). iCii�l�° N M.KAUFFMM'q„PJ:. 2secki i e Cures,or 2) Reconciling the Receivables: We have been working to accommodate a monthly reconciliation of water/sewer receivables in an effort to generate a real time, end LII'�NC.`EE R.PAM..11lll of month (EOM) balance. Since normal lag of receipts mailed in, last for one 7rsirr°uiriWrawei ,Manager week, receipts without penalty are routinely posted seven to eight days after the due date. Adding an eight-day lag, beyond the normal month end, would delay 7HEODORiiii:C "IXOM an accurate EOM Financial Report until the second or third week of the month. QDC-Irefions i' eirr oeir This may result in the total receivables being 30 days behind when viewed by the Town Board. I hope this information is helpful. Please call me if you have any questions. Sincerely, "", ,"Larry Parrett Administrative Manager LP:bj w i 9u1�rti¢LIre21'r ry� uur vur " � �1� � i'�uwrs 9 SOUTHERN mIU I�IIIA"� VIII I m �� �i IIS 111 IIIA VIII I 'I � mMISSION gnu BOLTON PUNT W4� V� UVB V�U1� x44 � ��U � nl "rW 3'GPr.P'�1 gym' R0OmaPJa OF4 [)[RNR:y7P�R BPAACA A.AASNG4 ._M. M11A07S OF CAYUGA R4'4 �RRB- R:AN8CR4G - (607) 277--0660 FAX(607) 277--3058 RO.R'aa478 January 18, 1994 fflaa.icava,II'41.Y.44851 Supervisor James F. Schug Town of Dryden 80'mMIBNNGADDRES& 65 East Main Street 4402East ShomDr4 e Dryden, New York 13053 RR4aaca,NY.1485(1R� Supervisor John Whitcomb Town of Ithacaw, 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 COMMISSIONER& Supervisor Jeannine Kirby GEORGE 1,COV'4R4R AV'4 Town of Lansing CRaaua an Post Office Box 186 EAN�'0"47Kfl'sflV Lansing, New York 14882 Mce CRaaRoni ma 8R°RRRZLEYV'74,777NSP7R' GER Mayor Ronald E. Anderson 1'm°aM*a SUire, Village of Cayuga Heights R4O? ALD A11NDI R SOP4 836 Hanshaw Road JEF'7UNICR_II'':;411':RR.A!10 Ithaca, New York 14850 R.A44IRE114CR°:R 14A.R4MZONR 444')NAR.R4 FIAR7"R"RR.Jf, Mayor Theodore C. Wixom 4RR5R°IHE5 RR..RR'"NSM Village of Lansing H.V01A&R [qEWMAN 2405 North Triphammer Road .RA 58804UG Ithaca, New York 14850 BAAIIR.IIC°",R4 PR°RRIkL R'4RCK Re : Transmittal of Back-Flow Prevention (C.C.C. ) Agreement Com'aualhR°am°m4 Honorable Supervisors and Mayors : Enclosed is one of seven (7) originals of the above referenced document . A copy of this letter and the R<EAR'4I14R.V4AR.UFR"IMAR14„P.E. enclosure has been sent to your Legal Counsel . 5 ecufi e Diii'edom. In accordance with Article 1 (a) of the C.C. C. LAWIZ11,NCER%'.FIAPkI.EIT Agreement, your Municipality has delegated to the Commission Aa"4m"dNR"afiveR� a4 ac orn all of its power, authority and responsibility under your C.C. C. Law. This became effective on December 29, 1993 , T'iEOR04RU:C \MXOV which is the date of the C.C. C. Agreement and the date last OperatbimaManager executed. The administrator of the Back-Flow Prevention Program, as previously appointed by the Commission, is Ted Wixom of the Bolton Point Staff . I will provide Ted with advice, direction and engineering support for the program. Ted will provide periodic program status reports to the Commission and your Municipal Engineer. Supervisors and Mayors January 18, 1994 page 2 of 2 Should you have any questions, please contact this office. Sincerely, Kevin M. Kauffman Executive Director cc: Commissioners Mahlon Perkins, esq. (Town of Dryden) John Barney, esq. (Town of Ithaca and Commission) Richard Thaler, esq. (Town of Lansing) Mariette Geldenhuys, esq. (Village of Cayuga Heights) Randall Marcus, esq. (Village of Lansing) commission:letters:cccagree i A Division of Public Works TOMPKINS, William J. Mobbs Ward Hungerford Commissioner of Public Works Highway Manager January 28, 1994 John Whitcomb, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re: Water/Sewer Benefit Tax Assessment Exemption Dear Mr. Whitcomb: have discussed my concern with Dan Walker over the tax assessment on a � piece of landlocked County property (Parcel 31.-2-14) off Elmira Road. It is doubtful that the property can be provided with either water or sewer and it is unlikely that the property can ever be developed beyond its natural state. I am asking that the Town of Ithaca exempt this parcel from the water/sewer benefit assessment and refund in full the $474.00 paid to the Town of Ithaca. I certainly appreciate your consideration of this request and please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any questions. Sincerely, AW ar5A. Hu g rfor Highway Manager WAH:bw xc: Dan Walker Bostwick Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-4262 FAX (607) 272-8489 LL C Z t J N N N O �"rN 0 a Li co r z t :--M) Z t Wa) 1'r Q ij O tj C I.L(J Q UC 1 y v H 11 a cv �j M`�' Q`a `sfl m a g e ao a V H i 1 v/lsf-f',, Q — ti p N ti� tD „t co rQ Ln ILL °na � d I Lolop z LU tl: L.rl ^�C\j ry O t` Jgoj7FK�¢ '. -' a LJ -egr SCO' Q �S/ cr` 20� +� `"► ( C C LJ tr? N j sot' .. 311 t 5 ryF t CO U W Q n ; ''``^ a _J v _ * ;o (v J o- r N Q N N to 021 Go CID esl o tV Q o vy .it r' a � ° FB 7 994 crry OF ITHACA 108 East Green street Orfi<:o of Ithaca,New York 14850 'rhe Mayor Telephone: 607-274••6501 Fax: 607-272-7348 T ebruary 3, 1994 .Molar Whitcomb uperwisor,`:own n of Ithaca 126 est Seneca Street Ithaca NY 1.48:501 M c r John: The City of Ithaca has been very disappointed by the lack:of response from theTown of Ithaca served y e Ithacas requests r information about the areas in th Tow<wn that,are,currently Ithaca to our trrrtrr�rorrs rc r Area f astew✓ater°Tr atment,Facility. At theregular monthly of the J during the past year w e have been told that the rr�rap was "almost finished"arrawould be provided "next month,@P As you l-,now the J is presently discussing revisions in the Inter-municipal Wastewater Agreement as well as requests forservice by other municipalities. It is impossible for us to proceed in any sensible way with these discussions when we are,not fully aware of the present situation. We are of'course anxious to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. As partners in aJoint enterprise that serves our metropolitan area, we want to work together to iron out difficulties rices, and to avoid costly and r:antrs+ ssary confrontation. The first step in working towards that end is an accurate understanding of where were currently stand. l hope that you can proceed promptly to give iris the information which 1 believe you have in hand. Sincerely yours, Benjamin Nichols Mayor ;: :Marries hug, 'ryowwn of Dryden l /ta. OF 1p FINAL TOWN OF ITHACA 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1736 PLANNING 273-1736 ZONING 273-1747 February 10, 1994 Honorable Benjamin Nichols Mayor City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Special Joint Sewer Committee - City of Ithaca - Town of Ithaca - Sewer Arrangements Dear Ben: Some time ago you, Shirley Raffensperger, Dominick Cafferillo,John Barney, and I, met on the apparent misunderstanding regarding the area in the Town of Ithaca to be served by the Joint Sewage Treatment Plant in which we hold an ownership interest. As we discussed at that time, throughout all of the negotiations relating to the creation of the project, the Town had in existence a Town-wide sewer benefit area. Thus all of the residents of the Town of Ithaca pay an assessment for sewers. As we also discussed, at the time of the negotiation of this project the areas in the Town to be served included those areas presently being served by sewer, together with the remaining area of the Town included in the sewer benefit area. At some point in time there was apparently attached to the agreement a map which purported to show a "service area" and a "planning area" in the Town. The area within the Town denominated as "service area" was probably intended to mean the current service area, although even at that time there were apparently certain areas of the Town serviced by sewer not included in the area shown as "service area". At no time, however, did the Town understand that providing of service elsewhere in the Town outside the areas so marked as "service area" was going to require a unanimous decision from all of the member participants in the plant. Indeed the Town was of the belief that the excess capacity that had been built into the plant and allocated to the Town of Ithaca, and for which the Town of Ithaca has been paying all these years, was to be utilized by the taxpayers and residents of the Town of Ithaca anywhere within the Town. And this has been the practice. Over the years when the Town has extended its sewer lines most of the extensions have been outside the areas denominated "service area", have been done openly and generally with the full knowledge of the City of Ithaca, among others, and have been done without any other municipality's approval until recently. This situation is somewhat different than that which may exist for the Town of Dryden, in that the population base used for calculating the excess capacity for the Town of Ithaca (and accordingly, the amounts to be paid by the Town of Ithaca towards the cost of the excess capacity of the plant)included substantially the projected population of the entire Town of Ithaca, not just the portion of the Town located within the areas denominated on the map as "service area". This was not the case with Dryden, in that the Dryden population that was used for the purposes of determining Dryden's allocable share of the excess capacity (and accordingly the portion of excess capacity to be paid for by Dryden) used only those population projections for the residents of those sewer districts in the Town of Dryden that existed at that time, i.e., the Hamlet of Varna. The Town recognizes that there are some concerns over exactly what areas within the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Dryden may be serviced using the capacity presently available, and also some concerns over the circumstances under which one municipality may acquire excess capacity allocated to a different municipality. We are more than amenable to working out these issues and would suggest an amendment to the agreement dealing with them. However, any such amendment must permit the Town to provide its citizens with the sewer services for which the Town has been paying for some 12 years, without being subject to other municipal governments directing the circumstances under which the Town may utilize that capacity. We would propose that a meeting be held to try and redefine exactly those service areas within which expansion may occur without requiring consent of other parties, and then try to write an amendment to the agreement which adequately addresses the concerns of all of the parties. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours very truly, hn Whitcomb wn Supervisor cc: Mr. Dan Walker Mr. John Barney OF x7",,y TOWN OF ITHACA r � zz �^ 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX(607)273-1704 March 2, 1994 Mark Morse 161. West Haven Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Morse; Thank you for providing me information concerning the sewer situation on West Haven Road. On February 24, the Town of Ithaca Public Works Committee discussed the issue and instructed Daniel Walker, Town Engineer to develop a proposal for possible construction financing of some higher priority water and sewer projects requested by town residents. Mr. Walker estimates he will have the proposal ready for the April 21, Public Works Committee meeting. If the Public Works Committee concurs, the proposal will be forwarded to the Town Board for consideration at their May 9, meeting. I cannot predict what action will be taken by the Public Works Committee and the Town Board. However., the matter. will .receive full consideration by each of them. I will keep you informed. Yours truly, J hn G. Whitcomb pervisor JGW:jln cc: David Klein, Chair Public Works Committee Daniel Walker, P.E.; Town Engineer Town Board OF 1p TOWN OF ITHACA 4' 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX(607)273-1704 April 20, 1994 Harry Patel 654 Elmira Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Patel; I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you last week and discuss your concerns about the water and sewer construction near your property. Daniel Walker, Town Engineer assures me that he will arrange to take care of regrading your yard and the grading of the drain near the driveway as soon as weather and soil conditions permit. Regarding the standing water in the pond, Mr. Walker explained that the drain was plugged before the Town commenced work and that to the best of his knowledge, our contractor did nothing to disturb existing conditions. In addition, draining the pond would require a permit from the Army Corp of Engineers since they have jurisdiction over all wetlands regardless of size. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. incerely, J G. Whitcomb Supervisor JGW:jln cc: Daniel Walker 1)01 ell— Agenda Item TOWN OF DR'YDEN * DR DEN, NEW YORK 65 EAST MAIN STREET, DRYDEN, NEW YORK 13053 FAX 607-844-9599 In the Heart of the Finger Lakes Region TEL. 607-844-8619 OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR April 21 , 19 9 ITO The Honorable John Whitcomb 2 2 1994 Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street ,,✓ Ithaca, NY 14850 +r C Re; Cornell, Dryden, Ithaca Agreement - Route 366 Dear John: Thanks for meeting on Wednesday, April 13th concerning the subject. I appreciate your taking this to your board so we can put this project to rest. Hopefully your board will agree to a simple addendum to the agreement between the Town of Ithaca and Cornell University dated March 1992 by adding a provision such as, "The interests of the Town of Ithaca are subject to and subordinate to the interests and rights of the Town of Dryden as set forth in the Agreement with Cornell dated January 7 , 1991 . " If you decide John Kiefer or I would be of assistance to you at your meeting please allow us as much notice as possible. Thank you for your concern and interest. Sincerely C 'LC Ja es F. chug S ervisor /m cc : John Kiefer Dan. Walker k".'ORNELLAPI? 2 6 ` f ij i U N I V E R S I T Y ............ - __ _ __ � i................................................. .................. Facilities & Campus Services Planning,Design and Construction � 2 "i M Humphreys Service Building (MA " C A Ithaca,New York 14853-3701 April 22, 1994 Mr. John Whitcomb, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: Joint Water Agreement Meeting held April 13, 1994 Dear Mr Whitcomb: The purpose of this letter is to summarize the discussion between you, Jim Schug, Dail Walker, and i-ne concerning the Joint Water Agreements between Cornell University and the Town of Ithaca and Cornell University and the Town of Dryden. Background Representatives from Cornell University and the Towns of Dryden and Ithaca met in 1990 to discuss a joint project consisting of the installation of 775 feet of 12 inch water line from the Bolton point transmission main to an existing Cornell 8 inch line located on the south side of SR 366, east of the Palm Road intersection. The project would provide better fire flow for several Cornell buildings, provide increased capacity and redundancy for the water service to Dryden, and provide redundancy and reduced pumping costs for the Sapsucker Woods tank zone in the Town of Ithaca. In 1991, Cornell entered into an agreement with the Town of Dryden, in which Dryden and Cornell shared the cost of the installation of the 12 inch water line. One provision of the agreement was that Dryden would not bear any maintenance cost associated with operation of the new 12 inch line or the existing 8 inch line. In 1992, Cornell entered into an agreement with the Town of Ithaca in which both the 12 inch and 8 inch lines were given to the Town of Ithaca. The Cornell - Ithaca agreement did not mention the Cornell - Dryden agreement, and it contained no provisions to ensure Dryden would not be required to pay maintenance costs for the 12 inch and 8 inch water lines. The Town of Dryden subsequently refused to pay their half of the installation cost of the 12 inch line until the maintenance issue was resolved. April 13, 1994 Meeting The purpose of our meeting was to resolve the maintenance cost issue. Jim Schug suggested Cornell bear the cost of any maintenance that might otherwise be charged to Dryden and said the existing lines have not been a maintenance problem. I pointed out that the new water line benefits all three parties, and the Town of Ithaca's contribution to the project was intended to consist of maintenance of the water lines. After some discussion, you and Dan Walker agreed that the Town of Ithaca should pay the cost of maintenance as its share of the overall cost to install and operate the lines. Jim Schug asked that you draft a letter stating the Town of Ithaca agrees not to charge the Town of Dryden for maintenance cost related to the water line and associated equipment installed under the John Whitcomb April 22, 1994 Page 2 terms of the respective cooperative agreements. You said you would need to get approval from the Town Board and would present the issue to the Board at the May meeting. Please let me know if you have any comments or corrections to what I have written above. I will attend the Town Board meeting,if you think it would be helpful. Sincerely, r\ t \t"-- John Kiefer, P.E. Senior Electrical Engineer jk/ame#17947 xc: Jim Schug, Supervisor Town of Dryden Dan Walker,Engineer Town of Ithaca Shirley Egan University Counsel Ufflage of Capp Heighfs 41 MARCMAM MALL r tii 836 MANSMAW ROAD Tele bane i j� ITHACA,N.Y. "14850 � 807 X57-5238 . .� 'Of�ia; . 66 May 19, 1994 Page 2 Based on the above and other figures considered by the Board, they approved by Resolution 4577 on May 16, 1994 the release of 75 sewer units with provision that the contracting entities promptly correct known in- filtration, that they continue to pursue a long-term solution to sewerage needs in the Northeast Ithaca area, and that increased water usage by existing properties that have sewer units determined by such usage may re- duce the proposed allocation to the contracting entity involved. The allocation allows the following number of sewer unit permits; Town of Dryden 0 Unit permits Town of Lansing 20 Town of Ithaca 0 Village of Lansing 40 Cornell Res. Park 10 Tomp. Co. Airport 5 Total 75 As in past allocations, each of you use these unit permits according to criteria you establish, and our office will issue the appropriate permits as per your instruction. The Town of Dryden still holds 5 units from 1988, and .the Town of Ithaca has 87 of the 100 units granted in 1993 pursuant to the legal settlement. OF 1P TON OF IT ACA C(0?\jr W 21 126 EAST SENEGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 �Ik-ijp 'jj TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX(607)273-1704 May 5, 1994 Elmer Phillips 131 Pine Tree Road Ithaca, NY 14,850 Dear Mr. Phillips; I have researched your request for a variance of the portion of your sewer bill resulting from the water used to refill your pool, approximately 5745 gallons. Unfortunately, I am not able to grant your request. It is the policy of the Town and Bolton Point to base the billing for sewer on the water meter reading. There are a number of users in the Town who use water that does not return to the sewer. To track these exceptions individually would be very difficult administratively. It has been estimated that refilling your pool would cost approximately $17.10 for the water, and $8.20 for the sewer charges. Although these are additional charges you wish not to spend, it is much cheaper than obtaining a hydrant permit costing $125.00 or having water trucked in. I regret that I cannot be more helpful in this situation. Should you require answers to any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, J' C-"L ]1�hn G. Whitcomb Supervisor JGW:jln cc: Bett,,y.,.,,,Poole,,,,Deputy, "own,,Ci4rk Larry Parlett, Bolton Point Administrative Manager F zr OF IT ACA TO FINAL TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX(607)273-1704 June 22, 1994 Dr. Elizabeth A. Oltenacu 144 Westview Lane Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Dr. Oltenacu; This letter is to acknowledge your concern about the increase in your water bill. Our records indicate that your bill in 1994 was $45.25 compared to $35.52 in 1993 for the same time period, $9.73 can be attributed to an increase in rates. Last year the Supervisor and Town Board established a minimum fee of $15.25 for up to 10,000 gallons in an effort to balance revenues and expenditures in the sewer budget. Unfortunately, this had a negative effect on people using a small amount of water. During the 1995 budget process, the Town Board will reconsider the minimum sewer fee keeping in mind the residents concerns and the necessity to balance the budget. Thank you for taking the time to write. Yours truly, Yhn G. Whitcomb I Supervisor JGW:jln Town of Ithaca ' ,JUN 19y4 126 East Seneca Street �s Ithaca NY 14850 June 18 , 1994 , I am writing to complain about recently instituted changes in sewer rates that have resulted in a more than 25% increase in my water bill . I understand that a minimum rate has been instituted, replacing payment based on water use . The change is discriminatory against small households. I monitor use of water , and }seep it to a moderate level . You have punished me by instituting a minimum sewer use charge that has doubled the bill I pay for this service. I demand that consideration be given to those households .—,-..- with low levels of water u.;e . Increase your sewer rates,° if you must , but continue 1.o charge based on water use, so that those who use the oewers most , are those who pay for the service . Yours pincerely, Dr. E izabeth A. Oltenacu OF 1P I NAL TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 3-1;� go UNING 3-1783 September 12 , 1994 Mrs . F . B . Agard 1023 Hanshaw Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mrs . Agard, Please accept my apology for the difficulties you have experienced receiving information about your water and sewer bill . Until I received Mr . Kauffman' s letter, I was unaware that you were expecting to hear from me . AS Mr . Kauffman explained, the increase is due to the Town' s adoption last November of a minimum sewer charge for 10, 000 gallons of water per quarter . There has been a similar minimum charge for water in effect for several years . Minimum bills reflect the philosophy that there are certain administrative costs that must be accounted for, regardless of how much water is used. I, and the Town Board are aware that this may be a problem for people on fixed incomes who use little water . Perhaps an equitable solution can be found. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me . Yours truly, %J hn G. Whitcomb p_0v. ervisor JGW: jln cc : Kevin Kauffman, SCLIWC Executive Director OF 1P T "WN `F ITHACA U' U 4, 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 September 2 , 1994 Lyman Baker Ruth Baker 838 Coddington Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr . and Mrs . Baker, This letter is in response to your inquiry about the proposed extension of public water on Coddington Road. The Coddington Road Community Center (CRCC) is a privately owned, not-for-profit entity, governed by its Board of Directors . The CRCC has a contract with the Town of Ithaca to provide certain recreational and community services for Town residents . Residents may use the center, including the play field, any time it is not in use for other scheduled activities . In addition, the CRCC operates a day care center for approximately 25 children. Parents are charged a fee for this service by the CRCC . These, and other various sources of revenue are used by the CRCC to pay its own operating expenses, including staff salaries, utilities, insurance, etcetera. If and when public water is made available, the CRCC will be expected to pay all hook up costs, and benefit/usage charges . The Town Board will be reconsidering this matter at its September 12 , meeting. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me . Aours truly, o n G. Whitcomb S' pervisor JGW:jln cc : Town Board Ann Morrissette, Director CRCC August 22, 1994 AUG 2 3 I Mr. John Whitcomb Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 'v 126 East Seneca Street " Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Whitcomb : Since this Town Water system has been brought up in my vicinity I have a few questions I would like an answer to. At the Coddington Road Community Center, which is 100% tax exempt , there are several children using the facility for a Day Care : 1 . Is this a private person(s) using this Center? 2. Do they pay rent to the Center? 3. Who maintains this center? 4. Who carries Insurance on building and liability? 5. When does the Community have a chance to use the Center? 6. Who will pay the water bill when installed? 7. Who pays for installation of the water to Center? I would appreciate being informed on the above before we need to vote on this matter. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Lyman & Jean Baker 838 Coddington Road Ithaca, New York 14850-6020 WATER SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION` SYSTEM ^ TOWNS[FDQYDEN, KHACA^ LANSING —VILLAGES OFCAYUCAHEIGHTS" LANSING (607) 277-0660— FAX(607) 277-3056 MAJUNG ADDRESS: P.O.Box 178 Ithaca,N��14851 SHIPPING ADDRESS: 44C2East Shore Dhve September H. 1Qg4 Uhoco.N.Y.14880 To: John G.Whitcomb, Supervisor Town nfIthaca ��� From: KevinNY. Kauffman, ExeouUm�� � Executive " ' COMMISSIONERS: Re: 1QD4Sewer Service Charges--Minimum Bills GEORGE J.CONNEKIAN In our discussions regarding the above referenced topic,you have indicated that Chairperson the Town Board may consider a revision to the minimum sewer service charge adopted for JE\NN|NEN|QBy the 1994 billing year. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with e summary of Vice Chairperson a typical complaint we have received about this minimum charge. Please inform the JOHwyVHRCOK8B Commission ofany desired billing change and its effective date. Treasurer RONALD ANDERSON | called Mrs.Agond.ofHanuhawRoad, this morning amyou requested. |bo|imxe JEFFREY CLEVELAND her case is typical of the numerous complaints Bolton Point has received regarding the DONALD HARTILL minimum sewer charge. STEPHENUF9NSK| H.MICHAEL NEWMAN Mrs.Aga/dcalled Bolton Point onFriday, September,2. 1SQ4. Aperson inour SH|RLEyRAFFENSpEQGER office,after listening to the nature of the call,referred Mrs.Agard to the Town of Ithaca JAMES SCHUG office. Mrs.Agard called the Town and was told that Mr.Whitcomb would call her back. Not hearing framyou, she visited the Town o0hoe, in person.on[Nnndoy. September 6. SHA)LERPH|L8R|CK After you met with Mrs.Agand`you asked n`ntocall her and see what Bolton Point could do for her. Commission Consultant K8m.ADon]'sandtho1Dto15othercomp|ointowehavenaneived.foUowingeach KEVIN yW.kAUFFM\N nfthe bill mailing this year,are due inpart tothe minimum sewer bill policy. For some Executive Director customers,a minimum water and sewer bill in 1994 is$12 to$13 more than an equivalent bill in 1993. These customers use approximately 2 to 4.000 gallons of water each quarter. LAVVRENCEFV\RLETT Most o[this customer group have low orufixed income. Administration ' Bolton Point personnel have explained to these customers that part of the increase JACNRUECKHBK4 is due to an increase in the Bolton Point water rate and Town surcharges. The greatest Distribution portion of the increase for this customer group is the new minimum sewer bill policy. Even though these customers use less than the minimum amount,they are charge for using PAUL TUNISON 10,000 gallons each quarter. Production The Commission and staff support"minimum bill*policies. Minimum bills have been inuse for years and provide for ofair and equitable billing system. What may bm UEDVV0QO»4 needed imsome sort oyrelief for our fixed orlower income customers. The Commission and Technical Services its staff are willing to assist the Town with developing a resolution to this issue. Just let me know what wecan dofor you. uz Mrs.Agardand Commissioners - . OF 1p y OF ITHACA Pi 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 F11 AL 1,� o TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 October 6 , 1994 JBANNL \VIA E 1.02 UPDIKE ROA��S�p In-IACA,Nr-V YORK j4850 e was under � ��°�•. � ie meter was ppe a r s to be r people a t the period W,. �� � ���°" !1 expected, Zl�irj Iyuga Lake a 54 �.; "yko 1,11el '42 b OF I 21 1 4 �- 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 O� TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273--8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 December 29, 1994 Tony Orlow 608 Winston Ct., Apt. 4 Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Orlow: You raised several interesting questions about the Town of Ithaca water and sewer billings in your December 19, 1994 letter. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond. Our records indicate usage for your residence as follows: 12/94 7,500 gallons 09/94 9,700 gallons 06/94 8,200 gallons 03/94 11,200 gallons In June, September, and December 1994, you were billed for the minimum usage of 10,000 gallons. In December 1993, you were billed for actual usage, since it was more than 10,000 gallons. The water and sewer rate structure is established at a public hearing each November as part of the annual budget process for the following year. The 1994 rates were $3.00/1000 gallons for water service and $1.525/1000 gallons for sewer service. The minimum bill of $45.25/quarter was calculated on 10,000 gallons usage. The minimum bill concept has been in effect since the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission was established nearly 20 years ago. The rationale is that certain costs of providing water and sewer service are fixed and not dependent on the volume of water used. Examples are clerical costs, accounting and auditing costs, and depreciation on investments in pipe, meters, facilities, and equipment. The Town owns more than 100 miles of water and sewer lines that represent not only an initial capital investment (about $200,000 per mile at today's costs) but also ongoing costs for maintenance, repair, and replacement. You assert that the minimum charge for water and sewer usage does not encourage conservation. This may be true. The Town Board can certainly consider revising the minimum charge when the 1996 budget is adopted in November, 1995. There is a trade-off, however. The costs of providing services must be recovered. If the minimum charge is reduced, the rate per gallon must increase to offset the lost revenue. 2 You also find the 10% late charge to be objectionable. This charge is not based on interest alone, but also includes the added clerical and administrative costs of dealing with late payments. While most customers pay on a timely basis, some do not pay the water and sewer bill at all, but wait for it to be added to their annual real property tax bill. This can cause cash flow problems for the Town, who must pay its bills on time. You may have noticed, beginning in 1994, that the Town did increase the grace period from 20 to 30 days to allow customers more time before a late fee was imposed. Most neighboring towns charge 10%, with the exception of the Village of Lansing who charges 15%. You also find the format of the bill confusing. So do I. We will soon be ordering new billing forms and will attempt to simplify the format and provide more explanation. Part of the confusion in your case may be due to an older meter that records usage in cubic feet, while billing is calculated in gallons. By copy of this letter, I am directing that a new meter, recording usage in gallons, be installed for your residence. I am sorry that you are dissatisfied. The Town prides itself on providing efficient, economical water and sewer service. We normally receive very few complaints. The Town Board has received a number of requests for additional water and sewer service from people living in rural areas. These folks are currently served by their own private wells and septic systems that represent initial investments of at least $5000410,000 per unit. In addition the homeowner's annual costs for electricity, maintenance, chemicals, and depreciation usually far exceed the $186.43 you were billed in the past 12 months. These people apparently feel that paying only 50 cents a day for a reliable, clean water supply and worry free sewage disposal would be a real bargain. If you have additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, IA'--� ohn G. Whitcomb Town Supervisor cc: Town Board Town Engineer Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission WIIN Mr. John Whitcomb 2 Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca St. Ithaca, NY 14850 12/19/1994 Dear Mr. Whitcomb, I have recently come to understand exactly how I am billed for water and sewer use, and I am not at all pleased with what I have found out. I live with my girlfriend and child, for whom we use cloth diapers, washing them in our own clothes washer. We also wash our own clothes, and shower every day, and have never reached the "minimum" bill, as established by the "commission". I find that I have absolutely no incentive to conserve water, as I am billed almost $200.00 per year anyway. I would assume that, if I am being charged this much for water, it must be a precious commodity. Around here, I find that hard to believe. I also find $200.00/year hard to believe, and I find it hard to understand how a "minimum" bill could be so high. Maybe no one really pays attention to their water bill, but I had hoped to reduce it by conserving somewhat, as I have a rather tight budget. Instead, I received exactly the same bill as always, and decided to investigate. I would like to know why there is a minimum bill at all, rather than charging for the services which are actually used. It is like forcing the residents to buy $20 worth of garbage tags every month, whether they recycle and compost, or use paper plates and styrofoam cups every day. Speaking of the bill I received, I urge your commission to clarify it. My bill is in "CUFT. ", which looks like cubic feet. I am told it is in thousands of cubic feet, as if there is no room for the zeroes on the bill. Meanwhile, the "minimum" consumption is in thousands of gallons, which probably works to the town's advantage through rounding errors and general confusion on the part of the consumer of this monopolized commodity. Additionally, the terms "Net" and "Gross" are inaccurate and misleading. The only supposed explanation of these terms, according to the woman I spoke to at the water plant, is the equally ambiguous term "Net Due Date", which, in all the bill-paying I have ever done, I have never seen anywhere else. I am now made to understand that the "Gross" amount is the amount to be payed if after the due date. This should be separately listed as a "Late Charge" to be added after the "Due Date". Speaking of the late charge, 10% PER QUARTER IS RIDICULOUS! To bill a 40% annual premium on an already over- inflated and under-explained charge is criminal. If I don't receive some response on this matter soon, I will have no choice but to bring this matter to the attention of the community at large, who must not be paying attention, or whose water bill is included in their rent. There is no way any private utility could possibly get away with this, without ending up in front of the Better Business Bureau before they had a chance to blink. So, I thank you in advance for your timely response. Sincerely, Tony Orlow 608 Winston Court, Apt. 4 Ithaca, NY 14850 H-257-8784 W-257-2410 DEC-28-1994 11:08 FROM SCLIWC at BOLTON POINT TO TOWN OF ITHACA P.02 SPrlten nv. 4 name LUCENrEVRoCea I 12!e194 aeo 2 090194 1, 300 14 090191 11400 3 060194 1' 100 1 060191 11100 4 030194 1 16' 03fb191 I t 4013 e901,93 $+o l9a Is 090190 1 21, 200 oseise I I bete 8 030193 11, 60e 030190 1, 4010 9 120192 IV500 �I i;kelair 1ja0e le 09e19e 900 22 0901139 10400 ebe992: 12 030192 Protm (kLTUAN> to Qontinme. . . -*on no. no* laILL PAYmEw am o Lint date amount date 120194 1 $49. 77 102594 $4 2 $45. 2b 080b94 $4*" 25 060194 3 $50. 68 032194 efUUS4 4 $78. 92; 122093 78.93 J 120193 5 $66. 92 e913793 $67. 1b as 12 1 S a 7 $61. its 060193 7 $84.68 032293 13 $49. 1'7 .69 WQ293 9 $43. 98 120192 9 $1. 94 1ap.198 ie $.s5. 54 019019& 10 $4,5.90 182192 11 $139. 06 08152992 11 $35. to 092198 12 $35. 13 9c-" le sag. 06 0628ve : 13 $138. 31 ILZO191 1.3 $.39. 13 031992 h 14 $41* 14 $a8. 37 121691 15 $44.91 060191 its $41.01Z 091691 16 $41.00 $34.91 061091 Press (RETURN) to continue. . . TOTAL F.02 . . . . .. . . .. . . 00 oir/ , we I/ a C� -vl)O�W Z0'd HOUH1I d0 Nm01 01 iNIOd NOil0a DMIMS W06d 80:ST b66T-6Z-03G 1995 WATER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $80.00 WATER RATES PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $3.05 MINIMUM WATER CHARGE with allowable Consumption based on meter size METER SIZE GALLONS MIN.CHARGE 3W 10,000 $30.50 in 30,000 $91.50 1-1/2* 45,000 $137.25 90,000 $274.50 34 140,000 $427.00 e 200,000 $610.00 60 350,000 $1,067.50 1995 SEWER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $82-00 SEWER RATE PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $1.95 MINIMUM SEWER CHARGE Based on 8,000 gallons $15.60 minimum consumption 12/19J94 drw 1995 WATER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $80.00 WATER RATES PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $3.05 MINIMUM WATER CHARGE with allowable Consumption based on meter size METER SIZE GALLONS MIN. CHARGE 3W 10,000 $30.50 in 30,000 $91.50 1-1/28 45,000 $137.25 0 90,000 $274.50 30 140,000 $427.00 40 200,000 $610.00 60 350,000 $1,067.50 1995 SEWER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $82.00 SEWER RATE PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $1.95 MINIMUM SEWER CHARGE Based on 8,000 gallons $15.60 minimum consumption 1211 W drw ro Ui t— &D 04 Ul R r*i >1 cr) 4 ui ui H hz tri U) cr) R7 cr) 0 10 m 0 w �`�►�..(� z 40 v- C*4 IT Lo (n Ln all O Ln ui La ch to o o to cr N I-- to 04 U) 0 r- - Er -j LU < Ln ui cd f-: ri LA rr v- 47 to CT3 v- 0 Cf) e N rn Ln Gi 0 fift U) - - - - ----- - -- ui LnO 0 U) 0 0 0 0 ED r-- LO Ln r-- Ln 0 0 Ln Ir T- I- C14 W r- LLJ < : C; Ui IR C� r� ui r-: ui tr Ln , ia t9 (a v- N cn La U) Er- ia 40 ul Ln 0 0 Ln Lt 0 0 0 LOtY WIr UJ U�Z m o o 3: in 44 r- V W in % 0 0 0 0 0 0 C> 0 0 En UJ < R 6 6 ui 6 6 6 6 LU to W {F) r- 04 v W 0 0 fA (ft ftp r W u LLJ > M cr. x cr- cc0 0 w 0 0 0 0 NW a3 uj < ui tri C14 tri C; 6 ui 3: IT F- C; r4 IT 1- 0 r- cn 60. X 4A V"o 60 t9 — < U C14 LU (n 3: LL T- =1 rn LU 0 Enz 0 ui 0 oes m C! Li CC! R U� R C! R R LU 0 ui 14 w w N w 10 0 to O a) F- Co N 1- CN Ln 0 f- ui < W f.4� EN M Ln CO !a -:;r CL w ift to M x 0z LU LLJ CL M o —1 m cr. Z CL m mo cnasmtin =: E 0000000 Lu rn = 40 0 00 C9 C> 0 0 cn F- Z tn 0 0 Lfi o C' CL CL CC C ►= U) 0 LU 0 in 0 - V - 0 0 0 w CCUQ 0 0 U) C5 - , tr 0 Ln C: , T- N m a: of uj c[f af of of Lij E LU W F 0 LU- LU W W W 0 44 c LL 0 M a 0 N Lu a: HC13 LU w I a. crj 1- r 04 M Itr W co—) F.. Nti4Dc`.% rr) oti Z ,�� � � e;rtcrioom0w {f3 r N C LD Q1 tl) Q � cc LC J U)fo Ln N ��' tM0 N t01) O h o w Wo �f3 fe eft t3} Cl1 F— w L0 0 U) O Q 0 0 cc X ,.� r h N CO tom- U) O N » w Q La U) U) rw-, in00uoi �w o a {fl i33 {f} +— v-- N w ao Q 0 0 0 cl 0 0 0 0 ' w d 0 Ew- ~ 4f1 {fl ffl eM- N tNt tOD O 149 69 iffcc W U uj > o M 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m < a: 0 cc a: o 00tH 0000 = rr � a = ' Apr w U 3 � ift � wr w O � 0 o 000000 Ir Cui LnS W w C%i w6Cvoouio c0 N 1-� rN W O h- W co z w o w t=IL _ c z d a. b Cho cm 0 to cn ca m 2 W N U 3 qi 0000000 cn F z !`� Q O LA Q O. Q O in � ° w ° QQr Qcn 000 w 4t Mcc r N M o H �' bE WwWwwww mCu �iCi �ii WZ t ru�tls q. m a LL 3 .;� M r r N M ct t0 1995 WATER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $80.00 WATER RATES PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $3.05 MINIMUM WATER CHARGE with allowable Consumption based on meter size METER SIZE GALLONS MIN.CHARGE 3/4' 10,000 $30.50 is 30,000 $91.50 1-1/2' 45,000 $137.25 24 90,000 $274.50 31 140,000 $427.00 4s 200,000 $610.00 6r 350,000 $1,067.501 190 SEWER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $82.00 SEWER RATE PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $1.95 MINIMUM SEWER CHARGE Based on 8,000 gallons $15.60 minimum consumption 12/19/94 drw O Ui N ti tMG N Uo9 . N ZJ io r N cr to cn Ua c In VI tNta N tN+ tp N ton 00 Nay D W q ui Uzi CD t+ vi ui tri ia WM Ln 0EftEftfNRft? to H W ' CC cc ,^ r h N co th 401'1 O N W < W U fe 40 � w N m u7 ttt it Eft Eft Eft Eft U7 � M to Ln f- N O o 10t1 W 3.. tWfa Oft r a ton N m rr- r o m to EftEftV- V- C*447 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 w J p w Q ~ N �v too O Lr4 Q fFk Eft Eft Eft W V uj a: o o 00 0 o o o o 'U w m w a U� ui ui N ui 6 o ui CC P W — U) 3r. a: V Oft Eft W 03.0 LL rrn - U) Z O W o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ca +� CC cn U) 0 o u1 a 0 0 0 W 0 W 42 N ui 6 N ui a 6 ui 0 F" co (" Ef} N ti " N 0 O t- W !- 4 Ef} Q � Ef} Eft � Ef3 Eft Ef3 W m f- w 0 F- W ZCL Q n. om c G1 ih b 0 i0 t7) Q1 w N M S E o co ch0)0 0 2 Wt) v Z a o000000 En zW tr 0 W° U) 0� M � N M Q Uj cn W .s5 wwE ' wwww LL w o a o o � WW WlitW '0 N Z aa w W J Z w *_ m td c l e a a M 4T to m 190 WATER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $80.00 WATER RATES PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $3.05 MINIMUM WATER CHARGE with allowable Consumption based on meter size METER SIZE GALLONS MIN.CHARGE 3/4" 10,000 $30.50 in 30,000 $91.50 1-1/2* 45,000 $137.25 23 90,000 $274.50 30 140,000 $427.00 4" 200,000 $610.00 350,000 $1,067.501 1995 SEWER RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA BENEFIT ASSESSMENT—PER UNIT $82.00 SEWER RATE PER 1000 gal.CONSUMPTION $1.95 MINIMUM SEWER CHARGE Based on 8,000 gallons $15.60 minimum oonsumption 12/19/94 drw DEC-28-1994 09:21 FROM CITY OF I THACA TO 2"31'704 P.02 . SCHEDU'' CC �tDO' t BY THE Bt�HRD . :,SRFCB I S O RATES , • ' � • t'�M N+aVEM8�.3p,1994 EFF"wave VWTH BILLS' p, ly M�y(yPAYABLE ARr.��.rJ. yy��.y�, Mian{^t•: ..'`'R'A..n.y ti'�' • +iUARY 9, 1995 9.'Rates itgde the City N nimum cha o'perquatter' ' All ,?}��K+f'; `� ,i.�,, •;f:� �Ya .: !; 7. sdt"" 7`l,/"Y((y `,"`eX•^cr`•Y';'' ,5• '. 51.8400 +y' 7&1196 4100 r.,.' ' :,<`.-'1`580 981.44 338.24 � +49ti ;}N,;" i4 289.2 483.20 ,t ,y,.r ry.. 394.42 727 f. 82 429ti0 .. 882.02 PAS 1271.4 W 900 cu ft '('bks,': "',•}.`t '..�x!tV 1..62 Z Palo outswo'Pity . .(i'.'Afr.li •+Gtr:,.Y Y•,` to per 900 tot 3 '•'Unmetemd S nkler Service Charges $0.00 Per tri diameter eta+ er fr each splinift, aterthan one inch in: ietet; iteitfiso EE:itYtsmtlCemivaisAlk(ft$ball be made 40.00per day 4k fre0lon therw by ;.;, Y .,> uer Division) k Water for Filling Soray Mass,Tank Tru ,.. �.'..; �:;,.'•:.`,.; l*valttile at MtOr 80111ft,,594 First`Stre , ... . . r' .: .. 94e on deli�rwy et' ttg to 5 gallons,PW i10.00 per thousand over r will be#C,7'iRi at iotaat no ;,.:`3xw'::Y^;`dr.Yr.;.r•;.:,i:<:'y. .,"'. ~`•aTeter readings at othe,> ) n the regularly Ysched scheduled Ml Incur a fee.of$25.0aaa to 0 @ whirl h ar+d114 paid on Or the fifteenth of ry `; the ctta e i ply. : . .�,;,_.;s. • rg s rnad6 be s�bjeot to a 10% 1=i#um t4 rewive.a bill shalf I ndisQn for e4l: ;''a ipl~a8i�+�d. A+rr3 of 395;41 Is made for :fi rAftv3ng and res®t#i , ;'turnng the water cuff 101619M UP 0$t!di- uudin 0 90 tM'i!l tie tet t upon apf i?1 :+ ►:twcirr�er and the makiro.f a deposit of$30.00. if tl*.meter test not mare than 3%fast on full Or half� "; : , �. 11s tee be forfeited to th*,1 if the teeter tests more ih ilil 3%fast.a proportionate aliowarlm will be mads s' : o tt�e�a than a months etd;e�ri the: rimed,to the consumef #epo�it will tm DEC-28-1994 09:22 FROM CITY OF ITHACA TO 2731704 P.03 ; , '{P,�".'✓'moi�w�,G�F?_:.•�'a ;; .. fteneverthe Meter Department shall determine th '� ps a meter is not regiStti pttrlY:it afieil be t+hme�ved and calibrated or replaced by a new mete.,- to all meters owne&*tie or the customer. Metas roust be Walled In places aacoessible.' Mmes for reaping anCyneet� pn. Whenevor blftfor water are more than sixty days 1 � #f r may be removed e water turned ort. Alder a,ureter is attached any d e which the M., t Y � �i"I�!am frcczlrtg or from' ;water l�emg fcroed bactcflt the t eater of tram any eaite�ial cause,vrrilb ':,`, Meter Department , o�of the name to the Gwrw or ifirlMers need attention the M rba artmaatt : " rt<'' ' i�iurrrb a p « .: 8. ers arc nok to remove meters for (49M or any titer pure. AD persons are forbm 4 Oftr seals,disconnect any-hay tamper with Metem aThr their have been Instdked on the prem:` WATER BILLS;ARE DUE AS-FOLLOWS: • :4 .'��.'L•��d;Ay'<•' `...4t; l5 k;?:tip 1E I-Fbti'y t May 1, Atut i November 1. n .i'; ;,; ;- 1E.2-Matchl' ,lune 1 � t�cr;� �'';«^`::i•» <.., R t Seim r 9, Deem E 3-JA April t dulyyy October 1 � y„�N` ` TMEPHONE NUMBERS- MILLI QUESTIONS F> �.�h„�Y� �t: SI:RVI10E QUEaTI JNS S:^v a%R'.i L1r"4+iy"4',r,•�•'.r lg Yr!et'�' `SY�' 4 }, _ ...1:ice � j' �.t'•.+': .* ,u»•s`s,4'�'c y.•.hep„�l�i=,`Y i. '., '; "l �i}'C'vir;.''.,i.'`y,k',-"'t;j''4! •N y'a f' ' 4µF4 Y:tn,,j Af t,Y"+ • LT'.Y�••^�•"' •'�J sate ::>' :'Y.'f.•}} t . IT : "'-•. ..' :?no's: :4 TOTAL P.03 C C A4 FINAL 7-4 December 12, 1994 John Wickham Town Hall 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear John: Thank you for calling me back to discuss the possibility of extending the water line on Coddington Road to our home, located at 952 Coddington Road, in the Town of Ithaca. My husband and I understand the budget constraints the town must work within as well as the concern of housing developments over-populating the area if water was extended and included the Walker land that surrounds us. Even so, we would like it to be on record that we want the water line extended because of the quality of our water. In the interim, we plan to purchase a filter in attempts to bring our water to a taste quality level that is satisfactory to us. And since we have not been in the house for a complete calendar year, I am unable to comment on the quantity of our water supply; to this point it has been adequate. We also feel that if the water were extended, it would make the area more attractive for resale value. At the same time, we would prefer that the land around us not be over- populated and would prefer to have the water extended after the land has been rezoned. Once the land is rezoned, we would like this issue to be readdressed. Thanks again, John, for your time and consideration, Sincerely, Camala A. Brown JOHN A. WARD ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW THE CLINTON HOUSE-SUITE 200 103 WEST SENECA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 JOHN A.WARD (607)272-2816 *ALSO ADMITTED IN FAX(607) 277-6182 CALIFORNIA AND IDAHO December 29, 1.994 M-r. John G. Whitcomb Supervisor, 'Towas of Ithaca 1.26 E. Se�neca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: SEWER AND WATER 1100K UP R 0 89 Dear Mr. Whitcomb: I own property at 1101 Taughannock. Boulevard which is located in the Town of Ulysses. As yoti. may be aware and. as .1 have been advised by the Town Engineer, wfien the 17owri installed the sewer arid. water line along side of New York State Rt. 89 (Taughannock. Blvd.), the terminus of those lines was approximately 1.86 feet north of tire Towns. line. My wife and I own the first property north of the Town line which runs betweenTaughanriock. Blvd. and Cay'Llgal-ake. Sincethe sewer arid water line (:xtends beyond my northerly boundary, the lines run the full length of my road frontage on Rt. 89. I believe, since the sewer and water line passes throilgi-i the Town of Ulysses where my proy.,)erty fronts on Taugha-rinock Blvd., 1. am entitle. to request that I be per-mitted to hook -up to those systems. I don't believe there is any cost to the Town for any hooking in to these and we, of coiirse, would expect to pay for those services as do the other property owners in the Town of irl"laca on Rt. 89. 1 discussed this matter with Town Engineer, Dan Walker, and. he suggested that .1 should write to you to make this formal reqkjest. If yot.i will please advise how I complete the anal p]1cati,(.-.)n pro (.'�ess, it wotild he greatly appreciated. Very r L'11 y: r s, lot n A. ard JAW/is OF Ir TOWN OF ITHACA TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273 8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 January 25, 1995 Gwen Wilkinson 250 Troy Road Ithaca,NY 14850 Dear Ms. Wilkinson: This is to confirm our telephone conversation of January 24. Due to an administrative error, you were billed $872.00 for water benefit assessment. Since water was not availsble to your property at the time the assessment rolls were filed, your bill should have been only $3.80. Unfortunately, state law requires us to accept no less that the total amount billed and then refund the balance to you. We agreed that the process could be expedited if you paid the water assessment in cash on January 30. The Town Clerk could then refund the overcharge to you the next day. I have been assured by the Town Engineer that this matter will be corrected next year. He did remind me, since water was extended on Troy Road this past fall, you will be charged some benefit assessment next year, but not for the full 10.9 units. Again,please accept my apologies for the inconvenience caused by this error. I do appreciate your patience and understanding. Sincerely, Joh ,�inI -G Whitcomb Town Supervisor cc: J. Noteboorn D. Walker OF 1p Tu" WN OF IT2z � 126 EAST SENEGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 HACA TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 January 27, 1995 Mr. Ralph Varn 479 Midline Road Freeville,NY 13068 Dear Mr. Varn: I am in receipt of your letters of January 23, 1995 to me and to Dan Walker, the Town Engineer. I can assure you that your proposed plans for extending public sewer within the Town of Ithaca for phase 1 of Peregrine Hollow will receive a full and fair review based on technical engineering considerations. As with any proposal received,Mr. Walker and the Town staff will conduct this review as expeditiously as their busy schedules permit. As Supervisor Schugg mentioned, there may also be related issues that need to be resolved with the partners of the joint sewer agreement. Your letter also refers to the potential development of adjacent parcels in the Town of Ithaca and implies that you believe the Town has not honored some of its previous committments. While there has been very little discussion of this matter at the Town Board level, I can tell you that we make decisions and approvals only by official vote of the Town Board, the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals. Within the context of the Comprehensive Plan and after considering the advice of staff and the opinions of the public, we base these decissions on the current and future needs of the Town. While the opinions and representations of past and present staff and individual board members (including the Supervisor) are discussed and examined for relevance to current issues, nothing becomes official Town policy until approved or ratified by the appropriate board. I am certainly willing to sit down with you and discuss any issues that you feel are unresolved at this time or any proposals that would benefit the Town as a whole. However,final desions are made in public meetings by the Boards, not by the Supervisor or staff. ours truly, n G Whitcomb wn Supervisor cc: J. Barney J. Kanter J. Schug D. Walker Town Board BARNEY, GROSSMAN, ROTH & DUBOW !P I M.. ATTORNEYS AT LAW SENECA BUILDING WEST SUITE 400 j 119 EAST SENECA STREET JOHN C. BARNEY PETER G.GROSSMAN ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 . ��'"' NELSON E. ROTH l �' ,tiu„ DAVID A. Dueow (607) 273-6841 MVIERCE OF PAPERS) RANDALL B. MARCUS HUGH C. KENT February 1.5, 1995. Mr. John A. Ward 1101 Taughannock Boulevard Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Jack: The Town of Ithaca Town Board last Monday night discussed your request to connect onto the Town's water main. As they understood the situation your house is located in the Town of Ulysses in front of a water main that was inadvertently extended into the Town of Ulysses because of the mislocation of the sign marking the demarkation between the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Ulysses. No other properties in the Town of Ulysses are connected to the water main. Any water that would be supplied to you would have to be water obtained by the Town from the City of Ithaca and might require the City's approval as most of the contracts between the Town and the City for water and sewer services relate to services provided within the Town's boundaries. Since the Town has a number of ongoing negotiations proceeding with the City on a number of issues of broad application to large areas of the Town, the Town Board is reluctant to open negotiations at this time on matters that really are outside the scope of the Town's needs. Further, at this time the Town does not serve any persons or localities outside the Town limits, except for those persons in the Town of Dryden that are served by virtue of being part of the Bolton Point Intermunicipal. Water Agreement. To provide service for you involves significant policy implications including how the Town might deal with any other applications for similar wager services, not only from your neighbors in the Town of Ulysses but also from people in the Towns of Enfield, Newfield, or Danby that might wish to connect to the Town of Ithaca water supply system. Again, because of all the issues that are presently weighing upon the Town and its staff and officers, they are reluctant to devote substantial resources at this time to a study of the implications and policies that would be appropriate relating to out of town water connections (e.g., what would be the appropriate pricing, what would be the arrangements with the water suppliers, what agreements would have to be renegotiated with water suppliers, etc.) .For all these reasons the Town feels constrained to deny your request at this time. Many of the issues outlined in this letter will be addressed in the coming months or years. The Town swill keep your request on file and will try and let you know if its position changes so that you might at that time renew your request for water. Needless to say if you have any questions please don't hesitate to give me a call. With best regards. Very truly yours, i kl JCB:bc cc: Honorable John Whitcomb Town of Ithaca Supervisor Mr. Dan Walker Town of Ithaca Engineer OF I C) TOWN OF ITHACA FINAL 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 March 25, 1995 Hazel Brampton 131 Christopher Circle Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mrs. Brampton: I am writing in response to your concerns about your bill for water and sewer. You received the "minimum bill" of$46.10 per quarter, an increase of 85 cents more than the 1994 minimum of$45.25. Our records indicate your usage for this billing period was actually 7,000 gallons, only slightly less than the base used to calculate the minimum charge. The minimum bill is calculated on 10,000 gallons of water and 8,000 gallons of sewer usage. The minimum bill concept has been in effect since the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission was established nearly 20 years ago. The rationale is that certain costs of providing water and sewer service are fixed and not dependent on the volume of water used. Examples are clerical costs, accounting and auditing costs, and depreciation on investments in pipe, meters, facilities, and equipment. The Town owns more than 100 miles of water and sewer lines that represent not only an initial capital investment (about $200,000 per mile at today's costs) but also ongoing costs for maintenance, repair, and replacement. I am sorry that you are dissatisfied. The Town prides itself on providing efficient, economical water and sewer service. We normally receive very few complaints. The Town Board continually receives requests for water and sewer service from people living in rural areas. These folks are currently served by their own private wells and septic systems that represent initial investments of at least$5000410,000 per unit. In addition those homeowner are responsible for annual costs for electricity, maintenance, chemicals, and depreciation. They apparently feel that paying the Town 50 cents a day for a reliable, clean water supply and worry free sewage disposal would be a real bargain. If you have additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, n G. Whitcomb wn Supervisor cc: Town Board Town Engineer Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission OF 1P. FINAL TOWN OF ITHACA 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX(607)273-1704 August 16, 1995 Angelo Margaris 130 Muriel Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Margaris,. I am in receipt of your correspondence regarding the past due amount on your water bill incurred by the previous owner of your property. The enclosed is an excerpt from the Rules and Regulations of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission explaining that, "all water rents or other charges relating to water service and repairs shall be a charge against the owner of the premises" . During the closing on your property this water bill should have been collected. The owner's attorney usually contacts us for a search of any amounts due prior to the closing. Unfortunately this must not have been done in your case, and in essence you have now accepted the responsibility for this charge. I apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused. Yours truly, hn G. Whitcomb e j_s rvisor ,TGW:jln cc: SCLIWC e. Plumbing Deficiency' at Unoccupied Premises Any deficiency in plumbing at any unoccupied premise shall result in the water service immediately being discontinued to that premise. 3. ownerofProperty Liable for Charges All water rents or other charges relating to water service and repairs shall be a charge against the owner of the premises connected with SCLIWC water mains and the municipality in which the premises are located and such owner and municipality shall be held responsible for all such accounts and charges. If so legislated by the applicable municipality, in default of any payment of such charges the consumption charge and any other charges may become a lien upon the premises served, as .provided by local law. 4. Temporary Services a. Responsibility for Costs Whenever a street, service connection is made to or retired from the main for temporary service, such as contractor's construction trailer for a specific project, the applicant will bear the entire cost. Included will be labor and material for tapping the main, meter and meter setting and any other special equipment and material required.. b. Application Applicationfor temporary service will be accepted and temporary .water service will be supplied providing: (1) The applicable municipality approves same, and ( 2) It does not interfere with use of *water for general purposes. The.'quantity of water taken for such purpose shall be determined . either by meter or by estimate at the discretion of SCLIWC and paid for in accordance with the rate schedule applicable to metered general purposes. Customers requiring temporary water service shall reimburse SCLIWC and the . applicable municipality for all its expenses,' in connection with the necessary temporary service connections:* FINAL August 8, 1995 Town of Ithaca Supervisor 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Sir: The enclosed sed she ks sp ° k for tV 1�&nsel v :s. Wc)uld you be so kind as to call th se ,Jokers at the water plant (277-0660) r.d tell them not to c:10 whet l hr�Y.r plan •k,-.o (:;1o? "Yours truly, Arrg(-=,,' -.) Mar-garl w: 130 Muriel Street Ithaca, lkq Yorl,,,. '14850 August 8, 1995 Southern Cayuga Lake I. W. C 1402 East Shore Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Ladies and Gentlemen: I closed on my house at 130 Muriel Street on July 5, 1995. You sent me a letter on July 14 informing me that you will add to my September bill the mount due for the second quarter, and that it is my responsibility to collect this sum from the previous owner. I do not owe you anything for the second quarter. What the previous owner owes you is a matter between you and him and does not concern me. I am too ofd to begin a new career as a collection agent. Please do not send me a bill for the second quarter. I will not pay such a bill . I will report you to the Public Service Commission. Yours truly, Angelo Margaris 130 Muriel Street Ithaca, New York 14850 SMION PONT WATER SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSIC SYSTEM TOWNS OF DRYDEN-ITHACA-LANSING —VILLAGES OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS-LANSING MACA.ix (607)277-0660 — FAX(607)277-3056 CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP INFORMATION SHEET Instructions: A Customer Service Representative of the Water Commission has read the water meter located at the service address below. The billing staff have used this information to apportion the regularly scheduled,quarterly water/sewer bill to the old owners. This document serves as the Final Bill for the old owners who are he notified of their obligation to compensate the new owners the amount fisted below upon receipt, or prior to the real estate transaction/closure. The new owners will receive the regularly scheduled,4itarterl-,yr bill which will be due on 9/30/95, and will- include the amount of this final bill ACCOUNT#T-1491 SERVICE ADDRESS: 130 MURIEL STREET REQUESTED BY: CAROLYN RUSSELL APPT. DATE&TIME: 7/12/95 8:40 A.M. PHONE# 257-0800 WORK CIRDER# 950310 DATE CALLED 7-7-95 ........................................... .................................................................................................................................. METER INFO: Type: HERSEY Meter Location OUTSIDE READER Present Read 34600 Meter Size 3/4" #of Dials 5 Previous Read 34600 Meter Serial#4983332 #of Units 1 CUBIC FEET used: 00 ............................................................................................................................................................................. OLD OWNER INFORMATION: Amount unpaid from past billings: $ KEITH PERRY 2618 SOILDERS HOME ROAD W$20.34 WEST LAFAYETTE,IN 47906 SW $_LO.40 CLOSING DATE: 7/7/95 TOTAL DUE: $30.74 .......................................................................................................................................................................... NEW OWNER INFORMATION: ANGELO MARGARIS 130 MURIEL STREET ITHACA,NY 14850 FOR ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION: CONTACT OUR BILLING DEPARTMENT (277-0660) COPIES SENT TO: MON-FRI 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. OLD OWNER ACCOUNT FILE NEW OWNER TOWN OF ITHACA prepared by: Pam Lane7/13/95 FINAL TOWN OF DRYDEN 10 DRYDEN, NEW YORK 65 EAST MAIN WITIFE1, DRYDEN, NEW YORK 13053 FAX 607-844-9599 In the Ilea)-i...q..j'the Rile',ngep,Laho Reg;*on TEL..607-844-8619 ------------ ........... OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR August 15, 1995 Honorable John Whitcomb Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re : Capacity -- IAWWTP Dear John The Town of Dryden would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the board regarding piirchase of excess capacity at the IAWWTP. We appreciate the, positive consideration of your agenda item #18 to facilitate moving forward with the Peregrine Hollow Subdivision . Sincerely, James F. Chug Supervisor /m cc: Joan Lent Noteboorn Town of Ithaca Board Town Board w/att Mahlon Perkins w/att OF 1p TOWN OF ITHACA 21 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 (b TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX(607)273-1704 TO: DAN WALKER, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING FROM: JOHN WHITCOMB, TOWN SUPERVISOR���- DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 1995 RE: SEWER BUDGET I am very concerned about the Town' s sewer budget . In order to manage it, I need the following information before our meeting next Wednesday: 1 . A capital expense plan for the next five years would help us decide whether to fund minor extensions and capital repairs from current revenues or to borrow the money with the intent to roll the BAN' s into a bond issue within 5 years . 2 . Accurate estimates from the city about the costs to the Town for the Route 96 improvements as well as reasonable estimates of the annual costs of the prior emergency repairs to transmission lines . We need to plan on how we will repay our obligation . to the city. Last years rate increase for sewer was more than 250W . Another large increase for 1996 is unacceptable . Let ' s see what we can do to manage it . cc : Cathy Valentino Sally Alariom, I� OF IP O T T 1! r _ ^ ZD� .P g 126 EAST SENECA STREET, 1THACA, N.Y. 14850 _.✓ N. � ; TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-3035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1747 October 31, 1995 Lawrence P . Fabbroni, P .E . , L. S . , Assistant Superintendent DPW City of Ithaca Department of Public Works Water and Sewer Division 510 First Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re : Additions and Modifications to IAWWTP SPDES Permit No. NY0026638 SEQRA Lead Agency designation Dear Mr. Fabbroni : The Town is involved in the proposed project to construct additions and modifications to the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant as a part owner of the plant, and has reviewed the FEAF prepared by Stearns and Wheler as consultant to the City and the SJS . The Town of Ithaca concurs with the designation of the City of Ithaca as Lead Agency for the project pursuant to SEQRA (NYCRR Section 617 . 6) . If I can be of further assistance, please call at (607) 273- 1721 . Very trul ours, ohn G. Whitcomb Town Supervisor DRW:mb xc : Dan Walker, Director of Engineering, Town of Ithaca IAGN56QR.L8S-10/l1/95-16:08 IP TOWN OF DRYDEN e DRYDEN, NEW YORK 65 EAST MAIN STREET, DRYDEN, NEW YORK 13053 ✓ FAX 607-844-9599 In the Hcwrt of the Finger Lakes IZGgion TEL.607-844-8619 OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR October 26 , 19 � Honorable John Whitcomb Town of Ithaca 26 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re : Peregrine Hollow Dear John: Based on our recent conversation you were going to talk to your park department to come up with a one time charge for the people in Peregrine Hollow versus a yearly tax bill . During our discussions you indicated this one time expenditure would be used for capital improvements . My suggestion at that time was that possibly the contractor with his equipment might make these improvements at his cost to your specifications in lieu of the one time or annual charge . Sometime ago we forwarded you an agreement to transport sewage and you informed me it had been turned over to Dan Walker. I ' d appreciate a response as soon as possible so we might conclude this portion of the sewer business . Sincerely, - r 7 . .,, James F. ,Schug, ,,f Supervia`or /m cc : To ° Board Mahlon Perkins Dan Walker Ralph Varn Larry Fabbroni [996 January 4, 1996 Town of Ithaca Supervisor 126 E. Seneca St. Ithaca,NY 14850 Dear Sir or Madam: I am enclosing, two letters I have sent to Time Warner Cable of Ithaca and feel You should also know my immense dissatisfaction I have with these greedy people. Please note the dates of these letters. I have never received a response from the letter dated July 12, 199 and I doubt that I will receive any action from the letter I am mailing today, I wish there was some competition in this area or some way we could control the incredible cost we have to bear in order to get some kind of television. I write to you to request that you pursue every option toward keeping this company in line. They do not have to observe standard business practices because they are a monopoly in this Community. Thank you for your time. Mark Fonder 126 E. King Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 277-69,75 P.S. I almost forgot to tell you I do want to receive Cable Plus. January 4, 1996 Dear Time Warner: I got a real charge out of the sentence you decided to highlight in the informational brochure. We want to work with you to find the best solutions for viewing cable teleivsion (sic) in your home. Ha! I received my January bill yesterday and it i ed an over$3.00 increase per month, Over the year that amounts to a i rease. What annoys me is that I am paying for "improvements" that I do of w n t do not need, and exist solely for the purpose, of satisfying your I do not even have the "improved converter,Anstalled and I in expected to pay for .itis If you were concerned with something rat er th n your profit margin you would be investigating ways to include some 11 super ) tions such as WTBS and WGN. That would be a service. If you ere conce `ned with the majority of your customers, you would forego this antiquated converter box system arid, allow us to view TV with our own remote and use'our VCR properly through a direct cable feed. However, your focus on the few who pirate your signal is costing us honest people dearly. I wanted to write to tell you that I"think you are the most greedy company with 1, 1/ whom I do business. If you were tservice with any competition you would never get away with this. You have my Lowest regards, Mark Fonder 126 E. King Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 277-16975 1 July 12, 1994 Dear ACC: Do you really believe that by lowering the basic cable tier a token it will negate your overall avarice? I believe that the move of CNN,ESPN, etc. is nothing more than a ploy to organize future rate hikes. It does nothing for the consumer except inconvenience him. If you were concerned with something other than yo profit margin you would be investigating ways to include some real supersta ons such as WTBS and WGN. But,you fumbled that ball years ago anPadle ' 's robably too expensive for you to go through the trouble now. The FCC regulations on cable TV were nee co tro onopolies like your company and, typical of your style,you ha a a oliri 1 retaliation. Unfortunately (for us)it is at the expense o ur clien le. I wanted to write to tell you that I think u are a most gree y company with whom I do business. If you were a servi 'th an competition you would never get away with this. You ha e my Lowest regards, Mark Fonder 126 E. King Rd. Ithaca,NY 14850 277-6975 P.S. I almost forgot to tell you I do want to receive Cable Plus. C A 8 L i January 4, 1996 . Joan blot m,„ Clerk Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street ItiuwA NY 1485 Dear Ms. No m.- hn fight of the new social contract with the FCC, Time Warner Cable Is preparingto move forward toward upgrading our cable ,. `ties to expand the service we provide to your community. A current franchise is an important step toward this gam. As we understand yourintent in being a part of the effort by the newly formed County Cable Commission, we are concerned that the time required to complete negotiations could delay the upgrading of services to communities munities like yours We propose that In the case of the Town of Ithaca, se our negotiations can a new frawhise agreement had reached final stages, we continue toward completing the franchise. We will include an addendum that permits your community to adopt proposed provisions In the County Cable ornm"rmi "man's franchise, should it materialize, Time Warner Cable is interested in pursuing an agreement with the County Cable Commission as it would help streanmline these processes. Currently, under state law, each community would continue to sign separately. Completing our negotiating now would allow us bath to reap the benefits of working with the County Comunmission while mnov%ng forward on providing the advanced services our upgraded systema will supply to your constituents. Please call me to review this proposal or if you have any questions whatsoever at 272-7875 extension 3328. 5incer ly, Thomas P. Doheny Market" ger cc: his. Catherine Valentino, Supervisor Mr. ,Mahn C. Barney, Attorney-at-Law 51'9 west State Street Ithaca, htew York 14850 2'72.7875 �Qacera 1,15 Rich Ro,�d ITHAr ,A NY 14850 607.-273-4736 January 29, 1996 Highway Department "Fawn of Ithaca 106 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, NY 148,50, Gentlernen: During the area flooding on Friday, January 19, the ditch in front of the apartment attached to my home at 115 Rich Road overflowed, washing out part of the driveway in front of the apartment, hi addi.tiort, the shoulder along the road betw,veeti the apartment driveway and my house driveway has been washed away so that there is a sharp drop of several inches from the pavement directly in front of my mailbox and Journal paper box, .1 believe this could be a hazard, especially for an unstispecthig mailmaan or paper-route driver. The ditch uphill:from the washed-out: driveway has become filled with debris that covers more than half of the opening in the CLIlvert pipe. 'rhe next heavy rain we have will probably again cause water coming down the hill to overflow the same driveway and Wash Out the Same shoulder along the road because of this blockage of the culvert, Much of the blockage is caused by stories washed down the hill in the ditch, but I. am fairly certain that the drainage ditch along Rich Road has not been cleaned out for at least two years. Prior to the flooding, it was filled with an accumulation of dried grass, leaves, small shrubs, etc.--all the stuff that tends to grow in such places over time. It just couldn't handle the added burden of an Ullusual amount of water. I know that many other ditches in this area overflowedconsiderably on January 19, and you no doubt have )r0Ur work, cut Out for you. I suggest that, over the long run, it might be more econc)mica I for the Town to clean Out these ditches every surnmer so there is less damage to repair from, snow melt and heavy spring rairts. Over the short run, I hope you can schedule an early reinedy for the problem on Rich Road--we are bound to see rnore heavy rains in the next few months. -2- Aside from my concern over the condition of the ditch and blockage of the culvert, I am concerned over the "fill" that has been washed out of my driveway. One railroad tie now lies completely exposed. Will the Town repair this damage? I look forward to a response. I can be reached at the above number most days after 1.:00 P.M. Sincerely, Lucile P. Macera 1pm cc: Ithaca Town Supervisor 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 s T-=7rarla t � 10 PA January 29, 1996 " erzian 10Brandywine Road Ithaca, NY 148501 Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E, Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Supervisor Nature is powerful indeed but fortunately humans have been able to learn to live with it as best they can. The flooding events of January 19, 1996 however indicated that the Town of Ithaca has not made a serious effort to co-exist peacefully with nature, We live on the corner of Brandywine load and. Christopher Lane and every time there are heavy rains (with or without snow or ice on the ground) that intersection becomes a dangerous lake flooding the surrounding properties and causing significant damage. Accidents and fires (documented) have occurred in the past under such circumstances, not to spear of the great loess of property. Please, is it possible for the town to correct this, dangerous situation. We (myself and neighbors) are willing to help. I hope you respond with some constructive suggestions. Sincerely, Yervant Tdrzian j,,f4ci(e, p. �Uacera J 15 Rich Road OF ITH Ithaca, NY 14950 0.)7-273-4736 Januarys' 29, 1.996 Highway E)epartment Town of Ithaca 1,06 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 Gentlemen: During the area flooding on Friday, January 19, the ditch in front of the apartment attached to) my home at '115 Rich Road, overflowed, washing out part of the driveway in front of the apartment. In addition, the shoulder along the road between the apartment driveNvay, and my house driveway has been washed. away so that there is as sharp drop of several inches from. the pavement directly in front of my mailbox and Journal paper box, I believe this could be a hazard, especially for an unsuspecting mailman or paper-r(mte driver. The ditch uphill from the washed-out driveway has become filled with debris that covers more than half of the opening in the culvert pipe., 'Hie next heavy rain we have will probably again cause water coming down the hill to overflow the same driveway and wash out the same shoulder along the road because of this blockage, of the culvert, Much of the blockage is caused by stones washed down the hill in the ditch, but I am fairly certain that the drairiage ditch along Rich Road has not been cleaned out for at least two years. 'Prior to the flooding, it was filled with an accumulation of dried grass, leaves, small shrubs, etc,--all the stuff that tends to grow in such places over time. It just couldn't handle the added burden of an unusual amount of 'water. 1. know that many other ditches in this area overflowed considerably on. Jai'luary 19, and You no doubt have your work cut out for you, I suggest that, over the long run., it might be more economical for the Town to clean out these ditches every summer so there is less damage to repair from snow melt and heavy spring rains. Over the short run, I hope youcan. schedule an early remedy for the problem on Rich Road--we are bound to see more heavy rains in the next few months. 3 ' -2- Aside from my concern over the condition of the ditch and blockage of the culvert, I am concerned over the "fill" that has been washed out of my driveway. One railroad tie now lies completely exposed. Will the Town repair this damage? I look forward to a response. I can be reached at the above number most days after 1:00 P.M. Sincerely, Lucile P. Macera 1pm cc: Ithaca Town Supervisor 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 f I V, FE B Ira 'fir a,sa as . w 2 Orchard Hill Road , D Ithaca, NY 14850 [607)272-8239 February 8, 19961 Ms. Catherine Valentino Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Tear Ms. Valentino, 1 live at the intersection of Orchard (fill Road and DuBois Road in the town of Ithaca. Thera is a culvert that runs directly ante my property fronn DuBois Road, and in effect drains onto my land. There is no channel than carries away runoff from this culvert, and whenever there is significant rainfall or thawing, my property is unusually susceptible to flooding. There is a channel that runs downhill along Grchaxd Hill Road, but no adequate attempt was aver made to connect this channel to the point at which the culvert empties onto my property. I have:, at my awn expense, installed drainage pipe, in an effort to divert the water flowing in via the culvert away fronn nny house, but this has not proven effective. 1 feel that this situation is due to faulty planning on the part of the town, and would naturally like the town tan tape sonic action to correct the problem.. Thank you for your attention, and for ,your efforts on my behalf. Sincerely,. Agra Wasserman y V`� WILLIAM' ST ;,qeNUE e rraRW6 14850 11HACA NEW son 232 a2�4 so � pyY @e�y✓u' O;°+`'�'y Town y /W C�51 y 126 E. Rw..n u..x.L w a+ -re" steo� rr yyi n * p " low"`.W tr9R n a W �"�n"�• µM.A.. -:own about wrik in the b beh our Pro" aq rh ; `r � cM ' a' , �a M -nou the Other : OU." �g� nr N py r have 1 - ItIo w , x tPn " n t,t there are Lul ter, on A ch w�.s ary n i CSA y would b e "-e h e P�d 0 , with tno first st" oe think A wrv;, y that . ":,{" kd »7 r, + ery drain �, d�" r' i -. ent the » lCompleteda ,, � bM .» mnt back 6 ' In i s " rare oatain 0" th ver,1oar � ' �� t � p 0,0m vet"t x ous U yry.,� your L A`��'wl p} than X-1 sincerelD ill 11 11u a tai S Joe n t 101 randywine Drive Ithaca. York 14850 March 21 , 1 '9,�6 ........... Catherine Valentino, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca St . Ithaca , New York 1485,0 Dear Ms . Valentino: During this past winter the person or persons who snowplow the road in front of my house have done a considerable amount propcl't'.'. The plowing has scraped five feet into my front lawn, destroying the grassed area. In addition the plowing has been so destructive to the pavement at the edge of the road, thatmany pieces of the pavement have been thrown fifteen or more feet into my residual front lawn along its entire frontage with the road. I expect the town to repair the damage forthwith. Also I will, be unable to mow may front lawn with the large pieces of pavement residing upon it. If you were to send someone to observe the damage, you could verify the problem. Sincerely, Samuel A. Ward cc: Supervisor, Highway Dept . 106 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca . New York 14850 r. W kO'e August 28, 1995 John, A follow-up thought after our talk on Friday: I believe the jrnrnediate issues we are facing are really symptoms of a larger underlying problem. I think it is time for the Town Board to hire an outside management consultant to look at the staffing and organizational structure in Town Hall. Since 1987 the staff here has doubled from 10 persons, to 20, yet to my knowledge there has never been anything more than an ad-hoc, piecemeal approach to organizing the Town Hall workforce and structuring responsibidities amongst departments and department heads. There has been no comprehensive look at who does what, why they do it, and whether or not they should even be delegated responsibility for a particular task. A good example of the problem is that, in the more than seven years, since I have been here, nobody has yet been able to tell me who is actually responsible for the upkeep of the Town Hall itself. It may be that such a study will recommend that the Town of Ithaca hire a Town Manager, a person with the training and education (bachelors or masters degree in public administration), who would be responsible for coordinating the work of the various Town departments, be responsible for budget and personnel matters, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Town Hall- This person would report directly to the Town Supervisor, and be capable of providing the Supervisor with direct staff support in budget preparation (including independent analysis of departmental budget requests) and administration, and the mynad of tasks which are rapidly turrung the post of Town §upervisor into a full-time position. CORNELL UNIVERSITY ivisiona of Nutritional Sciences Facsiwflea 60 2`55-1031 A Divisiori othe Now York State a)f Ith aw,New York 1,1853-4401 I I imam Ecology nraaM.1 'agra culture arad Life StJIIMCVS,StOtWawW C.OHL'Y,01 01 OIV SI ate., U)dveTsity of Nje,,N°York April 8, 1 9,9ti Mrs..Catherine Valentino,Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 1.26 E.Seneca St. Ithaca, N.Y" 14850 Dear Mrs. Valentino: I was pleased to read in the Ithaca Journal dated February 77, 1996 describing, my assault and they statement that they "incident reaffirmed 'Town Supervisor's, Cathy Valentnncr's, determination to increases security in the town, which doesn't have lits own police" force and relies can the; Sheriff's Department and Stater Polices for protection. Please inform me as to what action, they town has taken since February 27, 1996 to rectify the need for protection. Your attention to this matter will be appreciated. Sincerely, 77- ; 1' e R M(,)ndy Cor k an,q,I Ija Q qu154Y04V8I It V,a fh rEttl tXb'm,"ado Y I9 r I o efI Ip Ck of In/F.Au Ca Ir Advanced (Amfidendal Security In"wtmsti �itr() at M X Y4'I Rharcar, New `cork 14850 ( 07) 273-09 (6017) 272-3630 Ithaca Town Board 126 East: `~1eire'car Street Ithaca , New York 14650 'own Supervisor Catherine Valentino Dear Ithaca Town Board Member , I am writing to you in regards to a article that appeared in the Ithaca Journal can. February 27th , 1996 .96 . Thee article c:.lee w<as about the assault and robbery that cacc..u.re d on Honness Lane . In the article the 'gown supervisor had stated that: the town needed to placer to higher priority on police protection . I.. am a licensed Private Investigator licensed by the New York State Department of State . I have talked d with several concerned citizens w .t}'rpn the town . I have a few ideas thatw, you may be 1.nte?r."est',e;:'e1 .8n hearing regarding private Trat.r of i ng for the Town of Ithaca . 1 you would like tca ;rp;re-rak with me regarding my proposal , gr1.eassex feel free to contact mer at the following numbers ser that we may set rrpa as meeting . ( 607)273-0983 or ( 607 ) 272_ 3630 irnnk you for your time . B. Keith Workman-Private Investigator . I i en<, d by Te NJewv)Qwk An luyr p art:rrum" to Swe L e e May 2, 1996 Mrs. Catherine 'Valentino, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca. 1.26 E. Seneca 'St. Ithaca, N.Y 14850 Dear Mrs. "Valentino: At the town meeting on April 8 I presented a letter addressed to you in which I inquired about the action that had been taken to increase security in the Towyn of Ithaca.. Since you. were not present at the meeting, the letter was presented to the acting chair. At that time I requested that this important topic be considered by the board. It is my hope that some gime can. be devoted to this topic soon, perhaps at the next town meeting, on May 13, 1996.. I shall, appreciate hearing from you as to what action has been taken, or can be expected, on this matter. Sincerely, Nell Mond 126 I- onmess lane Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 w Y CORNELL U N I V E IC S I "I' Y k Division of Nutritional Sciences Martha Van Gaanss'ela � A Division of the New York State C:ofle,ges of atfii,-woa,New York 14853-4401 lrlu ria'n Ecology aaraal Agriculture and Life a rsrac .Skaatartranr l 01 '�",CS Of tHtra State Ut iveralfty of New York June 5,1996 Mrs.'Cather'ine'Valentina,Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 1,26 E.Seneca at.. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mrs, Valentino ,,t the town meeting, on May 13, l again requested that aa.-tion be taken to increase security for the town residents.You responded that you hoped to set up a committee to study the situation.. l shall appreciate hearing from you as to what action has been taken by the town board to address the need for more security.. Your thoughtful consideration of this matter will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, W M Nell Mondy 1.26 Honness Lane Ithaca, NY 1.48 O C orn eR Is ensu equiI arpporauar;stla'ratfisrmuitVe'iaOon encu;taryc'xbe'dLvi: tr:rr ti I FTO[WrN 06F ITS CA 103 JuddFalls Road Ithaca, New York 14850, May 11, 1996 , Cathy Valentino, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, Nev York 14850 Dear Cathy , k Enclosed is a letter to Beverly Livesay, County Representative for Forest Home Hay we have the "own" help in this as well'? Sincerely Kath M. Mahe, President Fqrest O 103 Judd Falls Road Ithaca, New York 14850 May 11. 1996 He. Beverly Livesay, Member Tompkins County Board of Representatives 320 North Tioga Ithaca, - NY 14850 Dear Beverly. Thanks for your interest in the problem of medical waste incineration in the Countv. This is a very serious issue that has not received the public discussion it deserves. We Would like your help in moving this matter into the public arena. Specifically, we propose a meeting between public officials and representatives of our Environment Committee so that we may present the problem and ' suggest ways in which the County can become involved. Following is an outline of our concerns. We include the actions we would like the County to take. 1. issue. 2. 300,000 pounds of medical wastes are produced each year in Tompkins County. 3. The plan, although it has not been fully disclosed, is to burn all these wastes on the Cornell University campus. 4. Medical wastes are largely plastics, a high percentage of them PVC's, which are produced with chlorine. T�` 111 5. Dangerous by-products are formed when plastics are sndinerated. Toxic metals are produced when plastics are burned. Dioxin is formed when PVCs are heated. 6. In 1991 the EPA undertook a major study on the health effects of dioxins. The study documents the serious health consequence of exposure to dioxin. **4he average amount of dioxin in Americans as 9 nanograms per kilogram of body weight.' *** "Sex hormones are diminished in men with 13nglkg.' "Within the general public, some people are receiving higher-than-average doses [of dioxin] because of their diets, 11 vsng neat facili is es emuCtlnq dioxin . . . and so forth. EPA says. 'Some more highly exposed members of the population may be at risk for a number of adverse effects including developmental toxicity, reduced reproductive capacity in males. . ., higher probablility of experiencing endometriosis in women, reduced ability to withstand immunological challenge. and others." [All quotes from Rachel' s Hazardous Waste News #390, May 19, 1994, p. 1, corrected June 7. 1994. Italics mine. ] 7. Proponents of this facility will argue that the incinerator will use the best available technolgy, one that is designed to destroy dioxins. 8. But we have found *** the incinerator will not always burn at levels hot enough to destroy dioxins; `` J *** no design will eliminate 100% of the dioxins; *** no design is immune to failure; *** all designs are subject to operator error; *** there is no way to monitor the facility continuously, i.e. we will not know from direct measurements whether dioxins are emitted; the design of the proposed facility was based on a model that assumed the area was "rural," and that did not use site--specific weather data. We have little confidence in the results of this model. The proposed stack of 177 feet may be too low to disperse emissions into the atmosphere. They. may be concentrated locally, and they may be drawn into air intake systems in neighboring buildings. !� 9. There are alternatives to the incineration of medical wastes. These have not been explored. 10. A decision on how to deal with medical wastes is a public oR licy isume. Yet this decision has thus far been made largely outside the public purview. This is wrong. i In sum, the decision to burn the County's medical wastes on the Cornell University campus has important public policy and public health implications. These have not been adequately considered, The public has not been involved. We look to County government as a logical place for action to protect the public interest. We urge the following actions- 4, And, if incineration is the best alternative, what design features and operating constraints must be built into the facility in order that the public health be adequately safeguarded? I hope this answers your questions about why we think the County should be involved in this decision and how it may do so, It you would like me to elaborate further on any of the above information, or to provide you with additional information, please feel free to call me at 2�57-2�672 . I look forward to hearing from you , Sincerely yours, Ruth M. Mahr. President copies � Jon Kanter, Town of Ithaca Planner Cathy Valentino, Supervisor, Town of Ithaca Phil Zariello, Chair, Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Board Candace Cornell, Chair, Town of Ithaca Planning Board David Stewart, Director of Public Relations, Cornell University Hunter R. Rawlings III, President, Cornell University John Yaukey, Ithaca Journal " ii" w h N OF ITHACA Ithaca , NY 14850 May 13 , 1996 Mr . Dan Walker Town Engineer Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Ithaca , NY 14850 Dear Mr . Walker : I am writing about three drainage problems associated with our property at 216 Texas dune and requesting that the Town of Ithaca proceed rapidly to solve them . We have called you several times in the recent past and have been told that a mean would be right up to observe conditions during a heavy rai n , but no one came or contacted us at all after these calls . Problem 1 : Early this year and on May 10 we had flooding of our downstairs because the stream on our property was so high that water backed out of a drain in a stela- down „ Even a half hour after the rain had stopped and drainage from the roof was ravel i ble into that drain , the water was backi ng up because the stream was so high , Our stream is a : times after heavy raa i n 20 feet, wide . There are two causes : 1 . More water flown because upstream building has caused more runoff , ditches upstream are cleaner , and there is no 1 on,ger a haoIdi ng area bee a nu:V t; he Ct . Cath er° i H e ` s Church for water , . At the Driscoll ,- righat boundary the stream narrows considerably which prevents the water tram draining away rapidly . The str°swarm bed should be widened dowunstreaum, from the sidewalk bridge which leads from Texas Lane to Simsbury Drive . Problem : There i s an i ncompl ete drai nage di tch along the north side of Texas Lane . The sidewalk was built without putting a pipe under it . The di tch shoul d count h nue under Dr i scot! 1' ' s dri ve_ wuay and along the Driscoll front yard so water can drain further down . We receive in our front yarn all water from Schmidt , Todd and the circle at they end of Texas d,.,ane , wuhich, runs dowun our driveway and Iawun to reach the stream . This wuater should be draining along the north side of Texas Lane , Problem 3 : At the east end of my property and through Todd ' s property there is a drainway ( ditch ) which was dug with a backhoe under L a r r y Fabroni ' s supervision a f e w years a g o because w e r e c e i v e from Todd ' s yard much drainage from Si ena D r i v o- . T o vj n Engineer F a b r i o n i said the—Siena Drive construction wa s done improperly and certainly does drain to our yard , the water turning our back yard into a pond each spring on its way to the stream . This ditch behind the property needs to be cleaned and deepened to handle the huge flow of water coming into it from Todd ' s and from the runoff from properties on Siena Drive . I would like to meet with you during the week of May 27 . Can we set up an appointment? Sincerely , Arthur L . Ruoff Phone and FAX 257-0695 cc : � Town Supervisor C . Valentino 1 rq $ 216 TEAM, r gym, ' 11 Ithaca;-NY 14850 JAne 30 , 1996 Mr . Dan Walker Town Engineer Town of Ithaca 1260 East Seneca Ithaca , NY 14850 ' Dear Mr . Walker : The purpose of this letter is to remind you I . that the ra i n of January 19 tore off the sl w:wCsed banks , dest;rc:).yi ng work drone by Cayuga Landscape for us , of Renywilk. Brook where i t passes through our .Yard , e posing the roots an as 30-. ,year-ol d Cr i mscon Iii ng ruaapl e , wa l arge smoke tree and an Amur maple . It also caused fl ocodi ng in our basement rooms as a, result of water back- flowing ack- flowing from the strdarmw. 2 the severe dowhipour of flay 1. I a n 12 d i d further damage and again caused f I o o d i n g w:m, t our bademrwent rooms . In my letter of June 6 , 1996 I was incorrect in stating that mater fromaw, BOCES and the Northeast School flows into a different drain than Renwick Brook . In fact the water from BOCES crosses Warren toad in a large culvert which then gasses into :a ditch on the south end of DeWitt School westerly past the south of DeWitt Pond where the ditch changes from westerly to southwesterly and goes to the corner of Brandywine and Winthrop through what looks to be a 24- inch ti l e across Winthrop , wwh`aer°ey it flows on the east side of Brandywine to 106 and then passes into a culvert across Brandywine to a tele system at thy„ front cat. Brandywine 107 ( there i s a g r i 11 opening tco the ti l e there ) , and hencerv:, to the strearsu behind the houses on Christopher Lane , going immediately behind 104 Christopher Large where it rmoeets another ditch which runs along the north side of the Stiles prcoperty dhese two ditches join just before entering our property . These ditches combined carry water, from DCCES , DeWitt School , Northeast School ,, Christopher. Circle , Christopher Lane , 81ackstone , Siena Dri ve , and inciu de a very large area draining into the streams and creating damage to many properties below . - .'.- We again request that you address these several concerns and Mve ' to c.reate drainage down the north side of Texas Lane with culverts under the-' sidewalk and Driscoll driveway and continuing svral es down Texas Lane . • Removing the :ri 11 ori tree whi ch s i is directly •i n-.-'the. ,stream at the corner of the. Wri ght property and Driscoll property would al1ow free drainage . from the huge anount of'VI Iater afte'e' .hea.vy rain . Cl-eani ng and restructuring the easterly approach to'.'the Odewalk bridge from Texas Lane to Simsbury -would al'l o5•r the .water, fo' approach, _the bridge head on and would prevent the ,undermining of the sides of the bridge as happened on May 11- 12.. Cl eani n.q.,%th'e 'svial a across t-he back of. Todd ' s property and the eastedge, of- our property to the -s-tream would allow runoff from Sier*a 'Drive to roach the stream without flooding the Todd ' s yard and .basement and our back yard . The- sOal e was created by the t6vn several ye-ars ago as indicated in my letter of June 6 . I'riportant co'ncl usi o•ns -are:.:• A . t•ha.t. new constructi:o'n at BOCES -has greatly, added. to, the rate .at : Thi ch water: enters into Ren►.ai ck - Brook .and `moves- through - our yard . B . that''the .reinstitution of DeWitt• Pond as a water's.hed to.-hold, the heavy run-off from SOCES and. DeWitt should' 'i.mmed-iate'iy be done . I trust. I ' wil.l hear ,.f o'm you 'shto.rt1y_ Sincerely , Oz Arthur' L : Ruoff CC * ' Catherine V-al en-ti no 0 Ir "SOWN OF ITH .CA '126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 1485b'--` TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HI HWAY 273---16 iii PARKS 27 1.,,8035 ENGINEERING 273--1747 PLANNING 273--1747 ZONING 273.1783 FAX(607)273.1 704 May 1 , 1 gg Jeffrey J. Boronkay Evergreen Law Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Boronkaym The Town Board received a copy of your request for the installation of a street light a the intersection of Dubois Road and Evergreen Lane at their May 13, 1996 meeting. Supervisor Catherine Valentino has instructedi Daniel Walker, Town Engineer and Fred Noteboom, Highway Superintendent to pursue the matter and report their findings as soon as possible. Mr. Walker and Mr. Noteboom may be contacting you during this process. On behalf of the Town Board' Iapologize for any inconveni,ernce you may have experienced related to this matter, and trust you will contact me should you require any additional information. Yours truily, r 0 Moan Lent Noteboom Town Clerk. cc: Catherine Valentino, Supervisor Daniel Walker, Town Engineer Fred l Noteboom, Highway Superintendent April 26, 19 9-6 i Jeffrey J. Boronkay 3 Evergreen Lane Ithaca, NY 14850 Town Clerk Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Town Clerk: I have left several telephone messages to different individuals requesting the installation of a street light at the intersection of Dubois Road and Evergreen Lane; however, my telephone calls have not been returned by anyone. For safety reasons, both vehicular and pedestrian, a streetlight similar to that installed at the intersection of Dubois Rd. and Indian Creek Rd. would provide protection and safety to an area which is increasing in number (due to housing developments ) and children which are playing in the area. There is already a utility pole and pole mounted transformer at that intersection which serves the underground utilities for Evergreen Lane. I have contacted NYSEG regarding this request and • they have indicated that they need a resolution from the Town of Ithaca before they proceed with the request. Please contact me if you need additional information or have questions. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, Jeffrey J. Boronkay � ,u ` 172 Pearsall Place Ithaca, NY 14850 6071273-6637 May 20, 1996 Rich Schoch Parks Department Town of Ithaca 106 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Rich: Last August and September I was among the neighbors who had a series of discussions with George Frantz about the South Hill Recreation Way. We were concerned about the destruction of summer wildflowers along the trail by mowing, by the volume of Town of Ithaca truck traffic through the woods, and by the disappearance of signage at the Hillview Place entrance. Signage has not been replaced, truck traffic has been heavy (and sometimes rapid!) this spring, and we are most concerned because we have received no official notice that the mowing plan has indeed been discontinued. Perhaps the tons of sand dumped this month along the length of the trail are intended to kill the grass that had been seeded ` _ ? when the trail was installed, and thus preclude the mowing? Can you assure us this is so? The residents would greatly appreciate having no further vehicular traffic, or installations, through this fragile woodland area. Thank you for your attention to these details. Would you please contact me about the resolution of these questions. Very truly yours, Mary Gilliland 172 Pearsall Place Ithaca, NY 14850 12 dune 1996 Richard Schoch Parks and Open Space Manager Highway/Parks Department 106 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Rich: In response to your letter of 6 June, I would agree very much that oversight of the South Hill Recreation Way requires a great deal of creativity," and l hope that yours is replenished rather than overtaxed, especially, as you say, "in keeping the community's diverse, and often conflicting, demands met." Let me clarify the position from which l speak, for it is not a position which excludes trees, deer, red squirrel, mullein, coltsfoot, and watercourses from that community. With all due respect to taxpayers, of which l am one, I have tried during my 15 years' residence adjoining the area where the trail was installed to represent the interests of these other less mobile, less vocal creatures when human interest impacted them--be that opposing motorcyclists riding along the Circle Greenway paths, or questioning the Town of Ithaca's original plan to asphalt the nearly 3 miles of Recreation Way through the woods, or assisting George Frantz' redesign of the trail to lower the impact on the natural features of the area. And it seems to me that regarding and maintaining the trail as a habitat, rather than as a facility, would have a beneficial impact on the humans who are part of this community, for disregarding the welfare of plant and animal species clots affect our quality of life and ability to appreciate the natural world. It is with these assumptions in mind that I would like to continue dialogue with you. It is possible that less work on the part of humans may be more effective in the context of this particular natural system, for it Is after all within a wildflower preserve and potentially part of the Town of Ithaca Conservation District. it runs through landscape that bears little resemblance to the East Hill Recreation Way, even less to Stewart Park. While I am sure there are standard ways in which the Highway/Parks Department maintains most areas, this is one are that differs. It is a forest; it could more appropriately be given the term natural area rather than the term park, with that term's associated images of cleared lawn and ornamental shrubbery. So indeed a creative approach is needed. I applaud the revised mowing plan that George sent, and also your efforts to stabilize the trail surface. Perhaps fertilizing and mowing are uncalled for this year since both are predicated on grass, which doesn't happen to exist right now. With time and careful attention to the process of stabilization, the surface may be able to maintain itself. It was the spirit of prevention that moved me to write to you on May 20, for during the past year, several well-intentioned maintenance actions created problems instead of solving them. A mowing machine operator went off the trail to cut down everything he could reach at the height of the flowering season-- including the flowering stalks of great mullein--preventing the summer wilflowers from reseeding themselves and creating deep tire ruts in the herbaceous border. A crew sent to re-I'lae the streambed east of my house, a streambed that was depopulated of rocks to build an overlook for a culvert when the trail was put in, installed a wired-in dam of non-native rubble stone rather than putting the removed or similar rocks back along the side of the stream, resulting in further erosion up and down stream from the dam and the eyesore of the dam itself. Last summer a layer of sand was applied to the surface of the west section of the trail so thickly that the grass disappeared; this extinction was carried eastward this spring. These examples indicate that maintenance workers need to be more fully informed about the ecology of what they are doing, or be supervised on-site by someone who is knowledgeable. If the Town is not in a position to provide such a person, I can volunteer to help out to the extent that l am able, and I am sure other neighbors would come forward if asked. When you write that "[v]ehicular traffic is a fact of life and a necessary component of our park and trail program,' I would point out that in this case it might be appropriate to modify standardoperating procedure. Vehicular traffic afftects the character of the area in which the South Hill Recreation Way is situated, as well as the wildlife, and it is these effects that concern neighbors. With the exception of a machine that is actually mowing, or of a truck that is removing a downed tree, there is no need for town vehicles to use the trail. There are many locations for access by foot, and monitoring can actually be done well this way since walking allows for more accurate observation. In closing, your letter indicates how deeply you care about the job you do. l appreciate your work and look forward to our cooperation with each other and with nature. Sincerely, ff �, -tL�L . � Mary diiiiiand TOWN OF ITHACA HIGHWAY/PARKS DEPARTMENT 'THACA, N.Y. 14850 106 SEVEN MILE DRIVE, I .......... ------- ....... HISHWAY P07)273-1656 PARKS,(607I 273-8035 FAMMH-E (607)273,-9239 June 6 , 1996 Ms . Mary Gilliland 172 Pearsall place Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mary : This is in response to Your letter Of may 20 , 1996 , regarding some of your concerns about the South Hill Recreation Way. In the meantime George Frantz has sent you and Peter a copy of our revised mowing policy whi,ch should clear up some of your questions . Be advised, however , that we will be mowing the grassed surface of the trail bed several times during the cu,Durse of the mowing sease on (May through October in a typical yearV This qualifies as vry minimal maintenance . was used to topdress, the t.3.,-ail surface was certainly Th and which v This was dcrit,,, in respc.)nse nc ntended tD kill the grsss . repeaw-,,ad complaints by Mary Russell Of the Town Of Ithaca Town a to do something about the loose gravel which lays Board and other an annoyance to some trail users , on top Of the trail bed and is The (,-,,ombined impact of ti-lin sand overlays over several years , repeat edappl.i cations of fertilizer atctrenythen the grass plants whicb do exist , minimal mowing, and the incorporation of naturally- produced organic matter mixing with the sand should, over time, produce a more acceptable texture to the trail bed. I feel it is totally unreasonable to request "having no further vehicular traffic, or installations , through,this fragile woodland area" . Having a facilitY like this trail which is used dailHumby awide rangeof people, both young and old, bydefinitonires diligent�aintenance and a great degree of considerable attentiont community Is diverse, oald of ten creativitY in keeping the ffic is a fact of life and conflicting , demands met . Vehicular tra trail program, Vie try to a necessary co�Tky)(DnEMt of otir park and keep it to as minimum, but we don' t intend ever to eliminate it . benches along the We have gotten many req uests for additional is another trail , but I have no plans to install any more . This practical example of a (,.- e(,��jj the purist and the ,(�),,�,jp-romise betw approaches to providing public recreational areas . ° � ��« ) \ \ § �\\�\\\ � /\\ � \ � : , ! § , . . : a . . : // \§�\��\\\ � � � � . . \ � � . y : \ / �> / . , } . a ��\y\ } \ \r � < , / : \ \ �/ r . . :��/\�/\ � d \\�\}�\ : \\ ` ������\\\\ [ � � ^� � » . \<�>�< \ , , y \ / / \� � \ . : a . : . \f y\ -: \ : < . . . � 6 , « . r y \ .� \�, t � � � ° a � . � � �\ / . § � »§% \ � �% \ \� �� � \�/ , \> »/ /y« .\� : / \ '� r �< ;: °y�,� � �\ ! � » %/ � . � y\ � ` � \} � � \} \ � � y � ` ` � �� � �� \� 6» � � �/? :< � . , . �� '����, , , > ƒ%\ \ ` \\ \��\ \ \ � ^��\\\� � .� : �� y \ \- � � \, � : � « «»© � , , ) y > y\y �� y: \ » \ > . . 6 / ` � < � � . I 8 , u / /4,i Farr'/J lil, C iau� ru r i Mary Gilliland June 6, 1996 Page 2 1 3 As to the missing sign at the Hudson Street entrance (across from Hillview Place) , that was a City of Ithaca sign and you should more appropriately tell Andy Hillman, the City Forester, about it . We have told him, but it wouldn't hurt for you to let him know as well that the sign is missing. Perhaps what I have related to you in this response is not totally what you wanted to hear, but I am also cognizant of the larger community' s needs and desires when it comes to using this trail, built with public monies and maintained with Town of Ithaca taxes . Sincerely, L'" 0. ("uLd" Richard H. Schoch Parks and Open Space Manager ghk Town of Ithaca June 17, 1996 Planning Board TOWN OF ffNAC 1.26 E. Seneca St. � w Ithaca, NY 14850 1 am a strong supporter of the intent of the proposed Six Mile Valley Conservation District, i.e., to preserve and protect the natural beauty, wildflowers, birds, and wildlife, etc. of the area. Unfortunately as now written the proposal contains serious flaws, Several requirements actually will defeat the objectives in the long term. One requirement not only is self defeating environmentally, but also causes serious economic losses. ,additionally, the proposal contains no special protection for the rare wildflowers found primarily in the gorge areas. Specific examples; L Fch lot must have 300 ft. of highway frontage. That is 5 times the distance required for "reasonable access" as specified in other residential zones. Highways are very disruptive environmentally, why deliberately maximize them' 2. tach lot must have lengths and widths of hundreds of feet, even it" the total. area is O.K. This makes no sense environmentally. ;In fact, the more nea rly square a lot is, the smaller will be the amount in "edges", per unit of total area. Reduced ""edges" means reduced desirable habitat for birds and wildlife. "l`he area contains rare species of wildflowers. These are located in the gorges, primarily. The peril to these rare species comes from the people who traverse the gorges, not from dwellings on the surrounding upland. The proposal does nothing to address the actual peril to rare wildflowers. 4. "'Clustering," is mentioned as a possible caption, but is not defined. This must be done with great ease. if not, dwellings may be concentrated on a small area and the tract; as a whole will eventually become forest, and forests are relatively poor habitats for birds and wildlife. The 7A minimum lot size tends to defeat the basic purpose of the district in the long term because it guarantees that more than qil% of the valley will eventually become forest. Deducing the lot size to 3. acres would double the ",edges" which are desirable habitats for birds and wvildlife. fi. A major concern of several landowners is the probable loss in value of their land if the 7A requirement bec .hies law. The planning board recognizes this probability and is suggesting a reduction in assessments. But even if this is granted, it does nothing, to replace the lost capital. Reducing the lot sire to perhaps 3A would go a long way towards solving this problem, while at the same time enhancing the probability that the goals of the Conservation District would be inet, both now and into the distant future. Town of Ithaca June 17, 1996 Planning Board June 17, 1996 Page 2 It is disappointing that even after our repeated objections over the past several years, the above specific concerns still are in the proposal. It was particularly frustrating when Mr. Franz, after learning of Mr. Barney's views on the difficulty of defending the 7A vs. a smaller lot size, vigorously defended the large size on the basis "it was legal". He still does not seem to realize we are basing our objections on its lack of value environmentally, as well as the fact there is no plan to provide fair economic treatment of land owners. Si e1y, ,�x/;W O OL G Robert D. Sweet 1401 112 Slaterville Road Ithaca, NY 14850 cc: Supervisor Valentino - 126 E. Seneca St., Ithaca, NY 14850 OF 1,% TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1"721 HdGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273---1783 FAX 1(607)273-X704 TO: Cathy Valentino FROM: George Frantz DATE: June 20, 19961( RE: Town Hall hours. I am disturbed at the change in the tirne the Town Hall is open to serve the public. The elimination of the one-half hour, between 4:0PM and 4:30 PM represents far more than just a lost 1/2 hour of service time. It cuts the 1/2 hour that is most convenient to the majority of Town taxpayers -- those who have jobs. Many peoples' workday ends between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM in the afternoon. A Town Hall open until 4:30 allows many people to come to Town Hall without interupting their workday, or with only a minimal disruption at the end of the (lay. Pushing the closing time up to 4:0O will mean that more taxpayers will have to take tirne out of their normal workday in order to corne to Town Hall,, This in my opinion is an undue imposition on the, people: we are presumably serving. As I understand it, the rationale behind this cut in service is the security concern raised by having a ]one employee staffing the front counter between 4:00 PM and 4:30 Pm. This may be a reasonable concern, but if so the solution, at least from the standpoint of a government interested in the delivery of quality public service, is to rearrange staffing patterns, not force the taxpayer to change their schedule. It wouldn't be unreasonable to simply change the standard Town work-day to an 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM schedule, That way the security concern is addressed,, and the 1/2 hour of available public service that would be cut is the one that is the least convenient for the average taxpayer -- 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Granted, some employees will balk at such a change in their life routine. To this u response is: "Who works for whom here?" d df,­­ 01 (,T A Jll 01 llzf A fA v ..�Ru,. e .✓" -001=4Z, I"'';f '.r ."+:..M' w�M .J'""�''L k ^,,. "IT ;��a miMe"�m tla a pp mv '° '..e k .June 24, 1,996 Ms. Catherine Valentino Ithaca Town Board '126 east. Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tear Ms. Valentino, The Six Mile Creek Advisory board needs some guidance on the maintenance of the Town of. Ithac(a°s Recreation Way. As ,you can see from the enclosed correspondence there are various points of view regarding the meowing and related upkeep of the Way. Would it be possible for two niern ers of the Six Mile Creek Committee to aaaeet with the appropriate Town of Ithaca Board i members and "Town officials to discuss this rnatte;r? The Six Mile Creek Coaxanait:tee would also like to work with the Towyn Board regarding the Town's proposed Conservation ,Dstrict and preservation and acquisition of land in the Watershed area.. "To Haat end would you be so kind as to I include us on the 'Town's mailing list for upcoming meetings on the District. I would also appreciate the names of the app )riate persons to speak to regarding coordination of acquisition and preservation efforts if) the Watershed area. "Thanks you very much for your assistance. Sincerely, �y J`' aarjorie Olds u � + � " Y w s ✓� 1 5 '.. ju , r S ww,wN OF ITHACA Jame 25, 1996 Ms. Catherine Valentino lthac,a Town Hell 126 least Seneca Street; Ithaca, New York 14850 Tear Ms. Valentino, The Sig Mile Creek Advisory Board needs some guidance on the maintenance of" the Towyn of I:thaacaa"s Recreati(m Way, As you can see frorn the enclosed correspondence there are various points of view regarding the mowing and related upkeep of the 'may. Would it be possible for two members of the Sig Mile Creek C'oranaittee to meet with the appr(.)priate J`ovan of Ithaca Board. members and Town officials to, discuss this rnatter? The Six Mile Creek. Committee would also like to work with the 'Town Board regarding the T'own's proposed Conservation District and preservation and ac uisit tun. of land in the Watershed area, T(:) that end would you he so kind as to include us on the Town's mailing, list for upcc: r ing meetings can the District, 1 would also appreciate the names of" the appropriate persons to speak to regarding coordination of acquisition and preservation eff"'orts in theWatershed area. 'Fhanks you very much for your assistance. Sincerely, ,. lwlaajc> f)lcls 100 Renzetti Ithaca, New,York 14850 �7'- '77-2228 OF 1, OPY TOWN FHCCA may} 4 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-17211 HIGHWAY 273-11656 PARKS 273--68135 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-178,3 FAX(607)273-1704 June, 28, 1996 Thornas, D. Cramer 301 Forest Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Cramer: Thank you for your letter of'June 3, 1996, regarding the absence of sidewalks along Lake Street in the vicinity of Deebs Service Station. It is my understanding that Lake Street in this vicinity is a State highway, and would be under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). By copy of this letter, I am sending along a copy of your letter to the l'NSD Region 3 Office in Syracuse. For your future reference, their phone number is (315) 428-4345. I would also suggest that you give the Ithaca City School District office a call to see whether there might be a possibility of adding a walkway on School District property. The phone number for the School District Facilities Coordinator is 274- 2142. From my recollection of Lake Street in this area, the road right-of-way is fairly limited, and the opportunities for adding a sidewalk may be limited. You might also want to give Lanny Joyce at Cornell University a call about this. His phone number is 2,55-6311. Cornell University is in the process of looking at water line routes for their proposed Lake Source Cooling project. A portion of the proposed alignment traverses this general area, and there might be some opportunity to construct a walkway in conjunction with that project. The Town of Ithaca has already raised that possibility with Cornell officials., Thomas Cramer June 28, 1996 Page 2 •I hope that this information is helpful. Please give me a call at 273-1747 if you have any additional questions on this matter. Very truly yours, Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning cc: Supervisor Catherine Valentino Fred Noteboom, Superintendent of Highways Daniel Walker, Director of Engineering . Charles E. Moynihan, Regional Director, New York State Department of Transportation Ithaca City School District, Facilities Coordinator Lanny Joyce, Cornell University THOMAS D. CRAMER _ JUN , 301 Forest Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 =; -- q F 1G;�lEER;hG June 3, 1996 Mr. Jonathan Kanter Director of Planning Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Kanter: This letter is in regard to the absence of sidewalks along Lake Street in the vicinity of Deebs Service Station. On my way to work in the morning, I frequently come down Renwick Heights, at which point I begin my walk to work at the intersection of Renwick Drive and Lake Street. Walking in a southerly direction and against the flow of traffic, I am able to walk on a sidewalk for a short period of time. After that, however, I am reduced to walking in what appears to be a bicycle lane along Lake Street. There is a significant curve in the road in the vicinity of Deebs. While I walk in the bicycle lane around that curve, cars hurtle at me from around the curb, in which they frequently drive upon the same bicycle lane that I am occupying. I surmise that this area of Lake Street is also used by youngsters who walk to Boynton Junior High School. Bleary eyed motorists hurrying to work with pedestrians on the roadway create a dangerous combination. I respectfully suggest that the absence of a sidewalk in this area needs to be rectified as soon as possible. Thank you for consideration. rs Truly, �1 + THOMAS D. CRAMER i William:W. Goldsmith 1117 Judd Falls Road Ithaca, New Fork 14850 28 June 1996 Dan Walker, ":1''own Engineer` Y Fred T~of bauc:m. Highway Superintendent u Town of Ithaca Offices tl 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, IH"'1 1 485 Tear Dan and Fred, Thanks for the good work by Town crews on the: Judd Falls' 'lawn: at the curbs. Much appreciated, especially since it was done so quickly after we asked. Thanks also for. the :Letter to John Lamprxtan about detour plans. (Are they really ge::ul.ng to build the bridge this summer? We had thought that if it got put off another year we rmuight begin discussions __ quite seriously -- about trying out both bridges a s pedestrian ways, which would d hewlpu push the county to as more serious recr„anning with the need for an alternative route, the; "bypass. " ) Another short-term need is for reconstruction of the walkway along time length of: Judd Falls Road, °`x:°om7 Forest Home Drive up. H`4,s you know, the wall at the bottom needs to be rebuilt, and the, entire rey walk needs to be refurbished ,..- it is too narrow and the current gravel bed makes walking very difficult, especially d~;::ar elderly people. (What happens is that people walk in the road, instead, which increases the danger. ) Thanks again -- and we' ll be in touch. Sincerely, William W. Goldsmsuit':h. Forest est H-Homte Traffic Committee copies: Cathy Valentin Ruth Mater y ,P o William W. GoldsmithIL NN � 117 Judd Falls RoadJUL I Ithaca, New York 14850 jul 8, 1996 TO Fred NotebO10M, Highway Superintendent Town of Ithaca r DearFred: one of the neighbors -just walled me, someone right next to the upstream bridge, to tell me of the loud clanking every time a car crosses the bridge and also to tall, chew why (maybe) you've not been back to fir it. I 'm chairman of the Forest Home Traffic Committee for the time being, so that's why I'm writing. But;:, one thing at a time. 1 . The decking was repaired, maybe a month or two ago, but: the repair didn't last more than a few days, .maybe a week. we all known it is trough to keep: the decking repaired; and I'm sorry we have to keep complaining. But it is lean m even though I live- maybe- a half-mile away, with a river' and a hill between, sometimes on a quiet night J can hear it. It is really baud. I hope you can figure a way to keep it repaired.. . When the downstream bridge :is closed next week, there will be more traffic than the usual overload on the upstream bridge. Bridge repaired, and quiet or not:, the additional traffic will. be a real problem. Once again, please do anything you can either to get -thee County to phut diversion signs in the best and most appropriate palaces or to supplement those with 'Iowan signs. 3. I gather that both you and Rick ,Shock have spoken to people about raised voices at the work site -- I don't known just what happened, but if any neighbors were rude to the crew, I offer an apology, for what it is worth. I agree there is no reason at all for you, and especially not for your repair crews, to catch it when people ,in the neighborhood are angry about the traffic. No need to respond, unless you want. We hope you can get those noises out of the deck soon, and help get the traffic diverted, too.. Sincerely, c.c. Guth Bahr: --A Cathy Valentino 1- LI M S W J yY1A Li. E TOIAIN$ OF w«uxmmmmmewwmrar ,. uveoron A Ligust 6, 199,6 9, Nos Catherine Valentino, `supervisor Town (A'Ithaca Board 126 East Seneca street Ithaca., 1 850 Dear Ms. Valentino: As shown in the attached correspondence, l have complained to Mr. 1`otebr:,oln three times about the conditierra ol'the repaving of" inishtrry Drive in ftorrt ot'rny house. 1 have received no response„. Also enclosed are three photo ol'the present state ol'the shoulder, which is the same as it was the day the blacktop serrface Was placed and f spoke to Mr. rNotebeaeam on his site visit. As year Will see, the lavers went too lar ire 'thc first plaice. and nothing has been done to finish eafTwvhat they diel do, At hest it's aarIsightINI, arid at vvc)rst it's unstable. `ill YOU or the Town Board please let rare lw.rio,vv when this wi1,1 he taken care eat'? Very trail). year,ars„ u will-TAM MCGU M 121 SnKSBURY DxrvE ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 June I0, 1996 Mr. Fred Noteboom, Highway Superintendent Town of Ithaca Highway/Parks Department 106 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Noteboom. In your letter of May 10 regarding the paving of Simsbury Drive, you noted the grinding out of 12 feet of the road surface/shoulder and replacing it with the recycled base material. I n front of my residence- 12I Simsbury Drive-the recycled material extends well beyond the stated 12 feet. Further, at the edge of this material there is an abrupt drop- off that does two things: 1) it makes mowing of the adjacent grass very difficult, and 2) it creates a potentially dangerous condition in which-without the previous gradual change in slope- cars can suddenly go over the edge. This will be a particular concern in the winter. I thought that- by this time and before final paving-this condition would have been corrected. Since it hasn't I am calling it to your attention. Will you please tell me what plans you have for correcting it? I would appreciate your attention to this request. My phone number is 257 -6151. Sincerely yours, WILLIAM MCGUIRE 121. Smsriuizy' DRIVE, ITHACA, NYORK 14850 July 16,, 1996 Mr, Fred Noteboorn, Highway Superintendent Town of'Ithaca Highway/Parks Department 106 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mr. Noteboom: In my letter of June 10 (copy enclosed) I complained about the unsatisfactory condition of the repaving of Simsbury Drive in front of my house. I repeated this complaint to you when you were on the site in late June, during the final paving. You promised that the problem Would be corrected. Work crews were on the street last week but they did not do anything to the shoulder by my property. Indeed, by creating a second, potentially unstable, step, the final paving made the condition worse than reported in my June letter, Will you please let me know when thiswill be taken care of? Very truiv vours, cc: Supervisor, Town of Ithaca ;a I � n4s Ithaca, NY 14850 7_ ptember 1.1, 1996 Catherine Valentino �I � 136% � Town of Ithaca 126 Bast Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14858 F ITHAC Dear Ms . Valentino: "hank you for your letter of August 8, 1996 , copy enclosed. I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my original request, however I disagree with your determination. I too realize that the Post office returns undeliverable mail to the sender, this is not the only scenario for mail not being received. Through a postal delivery mistake, I received my water bill as well as the bill of another customer, several billings ago. This accident is how I learned of the minimum water charge, having called the Town and Bolton Point to see why two bills with different water usage rates were the same. Having received another customer's bill, along with mine, I placed a note on it and pant it back in my mail box to have it delivered to the correct person. I have also learned that the rural carriers fold first class mail into the various junk mall items for easy of delivery. As you can see there are other reasons for the non receipt of mail, that would not require the Post Office to forward it back to the sender . I realize that $4 . 81 is not a large sum of money, it is the principle. I pay my bills, even if I am subsidizing Bolton point and the "down by use of the minimum bill . 8in� erely: Davd B Cook OF$p, TOWN OF ITHAC �. a 21 126 EAST SE ]ECA STREET, ITHA A, N.Y. 14850 1 TOWN UERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656.1 PARKS 273-6035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZOMNG 273-9783 FAX(607')273-1704 August 8, 1996 David Coope 1 Perry bane Ithaca, NY 1'4850 Re: Water & Sewer Billing, Acct. B3006-5303 Dear Mr, Coope, I have looked into the probilem concerning your not receiving the referenced billing for the period 11/16/95 to 2/15/96. The Postal Service returns ,all undelivered bills to us so that we can make every effort to insure customers receive them on time. Our records indicate that a bill was sent to you, and that it was not returned by the Postal Service. I apollogi e for the fact that you did not receive the bill we sent you. We will be unable to waive the late fee of $4.51 for this billing as we have standard rules and regulations that we must follow. lhope that you will understand that this is a policy we maintain for a.11 our customers„ Sincerely, Catherine 'Valentino Supervisor V:gln cc: Judy Bower, SCLIW �– Wit! — -- 50-262/213 '� 383 DAVID B. COOK 9385672174 P.O. BOX 6866 ITHACA, NY 14851 � l'O s Fleet Bank Maw 25437 Ilft ,NY 14850 . fdd ' NA 11:021302G22i: 938S5' 7 2 L 44v 0 38 3 � I MAKE PAYMENT TO: REFER QUESTIONS TOWN OF ITHACA TO WATER PLANT 126 EAST SENECA ST. TELEPHONE NO. ITHACA NY 14850 277-0660 IC A=ARREARS FROM PRIOR BILLS I P=PENALTY FROM LATE PAYMENT OF LAST QUARTERS BILL b W=WATER S=SEWER tj PENALTYAPPLIED TO LATE PAYMENTS E Billing Period 05/16/96 to 08/16/96 #'a +"iMETER READING_i A . NSUMP;CODE °" tAMOUNT -z-. .r PREVIOUS" °PRESENT :TION �. 9100 A $0.00 13200 P $4.81 v I . 4100 W $30.50 GALS. S $17.60 DUE DATETOTAL�aUE'AFTEH'UUE DATE' DUE 09/30/96 57.72 � � PROP£RTY LOCATIO{V 1 "J 'r �'gCOIJNTMIVIBER-_ 1 PERRY LN B3006 —5303 f ft'arwlamd t', 3 endleloll 126 swea HowDr.Idwe;NY 14850 27 10 . Snptemd?r 30, 190,6 s .,aaa Ids. Cathy Valentino I"cawn of Ithaca Supervisor 126 E. Seneca Street ,f11 0 101 Ithaca, NY LSO w, . ��. Dear Ms. Valantino, Loll I am writing to, rewjl.est, haat the rC'13w"s in Forest Hyna be restriped while s still O . � , 1 s i � ongoing problem in �r�e� wat�,�l�.r 1w� � 1.11 wax, �.:9rk.3G1a � .ica �;�.�. lCt4..:�+ �,� ..� � . Forest Home, particularly on Forest F[ome Drive between the two bridges and most aarticu.larly on the very sharp corner just Ixayond thelui fx. '. oin1 toward Varna. It tno centerliae on that t"ti;7r actor is not properly striped 3 out of 5 cars coming toward CaldwYell. Road or Varna will cut the corner waded be— cause it is so sharp cannot recover and meJ"v°r'' to their own side. When the corner does have visible painted ceµnterlln s ttyost "givers respect them. Last year .I °talked to John 1 . itcomta and he answered the request. However it was late in tale season by the time the "tI l: i ng z as done, ynwe''ather was, pcor as is frequently—tbe frequently—thecase and the striping is now virtually gone. Furthermore it cased feast beyond the upstream bridge—and bridge—andas you know Forest Home Drive extends past 12 more houses. There is a posted 25 mph speed limit there but: many cares going either direction are closes to or exceed 40 mph. I think it has been 5 years since this section has been r stripedwith as double yellow line. :I live on this section and can tell you we badly need its;. Both Warren Road and Pleasant Grove Road were striped from Hanshaw Fd. to Forest Rome Drive this summer. It was my hopthat the rest of this hamlet would receive timely attention. Since it has not I hope you call rectify the situation, which has been ongoing hack to Shirley t affens erger,s time in office. Th4anl� you for your attention. '�a�.w�� �,Life q" �x�✓. �"�" �✓n°�N"�^v,+p�". Richard F. Pendleton y OF I TOWN OF . TCA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 ------- TOWN CLERK 273--1721 H K3 HWAY 273--11656 PARKS 273 8035 ENG6NEERW(3k 273-1747 PLAWNG 273--1747 ZONING 273 -1,783 FAX(607 273-1704 TO: Cathy Valentino, Members, Town Board FROM: George R. Frantz, Aicp DATE: November 7, 1996 RE: Enclosed note to J. Whitcomb dated 8/128/95. 1 came across the enclosed yesterday in one of my files. Given the events of the past fourteen months I think it is even more pertinent today than it was when first written, This Town's government has, become too large and complicated to be administered on an ad hoc basis anymore. This is evident not only in the increased number of Town staff, but also in the dramatic increase in the amount of time the job of Town Supervisor requires of a person, which today is about 2.5 times that spent by former supervisor Noel Desch. I believe the type of management study Irecommended to John Whitcomb will, show the need for, and the cost effectiveness of, a full-time town manager. I worked with a number of such professional municipal officials prior to coming to Ithaca, and I see daily areas here at the Town of Ithaca where their palette of skills would make the job of the supervisor and various boards much easier, and the delivery of Town services to the taxpayer much more efficient. w q ���dar- ang Jen ... L(1 Sharlene Road , r„ Ithaca, NY 14850 Nov, 24, 1960 Dear Mr,, Notel"noom I have been living at 109 Sharlene Road for over twenty years. Just in 196 alone, I have removed huge amount.of gravel and sand from my yard three tinnes. This gravel andsand had been washed herrn the corner of Sharlene mead and eastern Heights Drive at 1,23 Eastern Heights Drive during heavy rain, It them plunges right into racy yard and driveway. This is a nnarn-made disaster. If it were caused by nature,, I wwonrld not have any eomplant's, The reason l nulled it man-made is that the gravel and sand were (Jumped by road repair taersorns. For the past twenty years, after each heavy rain the same corner will Herrn a ditch, and people drornn the highway department will champ gravel and sand to patch it. The next heavy rain will then wash that gravel and sand right into our properties, The rain made ditch becomes trigger and'deeper alter each heavy rain, and the repair people continue to dump more gravel and sand into it for ternn orary fix. This wwil.l cause more and more damages to our properties over time, If you eheela Town of Ithaca records, you would see how many times the same corner was repaired after each heavy rain. is there any plan to fix the prohlerrn?'? Are you just going to dump rrnore gravel and sand until the whole road is washed away'? We have been paying to gs for over 25 years in the tlasternn Heights area. Why have we not been inotected by this nonan-made problem? I realize that there are some many 4"..err things to he done, However, Inas any one ewer checked to see how, many tirnnes the same corner was repaired—As faar as l kn waw, thesarne problem has been happening for over 20 years. ObViOUSly j asst dumping gravel and sand is only a temporary solution. There must be a smart:engineer in the highway department who can arrange � C a more 1"aerrn•naarne-nt wa y to solve this problem, As a tax payer, l am tired of working on r"r'ny daannaged property over and over again alter each heav=y rain. ra S greatly appreciate if you can bring this matter to theTown Board in order to devise aleer°rnnanent solution, Sincerely yours, Tai-Kuang Jen C:C , Iw�lrs, Catherine Valentino,,' Tu"WN OF ITHACA & rx HIGHWAYTARKS DEPARTMENT 106 SEVEN MILE DRIVE, ITHACA, N.Y, 14850 I UGHWAY(607)273-1656 PARKS(607) 273-8035 FACSMLE (607)P41+--4L444 -17,) - 4,C' '7 December 23, 1,996 Tai-KLM11pn1, Jen 109 Sharlene Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Tai-Kumng Jen: We have had quitea time with tormiti.al raMs in 1996. YOUrassessment c&wImt, the I 11ohwav Department haaLs been doing is essenti,"Illy correct., we are 1,10t FICCCSSal-ilY Y)lelScd With the I-CSUIIS and ficel that you have as legitimate cornpkiirit. We %vere looking at the option ofpulting a roadside ditch along your property to catch any water that may I'lood across the Mtersectimi. The problern with ditching thatt side ofthe road is there are the bUrMl Undergroumd electric wires. One solution we have la place is a rased c()ver on the catch basin across the intersection of Sharlene Road ar.id F"astern flcight�s Drive. phis will keep the catch ba�sin 11-om plugojr-' Nk�e think this will allevilate some ofthe problems in your aml. We appreciate your patience iii this imitter, and, hopefully, we have corne up with a permarlent SO]Utiffll. Sincerely. Fred Noteboon-i Ifigliway Superintendent ghk 4. December 1 , 1996 r Mrs.Catherine Valentino Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Subject: Severe Drainage Problems in the Salem Drive/Hanshaw Road Area ' Dear Mrs. Valentino: A number of homeowners along the southern end of Salem Drive and along Hanshaw Road near the intersection with Salem Drive are increasingly alarmed by the frequency of severe flooding problems that affect our properties. In the past, these problems occurred mainly during snow melts,especially in conjunction with rainfall. More recently,we have observed problems during the other seasons. The increased frequency and severity is clearly attri I le to substantially increased runoff from the new construction uphill from us betweena0wood Drive and Sapsucker Woods Road,combined with the inadequacy of the drainage system (culvert sizes, etc.) further downhill,specifically where we live and further west of this area. For example,the culvert diameters on the east side of Salem Drive are the same as those in the new construction area further uphill and in the ditches in between. At full flow it is obvious that the Salem Drive culverts cannot handle the combined flow from the multiple feeder culverts and ditches. One result is several inches of water covering hundreds of feet of Salem Drive, clearly a very hazardous condition for vehicles hitting this sheet of water unexpectedly. Several properties,suffer flooding of their basements during each flood., directly attributable to overflow of the Salem Drive culverts and the segment of Stony Brook that connects the Salem and Hanshaw culverts. One extreme example of an unacceptable situation created by the increased runoff occurs where the overflow frorn the Stony Brook segment literally runs through the home at 1408 Hanshaw Road. We anticipate that these problems will become more severe in the future,due to the fact that the wetland in which the new construction is occurring has been drained. Not only has the drained wetland lost its capability to store large amounts of water during heavy rains,and snow melts, but the situation is exacerbated by the increased footprint areas of buildings,driveways, and roads that lead to instant runoff. As the Town's records will show,many residents of this area ant�ici e, W 'pat current problems when they protested development of the wetlands, between VIwood and Sapsucker Woods Road. We understand that these issues predate your adn-dnistration. But we are afraid that we need solutions now, no matter who made mistakes in the past. Besides,we are not aware that any comprehensive drainage analysis has ever been performed for this area. The undersigned, as representatives, of the Salem Drive/Hanshaw Road area, request a moratorium on all construction in the wetland area identified above, until a comprehensive drainage plan has been developed and physical changes in drainage capacity have been made by the Town of Ithaca, in order to prevent the increased frequency and severity of flooding in this area. We will be pleased to discuss in detail the problems and our observations with you, the Town Board and the'rown Engineer. Incidentally, the Highway Superintendent is fully aware of the issues and proposed solutions described in this letter, since we have called,him out here during several flooding episodes and he was able to observe first-hand the nature and severity of the problem, 6. (Page 2 of 2, Salem Dri've/Hanshaw Road Residents) Addrm 116 Salem Drive 114 Salem Drive Michael Fulmer(verbal endorsement) 112 "�51'e 7'5 S,Kale: m 'Drive p. 110 Salem Drive Jack and Christine Writer(verbal endorsement) 108 Salem Drive 106 Salem Drive 1.04 Salem Drive 1408 frIanshaw Road 1410'lianshaw Road 1414 Hanshaw Road Contact person: Arnim H. Meyburg Teresa E. Jordan 116 S aferri Diri ve 1414 Hanshaw Road Phone: 257-7015 (evenings) Phone: 257-7122 (evenings) 255µ36'A.1(daytime) 255-3596, (daytime) FHIAForest Ifo nw Improvement Association! 228, Forest Home Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 December 13, 1996 Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 1485,0 Dear Cathy : I am writing on behalf of the Forest Home Improvement Association in support of the petition by Judd Falls Road residents and homeowners . Prompted by the desire to implement an effective emergency response system, the Town has apparently proposed renumbering the residences on Judd Falls Road. However, it is clear from the supporting materials presented by the residents that : (1) the current numbering within Forest Home is already internally consistent; (2) the current numbering in Forest Home (increasing fr,om south to north) is consistent with the general scheme throughout the Town; (3) there are inconsistencies and duplicate numbers south of Route 366. I would also point out that renumbering south of Route 366 can be accomplishedby retaining some of the one- and two-digit addresses already in place. Certainly our foremost concern is the safety of the Town' s residents, but mandating renumbering of Judd Falls Road within Forest Home is simply not necessary . The Association stands ready to work with you and the Judd Falls Road residents in coming to a proposal that is agreeable to all. parties . Sincerely, ,'Stan Seltz'�*r, President "' 10 1�➢ f R. Bruen How '109 Birchwood Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 December , 1996 Ms. Catherine Valentino Supervisor, Torn of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, NY, 14850, Dear Ms, Valentino, M Birchwood Drive, where I live, is very dark at night. I would like the Town to consideruittin a stat light at the corner of', irchwood p The light on Salem near the corner of Birchwood) throws very little light on Birchwood. Now that there are quit a few houses on the section of Birchwood that extends beyond Pinewood the traffic on Birchwood has 'increased. We also expect that Briarwood will be developed soon and add to the traffic. There is a utility polo on Birchwood opposite the end of pinewood on which a light could) b mounted. We had several robberies in this area last year. It is possible that an additional street light might act as a deterrent to crime as well as protecting car drivers and pedestrians. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Yours truly, R. Brian low Ci of Erte Joyce A. Savocchio,, Mayor t MAR 8 i March 13, 19 6 The Honorable lathy Valentino Town Supervisor 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Supervisor Valentino: In a recent conversation with Pam Gleichman of Gleichman & Conipany, Inc,, she mentioned that you were newly elected and the first woman to be elected to the: office of Town Supervisor. Allow nae to congratulate you. Cleave great identity with you in that l am the fiat woman to be elected to the office of Mayor in Erie. I am sure you find your new position of leadership mast challenging. l arta beginning, troy seventh year as Mayor of brie and I well remember my first year in office. 1 ane writing to offer any assistance or support and networkitig your feel is appropriate. I am recast pleased to say that we have made great strides in :Erie over the last six years and have been able to turn marry challenges into exciting new opportunities for our city, If your schedule permits, 1 invite you and members of your staff to visit Erie and my Administration, I believe we can assist your and your adtninistratiorn as you come into, office. Do not hesitate to, call if 1 cern, be of any assistance, Again, congratulations and best wishes can a, successful tenure of office. Sincerely, Joyce A. Savocchio Mayor J `/mnl Office of the Mayor 626 state Street • F rie Pennsylvania 1650111-1128 * ( 14) 870-1200