Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWC Minutes 1996-07-25 DISPOSITION DATE /,$ 1di TOWN OF ITHACA Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes July 25, 1996 Present : David Klein, Chairperson; Dan Walker; Cathy Valentino; and Fred Noteboom Guests : Jonathan Kanter The meeting began at 8 : 10 a.m. Cathy Valentino talked to Fred Noteboom about the correspondence she received from Marty Luster regarding the CHIPS monies from the State . She was concerned that the funding for other Towns is higher than the Town of Ithaca' s . Fred explained that the funding is based on the miles of road each Town has; the Town of Ithaca has around 48 miles of road, whereas, the Town of Dryden has many more . Jonathan Kanter discussed with David Klein a correspondence he received regarding the Saddlewood project . David asked if the director of Ithacare was coming to this meeting. Dan said that he has correspondence that they will be here in August . The Committee discussed the matter of connection Ithacare to the Town' s water system and who would pay for it . Dan indicated that the Town does not have a cost estimate of the project yet, so it is difficult to assess it further. David suggested that Dan look into other scenario' s which are like this situation. Cathy indicated that John Whitcomb (former supervisor) had discussed "in lieu of" possibilities, but Ithacare was not interested. Water and Sewer Benefits Formulas Dan said that, at present, there is no new formula, but we are working on one . David asked if we should be using calculations that include the street frontage, and Dan will look into this . Dan explained that the charges from these benefits are to support capital costs to supply water. David asked if the Planning Department is helping to come up with a new formula. Dan said yes, and he was also working with the Zoning Department . David felt that a special committee should be set up to work on the formulas . Cathy explained that for this year we used the old formula but found many inconsistencies in it . About half of the inconsistencies were changed. It was decided that we would use the old formula and next year make the changes for all residents . V 7/25/96 Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 David said that even though we change the formula, some will lose and some will gain. David asked who devised the current formula, and Dan said that Noel Desch, Frank Liguori, and John Barney were part of the originators. This was a good formula for the 1970' s but not so good now. It was discussed that the Planning Committee should be involved in this process. Jonathan indicated that the Planning Committee agreed that changes needed to be made and felt that the Public Works Committee should follow up. The Town Board has the final approval of a new formula. David would like to have a written statement indicating what we are trying to accomplish, in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, presented to the Town Board, then the Town Board should set up a working group prepare a new formula. The goal for a new formula has been set for January 1, 1997 . Dan indicated that he feels the formula should include a process to fairly assess all areas of the Town, and how much should the residential areas pay. David agreed indicating that the formula needs to be simple and cover "capital" costs. Storm Water Management Plan Dan indicated that he has a model ordinance from New York State. We now need a written policy. Dan said that we have started to work on studies to formulate a Plan. Dan indicated that there is a Plan for the Northeast which is dated 1969 . This needs to be updated and needs to include the rest of the Town. Dan indicated that the 1969 study shows three watersheds, but with the development in the Northeast, this needs to be reviewed. Dan indicated that there is a watershed proposal ' for the area near Arrowwood Drive (Town of Ithaca/Village of Lansing border) David asked if there is any grant money for this kind of a project . Dan was not sure. David suggested holding a public information meeting regarding a Storm Water Management Plan. He felt that we should invite other contiguous municipalities. Cathy suggested having the meeting at the Dewitt Middle School or BOCES. It was decided to set a date in October for such a meeting. Joint Water Planning Study Dan has talked to the City of Ithaca and Bolton Point regarding this Study. He indicated that the City is working with O'Brien and Gere on the overall modelling project, and the Town of Ithaca is working with Cayuga Heights on their part of the modelling project. Dan indicated that he would like to hire O'Brien and Gere to work 7/25/96 Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 with the Town and Cayuga Heights on our part of the modelling project, with the Village of Cayuga Heights paying for their section of the modelling. This would be approximately $6, 000 to $8, 000 . Dan also indicated that there is money in the Water accounts to go into this proposal . Dan indicated that the Town of Dryden and Town of Lansing are employing TG Millers for their part of the modelling. Dan indicated that there has been no contract signed with the City for the Master Plan. He would like to take it to the Town Board. By consensus, the Pubic Works Committee recommends that this be presented to the Town Board along with figures for costs . Culvert Pipe Policy Fred indicated that the changes to the wording of the policy have been made, and he has discussed with other municipalities (including the State) their policies. Basically, the other municipalities policies are "open ended" . The State does require a permit and then the homeowner is responsible for the rest . The State does change pipes if they are working in the area. Cathy indicated that the Village of Cayuga Heights requires homeowners to replace pipe themselves, along with keeping them cleaned out . David asked if we had any information on the sales tax issue. Fred said no. David indicated that possibly a local law could be written to place the cost of replacing culvert pipe on the tax bill, when a homeowner does not replace a pipe that has failed and needs replacement . Cathy said she will talk to John Barney (Town Attorney) on this . Fred indicated that the policy clearly states that the resident is responsible for the culvert pipe. Fred discussed the issue of when we work in the Right-of-way (ROW) and a pipe needs to be changed, do we change it and not charge the landowners . Cathy felt that if the Town requires it for Town drainage then we should. David indicated that the Town is not required to drain private property, just the ROW. This will be discussed further at. the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10 : 00 a.m. ghk