HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-1991J
Thursday, March 14, 1991. 7:00 P.M.
I i�1FORf�AT l OI�IAL MEETING
An Informational
Fleeting of
the Town Board of the
Town of Cortlandville
was held at
the Town Hall, 15
Terrace Road, Cortland,
New York
at 7:00 P.M.
Members present:
Deputy Supervisor,
Raymond Thorpe
Councilman,
Edwin O'Donnell
Councilman,
Theodore Testa
Deputy Town
Clerk, Karen Betters
Absent: Supervisor, Melvin Pierce
Councilman, Ronal Rocco
Town Clerk, Pauline Parker
Others present were: Lee Ambrose; Attorney, Sidney
Manes; George J. Ottenschot; George S. Ottenschot; Dick
Ottenschot; Town of Homer Supervisor, William Wright;
Cortland Country Club representatives; Walter Franklin,
Randy I"IcKelvey, Dave Si.pfle, Dave Finn, Carolyn Williams
and Donald Yager, Attorney for the Country Club; Ginney
Swarthout, representative for the Village of Homer's
!`Mayor, Mary Alice Bellardini; Richard Batchelder, NYS
DOT; Thomas Pitts and Gary Vaondewalker, Soil.
Conservation Department; Tim Buhl and Cindy Bickford,
from Resource Engl.neeri.ng.
Deputy Supervisor, Raymond Thorpe thanked all those
in attendance for coming to this informational meeting.
The meeting was to discuss the problem with the water
runoff near the Cortland Country Club and the
Renaissance Subdivision. Deputy Supervisor, Raymond
Thorpe is hopeful that the problem can be negotiated
between the parties in attendance rather than through
court procedures.
Thomas Pitts from USDA showed slides of the
Renaissance Subdivision and the Ottenschot farm. Mr.
Pitts stated that in 1976 a diversion ditch was built
along the Cosmos Hill east side to direct the excessive
water run off in another direction. The original land
owners at the time signed easements. Originally the
water would run from the west to the east making Mr.
Ottenschots land unable to be farmed. With the
construction of the diversion ditch the water is now
running north to south along the old Marstead property
which is now Renaissance. With the help of the Soil
Conservation Department Mr. Ottenschot was then able to
reconstruct his farm land to be worked. For
approximately the last 22 years the excessive water
runoff has not been a significant problem.
Over the last few years Mr. Pitts stated, with the
construction of the Renaissance subdi.visio'n, the excess
water runoff has now become a problem. With roads being
established along with diversion ditches in the
Renaissance subdivisions the water runoff has been
contained some what.
Deputy Supervisor Raymond Thorpe read a letter to
the audience from Jack McGrath, a property owner near
the Ottenschot farm and Renaissance. Mr- McGrath stated
in his letter that water runoff has not been a real
problem. He did state that with in the last two years
there seems to be wet spots on his property during the
spring and summer months that did not exist before. IV] r.
McGrath appreciates that the issue is being addressed.
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Thursday, March 14, 1991 PAGE 2
Deputy Supervisor Raymond Thorpe visited Mr. Adams
who is located across from the Renaissance subdivision
and next door to the Cortland Country Club. Mr. Adams
has a ditch running along the side of his property under
a culvert. The culvert is large enough but the culvert
has been filled in by silt over the last couple of
years. Because of this the Country Club floods near Mr.
Adams property. Deputy Supervisor did not assess the
property north of the Bell Drive area as yet.
Tim Buhl from Resource Engineering had privilege of
the floor. fair. Buhl stated that three areas are
contributing to this problem, Renaissance, the
Ottenschot property and the .land west of Cosmos [dill.
When engineering began on the Renaissance subdivision it
was taken in consideration of the water problem.
Resource Engineering designed proper retention basins
and diversion ditches to elevate this problem. Mr. Buhl
stated that these retention basins are working on the
Renaissance property. One of the retention basins
located at the bottom of Renaissance, Route 281 and Mrs.
Lucille Leachs property, is working but is undersize and
cannot handle such a large water runoff which is left
from the other retention basins located throughout the
Renaissance subdivision. It was suggested that if
additional ditching occurred on the west side of Cosmos
Hill, it would help reduce some of the water runoff'
problem and help keep water off the Ottenschot farm.
Mr. Buhl proposed that the Town of Cort.landville,
Ambrose —Resource Engineering, Town of Homer and
Ottenschot - SCS work together to rechannel the water
back to a natural drainage system.
It was stated that future development of
subdivisions in the area which need to be approved by
the Cortland County Health Department will be subject to
detailed storm drainage systems to avoid any future
problems.
Councilman Testa stated that the development of
Renaissance has helped the water problem that existed in
the Hillside Drive area.
Sidney Manes, Attorney for Dr. Lee Ambrose would
like not to see any lawsuits brought upon anyone. He
was in agreement that he would like to resolve this
problem with the assistance of Tim Buhl, ResOUrce
Engineering. Mr. Manes stated that there are solutions
and that is what we are looking for as long as there is
cooperation within the parties involved.
Deputy Supervisor Raymond Thorpe will be setting up
another meeting with Tim Buhl from Resource Engineering,
Town of Cortlandville's Engineer, Hayne Smith, the Town
of" Homer's Engineer and Thomas Pitts from the Soil
Conservation Department representing the Ottenschot
family and farm. All parties involved were in agreement
to discuss further and solve the excessive water runoff
problem that exists near the Renaissance subdivision and
the Cortland Country Club.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:1.o p.m.
Respectivelypbmd,
Pauline H . Parker, G(1IC
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
35
1
Wednesday, March 20, 1.991 6:00 P.M.
PURL I C HEARING
LAMONT CIRCLE AREA SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT
A Public Hearing was held at the Town Hall, 15 Terrace
Road, Cortland, New York, o•n March 20, 1991 at 6:00 o'clock
p.m., concerning the Lamont Circle Sewer.
Members present: Deputy Supervisor, Raymond Thorpe
Councilman, Theodore Testa
Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell.
Councilman, Ronal Rocco
Deputy Town Clerk, Karen Betters
Absent; Supervisor, Melvin Pierce
Town Clerk, Pauline H. Parker
Others present were; Attorney, John Ryan; Highway
Superintendent, Carl Bush; Town Engineer, Hayne Smith; Town
Assessor, David Briggs; Laura Jones, Cortland Standard;
Nancy Jarvis, Jamie Dangler, Dick Tupper, and many residents
from the Lamont Circle, Pheasant Run and Stupke Road area.
The Public Hearing was called to order by Deputy
Supervisor Raymond Thorpe at 6:00 p.m. following the Regular
Town Board Meeting.
The Deputy Town Clerk read aloud the Legal Notice as
posted and filed.
Deputy supervisor Raymond Thorpe offered the privilege
of the floor to those present for comments or questions.
Deputy Supervisor Raymond Thorpe reviewed the
informational letter that was sent to all the residents in
the Lamont. Circle, Pheasant Run and Stupke Road area. He
commented on the situation with the existing septic tanks,
noting that they are approximately 1.5 to 30 years old. He
stated that the older tanks are made of metal and possibly
no longer have bottoms left in them due to decay. To
replace the existing septic would be an expensive repair due
to the new requirements set forth by the Cortland County
Health Department.
A Lamont Circle resident ask about the lateral, the
cost. Deputy Supervisor Thorpe stated that the Town would
run the lateral at the Towns expense to the right away of
each property. The home owner would then run the line from
their home to the lateral at the home owners expense. It is
estimated at $10.00 per foot. The resident also asked about
a corner lot with the lateral on both sides. Deputy
Supervisor Thorpe answered the line would run the shortest
distance.
Deputy Supervisor Thorpe stated there will be no
pumping station involved because it is all gravity flow.
The sewage will flow down the railroad tracks off Stupke
Road to the pumping station located on McLean Road.
Gary Uandewalker a resident from Stupke Road, asked
where will the lateral and on ones property. Many residents
were also confused where the lateral will end. Hayne Smith,
Town Engineer stated the line will run 25 Meet from the
center of the read to each property.
36
Wednesday, March 207 1991
James Heath had privilege of the floor. He thanked the
Town Board for the informational letter that was sent to all
the affected residents. Mr. Heath asked if there was a
designated time in hooking up. There is no definite time
element. As soon as bonds are approved by the state and
engineering plans are approved, •residents will be notified.
Hayne Smith stated the project should commence towards the
end of the year. There will be no sewer hookups until next
year Mr. Smith stated.
Mr. Heath asked if it was mandatory that one hook up.
Hayne Smith stated it was mandatory that the property owner
hook up. The property owner has one year from completion of
laying the lines and it is Town Law that the owner of the
property do so as stated by Attorney John Ryan.
Mr. Heath asked what is the property owner to do with
the existing septic tank. It was suggested that they be
pumped and then filled in to prevent the tank from caving in
at a later time.
Mr. Heath wanted to know who is responsible for the
plumbing. Hayne Smith stated that a licence plumber is
required and a list of approved plumbers is available with
the Water & Sewer Department. If you were willing to do
your own plumbing all that is required is approval by the
Town Board to be on the plumbers list. The plumbing will be
inspected by the Water & Sewer Department.
it was recommended by Deputy Supervisor Thorpe that
property owners get together to have their projects done at
one time. There could be a savings if the contractor had to
bring the equipment i•n all at once.
Nancy Jarvis was asked a question on the Smith Corona
settlement. She stated that the settlement with Smith
Corona left $355,000.00 to the County of Cortland, Town of
Cortlandville, City of Cortland and the State of New York to
be specifically used, to track the plume of TCE, to find
other sources of contamination by installing monitoring
wells.
Ms. Jarvis stated that levels of nitrate and chloride
are high in the Pheasant Run, Lamont Circle and Luker- Rd.
area. Councilmen Rocco asked Ms. Jarvis to explained where
nitrates come from. She stated the they are a product of
human waste and are from the household chemicals we all use
to clean our homes. Nitrates also are included in the
chemicals we use on our lawns. Ms. Jarvis stated that
septic systems are designed to remove solid waste from the
waste water and then to send the waste water out the
drainage fields. Then the solids settle in the septic tank.
When household chemicals are used those chemicals go out
with the waste water and are being picked up through the
monitoring wells.
Deputy Supervisor Thorpe stated that if the Aquifer -
becomes highly contaminated to the point where a water -
treatment plant must be installed the expense is in the
millions of dollars. Deputy Supervisor Thorpe stated that
it becomes a question of spend a little bit now, or spend
millions of dollars later for a waste water treatment plant.
Councilman Rocco stated that the building requirements
have changed to accommodate the septic tanks within the
Town. The required lot size without the Towns sewer nearby
is approximately 33,000 sq. ft. Councilman Rocco stated
that when Mr--. Neiderhofer developed these areas 25 years ago
the lot sizes were much smaller then. It was not projected
then what could harm our water supply now.
37
Wednesday, March 2(), 1991
Sheila Heath asked if placing sewers in the Lamont
Circle area, are we flipping the bill for future housing
development. Deputy Supervisor Thorpe stated to Mrs.
Heath that the Lamont Circle area needs sewers and it is
not for the future development. Councilman Rocco stated
that any developer who develops in the Town supplies all
utilities to his development at the developers cost if
the lots are smaller then the required lot size.
Councilman Rocco stated that 10 years ago we had an
opportunity to sewer the Lamont Circle area with a State
grant totally financing the project. Now the State
grant is only $95,000.00. Councilman Rocco stated as
elected officia]s we are trying to protect the ground
water throughout the Town of Cortlandville.
Hayne Smith, Town Engineer stated that when it
comes time to hook up to the sewer a packet will be
handed out to the residents. This packet will have a
list of plumbers, specifications, etc.
A resident from Lamont Circle asked about the
charges per year of the sewer. Hayne Smith stated that
there will be a quarterly billing based on your water
consumption and also a benefit tax on your Town and
County tan bill. The benefit tax is based on 75,000
gallons of water consumption or frontage, which ever is
higher. The benefit tax is to pay water and sewer debts
throughout the Town, Hayne Smith stated.
A resident from Lamont Circle asked because most of
the homes in the area have finished basements with
bathrooms, will these bathrooms have to use a sub -pump.
Hayne smith stated that the sewer line in the road will
be deep enough to accommodate all homes and no sub -pump
will have to be used.
Bob Moore a resident from Pheasant Run, stated that
placing municipal water and sewer lines ins the
correction of pollution does not stop there. He stated
that we as residents of this Town need to be concerned
of the development over the sensitive areas. He also
stated that ten years ago he voted for the sewer to be
place in the area and still votes for it today.
Sheila Heath brought up questions about lawn care
pesticide. She stated that she uses a company for her
lawn and that the company through all their brochures
never stated that they use nitrates. The brochures also
state how harmless the chemicals they use are.
Deputy Supervisor Raymond Thorpe stated that the
chemicals used oxidize into nitrates. He stated that
the chemicals are dangerous to the water supply. The
chemicals change to a dangerous form through oxygen,
light, bacteria, and a whole host of items. Mrs. Heath
asked if the chemicals are being found in the Towns
water supply. Deputy Supervisor stated that yes they
are being found in the Town wells, at a low dose at this
point in time.
Councilman Rocco stated that placing a fertilizer
~~� on your lawn yourself, once or twice a year, you as the
consumer should be more aware of the chemicals by
reading them on the label.
Jamie Dangler a resident from Pheasant Run, stated
that in the next few weeks there will be a campaign
started on lawn care pesticide. She stated that anyone
interested in literature is available through her.
38
Wednesday, March 20, 1991
Stephen Gabriel from Lamont Circle asked about the
homes being built so close together. Can one trench be
dug for two homes and can one sewer line service two
homes. Hayne Smith stated to the question that
individual trenches would have to be dug and single
sewer service to each home.
Councilman O'Donnell stated that there is alot of
work the home owner could do themselves to accommodate
their finances.
A motion was made by Councilman O'Donnell, seconded
by Councilman Testa, to close the Public Hearing. All
voting aye, the motion was carried.
The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
1
1
39
Wednesday, March 20, 1991 5:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town
of Cortlandville was held at the Town Hall, 15 Terrace
Road, Cortland, New York at. 5:00 p.m.
Members present: Deputy Supervisor,
Councilman, Edwin
Raymond Thorpe
O'Donnell.
Councilman,
Ronal
Rocco
Councilman,
Theodore
Testa
Deputy Town
Clerk,
Karen Betters
Absent: Supervisor, Melvin Pierce
Town Cleric, Pauline Parker
Others present were, Attorney, John Ryan; Town
Highway Superintendent, Carl Bush; Town Engineer, Hayne
Smith; Town Assessor, David Briggs; and Laura Jones from
the Cortland Standard.
The meeting was called
to order
by Deputy
Supervisor Raymond Thorpe at 5:00
p.m. with
the pledge
of allegiance.
Councilman O'Donnell made
a motion,
seconded by
Councilman Testa, to approve as
written the
Town Board
minutes of February 20, 1991.
All voting
aye, the
motion was carried.
Councilman O'Donnell made
a motion,
seconded by
Councilman Testa, to receive and
file the minutes
of the
Planning Board of February 26,
1991. All
voting aye,
the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #55 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS FOR
MARCH
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, that the vouchers submitted have been
audited and shall be paid as follows:
General Fund A
Vouchers #109
- 117
$ 5,820.03
General Fund B
23 -
24
3,382.50
Highway Fund
82
- 103
13,816.79
Water Fund
51
- 58
20,445.26
Sewer Fund
27
- 30
15,108.73
Capital Projects
13 -
18
2,042.42
Councilman O'Donnell made a (notion, seconded by
Councilman Testa, to receive and file a letter from
Councilman Ronal Rocco. All voting aye, the motion was
carried.
The letter- was in regards to auditing the Water and
Sewer Department,
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by
Councilman Rocco, to receive and file a communication
from Pall Trinity. All •voting aye, the motion was
carried.
40
Wednesday, March 20, 1991
PAGE 2
The communication is in regards to their contract
which is required by Pall Trinity for all those doing
work on their premises.
RESOLUTION #56 ADOPT ORDER PURSUANT TO TOWN LAW
SECTION 209-q ( 3 ) "BLUE CREEK ROAD"
WATER STORAGE TANK CONSTRUCTION
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES. ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, there was filed in the Office of the Town Clerk
of the Town of Cortlandville, Cortland County, New York,
general plans, map and engineering report relating to
the construction of a second Town of Cortlandville
public water storage tank on approximately 1.7+ acres of
land near Blue Creek Road, as required by Section 209-q
and 209-c of the Town Law, and are available for public
inspection, and
WHEREAS, the proposed improvement consists of easements
and other land acquisition, sitework, land surveys, soil
borings, the installation of and the construction of a
water storage tank with capacity of approximately
1,000,000 gallons, service connection, and other items
in accordance with the said plans now on file in the
Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Cortlandville,
and
WHEREAS, the maximum amount proposed to be expended for
said improvement is $700,000.00, and
WHEREAS, the proposed method of financing the said
improvement is by the issuance of bonds by the Town of
Cortlandville for a maximum term of forty years at
prevailing interest; all costs, including the principal
and interest on said bonds or other obligations
authorized to be issued shall be borne by the lands
benefited by such improvement and such costs shall be
assessed, levied and collected from the several lots or
parcels of land within said Town of Cortlandville in
just proportion to the amount of benefit which the
improvement shall confer upon such lots or parcels; it
is further hereby proposed that all lots or parcels in
the Town of Cortlandville outside Villages, capable of
being serviced by the "Article 12-C" Water Improvements
heretofore and hereafter provided, are lots or parcels
benefited by the proposed water improvement; and the
cost of the proposed water project and all previous
improvements shall be spread upon and over the enlarge
benefited area, all of such improvements constituting
one water system, such system being described by and
including the areas set forth in the "Rt. 13/Pyramid
Mall Water- Project-1990" Resolution adopted by the Board
February 7, 1990, and
WHEREAS, it is further proposed that the costs of
management, maintenance, operation and repair of said
improvement of services shall be a charge upon the area
of the Town of Cortlandville outside of Villages and
shall be levied and collected in the same manner and at
the same time as other Town charges, provided that it is
the intention of the Town Board that such costs will be
raised in the first instance from water rates, charges
and fees upon all lots or parcels Heretofore and
hereafter serviced by Town Law Article 12-C Water
Improvements, and
Wednesday, March 20, 1991
PAGE 2
WHEREAS, an Environmental
prepared pursuant to the
Review Act, and is available
the Cortlandville Town Hall,
Assessment Form has been
State Environmental Quality
for review by the public at
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that a meeting of the Town Board
of the said Town of Cortlandvi}le shall be held at the
Town Hall, Terrace Road, Cortland, New York on the 3rd
day of April, 1991 at 7:30 o'clock p.m. of that day to
hear all persons interested in the proposed water
improvement, and for such other action of said Town
Board with relation to the said water improvement as may
be required by law or be deemed proper.
RESOLUTION #57 AUTHORIZATION FOR BRUCE WEBER TO
ATTEND THE FINGER LAKE BUILDING
OFFICIALS CONFERENCE AT ROCHESTER
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, that CEO, Bruce Weber is hereby
authorized to attend the Finger Lakes Building Officials
Conference at Rochester, New York, on April 15 - 17,
1991, and
RESOLVED, that the expenses incurred by same be
reimbursed, subject to audit by the Town Board.
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by
Councilman Rocco, to receive and file a letter from
CortIand County Soil and Water Conservation District.
All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The letter was in regards to the funding of the
Cortland County Flood Control Program.
RESOLUTION #58 AUTHORIZATION FOR BUDGET TRANSFER
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell
VOTES. ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Budget Officer is hereby
authorized and directed to transfer $877.45 from General
Fund A Surplus into the Capital Project Fund, Town Hall
Expansion.
RESOLUTIOw �59 AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO
LET OUT FOR BID ONE NEW TRACTOR
MOWER
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent, Carl,
Bush is hereby authorized to let out to bid for one new
mower.
42
Wednesday, March 20, 1991 PAGE 4
RESOLUTION! #60 AUTHORIZE WATER & SEWER
SUPERINTENDENT TO SUPPLY MATERIALS
TO WILCOX TIRE - TOMPKINS ST.
'lotion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, Wilcox Tire is in need of a sprinkler system in
their new store located on Tompkins St., and
WHEREAS, the existing line is not large.enough to handle
the required sprinkler system needed, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Cortl.andville needs to extend the
line for fire protection, therefore
BE ZT RESOLVED, that the Water & Sewer Department is
hereby authorized and directed to supply materials for a
water line in front of Wilcox Tire approximately 500
feet on the east side of Tompkins St.
RESOLVED, that Wilcox Tire will be responsible for the
engineering, testing and installation of the water line.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by
Councilman Testa, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. All
voting aye, the motion was carried. A Public Hearing
for- the Lamont Circle Area Sewer Improvement is
scheduled for 6:00 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respec ively s'ubmitt-d
Pauline H. Parker, CMC
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
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