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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. 34 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 I