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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-04-1974Wednesday, September 4, 1974 Pg.l The first regular meeting of the month of the Town Board was held at the Town Hall, 15 Terrace Rd. with Supervisor, Robert P. Blatchley Presiding. Other Board members present were, Justices Donald Eaton and Ronald Fish and Councilmen, Sherman Griswold and Ray Miller. Also present were: Town Attorney, John Gardner; Town Engineer,William LaRose; Water & Sewer Dept. Superintendent, Fred Walker; Bookkeeper to the Supervisor, Rudy Krauklis; Town Assessor, Robert Wells; Town Clerk, Christine Canestaro. County Legislators present were, Shirley Fish, Delmar Palm and Henry Wadsworth. Others present were: Skip Chapman, Newspaper reporter; Gene Jones, Cortland County Planning Board; several members of Stiles Farms, Inc. with their Attorney, John Folmer; Francis Gorman and his Engineer, Dan Francis;.Mr. Marcel Verrando of P.T.M.; Several residents of Bell Dr. ® The Town Clerk read the minutes of the last meeting. There was one correction. The address of Hanna & Hamilton should read Bath, N.Y., instead of Binghamton, N.Y. The minutes were approved as corrected. The Town Clerk read a copy of a letter written by Town Engineer, William LaRose to Mr. Yale Hughes, Supt. of Public Works, City of Cortland, relative to the additional wastewater flow from the Town of Cortlandville, estimated as follows: Ponderosa Rest.,Rte.13 at Lime Hollow Rd., 1800 gpd Firestone Sales & Service, Rte.281 400 gpd Anderson Rental, McLean Rd. 400 gpd Motion was made by Justice Fish, seconded by Justice Eaton to receive & file the letter. Motion carried. Supervisor Blatchley reported he had handled several complaints, personnaly and had spent the rest of his time in a general orientation of his new position. The Town Clerk reported she had issued 12 building permits during the month of August with a total valuation of $248,050; making a. total of 75 buildinpermits issued this year to date with a total valuation of 11,427.700. She reported the Zoning Board of Appeals only action during the month was to approve the issuance of a special'permit to Mr. & Mrs. Ric McCasland & Mr. & Mrs. Roy Crandall to develop and operate Lake Mary Camp Ground. Planning Board minutes of the past month had been given to each member of the Town Board. Justice Eaton reported that he had completed 393 cases during the month of August and a total of $71584.00 in fines and forfeitures was turned over to the State Comptroller. Justice Fish reported he had completed his survey, as requested, on the need for street lighting and concluded that 5 new lights would be needed on the McGraw -Marathon_ Rd., at a cost to the Town of $228.75 per year; one needed on Thomas Lan•_e - and one on the corner of Thomas Lane and Starr Rd, at a cost of $56.50 per year, and two would be needed on Glenwood Ave., and one on the corner of Glenwood Ave. and Starr Rd., at a cost of k37.25 per year. Town Assessor, Robert Wells reported the Town of Cortlandville, this year, has a net tax base increase of approximately 5.5 million dollars, resulting in an increase in equalization rate from a tentative 62% to a final rate of 68%. Increase in assessed valuation was broken down as follows:Real Property $4,980,000 of which $700,000 is land value Public Service $340,000 Loss in special Francise is $4,335.00. Mr. Wells stated that he had done a review of the assessment roll in the spring and as a result, mailed out approximately 2,000 increase notices to taxpayers. He had been consulted by approximately 300 persons prior to grievance day. He stated he wished to acknowledge publicly the fine job done by the Board of Review, who had to meet several times to review the 75 formal grievances which had been filed with their Board. He said they had taken everyones complaints and observation into consideration in making their decisions and felt they had been fair and just. He expressed his thanks and appreciation for a job well done. Wednesday, September 4, 1974 Pg. 2 Bookkeeper, Rudy Krauklis reported the financial status of the Town as of 8/31/74 as follows: General Fund Balance $126,992.63 Federal Revenue Sharing Fund 83,593.98 Water Dist. E Balance 95,892.90 Water Dist, 2 Balance 1.,410.18 Water Dist. 3 Balance 4,800.74 Sewer Dist. 1 Balance 4.2,526.89 Highway Fund Balance 84,406.42 Repairs & Improve.$21,047.13 Bridges 16,395.93 Machinery 19,102.69 - Snow Remov.&Misc. 27,860.67 1 Mr. Krauklis stated that he and the Supervisor had also worked • on and made out the preliminary budgets for the special districts. Fred Walker reported he has been installing several water services and that he was in the process of painting the Water Dept. Garage. Mr. LaRose reviewed his written report, which had been given to each member of the Board and which is on file in the Town Clerk's office. Attorney Gardner reported that, per the minutes of the last meeting, he had reviewed the final bill submitted by Architect, Karl H. Wendt and had written to the Department of Audit and Control for an opinion and was still awaiting a reply. Mr. Blatchley asked Mr. Gene Jones to review the written report of the County Planning Board regarding the Stiles Farms, Inc. Planned Unit Development. The complete report is on file in the Supervisor's office. Mr. Jones explained why the County Planning Board recommended that the petition for re -zoning be denied. He also cautioned the Town Board that if the Town Board acted contrary to the recommendation, it would require a 4 out -of 5 vote rather than a 3 out of 5 vote, pursuant to sec. 239M of the General Municipal Law. He stated that the site, itself, was compatible to a planned unit development but the lack of a detailed development plan and the Town's negligence in furnishing guidelines for a planned unit development, had played a large role in their recommendation. He went on to say, the vehicle to provide the guidelines does exist in the Town Ordinance under sec. 1103. Mr. Blatchley asked the Town Attorney who was responsible for providing these guidelines and was advised that it could be done by action of the Town Board by adopting guidelines and proceedures under Art. XI, sec. 1103 of the Town Zoning Ordinance. Justice Eaton made a motion, seconded by Coucilman Miller, to receive and file the report. Motion carried. Attorney John Folmer, representing Stiles Farms, Inc. in behalf of Earl Oot, Attorney of record for the PUD, congratulated the County Planning Board on the comprehensive job they had done in preparing the report. He stated they would like an opportunity to review the report in full from an engineering and economical standpoint to see if there are changes which could be made to fit in with the Planning Board's recommendations and indicated they would be willing to cooperate with both the Planning Board and the Town Board in an attempt to discuss and resolve the matter in general. Mr. Jones advised that the County Planning Board would be willing to work with the Town Board and Developer in any way that they could. Robert Whiton, Gwen Lane, stated he would like to publicly acknowledge the consideration given them as taxpayers by the County Planning Board in allowing them to voice their opinions on the PUD issue. He asked that the Town Board consider the area residents sentiments in reaching a decision on the PUD re -zoning and suggested perhaps another meeting with the area residents would be in order. M Wednesday, September 4, 1974 P9. 3 1-1 E E Mr. Gorman introduced his Meadowbrook Project Engineer, Dan Francis, who stated they were still working on a grade plan in the rear lots of the project and would submit completed plans to the Town Engineer as soon as it is finalized. He explained the proposed draining system for the project and stated that a combined swale and drain pipe would possibly be used in order to maintain a 1% grade on the swale. Town Engineer, Wm. LaRose posed several questions- 1. Since no detail plan was available at the time of the last meeting, neither he nor Mr. Feuss could comment on the shape or depth of the swale and asked if any consideration had been given to paving a portion of the swale to reduce ponding which occurs in that area during the winter? 2. Could the swale be re-routed? 3. Had an underground drain pipe been considered? (Which he noted,"now had been looked into".) 4. Who will maintain the swale after completion? Mr. Francis explained that: 1. In the latest design of the proposed swale, he did not feel that paving a portion of it would be necessary. 2. They had not looked into the possibility of re-routing the drainage swale, as they felt there would be more problems involved and piping would be difficult. 3. An underground drain pipe was being considered as explained earlier. 4. As to maintenance, he said,the swale would not be turned over to the Town and maintenance would be up to the individual home owner, unless some -thing could be worked out with the Town". Several residents of Bell Drive asked questions of Mr. Francis regarding the drainage and mvale. A great deal of concern was shown relative to the effect the proposed swale might have on their septic and dry well systems. Mr. Francis explained that this was the reason for the combined drain pipe and swale. The following letter signed by 38 residents of Bell Dr. was presented to & read by Supervisor Bla.tchleys and asked that it be writ -ten into the minutes of'this meeting: September 3, 1974 Copy to: Mr. Robert Blatchley; Supervisor, Town of Cortlandville Mr. Gordon Hathaway; Chairman, Cortlandville Planning Board Mr. James Feuss; County Sanitary Engineer Mr. William LaRose, Town Engineer Dear Sir: We, the undersigned property owners of Bell Drive, are very concerned about the proposed drainage plan of the Gorman Meadow-, brook Development. In the past, water from Cosmos Hill has crossed under Route 281 north of Bell Drive, through a large grassed swale between Edlund and Stannard properties, through two large pipes under Bell Drive and has emptied onto the Gorman property to form a good sized lake at the base of the hill at the west end of the Gorman property. In the spring, and especially if there has been a lot of snow, the amount of run-off is considerable. At times several acres are flooded -sometimes as long as several weeks. It is our concern that the southerly, natural drainage of the west end of the Gorman tract will be stopped by the newly constructed base for a street. New buildings and hard -surfaced areas (streets, driveways and sidewalks) will prohibit a large amount of previously absorbed water from getting into the ground and thus add to the spring flooding problem. The plan to divert this large flow of water easterly in a new Wednesday, September 4, 1974- Pg. 4- course by means of a large swale directly adjacent to all -the backyards of residents on the south side of Bell Drive gives us much concern. First, we doubt that a swale can handle the large amount of run-off that the meadow has previously had; Secondly, we fear that we may very well suffer flooding in our back yards, which are fairly low. Third, we think it poses a health hazard because our septic systems are located in the rear of our yards, and last, but not least, we think there could be a more unsightly way to drain this property. Why should we, the residents, be forced to look at an unsightly drainage ditch, whether it be grass or macadamized, (the maintenance of which is questionable) the rest of our lives, just because it was not planned and executed correctly by the developer? Should the swale be made deeper, (as has been suggested) we consider it to be a real safety hazard. Very serious consideration should be given to alternative solutions. In this situation, where the population density of the area will be sharply increased by the development of multiple dwelling units, consideration should certainly be given to some sort of underground storm drains, and even the draining of this low area in everyday, year-round conditions by means of piping. Before any drainage plan is approved, it is imperative that the maximum expected flow of water be determined and a safety factor be Ireguired to protect the valuable property not only on Bell Drive but in the new development as well. Whatever the drainage solution, it is assumed that it will be operative and environmentally aesthetic for years.` Otherwise, it could be a source of bitterness and litigation --we hope this can be avoided and we believe it is the responibility.of our boards to see that this is done through planning and ,the incorporation of such suitable plans while the site is being developed. No one likes an ugly, unsanitary, unsafe drainage ditch running.down the back of his yard with possible flooding and damage to property. We hope the boards can appreciate our position and will act to protect the present and future home- owners and help our area to continue to grow in a manner that will preserve its natural beauty and enhance the good life we enjoy here. Signed in good faith, the residents of Bell Drive. Ann M. Bartholomew 7 Bell Drive Warren M. Bartholmew 7 Bell Drive Paul Beuscher 8 Bell Drive Marilyn G. Beuscher 8 Bell Drive Louise P. Williams 9 Bell Drive John & Muriel Ellis 10 Bell Drive Louise E. Wavle 11 Bell Drive John A. Wavle,Jr. 11 Belk. Drive Dick & Connie Wilkins 12 Bell Drive Augustus & Marian Rugg 1288 Bell Drive Lynn & Arla Briggs 1298 Bell Drive Reuben & Helen Williams 16 Bell Dr. Grace B. Long 1310 Bell Dr. Arlene A. SanJule 18 Bell Drive Anthony Canestaro 19 Bell Drive Bernice Canestaro 19 Bell Dr. Lil & Pete Corey 20 Bell Dr. Laurence J. Dippold 21 Bell Dr. Faith Lache 25 Bell Dr. Ernest E. Lache 25 Bell Dr. Barbara L. Kuhlman 1247 Bell Dr. Mr. & Mrs. Ross Allen 1222 Bell Dr. Mr. & Mrs. William Williams Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Balchius 6 Bell Dr. Mr. & Mrs. A.C.Schliewen 1296 Bell Dr. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Brewer 1241 Bell Drive Mr. & Mrs. Ardin DelVecchio 24 Bell Dr. not 1 • 1 79 Wednesday, September 4, 1974 Pg.5 Mr. Marcel Verrando of P.T.M. Corp. asked what the possibility would be of P.T.M. connecting to the municipal sewer system. He said they were under mandate by the State Environmental Conservation Dept. to provide some type of treatment for their wastewater flow within the next two years. He urged the Board to consider the extension of'the municipal sewer system to include the industrial and commercial sites along Rt.281 from Overhead Door Co. to the connecting point at the intersection of Rt. 13 and Rt. 281. JWr. LaRose'advised him that the present ordinance prohibits unpolluted water from entering the sewer system and suggested that some in-house keeping might be necessary. He stated also, that an engineering study shoulld be made and a report given to the Town Board. Mr. Blatchley mentioned the new Freedom of Information Law which went into effect Sept. 1, 1974 and advised that the law provides that all government records must be opened to the public and press. Mr. Blatchley reported"U'.that he had a letter from the State Dept. stating that highway ald for Donovan type roads would be increased from 25% to 4.0%.. Mr. Blatchley requested that some thought be given to the appointment of a Bi-Centennial Committee for the Town. Mr. Blatchley requested permission of the Board to hold County Beautification meetings at the Town Hall. Motion was made by Justice.Fish, seconded by Councilman Miller, all voting aye, that permission be granted. Motion carried. Mr. Blatchley said the Beautification Committee would like to have the Board consider some plantings and ground beautification as a memorial to Frank K. Taylor. RESOLUTION #98 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY AUDITED BILLS Upon motion of.Councilman Miller, seconded by Justice Eaton, all voting aye, audited claims were approved for payment as follows: General Fund -claims #241-266 $20,019.58 Water District #1-claims #79-87 2,4.23.06 Sewer District #1-claims #14 10.00 Highway Fund -claim's #168-182 629. 1 Total 2 ,081.95 Tentative. budgets for Special Disti.cts, Waten Dist'.1, Water Dist.2,rWater Dist. 3 and Sewer Dist.l; as presented by the — Budget__Officer were reviewed by the Town Board and approved as preliminary budgets for fiscal year 1975. RESOLUTION #99 APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET -WATER DIST.I Upon motion of Justice Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller, all voting aye, the following resolution was adopted; RESOLVED, that the Tentatiye.budget for Water District I, as presented by the 3udget---Offi0er be, and it hereby is, approved as the preliminary budget for Water Dist. 1 for the fiscal year 1975. RESOLUTION #100 APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET -WATER DIST.II Upon motion of Justice Fish, seconded by Justice Eaton, all voting aye, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLVED, that the.-, _tent ;t17,e budget for Water District II, as presented by the Budget O-f1,ae:t be, and it hereby is, approved as the preliminary budget for Water Dist. II for the fiscal year 1975. RESOLUTION #101 APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET -WATER DIST.III Upon motion of Coucilman Griswold, seconded by Councilman Miller, all voting aye, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLVED, that the..:t,entat Vb budget for Water District III, as Nre nted b the B t .fficer be, and it hereby is approved s the prelyiminary�i��ge� for Water Dist III.for the fiscal year 1975. Ta Wednesday, September 4, 0974 Pg. 6 RESOLUTION #102 APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET -SEWER DIST.I Upon motion of Coucilman Miller, seconded by Justice Eaton, all voting aye, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLVED, that the tentative budget for Sewer District I, presented by the Budget -Officer be approved as corrected, and it hereby is approved'as'corrected as the preliminary budget for Sewer District I for the fiscal year 1.975. RESOLUTION #103 FIXING DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL DISTRICT BUDGETS WHEREAS, the Budget Officer of the Town of Cortlandville prepared and filed with the Town Clerk tentative budgets for Water Dist.1, Water Dist. 2,.Water Dist. 3 and Sewer District 1 for the year commencing January 1, 1975 and ending December 31, 1975 on the 4th day of Sept. 1974, and WHEREAS, the tentative budgets as submitted by the Budget Officer were reviewed by the Town. Board, and WHEREAS, said tentative budgets with corrections made, remain on file with the Clerk of the Town, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that a public hearing upon the preliminary budgets of the Special Districts as approved.by the Town Board, be held on September 18, 1974 at 7:30 P.M. in the Town Hall, 15 Terrace Rd., Cortland, N.Y. and that a notice of such public hearing shall be published in accordance with the requirements of the law of the State of New York, Fred Walker, Supt. Water & Sewer Dept., again requested consider- ation be given the purchase of a sewer cleaner. RESOLUTION #104 AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL STREET LIGHTS -McGraw Marathon Rd. Upon motion of Justice Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller all voting aye, be it RESOLVED, that street lights be installed as follows: 5 175 watt Mercury lights on the McGraw -Marathon Rd. RESOLUTION #105 AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL STREET LIGHTS -Thomas Lane, Starr Rd, Glenwood Ave. Upon motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Coucilman Griswold, all voting aye, be it RESOLVED, that street lights be installed as follows: 1 175 watt Mercury light on Thomas Lane 1 175 Watt Mercury light on the corner of Thomas Lane and Starr Rd. 1 175 ' light envvoo ve. on the corner of Glenwood Ave watt Mercury and Starr Rd. p ,� There being no further business, motion was made by Councilman Miller, seconded by Justice Eaton, all voting aye, that the meeting be adjourned. Meeting was adjourned at 10:20 P.M. R RESFECTFULLY S ITTED CHRISTINE CAN: TARO TOWN CLERK 1 • 1 •