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
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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.
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Wednesday, September 4, 1974 P9. 3
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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
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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.
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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
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