HomeMy WebLinkAbout200-01-12TB 1 -12 -2000
TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEET12VG
JANUARY 12, 2000
COMMENTS ON LUCENTE DRAFT SCOPE:
D. Weinstein, 51 Freese Road - Distributed copies of his comments on the draft SCOPE
(included in the file). It is a critique of the draft SCOPE and the items he feels are not on the
list in the draft. Feels the Town should broaden the SCOPE beyond the items given by the
developer. He agrees that the items indicated by the developer need to be included in the
SCOPE and are significant environmental impacts, however they are described in too vague
and general a way. We need specific questions so that when a developer looks at those
questions we get very specific answers back. Saying that they recognize there is potentially a
traffic problem and will look at traffic, does not tell us that they are specifically going to look at
the Mt. Pleasant intersection where the development will enter Mt. Pleasant. He strongly
recommends that the board try and get very specific in terms of the issues that are going to be
addressed.
The developer and engineer acknowledge there is an issue with density. Unfortunately,
their argument that the development will not create a density that is well over the
recommended level doesn't hold much water, because they say if you take the whole area, the
whole RC Zone of 320 acres and calculate the density with the development, then you won't
have higher than the recommended density. That is an illogical argument. You can't take the
development rights away from the next person. If you allow all development to go on one site,
then the next person who wishes to develop will be denied because all the density was given to
the Varna II development. That can't be a correct way to proceed.
iThey have listed issues such as density, erosion, drainage concerns, landscaping, and
traffic. He has listed detailed questions in his report. They did not touch on some concerns
such as the net cost to the rest of the taxpayers. The studies that have been done (previously
presented to the Board) show that a development like this requires more expenditure on the
part of the Town than they receive in the taxes that they get from the development. For
Dryden, it was calculated at $1.21 in expenditures for the Town for every dollar they get in tax
from the developer. We need to consider whether there is a benefit for the people of the town if
they are going to be asked to subsidize it. It was acknowledged that this was a possibility on
the part of the developer. His representatives have said well, these people are going to be
spending money and we get some return on tax revenue from that money, even if they spend
the money in Ithaca, we get the money back. The problem with that is they have also pointed
out that most of the people for this development are going to be moving from other
developments within the County, so they are already spending the money. There is no increase
in money, no increase in tax revenues. Basically it will be a net cost to the Dryden taxpayer
and he is unsure of the benefit.
The developer did not address the danger of cars having to turn west in the morning
from the development into a huge line of traffic. He has listed 30 individual points. They have
listed five areas of concern.
The steep slope of the main entrance off of Route 366 is a huge problem. We looked at
the site and it still looks like a really steep slope, a lot of water coming down. They said that
they would collect that water and put it into a drainage storm sewer, but no one has ever said
where that storm sewer empties out. If it empties into the same stream that the above water
coming off the watershed empties into, we haven't gained anything. We'll have a flood where
is we have always had a flood where the stream hits 366. Those issues need to be dealt with in
detail. The development will be built on steep slopes, on material that was unconsolidated. It
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was just dumped there without a strict layering process and its not clear how stable that
material is going to be. The SEQR document asks how much of the land is over 15 %, and over
65% of this site is over 15 %. The reason they ask is that they know historically it has been
very dangerous to build on steep slopes. How will they manage those slopes, how will they
prevent slumping of banks? How are they going to prevent shifting of the underneath horizons
of this fill material? There are air pockets in the fill material.
There are five water tables on the site. There is one place
where they are planning to
build where the water table comes within two feet of the
surface.
How are they
going to deal
with that? You have to have special ways of engineering
around
those kinds of
problems.
There is no mention of a parking problem. Even
tentatively been proposed with Henry, if you go through
like there is enough parking places that can be jammed
cars that are really going to have to be there. If you lool
town, there are a huge number of cars that are going to
have under estimated the number of cars.
with the compromises that have
the calculations, it just doesn't seem
on to that site given the number of
i at other developments around the
wind up in that development. They
There is also no mention of any pollutants that are washing off of the huge parking lots
and only have to travel a thousand feet to get into Fall Creek, two miles above Cornell's
drinking water intake. We know that tons of nasty chemicals can run off a parking lot.
Putting a development like this so close to a creek, near a water supply, is asking for a lot of
trouble.
.There are questions about whether there is really going to be enough water and sewer.
The site is served by water & sewer, but no one has actually done a calculation. Are the
existing water pipes and sewer pipes adequate to handle the quantity of material? In order to
put more water in new water district they are talking about, they will have to build a new water
tower. How are they suddenly going to put 500 to 1,000 people on a site here with no mention
of a new water tower? Is the water really sufficient? We need documentation on paper.
Is really concerned that are potentially hazardous waste in that soil because we don't
know what has been dumped there. It is not mentioned in the scoping document. It needs to
be in the scoping document. It needs to be looked at in the environmental impact statement.
The borings that were taken were for the purpose of deciding where to place the buildings, not
to do an extensive review and determine if there is any problem with hazardous waste in the
soil. If there are, we need an extensive plan as to how they are going to be removed so that
they don't get mobilized during this development.
This site is at the bottom of a really long watershed. They have well underestimated the
total amount of water. Their calculations are not correct. They did not use the correct
numbers. There is a lot more water coming down the slope than they have talked about. It is
really a task to handle that water. It already floods and the mitigations that are proposed in
this document don't really handle that kind of water. Any water that gets shunted around the
development is going to add to an already existing problem.
Please look at my comments in great detail and please take them all into consideration
when you build the list for the SEQR document.
Supv Varvayanis- Thanked Mr Weinstein and asked that fixture speakers try to keep
their comments to three minutes. Asked those who were submitting their comments in writing
to "trust us, well read it ".
Jim Skaley, 940 Dryden Road - Submitted two documents, one from the Varna a
Community Association (VCA) and one from him personally. The document from the VCA is
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basically a review and supplements the information submitted earlier regarding the resolution
passed by the VCA earlier regarding concerns over the development. The three areas of
primary concern have to do with density (discussed previously with regard to conformance to
the Dryden General Plan), the erosion issues regarding impacts on the drainage going through
the VCA property, and sedimentation and turbidity that may ultimately end up in Fall Creek.
With respect to drainage, the SCOPE should identify best management practices to be
employed during and after construction in terms of minimizing impacts to adjacent properties.
The other concern has to do with traffic and the number of senior citizens and young children,
the trailer parks and residents immediately adjacent to the area. There is a safety issue in
terms of increased traffic and access to the roadway.
Jim Skaley, personally - The density and size of the project is two and half times as
stated in the plan. You cannot spread the density out over the whole RC zone. That doesn't
make sense. There are concerns that the existing water and sewer mains will be able to
accommodate this development in addition to what is also being discussed in public with
regard to forming a new water district on Hanshaw Road. That would be connected to the
existing system that services Varna. The increase in population as a result of this is a
particular concern. It will induce sprawl as opposed to the benefits suggested in the document.
Pointed out that since the Town is undertaking the revision of its general plan, that this project
will substantially impact the character of the community, and would be inconsistent with what
they are trying to do in terms of revisions of the general plan. It would not be possible to
maintain the low to medium density in the Varna Community.
There seems to be some inconsistency in regard to disturbance of the site. It appears
that six acres will be disturbed and yet there would be a regrading that alone would account
for 4.6 acres. That only allows a small amount of extra acreage that would accommodate the
parking and the siting of the buildings. This needs to be clarified.
• The SPEDES permit also needs to make provisions for major events during the
construction and after construction. Hay bales in this particular site does not appear to be
adequate to handle potential runoff. We need a full- managed plan to adequately determine
where this water should go or how much retention can be had on site. It doesn't seem like
we've had any net retention. If that pond is already full of water and an event occurs, all that
keeps on coming down and we have the added impact of the increased amount of impermeable
surfaces.
It is dubious that this project would have any benefit to the Varna Community. The
developer pointed out that it would take care of some of the problems on the site, but the
project does not need to be so large to take care of those. Those can be taken care of by the
Town and State. With regard to the dam, it has already been cited that it needs to be
reconstructed.
Urged the Town to
is developed and in terms
consulting engineer really
and it is a sizeable project
matter.
consider hiring an outside consultant to advise the Town as the EIS
of providing insight on the very many technical details which only a
has the expertise to comment on. This is particularly a difficult site
It would be prudent and wise to have an outside voice in this
David Sayada, 102 Turkey Hill Road - Pointed out that traffic is dangerous now without
additional traffic with this project. Turkey Hill becomes an extension of 366 in the early hours
of the morning and during rush hour in the afternoon. Is concerned about the impact of that
additional traffic from the project. Values the quality of life and neighborhood character that
exists now, and does not want to see it change because of this development. Traffic is the most
• important issue for him.
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Mike Lane submitted letter raising three concerns. He notes that traffic will be
increased between Varna and Cornell. It is a dangerous road now for pedestrians and
bicyclists. He questions the capacity of the pump plant in Varna. He believes any retention
pond should be sized for at least a 100 -year flood. He realizes it is expensive but fears a
smaller pond will wash out in rains such as in 1981 and will cause property damage down hill
from the site.
COUNTY BRIEFING
Charlie Evans - It is a new year at the County so there is not a lot to report. He is
serving as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee this year and serving on
the Public Safety Committee, also a member of the Communications Capital Project Committee,
the Library Construction Committee, and will chair the Information Management Committee.
He will not be available for February and March meetings, but will make sure that the Town
has phone numbers and fax numbers to reach him at.
Mike Lane - The County Board reorganized in January. Barbara Mink was re- elected as
Chair, and Mike as Vice - Chair. Committee structure continues to be about the same. Mike
will chair the Planning and Inter - Governmental Relations Committee and will be a member of
the Facilities and InfraStructure (Public Works Committee). He looks forward to working on
behalf of the people of Dryden and working with the Town Board. At the last town board
meeting a gentlemen spoke about the need for a VA Clinic to serve the Cortland and Dryden
area. He has begun to look into that and invited Ed Tinorio who is the Veterans Affairs
Administrator for the state office in Ithaca to talk to the Planning Committee at a meeting on
the 19th of January. The City of Cortland has passed a resolution urging it to be located in the
City of Cortland. TC3 is located in Dryden because it provides equal access for the counties,
and would make a good location for a clinic like this, which would benefit people in this area.
Mike would like some indication from the Town of Dryden in support of that. Veterans have
identified this as a need.
With respect to the proposed DOT site, he would be glad to help in any way he can.
Would like to have a meeting and discuss the issues. The County needs to know where the
Town is coming from on this situation. They have been working for a couple of years in an
intermunicipal way and need to follow through with that. Cl Grantham whether members of
the Town could attend the next Communications Capital Project Committee (January 19th) and
was told that would be fine. Supv Varvayanis asked it was correct that one of the reasons for
relocating the E911 facility there was for the tower to be co- located and Mr. Lane stated that he
thought it was because of the location of the DOT facility, it made sense that it be piggy- backed
on. The tower would need to be located somewhere and that was one area where it apparently
could be co- located. The height of that tower has not been decided upon yet because basically
the project is not a go yet. Co- location is something the County has been looking at very, very
carefully with the Communications Capital Project. The consultant who was hired to do the
proposal told them that if they don't build an 800 megahertz system with a certain number of
towers they will probably have to go with a different system which may be a 700 megahertz
system which requires even more towers.
Cl T Hatfield - The meeting on the 19th would be helpful, but he would like a separate
meeting focused on that particular issue. Mike will relay that to the person who chairs that
committee.
George Totman - Represents a small portion of the Town of Dryden on the Groton side.
He has agreed that since Mike and Charlie represent the major part of the Town, they will
report at the Board meetings. The Town of Groton was the same nights as Dryden's until
recently. He is serving on the Planning Committee, the Government Operations Committee, the
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Census Committee, the new Public Safety Building Committee, and Chair of the Public Safety
• Committee. Will be glad to take comments from the public, but normally will not attend the
Dryden meetings.
COUNCIL PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Cl T Hatfield - distributed copies of the proposed Recreation Commission Law. It has
been revised to reflect the concerns expressed at the last meeting. Membership has been
changed to reflect 3 -year terms. One member shall be the Athletic Director from the Dryden
School District,
CI T Hatfield moved that Local Law No. 1 be amended to include a revised paragraph
2(b), seconded by Supv Varvayanis.
Cl Grantham - Asked that some language be inserted for some formal reporting to the
community centers and with the schools. Also, it was suggested that the Village of Freeville
and the Village of Dryden have seats on the committee. Wondered if it was normal ( #6) to
reimburse committee people for mileage and under paragraph 7(a) wondered if the Town could
control or authorize the Red Cross Summer Swim Program (offered by another agency).
Cl T Hatfield - Those programs are listed as examples. We do sponsor that program
along with summer recreation programs, football, wrestling and basketball. Those are not
meant to be inclusive or exclusive.
Atty Perkins - The Town serves an oversight function for the Red Cross swim program
because it arranges for the place or contracts with the Red Cross to do it. The Red Cross is
responsible for the day -to -day operation of the program.
• After discussion it was decided to amend paragraph 7(d) to "encourage communication
between the residents of the Town, the town community centers and the volunteer and school
organizations that support recreation programs in the Town" and "...volunteer coordinated
recreation activities, provide the Town Board, the Village Boards of Trustee, and the town
community centers with copies of the minutes of its meetings and provide a forum for hearing
and deciding issues that may cause a conflict between recreation programs, their providers, or
residents when required.
Atty Perkins advised that reimbursement for mileage to and from meetings is not
permissible, but is for business of the commission.
Cl Grantham reminded the Board that the Ithaca City School District is a pretty big
part of the Town of Dryden. Cl T Hatfield said that Dryden Schools serve over 80% of the
physical area of the Town. A resident involved in the Ithaca Youth Bureau and their recreation
programs is interested in being a member of this commission. It has been difficult in the past
to bring these "bi- polar" parts of the Town together and he feels this is a good way to start. We
may find it necessary to address this in the future. Is not sure that the Ithaca Youth Bureau
needs a specific seat at this point. With respect to giving a seat to the Villages, it has been
difficult to fill those seats with 7 member board on our Youth Commission. People in the
Villages are Town residents and expects that they will have someone interested in serving on
the commission.
RESOLUTION #76 - AMEND PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #I OF 2000
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
• RESOLVED, that proposed Local Law # 1 of 2000, entitled "A Local Law Establishing the
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Town of Dryden Recreation Commission is hereby amended to read as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. 1 (2000)
A Local Law Establishing the Town of Dryden Recreation Commission
Short Title.
1, This Local Law No. 1 of the year 2000 shall be known as the Town of Dryden
Recreation Commission Law.
Commission; Membership.
2. There is hereby established the Town of Dryden Recreation Commission to
consist of seven (7) members to be appointed and to serve as herein provided:
(a) Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Town Supervisor
subject to the approval of the Town Board;
(b)
Ex- officio Member.
The initial appointment to the Commission shall be as follows:
2 members - term of 3 years whose terms shall expire
December 31, 2002
2 members - term of 2 years whose terms shall expire
December 31, 2001
2 members - term of 1 year whose terms shall expire
December 31, 2000
1 member - who shall be the currently serving Athletic Director
or equivalent from Dryden Central School who shall serve
as long as he or she is employed at that position
3. The Town Supervisor shall be an ex -officio member of the Commission.
W I FY 71
4, The Commission shall annually elect from their membership a chairman and
secretary who shall serve for one (1) year terms.
Rules.
5, The Commission shall adopt rules governing its procedure, which rules shall be
submitted to the Town Board and approved by the Town Board prior to the time such rules (or
any amendments thereto) shall become effective.
6. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation except that they
shall be reimbursed for their mileage and other disbursements pursuant to established Town
policy.
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• Responsibility.
7. (a) The Recreation Commission shall be responsible for the oversight and
operation of the Town of Dryden Recreation Program and such other programs as, from time to
time, the Town Board shall authorize, including but not limited to: American Red Cross
Summer Swim Program, Summer Recreation Program and Youth Football, Youth Wrestling and
Youth Basketball.
(b) The Commission shall establish rules and regulations for participation in
such events, shall annually submit budget requests to the Town Board and shall recommend
entities or persons with whom the Town shall contract for recreation services.
(c) The Town Board recognizes that it is important to have a comprehensive,
local recreation program for Town residents including its youth. In order to provide
coordinated services, the Recreation Commission shall advise the Town Board on the suitability
of appropriate recreation and youth programs and the advisability and costs of providing or
contracting for recreation and youth services. In doing so the Commission shall, whenever
feasible, attempt to arrange with other municipalities cooperative services or programs in
providing and delivering recreation and youth programs.
(d) The Town Board intends that the Commission will be a forum which
encourages communication between the residents of the Town, the town community centers
and the volunteer and school organizations that support recreation programs with the Town.
In order to provide coordination of activities, encourage participation in activities and to assist
in maximizing the value of these activities, the Recreation Commission shall: advise the Town
Board on the suitability of programs desiring to be listed on the Town's web site and /or
• included in other Town publications, survey the Town to identify all organizations providing
recreation services, encourage the development of volunteer coordinated recreation activities,
provide the Town Board, the Village Boards of Trustees, and the town community centers with
copies of the minutes of its meetings and provide a forum for hearing and deciding issues that
may cause a conflict between recreation programs, their providers or residents when required.
Prior Approval Required.
8. No act taken by the Recreation Commission shall bind the Town Board nor shall
any Town monies be committed by the Recreation Commission without the prior approval of
the Town Board.
Annual Report.
9, The Commission shall report annually in January of each year to the Town
Board its activities for the preceding year including matters in which it has devoted a
substantial amount of attention. Such report shall include monies expended compared to
amounts budgeted, recommendations for enhancement of existing programs or creation of new
programs and an outline of its program goals for the coming year. Such report shall also
include such other items as may be required by the Town Board.
Effective Date,
10. This local law shall take effect following its adoption and as provided in the
Municipal Home Rule Law.
is2nd Supv Varvayanis
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Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
Cl T Hatfield distributed copies of resume blanks to be used for residents interested in
serving on this recreation commission.
Cl Beck distributed a memo to the Board stating that he felt the Town Board should
consider hiring an independent consultant to assist with the proposed Varna II project in at
least the areas of traffic, potential pollution from site disturbance, and runoff and stormwater
concerns. Feels we need more information, particularly after the Board's visit to the site. He
does not feel the information received to date is complete enough. Feels it would be prudent on
the Town's part to get some more in depth information and that we consider that step. Board
members agreed. Cl Grantham feels the Town should seek assistance with the entire scoping.
Supv Varvayanis has contacted Clough, Harbour and Associates. They have provided a
proposal with respect to how they could assist the Town in writing the final scoping document.
The fee would be $2,900.
D Herrick of TG Miller Engineering - They are also interested in providing that service to the
Town and would like to discuss more what the complete list is going to be and then assess
their capabilities to answer the issues. In terms of assisting the Town with the scoping
document, they can do that. If the Town is looking for more environmental science further on
in the response received from the sponsor, then perhaps CHA would be a wise choice. He
would like to discuss what would be in the best interests of the Town and Varna in that regard.
The proposal from Clough, Harbour addresses only services with respect to the scoping
document. Beyond the scoping document an additional proposal will need to be submitted.
Atty Perkins reminded the Board that there are limits to what you can charge back to
the project sponsor. You can charge back the preparing of the draft EIS which includes
scoping or reviewing. It is the project sponsors option to prepare the draft EIS in the first
instance. If he doesn't elect to do that, the lead agency will do that.
D Herrick - Miller's can help sort through and assist with getting the right issues in the
final scoping document. Miller's quote is a little less than quoted by Clough, Harbour.
Cl Beck asked Atty Perkins to clarify the project sponsors role in preparation of the
draft EIS.
Atty Perkins - The final scope is used to prepare that. If the project sponsor chooses to
prepare the draft EIS, the Town will not have the option to do it. The Town will be able to
determine if it is ready for review, acceptable for review, etc. It can be sent back to the project
sponsor as many times as necessary until the draft EIS that he prepares meets your
expectations as set forth in the final SCOPE.
RESOLUTION #77 - AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CONTRACT
FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR VARNA II PROJECT
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to enter into a
contract not to exceed $3,000.00 with Clough, Harbour & Associates, LLP, or TG Miller
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Engineering, or another suitably qualified firm, and to work in conjunction with the Town
• Attorney to draw the contract detailing the services to provided.
2nd Supv Varvayanis
Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
Cl Grantham - Had suggested at the January 5 meeting that special permit authority be
delegated to the Planning Board. She had not yet spoken with Barbara Caldwell, but Dave
Weinstein and Barbara have talked and it was suggested that we ask the County Planning
Federation to do some education for the Planning Board and the Town Board about what that
entails and what other planning boards in the County are doing and what kinds of authorities
they hold. Cl Grantham would be happy to work with the Planning Board on that kind of
education for the two boards.
Cl Beck - Thinks this a real serious move and may be fine, but does not know the
repercussions of doing this. Would like to have Mahlon address this, if not tonight then in the
future. Would like to know exactly how we got to the point we are now, and what will change if
we adopt these suggestions.
Cl T Hatfield agrees. This process is put in place by our Zoning Ordinance. Other
communities do things differently than we do, and we should know why. There is no harm in
looking at it. Ultimately it is something we need to look at carefully. The first difference is that
• the Town Board as elected officials make the final determinations now, and if it is moved to the
Planning Board then you are asking appointed officials to make those determinations. Is not
sure that this should be removed from elected officials. It is a very serious concept and should
be studied carefully.
D Weinstein is trying to have County Planning set up something as a forum so they
could orchestrate the education, some sort of joint meeting, so you can discuss the different
options. Perhaps using the Planning Board as a "pass through" is an option. Will get back to
the Town Board on this.
Mike Lane explained that the County EMC meets on Wednesday nights. Because of
that, Joyce Gerbasi and he will have difficulty attending Town Board meetings. Cl T Hatfield
suggested that Joyce give a written report in order to communicate on issues that need to be
brought to the Town's attention.
Cl Grantham attended the ZBA meeting last week and she believes they will be referring
a question to the Town Board about wording of the Zoning Ordinance and definition of multi-
unit dwellings. It is not clear what it should mean. The question of flag lots was raised again.
ZO Slater is looking into that.
ZO Slater - Has met with one of the State Building Engineers on the question of what
constitutes a multiple dwelling. It is very clear that the State of New York, Department of State
Codes Division, believes that a multiple dwelling is a building with three or more dwelling units
under four walls and one roof. The decision that the Zoning Board made the other night seems
to parallel that same opinion, but the language in our ordinance doesn't address it specifically
under definitions. If that is the way we want to look at multiple dwellings on a lot it would
iscertainly solve the problem and take the unclear definition out and replace it with a clear one.
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Cl Grantham - The Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization has a draft preliminary
watershed characterization out for public comment. Self - mailing comment sheets are
available. There are two more public participation meetings: January 13 in Poplar Ridge and
one next Wednesday, January 19 at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca. The public is
encouraged to attend. Her comments include that it talks very little about groundwater and
most of the people in the watershed actually drink groundwater, not lake water and certainly in
Dryden that is a big issue. A copy is available at the Town Clerk's Office, the libraries and on
the web.
ATTORNEY
Atty Perkins explained that there are people in the audience who wished to speak about
the State Forest Management Plan,
Larry Walker, 435 Snyder Hill Road - Is a horseback rider and nature lover. Has been
involved with a number of users of Hammond Hill Forest and was caught off guard by the
proposal from the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council. They see the
resolution as proposing to ban horseback riding in the State Forest. Horseback riding is a
long - standing tradition in this country. The user group has been very effective over the years
in resolving problems. They have talked about issues with skiers and hikers and worked very
closely with DEC in making proposals to use the forest in a safe environmentally sound,
effective manner. They have worked on proper signage in the trail so that they do not disrupt
very delicate portions of the forest. They feel the proposed resolution is unfair and restrictive.
Poor footing is a concern in the forest, but can be corrected by setting up different trails and
designing the trail properly. The State of New York Horse Club has input in the discussion
about how to design those trails and minimize erosion. They are proposing that the Town
reject this proposal and instead hold out for a more fair and open access to the forest. Shared
proposed resolution with the Board, which is consistent with the letter received from the
President of the Central New York Horse Club.
Nancy Crossen, Dryden - Harford Road - Has ridden on Hammond Hill her whole life. At
one time horses were able to traverse roadways, but has become unsafe. Horseback riders
share the Hammond Hill area with others who have recently discovered the area. A biker or
hiker occasionally startles her horse, but she realizes they are entitled to be there also. Believes
the trails are shared now without difficulty and sees no reason to restrict it. If horseback
riding is banned she will either have to give up riding or relocate.
Barbara Drogo, Harford - Uses the State Forest Lands in Dryden. Agrees with what has
been said. If you've bought a farm that adjoins State land and then find that the trails are
closed to horses you will either have to stop riding or move. That is not good for the economy
or real estate. Feels that in this day and age with a larger population it is important for
everybody to share the resources we have at hand.
Larry Walker explained to Dave Weinstein, who felt that the resolution was to say to the
State that the local municipalities should have a say with respect to permitted activities, that
the language they feel threatened by is the word "footing ". People often assume that horses are
responsible for degradation of the trails. They have worked with DEC specifically on how to
control the problem and to see it come up again is alarming. Their proposed resolution
stresses cooperation of the users. They want the user group to have input.
Cl
Grantham
is concerned
that if
the EMC resolution
is rejected outright,
the
Town
rejects its
municipal
right to have
input.
Proposes to rewrite
the resolution with
Mr.
Walker.
Mike Lane explained that the County Board has adopted the resolution. The County
Board's intent is not to ban riding from the State Forest. There was a lot of discussion about
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whether there should separate trails, as with snowmobiles. This resolution is going in to the
is State Department of Environmental Conservation. It has been a lengthy process for them to
obtain information on possible regulations for State lands, not just Hammond Hill.
Barbara Drogo is
concerned with
the language in the proposed resolution that states
that trails designed for hiking
will not be
used by other
recreational users.
The Town Board will hold a public
hearing on the
proposed
local law
establishing the
Town of Dryden Recreation Commission, as amended, on
February
9, 2000,
at 7:00 p.m.
TOWN CLERK
Cl Grantham suggested changes in the minutes of December 15, 1999, and explained
those to the Board. On motion by Supv Varvayanis, seconded by Cl Grantham, and
unanimously carried, the minutes of December 15, 1999, as amended, were approved.
B Hollenbeck explained that she had received an inquiry regarding a disability
exemption on property taxes. She will check with other municipalities and Division of
Assessment.
Thanked her mother, Patricia Edmonds, for donating her time to assist in preparing tax
bills for mailing.
Town Clerk would like to look into the cost of a bulk mailing permit for the Town, and
will report to the board on that.
D Herrick distributed a list of the various planning and maintenance work that has
been done with and for the Town and the current status of those items (attached). Some of
those are currently inactive and may be reactivated if there is a need. Offered to work with
Department heads to get a good understanding with respect to what may be needed from TG
Miller Engineering. They do respond to the Board and Supervisor as asked, but there may be
some opportunities to improve coordination of their services with the Highway Department or
some of the other boards. Would like to meet with Jack Bush, Henry Slater and perhaps
someone from the Board to determine what TG Miller should focus on and how they can
interact with those different departments in an effective manner.
Cl T Hatfield suggested that the proposed Yellow Barn Drainage District continue to be
listed under Stormwater Planning and Maintenance.
Cl Grantham wondered why the Town was billed by Miller's this month for EPA Phase 2
Regulations. Those documents were presented at the interview, and D Herrick explained that
they would have put them together for the Town regardless of the interview process. After
discussion, Mr. Herrick agreed to remove that from the monthly bill.
Cl Grantham feels that the Ottenschot drainage situation is still lacking, that the hay
bales are on the wrong side of the storm drain. Dave Putnam explained that they are on the
correct side, they are to protect the roadside ditch, not what is coming off the berm on
Ottenschot's property. He has looked at it, wrote to Supv Schug, there is no evidence of silt
ever getting to the catch basin. There is mud on the catch basin from footprints, but no silt on
the inside of the concrete manhole. He explained that the berm is not planned to be vegetated.
The bark cover is the final ground cover, as proposed in their plan.
. R Seeley is concerned about the original trees near the road having fill so far up their
Page 11 of 16
TB 142 -2000
trunks that they may die. ZO Slater said he has pointed that out to them and was told that
they were to serve temporarily until such time as the planted trees had gained sufficient height
to provide the screening. They fully accept any responsibility for removing those roadside trees
when they die or to replace any necessary screening.
No action has been taken on the dry hydrant.
ZONING OFFICER
ZO Slater distributed copies of the draft of the master plan as prepared by the Cornell
University students to Board members and Planning Board members. One will be available for
public perusal at the Town Clerk's Office.
Board has the Zoning Department's monthly report. He continues to monitor the
potential for erosion issues on the Ottenschot project and knows that D Putnam checks it
regularly also. The building season seems to have continued through winter. They have
written more permits already this month than in any previous January.
Under the contract with the Village of Dryden for code enforcement for the past year the
Town has grossed $22.50 per hour. The Village estimated an investment of 400 total
manhours in an average year and it worked out to 378 hours for the department, including H
Slater, K Ezell and W Baldwin. It seems to be a working relationship that benefits the Town
and the Village and improves intermunicipal cooperation.
There is no report yet from DEC on the Finger Lakes Stone Quarry mining permit and
none is anticipated until the permit renews in March.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
J Bush - informed the board that the deficiencies found on the roof of the highway
building have been corrected.
Would like approval to purchase equipment for park maintenance: JD Gator on state
contract, JD 4700 mower on state contract (used at the park and Virgil Creek dam), and JD
425 lawn tractor. New equipment will be purchased on state bid and old equipment sold.
These items were provided for in the budget. The 4700 mower is the largest tractor available
with hyrdrostatic, double the PTO horsepower. The Village has purchased a 10 -foot rotary
mower pull behind to use at the dam and the Town will furnish the tractor.
RESOLUTION #78 - AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF JOHN DEERE EQUIPMENT
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to move forward in the acquisition under State Contract of the following items: John
Deere Gator, John Deere 4700 mower, and John Deere 425 tractor.
2nd Supv Varvayanis
Roll Call Vote
Cl Beck
Cl T Hatfield
Supv Varvayanis
Cl C Hatfield
Cl Grantham
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Page 12 of 16
TB 1 -12 -2000
J Bush - Would like to replace 1997 pickup truck. Would like to combine this with the
. highway department and also replace a pickup truck and two ton and a half dump trucks.
Asking the Board's approval to advertise those items for bid. It was a successful exercise in
replacing the dump trucks last year. These are smaller vehicles and we could give the local
dealers a chance to bid on these. It may be possible to get a better price than state bid. These
items were also included in the budget. These four items will replace five current items. He
sees no need to replace one of pickups, feeling there is no need for it. One of the trucks will
have a crew cab, enabling them to carry a crew a four or five men.
RESOLUTION #79 - AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF TRUCKS
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its approval:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Highway Superintendent to
prepare bid specifications and seek bids for the following: Two pickup trucks (one for Highway
Department, one for Department of Public Works) and two 11 /2 ton trucks (one with crew cab).
2nd Cl Beck
Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
J Bush distributed letter to Board asking them to consider supporting a defensive
driving course for employees. It is generally given every 3 years and the 3 -year period expired
in December 1999.
RESOLUTION #80 - AUTHORIZE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
Cl Grantham offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the expense of a Defensive Driving
Course for all Highway Department and Department of Public Works employees.
2nd Cl T Hatfield
Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
J Bush - Would like the Board to know that he is interested in pursuing the hiring of a
secretary and safety officer. There is money in the budget for a part-time secretary. He has
spoken with Manpower and they are looking for a qualified candidate for the position. He is
working on a job description for the safety officer and will be posting that in the Highway
Department and hopefully someone within the department will accept that position. It will
supplement their current position. The person would insure that safety measures are followed,
keep safety programs up to date, and conduct training sessions. Safety measures will help our
rating for insurance premiums.
0 Cl T Hatfield suggested that Jack talk with Mr. Steflik because of contract negotiations.
Page 13 of 16
TB 1 -12 -2000
Cl Grantham inquired if the secretary position was a temporary position and was told
that with Manpower that is the way it works. You have to commit to four months, have a
contract with them, the Town pays Manpower and they take care of withholding, etc. Cl
Grantham inquired if this was being done as a trial and was told it was.
The Agreement to spend Town Highway Funds was not available and will be addressed
next month.
Board members have a letter from Jack regarding the driveway situation on Sunny
Knoll Drive. Jack does not feel the problem has been permanently remedied. Board members
asked that a copy of the letter be sent to Zorika Henderson.
SUPERVISOR
Paramedics report and interest report were distributed to board members.
Supv Varvayanis has spoken with the Comptroller's Office. According to Town Law §63
and §123 the Town Board is supposed to meet before January 20 to do an accounting of all the
officers that take money or distribute money (Town Clerk, Zoning Office, Judicial Offices,
Supervisor's Office, Highway Superintendent). We need to note in the minutes that the board
has seen the reports.
Cl T Hatfield feels that in light of the fact that the Board does an audit every six months
this can be waived.
RESOLUTION #81 - TOWN BOARD'S ANNUAL AUDIT
Cl Grantham offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that based upon the receipt by January 20, 2000 by the Supervisor of the
required departmental annual reports, and no objection being received by the Supervisor, that
this Board is satisfied it has reviewed the collections and disbursements of the Town.
Cl T Hatfield
Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
RESOLUTION #82 - FILE ANNUAL REPORT BY MARCH 1, 2000
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board authorize the Supervisor to file the 1999 Annual
Report with the Office of the State Comptroller by March 1, 2000 in lieu of the February 1,
2000 filing with the Town Board.
2nd Supv Varvayanis
Roll Call Vote
Cl Beck
Cl T Hatfield
Supv Varvayanis
Cl C Hatfield
Cl Grantham
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Page 14 of 16
TB 1 -12 -2000
Supv Varvayanis appointed Deborah Grantham to the Ithaca - Tompkins County
Transportation Council, Susan Ashdown to the Transportation Council Planning Committee,
and Martha O. Robertson will be serving with Supv Varvayanis on the Regional Planning
Group,
Cl Grantham questioned Voucher #27. It was believed it was disability insurance, but
Supv Varvayanis will check on that.
RESOLUTION #83 - APPROVE ABSTRACT # 101
Cl Beck offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract # 101, Vouchers # 1
through #70, totalling $171,861.27, subject to verification by Supv Varvayanis of Voucher #27.
2nd Cl Grantham
Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
RESOLUTION #84 - DISBURSE MCARTHUR FUND INTEREST
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, That this Town Board hereby authorizes the disbursement of $70.71 to
Dryden Central School and $4.52 to the George Junior Republic from the McArthur Fund
representing interest for 1999.
2nd Cl Grantham
Roll Call Vote Cl Beck Yes
Cl T Hatfield Yes
Supv Varvayanis Yes
Cl C Hatfield Yes
Cl Grantham Yes
Cl T Hatfield explained that we needed to appoint an alternate to the Fire, Disaster and
EMS Advisory Board. This is to replace someone whose term ends at the end of this year.
RESOLUTION #85 - APPOINT ALTERNATE TO FIRE, DISASTER AND
EMS ADVISORY BOARD
Cl T Hatfield offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby appoints Richard J. Young, Jr. as alternate to
the Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board with a term expiration of December 31, 2000,
2nd Cl Beck
Roll Call Vote
Cl Beck
Cl T Hatfield
Supv Varvayanis
Cl C Hatfield
Cl Grantham
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Page 15 of 16
TB 1 -12 -2000
The next Town Board meeting will be February 9, 2000 at 7:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the board on motion of Supv
Varvayanis, seconded by Cl Grantham, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
�1 1/ /�e -�
Bambi L. Hollenbeck
Town Clerk
Page 16 of 16
TOWN OF DRYDEN ENGINEERING SERVICES - STATUS
Planning 1. Water System Pla g and Maintenance
a. Hanshaw Road Water District
b. Pinckney Road Water District
c. Cortland Road Water District
d. Cross Town Water District
e. Old NYSEG Tank Painting
f. Freese Road Bridge water main
insulation
g. Bolton Point Maintenance requests
h. NYSEG Tanks system
SCLIWC
Draft of Engineer's Report will be submitted to
Board pending discussions with Cornell.
Inactive. Pending Board action on draft
Engineer's Report.
Inactive. Pending Board action on draft
Engineer's Report and negotiations with
Village.
Inactive. Pending upgrade of the Bolton Point
system and the addition of the City and
Cornell in SCLIWC.
Project completed. Contract close -out in
progress.
Waiting for Tompkins County Highway Dept.
to design an upgrade before replacing
insulation.
Advise on how to address annual
maintenance issues.
Investigating upgrades in the telemetry
system.
Attend monthly Engineering and Operations
meetings
2. Sanitary Sewer Planning and Maintenance
a. Hanshaw Road Sewer District
b. Pinckney Road Sewer District
c. SJS
d. Regional Sewer Initiative
3, Transportation Planning
a. George Road
b. Game Farm Road
Draft of Engineer's Report will be submitted to
Board pending discussions with Cornell.
Inactive. Pending Board action on draft
Engineer's Report.
Review technical information, agreements,
attend monthly meetings, prepare maps and
other documents as requested.
As needed.
Proposed profile, site distance improvements
and trail underpass.
Proposed profile and site distance
improvements. Stone retaining wall issues
and meetings with Cornell University.
c. Hunt Hill Road Review of failed pavement with Highway
Super.
T.G. Miller, P.C. 01/12/00
Engineers and Surveyors
TOWN OF DRYDEN ENGINEERING SERVICES - STATUS
4. Stormwater Planning and Maintenance
a. EPA Phase 2 Regulations
b. Game Farm Road
c. Pinckney Road
5. Code Enforcement
a. Town Board, Planning Board, and
Zoning Board of Appeals
b. Lucente Varna II Apartments
c_ Lakeview Golf Course
d. Proposed Cook Subdivision
e. Proposed Lab of Ornithology
expansion
f. L & A Auto Sales
g. Ithaca Produce
6. General Engineering Services
a. NYSEG pump station on Fall Creek
r
b.
Town Hall
parking
and addition
c.
Mott Road
Culvert
for RMS conveyor
T.G. Miller, P.C.
Engineers and Surveyors
Assist Board, as requested, with development
of Town Stormwater Management
policy /guidelines /BMP's in preparation for
Phase 2.
East side storm sewer design complete.
Construction planned for 2000.
Proposed 4 culvert replacements and budget
for tributary along Pinckney Road
Review of plans as requested by the Code
Enforcement Officer.
Assist with SEQR process and provide
technical review as requested by Town Board.
Review as requested by BZA.
On going review for the Planning Board.
Review as requested by Town Board.
Review
as requested
by
Town
Board.
Review
as requested
by
Town
Board.
Plan review to see if possible to use as an
emergency water source for the Fire
Departments and report to Town Board.
Inactive.
Installed. Inspect in Spring 2000 for any
settlement.
01/12/00
I I
0,